10 Best Pet Friendly Neighborhoods In New York City

By: Jennifer Villalba

Although searching for a dog friendly neighborhood is a struggle, don’t overlook that if your four-legged companion is a canine, you’d always want to pick your neighborhood carefully. After all, nobody wants to finalize a pet-friendly apartment, at last, only to discover that the closest park is a 30-minute walk away and doesn’t even have an off-leash zone.

Keeping that in mind, we looked into the details to explore some of New York’s most pet-friendly neighborhoods as NYC has a soft side for pets. While some are quite constrained in the square footage area — not to forget the lack of amenities like back gardens — New Yorkers are not afraid to share their modern residences and reside with their canine mates.

In reality, it has been recorded that more than 300,000 dogs reside in Manhattan, with at least twice that figure in the Brooklyn and Queens boroughs. Although almost every neighborhood in New York City has its huge fair share of pet owners of all sorts, specific neighborhoods just make keeping pets a lot easier, more relaxed, and more enjoyable.

Best Pet Friendly Neighborhoods in NYC

1. West Village

Take a pleasant long stroll through the side streets of the West Village. One of the loveliest communities in all of Manhattan is often a treat. Still, it’s the numerous dog runs and convenient connections to the great Hudson River Park that render this place as desirable to dogs as it is to people.

2. Battery Park City

This small, secluded desired neighborhood in Lower Manhattan has plenty of public gardens and sidewalks that allow for easy walks for both the pet and the owner. Best still, Battery Park City is situated right beside Hudson River Park and Rockefeller Park. Each provides ample space for walks and stunning views of the Hudson River and the New Jersey skyline.

3. Upper West Side

Surrounded on both the west and the east by vast and beautiful open green spaces — notably, the world-famous Central Park and the lovely Riverside Park. The people of the Upper West Side and their pets are barely more than a few blocks away from a pleasant, long stroll in the park. Each area has an “off-leash” hours early in the morning, as well as several sealed areas where your pets can run around and so even they can get acquainted with their neighbors. Also, there are tons of pet shops and clinics on the wide shopping streets of Amsterdam, Broadway, and Columbus Avenues.

4. Hollis Hills

Nestled between the rolling plains of Cunningham Park and the lakes, meadows, and woods of Alley Pond Park. This much loved eastern Queen’s locality is excellent for long, exciting ventures with your puppy. The residential look of the Hollis Hills community-single-family suburban dwellings with gardens provides a lot of housing here perfect for fun, leisurely strolls.

5. Park Slope

The big attraction for pet lovers in this Brooklyn area is, of course, the indescribably beautiful Prospect Park. Which includes the only Dog Beach in New York City, as well as the off-leash hours and various dog runs. So even though there are more than ample pet shops and amenities on the main 7th and 5th Avenues, the stunning, brownstone-and tree-lined side roads make your non-park strolls in Park Slope a sheer delight.

6. Fieldston

In conjunction with its peaceful, scenic, sunny streets and beautiful houses. Fieldston is a privately held area that occurs to be situated next to New York City’s fourth-biggest park, the 1,000-acre Van Cortlandt Park, allowing Dog walking a treat for all occasions and periods.

7. Upper East Side

Upper East Side is considered one of the most expensive areas in Manhattan. Every building in this Manhattan area within three to four blocks of the beautiful Central Park is undoubtedly ideal for dogs (and their folks). But on the upper east end of the Upper East Side, where you will even find the frequently forgotten Carl Schurz Park, with its prominent dog run and a lovely promenade facing the East River. And the Lexington, Second, Third, and First Avenues commercial stretches have all the pet shops and facilities you’ll need.

8. Brooklyn Heights

The newly constructed, wonderfully crafted Brooklyn Bridge Park, is full of flower beds and sidewalks with breathtaking views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the skyline of downtown Manhattan. This provides another factor why natives of this iconic Brooklyn neighborhood want to brag about their pet-friendly community. The boardwalk viewing the East River and the Empire Fulton Ferry Park in the DUMBO next door completes and complements the Brooklyn Heights attraction.

9. Kew Gardens

The sociable and amicable Queens neighborhood of Kew Gardens gives pets and their owners an incredible vastness of greenery with Frederick Law Olmsted-designed Forest Park-with it’s beautiful, exclusive walking, running, or biking within convenient walking bounds of just about anywhere in the neighborhood.

10. Rockaway Beach

While dogs are not permitted on the shore directly, walking along the beach. The resort’s town side streets are still a pleasure for both people and pets. Apart from that, most of the Rockaway Beach accommodation comprises connected or separated residences, along with tiny backyards.

FAQs

What are the Best Pet-Friendly Neighborhoods in New York City?

The best pet-friendly neighborhoods in New York City are those with plenty of green space and pet-friendly amenities, such as dog parks, pet stores, and groomers. Some of the top neighborhoods for pet owners include Park Slope, the Upper West Side, Battery Park City, and Williamsburg.

Is New York a Pet-Friendly City?

Yes, New York City is a pet-friendly city with numerous dog parks, pet stores, and pet-friendly restaurants and hotels. However, it’s important to note that some buildings have pet restrictions and certain areas may have specific leash laws. Note that the policies might vary if you have an emotional support animal as well.

What Makes a Neighborhood Pet-Friendly?

A pet-friendly neighborhood is one that offers amenities and resources for pet owners, such as parks, sidewalks with access to grassy areas, and pet-friendly restaurants and shops. Additionally, a pet-friendly neighborhood should have a welcoming and tolerant community that accepts pets.

Are there Any Restrictions on Pets in New York City Apartments?

Many apartments in New York City have restrictions on pets, such as weight limits, breed restrictions, and fees or deposits. However, there are some pet-friendly apartments that may have fewer restrictions or no additional fees.

What Should I look for in a Pet-Friendly Apartment?

When looking for a pet-friendly apartment, you should consider factors such as location, amenities, size, and any additional pet fees or restrictions. You should also consider the size and breed of your pet, as well as their exercise and grooming needs.

Are there any Pet-Friendly Restaurants or Cafes in New York City?

Yes, there are many pet-friendly restaurants and cafes in New York City that welcome pets on their outdoor patios or in designated indoor areas. Some popular pet-friendly spots include Shake Shack, Barking Dog Luncheonette, and The Wilson.

What are Some Pet-Friendly Activities in New York City?

There are many pet-friendly activities in New York City, including visiting dog parks, exploring nature trails, attending pet-friendly events, and even taking a dog-friendly boat tour. Additionally, many restaurants and cafes allow pets on their outdoor patios, providing a unique dining experience for both pets and their owners.

What should I do if my Pet is Lost in New York City?

If your pet is lost in New York City, you should immediately contact local animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and animal control offices. Additionally, you can post flyers in the area and on social media, and check with neighbors and local businesses for any sightings.

How can I Ensure my Pet’s Safety in New York City?

To ensure your pet’s safety in New York City, you should keep them on a leash at all times when outside, avoid leaving them unattended in public places, and make sure they are up-to-date on vaccinations and flea/tick preventatives. Additionally, you should research pet-friendly resources and amenities in your neighborhood to ensure your pet has access to everything they need.

Hope you enjoyed reading the article!