15 Dog Friendly Places in NYC (2024)
Sep | 17 | 2024
New York City, the Big Apple, home of the hustle & bustle with more than 8 million dwellers from all over the world, is also one of the most dog-friendly cities. With endless attractions to see and activities to do all over, NYC is a place where you won’t go hungry with options when it comes to exploring with your Beest. Whether you're a local or just visiting, we’ve put together a list of favorite and highly recommended spots around town where we know you and your pup will have a great time!
Cafes & Restaurants
1. Boris & Horton
Located in the lively East Village of New York, Boris & Horton serves flavorful coffee and pastries in a cozy setting and your pup is very much welcomed in. There is a special dog seating area where you can let your pup off leash and they can interact with other furry friends while you enjoy a coffee. You can also find monthly dog friendly events hosted at the cafe such as comedy shows or game nights. Boris & Horton
2. Black Lab Cafe
Black Lab Cafe welcomes dog owners and their plus ones– your dog. This pet-friendly café offers tasty dishes, warm coffee and good company who will demand a pet or belly rub. You can be seated outdoors with your dog and order a few treats for them. Black Lab is located just 2 blocks away from Central Park and is the perfect place to stop by for a cup o’ joe before or after your walk in the park. Black Lab Cafe
3. Barking Dog
The Barking Dog is a great place to have a meal with your Beestie. Located near Manhattan and not too far from Central park. The menu includes traditional American favorites like sandwiches, wraps, classic hamburgers, and even some goodies for your dog. The Barking Dog has outdoor seating that welcomes any well behaved and trained pups as long as they are on leash. The restaurant even provides a few dog dining tips to help make bringing Beest more enjoyable! Barking Dog
4. The Grey Dog
The Grey Dog is a dog-friendly cafe and coffee shop in the Flatiron neighborhood. You can sit outside with your pup and the staff loves to accommodate them with a water bowl and treats while you enjoy your time there. They have an assortment of delicious foods and beverages to try. The Grey Dog
Dog Run & Parks
5. Central Park
Central Park is a must-do for dog parents both local and visiting. Aside from its massive options of trails and paths you can explore with pup on-leash, the park features several designated dog runs where pups can roam free and socialize. The most popular ones are in the East and West sides, but the park’s vast open spaces are perfect for a leisurely stroll with your dog. Just remember to keep your dog on a leash outside of the designated off-leash hours and designated off-leash areas, including the Great Lawn and several smaller fenced areas. Central Park
6. Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park is located in lower Manhattan in Greenwich Village and is a popular and lively spot where dogs can play and roam around. The park has a designated dog run and it is well-fenced and has lots of room but if you want to stroll around the park itself, dogs are surely welcome as long as they are leashed and cleaned up after. Washington Square Park
7. Tompkins Square Park
The famous Tompkins Square Dog Run is one of the oldest dog parks in NYC. Your pup can play off-leash and the recreation area is fully fenced with plenty of space for your dog to run and socialize. There are two separate spaces for dogs over 25 lbs and pups under 25 lbs. Tompkins Square Park
8. Riverside Park
This dog run is a fully fenced recreation space and has off-leash areas along the Hudson River with beautiful views. This park is community based and works closely with the Conservatory and NYC parks department. Riverside Park
Sightseeing
9. New York Museum of Illusion
The museum of Illusions is pet-friendly year-round and does not require any fees or special tickets to enter with them. Pet’s must remain on leash and be well behaved during their visit with you. There is a range of classic and new exhibits for you and your pup to explore. Museum of Illusion
10. Dog & Co.
Located in Chelsea, Dog & Co. is NYC’s premier dog boutique. They have a curated selection of quality pet products including clothing, home goods, gear, and treats. They carry a selection of Wildebeest gear so this is a great spot to go check out our products in person if you’re in the area :) Dog & Co.
