Dog Walkers in Harlem

Located in northern Manhattan nestled in New York City, Harlem is an area rich in culture and history. With a border running along the Hudson River, Harlem offers access to a few small dog runs like the 142nd Street Dog Run and the St. Nicholas Park Dog Run. The area also offers a nice selection of pet supply stores for a quick shopping trip, including Petopia and Pet Ark, Inc. Lovers of food can visit Tio Luca, a Latin Bistro that offers dog-friendly outdoor seating for evening meals, while others who are interested in the area’s rich African-American culture can explore The Studio Museum in Harlem which boasts a hefty collection of artwork and even an artist-in-residence program. Harlem matches the climate of the rest of NYC by being relatively temperate in the spring, a bit sticky in summer, and cool to cold in the fall and winter. Wherever you go, it might be a good idea to bring a light jacket.

Harlem is mostly urban with a few greener areas sprinkled in. Within the urban borders, expect a mostly flat walk along the city streets, though entering areas like St. Nicholas and Jackie Robinson parks will introduce plenty of steep banks to roam while you explore the west side of the area. Watch for any major temperature shifts that can affect the city’s concrete streets and walkways and damage fragile paws while also taking note of your pup’s energy levels while going up and down the stairways in the parks. If walking on a weekend or during a busy time of day such as rush hour, keep an eye on your dog as you wander the area. Manhattan has a dense population and it can get a bit chaotic.

Harlem is home to a number of historic parks, each with their own amenities. St. Nicholas’s Dog Run is always popular with owners living in the city, and the other areas including Marcus Garvey Park, Morningside Park, and Jackie Robinson Park all offer lovely green areas. The parks in Harlem provide a good balance between urban and natural, but the mecca of parks, Central Park, bumps against the southern border to provide an easy escape if it suits your needs. Both types of people, city-loving and nature-loving, will find areas that provide exercise and exploration, while they travel with their canine companion.