Things to Do in New York City With a Dog

Dog lovers don't have to leave their beloved pets at home while visiting New York City. Unlike other cities, New York is actually very dog-friendly, and many places in the city welcome dogs. Although not all places require your dog to be on a leash, it is best to bring a leash anyway, along with a plastic bag for picking up your dog's waste.

  1. Parks

    • Dogs are allowed in all parks in New York City, according to the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. Most of these parks require your dog to be on a leash, but some of them also have off-leash areas. Central Park is the biggest park in the city. Your dog must be leashed and kept on the pathways of most areas in this park, including the bridle path, Ramble, North Woods, Conservatory Garden, Cedar Hill, Kerbs Boathouse Plaza, Turtle Pond and Arthur Ross Pinetum. In areas where a leash is not required, dogs may be off-leash after 9 p.m. and before 9 a.m.

    Dog Runs

    • Dog runs are enclosed areas where dogs can run off-leash. These are great places for your dog to get exercise and meet other dogs. New York City currently has about 29 dog runs located in different parks around the city, according to the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. These parks include Madison Square Park, Union Square Dog Run, Washington Square Park, Riverside Park and many others. Dog owners must provide a dog license and proof of rabies vaccination to use the park. Dog owners must also abide by the rules of park, such as picking up after your dog and controlling your dog when necessary to prevent fighting.

    Sightseeing

    • Take your dog sightseeing with you. Many popular tourist areas of New York City are dog-friendly. Some of these areas include the Grand Central Terminal, Ground Zero and the promenade on the Brooklyn Bridge. Most sightseeing areas are outdoors and easily accessible to travelers with dogs, as long as your dog is on a leash. Take your dog for a stroll through the iconic Times Square, walk through the Financial District, get a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park or take your dog window-shopping on Fifth Avenue.

    Museum Galleries

    • Although most museum galleries in New York City do not allow pets, some galleries, such as the William Secord Gallery, do allow dogs and also provide fresh water and dog biscuits for visiting dogs. This gallery, on Manhattan's Upper East Side, houses a large collection of 19th- and 20th-century oil paintings of dogs and animals. The collection contains paintings of over 100 dog breeds, according to USA Today. You can also commission a portrait of your dog at the museum.