Dog Friendly New York City

From chic Manhattan hotspots to leafy outer-borough parks, New York City is a surprisingly dog-friendly town. A trip there might have you wondering if you should take your dog along or leave him behind, but the Big Apple offers plenty of dog-friendly destinations to share with your pup.

1. Dog Parks

Enjoy off-leash play at Harlem's St. Nicholas Park dog run, where smaller breeds get their own separate turf. Treat your pooch to ocean views at Wolfe's Pond Park in Staten Island. Brooklynites can take advantage of off-leash hours (5am-9am and 9pm-1am) in Prospect Park Dog Fields.

Central Park also has designated dog-friendly areas

2. Hiking

Take your leashed companion uptown to explore the verdant hills at Inwood Hill Park Trail. Hit the Hunter Island Trail in the Bronx to wander salt marshes, forests, and a sandy shoreline with Pelham Bay Views.

3. Dog Shopping

Glam it up and discover the newest canine couture trends at Zoomies in the West Village, and reward your furry companion with a treat from the biscuit jar. Head east to fit her with a bespoke custom coat at Wagwear.

4. Dog Spas

Free your dog from the stress of the concrete jungle with a healing Reiki session at New York Dog Nanny Holistic Clinic. Or freshen him up for a big night out with an oatmeal bath at Fetch Club's Spa & Salon.

5. Bars

For a real dog-friendly New York City experience, chill out together on the patio of East Village standby, d.b.a. (Dogs Belong Anywhere). Score yourself a seasonal cocktail and water to keep your canine cool at Lucky Dog in uber-trendy Williamsburg. At Queens' L.I.C. Bar, you can dig the live musice with your best friend right beside you.

New York can get hectic. Keep your urban dog safe with the LINK AKC Smart Collar; its GPS location feature lets you quickly find him from your phone, whether you're in the Big Apple or your local neighborhood.