New York, United States
Dog Friendly New York
Where To Walk, Eat And Stay With Your Dog In New York
Few cities move at a dog's pace quite like New York, where the parks fill with dogs at dawn and half the restaurants keep a water bowl by the door. Central Park runs off the lead before nine in the morning, Prospect Park is Brooklyn's shared backyard, and the Hudson River path carries you for miles up the west side without ever touching traffic. This is our working guide to the city with a dog in tow: where to walk, where to eat, and the certified hotels that genuinely welcome them.
Where to walk
Trails, Parks & Green Spaces
From the great designed parks to the river paths, the green New Yorkers actually run their dogs on. Tap any one to open it in Google Maps.
Where to eat and drink
Restaurants, Cafes And Pubs That Welcome Your Dog
Not just tolerated under the table, genuinely welcome: a water bowl, a spot by the fire, and no eyebrow raised when you walk in with a dog.
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Where to stay
The Best Dog Friendly Hotels In New York
Every hotel here has been inspected and ranked against the Dog Friendly Standard. No pay to play, no vague pet friendly badge, just the ones that earned their place, best first.
The full New York dog friendly city guide from the Roch Society goes deeper, with the best day trips, dog friendly services and the local rules worth knowing before you go.
Read the full New York guide →Dog Friendly New York · Good To Know
Is New York City a good place to visit with a dog?
New York is more dog friendly than its reputation suggests, with large parks, hundreds of dog runs and a strong cafe and patio culture that welcomes them. Dogs ride the subway if they are carried, and many shops and outdoor restaurants are happy to see them. The main limits are the big indoor attractions and the summer heat on the pavements, so plan around both.
Can I take my dog on the subway in New York?
Yes, dogs are allowed on the MTA subway and buses, but they must be carried in a bag or carrier and fully contained, with no weight limit. Many New Yorkers use large tote-style carriers to bring medium dogs along. Assistance dogs travel freely without a carrier.
Can dogs go off the lead in Central Park?
Yes, in designated areas during off-leash hours, which run from 6am to 9am and again from 9pm to 1am. Outside those hours dogs must be on a lead no longer than six feet, and there are 23 particularly dog friendly spots across the park. Central Park has no enclosed dog run, but there are fenced runs nearby such as the one by West 81st Street.
Where are the best dog parks in New York?
The city has dog runs in every borough, from Sir William's at Fort Tryon Park, the largest in Manhattan, to Tompkins Square in the East Village. Most are split into large and small dog sections and are free to use. There is rarely a run far from wherever you are staying.
Are dogs allowed in New York restaurants and bars?
Dogs are welcome at many sidewalk tables and outdoor patios, which is where most dining with a dog happens. Health rules keep them out of indoor dining rooms, though plenty of bars with outdoor space are relaxed about well-behaved dogs. It is always worth asking before you sit down.
What dog friendly things can I do in New York?
Beyond the parks, dogs enjoy the waterfront paths of Brooklyn Bridge Park and Hudson River Park and the many outdoor markets. The Staten Island Ferry welcomes leashed dogs for free, with skyline and Statue of Liberty views. Most major indoor attractions and museums admit assistance dogs only.
Are there dog friendly beaches near New York?
Yes, though most city beaches restrict dogs during the summer season. Off season, stretches of the Rockaways and Coney Island welcome leashed dogs, and Jacob Riis Park is a popular choice. Further out on Long Island there are dog friendly beaches within a train ride or drive.
What are the rules for dogs in New York?
Dogs must be licensed, kept on a lead of six feet or less in public, and up to date on their rabies vaccination. You are expected to clean up after your dog everywhere, with fines for those who do not. Off-leash is only allowed in designated areas and hours.