Dog walking in New Haven

Prospect Hill

JP Dempsey’s State Street Restaurant at 974 State St. is one of the neighborhood’s dog-friendly restaurants. This cafe offers food and drink for dog and human companion in its outdoor patio seating. The menu ranges from the everyday to the exotic. A dog will always find a bowl of water available at this customer-friendly restaurant. Also in the neighborhood is East Rock Park. This 425-acre park offers many opportunities for a leashed dog to walk along the trails. Access to the park is 41 Cold Spring. There are great views of the City and Long Island Sound. The park has many opportunities for on-leash exercise and adventure. Yale Divinity School Dog Park on St. Ronan Street offers dogs a chance to run off-leash while hobnobbing with the intellectuals of the community. No barking is allowed in this small fenced dog park.

Edgewood

The Edgewood neighborhood has the Edgewood Park. This park is located at 600 Edgewood Ave. The park has numerous walking trails through the park. The walking trails require a leash. The park also has a fenced enclosure for dogs to get a chance for some off-leash freedom. This dog park is built around mature trees so there’s plenty of shade to be found. The park has a surface of grass, dirt, and wood. It is open from sunrise to sunset. Don’t forget to clean up. Water is available in the playground area of the park. It is not a bad place to let off some steam after a long day.

East Shore

East Shore is home to the East Shore Dog Park on 24 Woodward Ave. Dogs are invited to play in one of two fenced enclosures. One is for big dogs and a second for small or timid dogs. There is plenty of shade near the dog park. Also close by are beach areas for dogs to walk on leash. The historic Fort Hale Park is also located nearby, where dogs on-leash can exercise on the beach. A dog-friendly stay at the La Quinta Inn at 400 Sargent makes for travelling to some of these popular visitor destinations even easier. La Quinta charges no additional fee for dogs not exceeding 50 pounds.

Downtown

There are several restaurants that are dog-friendly in the downtown neighborhood. The Temple Grill is located at 152 Temple Street. The outdoor courtyard is made for some casual and delicious dining for you and your dog. Another option for dog-friendly dining in the neighborhood can be found at Claire’s Corner Copia on Chapel Street. Seating is limited, though, so calling ahead to reserve an outdoor table is recommended. Claire’s Corner Copia has vegetarian and kosher dishes. The food here is organic and gluten-free, too. Oaxaca Kitchen is still another fine restaurant in the downtown neighborhood that has outdoor space for dogs. Oaxaca Kitchen is located at 228 College. It serves great Mexican food, and staff is attentive to all the customers -- even the four-legged ones.

West Rock

West Rock is home to the West Rock Ridge State Park. This expansive park rises to a summit of 627 feet and provides some awesome views of New Haven and the surrounding countryside. The park has several miles of trails in which a leash dog can enjoy some bit of nature. There is boating, fishing, and, of course, places to picnic. Another place in the neighborhood is the smaller Pond Lily Nature Preserve. This 14-acre nature preserve contains some flowing water, and a few places to walk about. Dogs must be kept on leash and under control so as to not disturb the native species.