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Plan a Weekend in NYC with the Dog

woman with her dog in a coffee shop
Allianz - woman with her dog in a coffee shop

The data are in — New York City has gone to the dogs! The Big Apple ranks among the most dog-friendly major cities in the world, coming in at number 10 in a ranking of 54 cities, a study by Protect My Paws found. The report considers a city’s number of registered dogs and the availability of doggy amenities such as parks and dog-friendly public transit systems.

New York’s warm embrace of our cold-nosed friends makes the city a great travel destination for dog owners. Plan your next dog-friendly weekend in New York with our guide on how to get around town with your dog including places to eat, play, sightsee and sleep that will get your pooch’s tail wagging!

Pet-friendly hotels sure to beat sleeping in the doghouse: 

If you’re seeking a luxury stay on Park Avenue for you and your furry companion, Loews Regency Hotel is a top choice. Treat your pet to special treats, dog bowls, toys, pet beds and more included with your stay through the Loews Hotels Love Pets program. Up to two pets are allowed per stay. You can also treat your doggy gourmand to mains from an in-room menu for pets. Humans will enjoy the high-end Regency Bar & Grill hotel restaurant. Loews is located just a couple of blocks from Central Park; the best place for dog walkies in the city.

The Freehand New York is a comfortable, reasonably priced option for pet lovers and has a storied past. “It used to be the former George Washington Hotel — the home to many storied writers, musicians, and creatives,” writes TimeOut. Unique and vibrant decor in each room hints at those artistic roots. The Freehand is located within a short stroll from Union Square and accepts dogs up to 75 pounds, one per room.

The Soho Grand Hotel offers rooms at a wide range of prices and has pet-dedicated floors. Each pet room offers organic dog snacks from Bocce’s Bakery, pet bedding and food and water dishes. The property has an incredible private dog park, attractively landscaped by designer Rebecca Cole. Walk your dog and admire the architecture in SoHo’s Cast Iron District, built in the 1850s. While your pooch snoozes back at the hotel, grab a cronut at Dominique Ansel Bakery; the original creators of this delicious pastry. 

Ruff house and get your steps in at these cool sights:

Central Park

Central Park is the ultimate outdoors destination in New York for both humans and canines. With nearly 58 miles of walking trails and expansive green spaces, Central Park is a gorgeous natural respite in the middle of the city. There are only a few places your pooch can’t go and designated off-leash hours. Let your pup refresh herself at the park’s 29 dog fountains. A few other parks great for dog walks are Prospect Park, Washington Square Park, Astoria Park, and Socrates Sculpture Park.

Sirius Dog Run

Located in Battery Park, Sirius Dog Run honors Sirius, a beloved labrador and K-9 killed during the September 11th attacks, who served as an explosives detecting dog for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. After paying your respects at his marker, take a seat and enjoy the view of the Hudson river while your pup plays in the doggy fountain. Check out this list of the 17 best dog parks in the city.  

Brooklyn Bridge

Roughly 30,000 pedestrians cross the Brooklyn Bridge daily, according the New York Department of Transportation. Take your pup to join thousands of New Yorkers and tourists for a walk across one of the city’s best-known landmarks. The best time to walk the just over a mile-long bridge is sunrise. Start on the Brooklyn side for views of the Manhattan skyline and the first rays of the day from the east. Your pup will love Main Street Dog Run and Pier 6 Dog Run in nearby Brooklyn Bridge Park. 

AKC Museum of the Dog

View art honoring canines through the ages at this art museum devoted to our best friends. “The AKC Museum of the Dog preserves, interprets, and celebrates the role of dogs in society and educates the public about the human-canine bond through its collection of art and exhibits that inspire engagement with dogs,” writes Museum of the Dog. The museum is open to dogs during Furry Fridays, featuring a different theme weekly. Register in advance, as space fills fast. 

Chow down with your pet chow at these restaurants:

Take a seat at the Black Lab Cafe, just two blocks from Central Park. Order yourself a coffee and a special lunch for your pooch. Dogs have their own dedicated space in the restaurant within sight of their owners. The cafe was named for the owners' sweet black labs, Daisy and Lola.

The Barking Dog is another restaurant close to Central Park with a dedicated menu for Fido. Humans can enjoy classic American lunch fare such as sandwiches, wraps, and hamburgers. Follow their dog dining tips for a pleasant experience.

Located in the Flatiron neighborhood, The Grey Dog welcomes dogs on its patio. Sip on a Grey Dog lager while the staff gives your pup treats and pets. Boris & Horton in East Village has a dog seating area where good girls and boys can play off leash. The cafe also hosts monthly dog friendly events.  

Get around town faster than four legs can go with dog-friendly transit:

Pups can ride on MTA buses, subways and railroads if they are in a carrier or bag and not disturbing anyone. The Staten Island Ferry requires that dogs be muzzled or caged, and the NYC Ferry requires that dogs be in a carrier. Dogs are allowed in yellow cabs, but it’s up to the driver. One of the best ways to get around town with your dog is to take a pet taxi. k9 Cars and Pet Cab are two trusted pet taxi companies, according to Boogie the Pug, a canine who travels with his human mom. Boogie and his brother, a chihuahua named Marcelo, have tons of advice about traveling to New York with dogs. 

Travel insurance can help give you peace of mind so you can focus on making memories with your bestie. Many Allianz Travel Insurance plans offer trip cancellation protection that can reimburse certain non-refundable expenses if your trip is canceled or interrupted due to a reason included in your policy. Plans with baggage can benefits reimburse certain non-refundable expenses if your luggage is lost, stolen or damaged. And our 24/7 assistance services can help you with dog-related travel needs, such as finding a sitter or kennel near you. 

Get a quote to find out how we can look after you during your next trip to New York.

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Apr 11, 2025