Planning a trip to NYC? Welcome to my ultimate guide to the best dog-friendly spots in my hometown, New York City! As a globe-trotting pup, I’ve explored dog-friendly places all over, but NYC holds a special place in my heart. From off-leash parks to pet-friendly dining, let me show you how to experience the city just like a local dog!
Best Time to Visit NYC with Your Dog
The best seasons to visit New York City with your dog are spring and fall. The weather is pawfect for long walks, outdoor dining, and exploring dog parks. Summer in NYC can be unbearably hot and humid, while winter can be chilly and snowy, making dog-friendly outdoor dining far less enjoyable.
NYC Dog-Friendly Rules & Etiquette
?️ Restaurants: The official rule states that only service dogs can be indoors where food is served, but most restaurants with outdoor seating warmly welcome four-legged guests. Some spots have even found creative ways to allow dogs inside, and many offer heated patios to keep pups comfy year-round! (More on that below!).
☕️ Cafes: Coffee shops tend to be more relaxed on the rules—many welcome dogs inside and even offer free treats or pupaccinos!
🛍️ Shopping in NYC: Most retail stores allow dogs, but supermarkets like Target, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods generally don’t (though enforcement is lax, we regularly see pups in these stores).
🗽 Sightseeing: Most of the museums and iconic viewing platforms, like the Empire State Building, don’t allow dogs except service animals. But don’t worry, there are plenty of dog-friendly sightseeing spots! I’ve pulled together more of my favorites below.
How to Get Around NYC with Your Dog
🚇 Subway & Buses: Officially, dogs must be in a bag—but NYC dogs (and their humans) get creative! Think backpacks, totes, and even IKEA bags with holes cut out. The rule is rarely enforced and I often see cops walk straight past dogs.
🚖 Uber & Lyft: Both offer pet-friendly ride options for a small fee, around $5—definitely worth it!
🚕 NYC Yellow Taxis: Drivers decide whether to allow pets, but I’ve never had a problem (especially when I ride in my bag).
⛴️ NYC Ferry & Staten Island Ferry: Dogs must be in a bag or muzzled, though these rules are also rarely enforced.
Best Dog Parks in NYC
Since most city dogs don’t have backyards, off-leash dog parks in NYC are essential! Here are my favorite NYC dog parks:
- Best Dog Parks in Manhattan:
- Tompkins Square Park
- Jemmy’s Dog Run (Madison Square Park)
- Washington Square Park
- Best Dog Parks in Brooklyn:
- Domino Park (Williamsburg)
- Hillside Dog Park (Brooklyn Heights)
NYC Parks & Off-Leash Hours: If there’s no designated NYC dog park, off-leash hours generally apply, from 9 PM to 9 AM. This includes Central Park and Prospect Park where you’ll find plenty of dogs coming out to play!
Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants & Cafes in NYC
NYC has some extra dog-friendly restaurants that go above and beyond for us pups:
Boris & Horton (East Village) – A dog-friendly cafe in NYC where pups can play off-leash. It’s currently closed but will be re-opening later in 2025 – I can’t wait!
Chateau le Woof (Astoria, Queens) – A dog cafe in NYC where humans are also welcome! Dogs can play off leash here too!
Avoca (Upper East Side) – Features a special dog menu and a heated patio.
Lou Lou (Chelsea) – A dog-friendly French bistro serving meals on “bone” china.
Barking Dog (Hell’s Kitchen) – Offers a full dog menu and heated patio seating.
Top Dog-Friendly Activities in NYC
There are plenty of dog-friendly activities in NYC. This is my round-up of the best tourist attractions that your pooch can come along!
Iconic Tourist Spots
Statue of Liberty – While dogs aren’t allowed on Ellis Island or inside the Statue of Liberty, you can take the Staten Island Ferry for stunning views of Lady Liberty.
Brooklyn Bridge – it’s an iconic photo op in NYC. I recommend walking from Brooklyn to Manhattan around sunset for stunning photos of the Manhattan skyline.
9/11 Memorial Park & Oculus Mall – The 9/11 memorial is outdoors, so dogs are welcome. The nearby Westfield Oculus Mall is also dog-friendly.
Grand Central Terminal – Dogs are welcome, and it’s a great spot for NYC train travel. I come here to hop on the Metro North for my adventures upstate – it’s a beautiful building and the ticket hall and whispering gallery are worth a visit.
The Vessel & Hudson Yards Mall – Head up to Hudson Yards to view the The Vessel. Dogs are also welcome in the mall next door.
Getting out of Manhattan
Governors Island – Open to dogs on weekends from Nov 1 – Apr 30. Check their events calendar for pup-friendly happenings!
Coney Island Boardwalk – Leashed dogs are allowed year-round and can enjoy the beach during the off-season (Oct 1 – May 1). Sadly, no pups in Luna Park.
Great walks
Visit a Park – NYC has amazing green spaces! My favorites are Central Park, Prospect Park, and Washington Square Park.
Art Tours – NYC is full of public art, from the Charging Bull in FiDi to temporary exhibits across the city. One of my favorites was the Great Elephant Migration in 2024, featuring 100 life-sized elephant sculptures!
NYC Farmers Markets – Grow NYC organizes many farmer’s markets across the city. My favorite is the Union Square Farmers Market (open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday all year round).
Museums
AKC Museum of the Dog – While dogs aren’t always allowed, they regularly host pup-friendly events. Check their events calendar!
Shopping
SoHo – My favorite neighborhood for shopping. There’s a mix of luxury and more affordable brands. If you get off Broadway and check out the side streets you’ll find lots of smaller independent stores. Most stores will have no problem with your dog tagging along.
5th Avenue – No shopping guide in NYC would be complete without at least a mention of 5th Avenue. Most stores, including Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, and Tiffany & Co., welcome dogs.
So there you have it—the ultimate dog-friendly guide to NYC! Whether you’re visiting with a small or large dog, there’s no shortage of dog-friendly things to do in New York City. Grab your leash, bring some treats, and let’s go on an NYC dog-friendly adventure!
🐶 Have a favorite NYC dog spot? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear about it!