Central Park

When dogs living in New York City want to let loose, they head over to Central Park. Sprawling across a whopping 850 acres, this granddaddy of a park is the green heart of the city that never sleeps. It would take days to experience everything this park has to offer. So you and your pup better get started!

The first thing to know about taking your pup to Central Park is that there are regulations about where canine visitors can go. Dogs are not allowed on playgrounds, ballfields, sport courts, or in any body of water. There are also specific areas of the park they can’t enter, like Sheep Meadow or the Great Lawn Oval. Before visiting the park, check a map so you know which parts to avoid.

Central Park has plenty of other dog-friendly areas where pups can walk, run, or jog while on leash. Take your pooch for a stroll around the woofderful Shakespeare Garden, the East Meadow Oval, or Strawberry Fields. Cedar Hill, East Green, and The Ramble are also open to canine visitors. Your doggo can walk for hours and see nothing but new terrain.

So where can your fur baby run around off leash? While Central Park doesn’t have any official fenced in dog runs, there are 23 designated off leash areas scattered throughout the park. But there is a catch. Dogs can only be off leash before 9:00 a.m. and after 9:00 p.m. Between these hours, all pups must be on leash. Multiple dog-friendly water fountains have been installed so pups can get a drink of fresh water. Since the off leash areas don’t have fences, your pupster needs to be supervised and under voice control at all times. Also, be sure to always have clean-up bags on hand.

One visit to Central Park and your pup will see why this place is one of New York City’s favorite spots!