Traveling With Your Dog: Navigating Nyc's Concrete Jungle (2025)

New York City is known for its complex public transportation systems, but it may be more dog-friendly than you think. Small dogs are allowed on the subway and on buses, as long as they are in a bag or other container. If you're looking for dog-friendly accommodation, Hotel 1 in Brooklyn and Midtown are both dog-friendly, and Hotel Eventi in Midtown offers a dog-walking service. Central Park is incredibly dog-friendly, with off-leash hours from 6-9 am and 9 pm-1 am. There are also many dog-friendly restaurants, including The Barking Dog on the Upper East Side, which has a dog bar and yappy hour drink specials.

Transport options for small dogs

If you're planning a trip to New York City with your small dog, there are several transport options available to you. The New York Metropolitan Transport Authority (MTA) allows small dogs on buses and the subway as long as they are contained in a bag or other carrier. Small dogs are also allowed on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and the Metro-North Railroad, with the latter permitting leashed dogs without a bag, subject to conductor approval.

If you're arriving in New York City by plane, you can fly with your small dog in-cabin on Southwest, Spirit, and JetBlue. JetBlue is based out of New York, and you can also fly Spirit to LaGuardia on a budget.

Once you're in the city, there are several dog-friendly walking tours available, including Art Zuckerman's Tawny Tours, which takes you through famous neighbourhoods and makes stops at dog-friendly restaurants and parks. If you're looking for a more relaxed experience, you can opt for a dog-friendly accommodation option, such as Hotel 1 in Brooklyn and Midtown, or a pet-friendly Airbnb. Hotel Eventi in Midtown is another popular pet-friendly option, although it tends to be more expensive.

To make the most of your trip, it's important to prepare your dog for travel by ensuring they are comfortable and well-behaved. This may include muzzle training, travel bag training, and assembling a supply bag with food, water, poop collection bags, chew toys, and a towel or blanket.

Transport options for large dogs

The New York Metropolitan Transport Authority (MTA) allows dogs on buses if they are contained in carriers. The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) has the same rules, while the Metro-North Railroad allows small dogs on a leash without a bag, although pets are subject to approval by a conductor.

If your dog is well-trained and confident, it may be possible to take them on the subway. However, this is likely to be more challenging with a large dog, as they will need to be in a bag or carrier, and it may be difficult to find one large enough.

If you are planning to take your dog on public transport, it is important to prepare them in advance. This includes muzzle training, travel bag training, and ensuring they are comfortable and well-behaved in different transport environments. It is also crucial to bring essential items such as food, water, poop collection bags, and a chew toy.

For a more relaxed option, consider taking a walk with your dog. The Brooklyn Bridge Park is a great place for an on-leash walk, offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. Central Park is another excellent option, with designated off-leash hours in the early morning and evening.

Dog-friendly accommodation

When travelling to New York City with your dog, you will be glad to know that there are plenty of dog-friendly accommodation options available. In fact, there are 338 pet-friendly hotels in New York City! These hotels not only allow dogs but often pamper them with treats, doggie beds, toys, water bowls, and even curated local treats and comfy dog beds.

Some of the top dog-friendly hotels in NYC include:

• Kimpton Hotel Eventi by IHG: This hotel allows three dogs of any size in designated rooms for no additional fee. Well-behaved dogs may be left unattended in rooms, and treats are available at the front desk. Madison Square Park is just four blocks from the hotel, making it a convenient spot for dog walks.
• The Sherry Netherland: This hotel allows two pets of any size for no additional fee, and both dogs and cats are welcome. Dog treats, waste bags, and water bowls are provided at the front desk.
• Club Quarters Hotel Grand Central: This hotel welcomes two dogs up to 25 lbs for no additional fee as part of their CQ Paws Program. They provide guest canines with self-heating beds, food and water bowls, placemats, treats, waste bags, and even a "Dog in Room" door hanger. However, dogs may not be left unattended in the rooms.
• Soho Grand Hotel: This hotel is a great option for those seeking a dedicated dog park on-site. They allow two pets of any size for no additional fee, and both dogs and cats are permitted. Pets may be left unattended in guest rooms if crated, and the hotel provides crates if needed.
• Oracle of New York Suites: This hotel is located in the heart of SoHo and accommodates pets of any size for no additional fee. Both dogs and cats are welcome.

