Tips for Owning a Dog in New York City
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The most pawpulous city in the United States, New York City is home to iconic sites such as the Empire State Building, Central Park, and Times Square. It is also home to an estimated 425,000 canine residents, with one in seven households having at least one four-legged family member. When it comes to dogs, New Yorkers are actually softies! There are 1.62 dog parks per 100,000 citizens in NYC, making it easy for your dog to stretch their legs and get some exercise in this concrete jungle. Dog-friendly establishments and activities also abound, so there's no shortage of places to go and things to do with your pooch in the Big Apple!
Exercise Often at Local Parks
Doggos in NYC are spoiled for choice when it comes to parks. In addition to enclosed dog runs where Fido can romp unfettered, many of the city's green spaces have designated off-leash areas and hours, usually from the time the park opens until 9 AM, and from 9 PM until it closes. Outside of off-leash hours, dogs are welcome to take a stroll around public parks as long as they are on a 6-foot leash. How woofderful!
Team Up With a Dog-Loving Real Estate Broker
While NYC is often ranked as one of the most dog-friendly cities in America, ruffly 75 percent of rental buildings and 45 percent of condos in the Big Apple do not allow pets. If looking for dog-friendly digs has not been without its challenges, consider enlisting the services of a real estate broker who specializes in helping dog parents. You can also hang out at dog parks and chat with other dog parents to find out which buildings accept furry tenants.
Enroll Your Pup in Obedience Classes
As a four-legged resident of New York, your pooch will be intermingling with strangers on a daily basis. Whether you're in the elevator, at the park, or on the street, you'll want your pup to get used to interacting with unfamiliar people in public spaces. Good petiquette is also handy in case someone comes up to say hello to your pooch. Dog bites are actually one of the top three apartment insurance claims in the city, so obedience training is a furrific investment!
Read Up on Transit Rules
Though the NYC transit system welcomes canine commuters, there are certain rules that need to be followed. For instance, doggos riding the subway must remain in a carrier and not “annoy” other passengers, while those taking the Staten Island Ferry must be caged and/or muzzled. On the Metro-North Railroad, your pup can be outside of a carrier as long as they are leashed. Fido can also hop into a cab with you if the driver is fine with it.
Find Dog-Friendly Restaurants in the Big Apple
New York City boasts over 500 restaurants with Fido-friendly outdoor dining areas, so it's not hard to find a place where you can grab a bite to eat with your canine companion. Bistro Les Amis, d.b.a., Cornelia Street Cafe, Novita's, and the Barking Dog Luncheonette are just a few of the many NYC eateries that welcome dogs. The best time to eat out with your four-legged best friend is during the spring and summer, when more restaurants offer outdoor seating. Some establishments even have special treats for furry patrons!