11. The Ritz-Carlton New York
For a more luxurious stay, The Ritz-Carlton New York offers a pet-friendly environment with plush accommodations for both you and your dog. They provide special amenities like pet beds and treats to ensure your dog has a comfortable stay. They welcome up-to 2 pets that are up-to 60 pounds and should be well behaved. You and your pup will both have a comfortable stay with the beautiful views of Central Park across the street. Ritz-Carlton New York
12. Dog-Friendly Boat Tours (Hudson Ferry Co.)
Several companies offer dog-friendly boat tours around Manhattan. These tours provide a unique perspective of the city and are a fantastic way to spend a day with your dog. The Hudson Ferry Co. welcomes well behaved dogs aboard for an hour of sightseeing. Dogs should remain on leash at all times and snacks can be purchased onboard. Hudson Ferry Co.
Social Hangouts
13. Grand Banks
Grand Banks is a bar and restaurant on a boat floating next to a pier on the Hudson. You’ll have a great view of the World Trade Center and lower Manhattan. It’s pet friendly as long as your pup is well behaved and on leash. Grand Banks
14. Focal Point
Focal Point is a neighborhood Brewery and Taproom that offers a wide selection of beers and cocktails. It has a roomy outdoor seating area filled with picnic tables, planters and is shut off to traffic. They are also very dog friendly and encourage you to bring your pups along. Focal Point
15. Westfield World Trade Center
The Westfield shopping area is connected to the World Trade Center. The building resembles a dove taking flight and was created to represent the city's strength and resilience after 9/11. Shops in the shopping area are dog-friendly. There are numerous retail and dining options that welcome pets. However, please note that not every store does, so be sure to ask staff before entering a shop with your dog. Westfield Oculus Shopping Center
* Local Feature *
Bonus list! Here some favorite pup-friendly places around town that our friends and NY locals Mungo & dog parents handpicked for us to check out!
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Gantry Plaza State Park / NYC Ferry
"This is our go-to city park for Mungo, because it has everything. There’s expansive greenery, tons of seating, a small dog park, and a nice boardwalk by the water with amazing views of Manhattan. It’s close to good coffee shops and quick bites - we usually grab a drink and some snacks to take out for nice little picnics. We love that we can also take the (dog friendly) ferry out to different parts of the city—Mungo loves to vibe on the boat."
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Transmitter / Grand Ferry Mini Parks
"Mungo’s pawrents are big cafe hoppers so by default Mungo loves these little parks in Greenpoint/Williamsburg that’s near nice and mostly dog-friendly spots to grab some good coffee and pastries. We love passing by Rhythm Zero and Kettl (Greenpoint) or Devocion (Williamsburg) on the way. We also like to visit as Mungo’s “reward” for being a patient boy after some shopping!"
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Industry City
"Visiting another borough usually feels like going to a different city altogether. Once in a while we go to Industry City by Sunset Park as a mini-day trip for Mungo. The whole indoor/outdoor mall and venue is very dog friendly and home to a lot of fun shops selling antiques and tchotchkes. Our favorite spot (another cafe, how predictable) is Tadaima, a Japanese bakery. Mungo occasionally gets a few crumbs as sweet treats."
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MTA
"Mungo, for some reason, loves taking the train! We think he just likes being taken to fun parts of the city. He gets really excited when they arrive and jumps into our little bag. Polite boye for sure!"
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Queens Night Market
"We try to go every year, it’s an awesome outdoor night market serving tons of delicious international food, completely dog friendly."
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Hudson Yards
"This is close to where Mungo’s papa works, so we like getting some light shopping done, but Mungo especially loves skedaddling on the slippy marble floors!"
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Boba and Cafe
"Mungo likes accompanying mama’s little sweet treat runs. Their favorites are coffee and boba shops that have outdoor seating for chill vibes like No Stress, Teazzi, HeyTea and HKTea to name a few."
New York City is a vibrant and exciting place with lots to see and do, even for dog owners. With numerous parks, cafés, retail spots, and activities designed with your pup in mind, you can enjoy what the city has to offer while keeping your dog happy and entertained. We hope this list gets you excited to plan and helps you navigate around your next trip to the Big Apple with your furry friend.
Thinking about exploring other places? Check out these other dog-friendly City Guides from us!