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, try searching for Airbnbs that allow pets. Remember to check the specific pet policies of each accommodation before booking to ensure a smooth stay.

Dog-friendly cafes and restaurants

While it can be tricky to find dog-friendly cafes and restaurants in New York City, there are a few options available. It's worth noting that, as per health codes, dogs are not allowed indoors in places serving or selling food unless they are service dogs. Therefore, your best bet is to look for outdoor seating areas.

One dog-friendly cafe in NYC is Cafe Bark, where dogs are allowed inside. They have an events calendar and a boutique with goodies for both humans and dogs. They also have some basic rules to keep the space safe and clean, such as keeping your dog leashed and cleaning up after them. Another option is Chateau le Woof in Astoria, which has been praised for its coffee and baristas. Barking Dog has two locations, in Hell's Kitchen and the UES, and Cafe Grumpy also has a small dog-friendly outdoor seating area with water bowls. Devoción is another dog-friendly spot known for its fresh coffee and beautiful decor, including plant-covered walls and skylights.

If you're looking for a place to eat with your dog, Hotel Eventi in Midtown is a pet-friendly hotel with restaurants located near the lobby that allow service dogs. You can order food to-go and eat with your dog in the lobby, or head to the usually quiet third floor. The hotel also offers a dog-walking service. The Soho Grand Hotel also welcomes dogs in its bar and lounge lobby for coffee, cocktails, and appetizers.

Dog-friendly parks and walking tours

When it comes to dog-friendly parks and walking tours in New York City, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Parks

One of the most popular dog-friendly parks in NYC is Brooklyn Bridge Park, where you can take your dog for an on-leash walk and enjoy the Manhattan skyline from across the river. The Brooklyn Bridge itself is also dog-friendly, with a paved, dog-friendly pedestrian pathway that connects the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Just remember to keep your dog close, as the bridge is a popular crossing for commuters.

If you're looking for an off-leash park, you can try Cadman Plaza Park, which offers off-leash hours during designated times. Another great option is Washington Square Park, which has a fenced-in dog run where your dog can play off-leash. Bryant Park is another dog-friendly option, with lush lawns and historical monuments, but your dog must remain on a leash.

For those seeking a more natural experience, Inwood Hill Park Trail offers a 2-mile hike through the only natural park on Manhattan Island. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. The Sirius Dog Run in Battery Park City and Jemmy's Dog Run in Madison Square Park are also excellent options for off-leash play, with the latter featuring double-entry/exit gates for added safety.

Other notable mentions include Ali Pond Park and Cunningham Park in Queens, as well as the dog-friendly areas in Central Park, which include runs and off-leash spaces.

Walking Tours

Z-Travel and Leisure Tours offer 80 different types of tours that can be adapted for guests travelling with dogs, including neighbourhood tours, themed tours, ethnic tours, food tours, water tours, and even a chocolate tour! Just be sure to mention that you'll be bringing your dog when scheduling your tour.

Additionally, you can take your dog on a ghoulish walk through Greenwich Village on a New York City Ghosts tour, or explore the city's ferries, such as Seastreak Ferries, which welcome leashed pets on their outdoor decks and small pups in carriers inside the vessel.

Transportation

Small dogs are allowed on the subway and buses of New York City Transit and MTA Bus, with no fare charged. They should be in a bag or other container and carried in a way that doesn't annoy other riders. Similar rules apply for the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad, making it easy to get around the city with your furry friend.

Frequently asked questions