The Ultimate New York City Pet-Friendly Travel Guide

Being a pet parent comes with a lot of perks—like ordering off the secret pet menu and making friends at the neighborhood dog-friendly pub with the local pups and their humans. Wondering where these magical pet-friendly spots are? They’re in New York City and we’ve got the scoop on the best ones.

But before packing your bags and jetting off to NYC with your pet, consider if your pet will enjoy traveling to the hustle and bustle of a city. Your pet might need to ride public transit, take a taxi, and see a lot of friendly but unfamiliar faces. If that all sounds like something you and your pet will enjoy, then add these must-visit NYC pet-friendly spots to your itinerary!

8 Must-Visit Pet-Friendly Spots In NYC

Breakfast, Brunch, or Dinner: The Wilson

If slurping oysters while your pet gobbles down their own grilled steak is your idea of a night out on the town, then The Wilson may be the spot for you. Seated on the open-air terrace or side patio, you’ll be handed two menus: a dog menu and a human menu. Filled with all-American staples and seafood plus homemade treats like pupsicles and biscuits, you and your furry BFF are sure to head home happy and full. Got an adventure cat in tow? We won’t tell them the menu says “dog” if you don’t.

A Quick (And Delicious) Bite: Shake Shack

Thought secret menu items were just for humans? Think again, and then head to the nearest Shake Shack for a burger, milkshake, and a pup-approved Pooch-ini. If you find yourself at the original Shake Shack in Madison Square, don’t miss a play session at Jemmy’s Dog Run just next door.

Sightseeing: The Brooklyn Bridge Self-Guided Tour

There are plenty of walking tours for you and your furry travel companion. But walking the Brooklyn Bridge to or from Manhattan is one you might not want to miss. Use a free online tour or take in the sights on your own. Either way, before you go consider that this is a busy attraction, and the pedestrian walkway can get busy.

Boozy Brunch: The Barking Dog

The mission behind this quaint Upper East Side restaurant is simple—“to create a friendly neighborhood restaurant where people and their dogs felt at home.” Faced with NYC rules restricting pets from entering restaurants, the owner decided they would offer the most pet-friendly patio around. The brunch menu offers up fluffy pancakes and mimosas. Or visit any time of day for classic burgers, wraps, and salads.

Café: Boris & Norton

You absolutely can’t visit New York City with your pup and not spend time at Boris & Horton, New York’s first dog-friendly café. Named after a beloved “unique-looking” pit bull terrier mix and a “mystery-breed” pup, Boris & Horton doesn’t just set the bar for sipping coffee with your pup (or beer and wine). This dog-friendly café in the East Village puts their best paw forward with events like pet portrait painting, adoption events, and doggy ice cream socials. Plus, don’t miss taking home a souvenir of Boris & Horton’s homemade freeze-dried treats for dogs.

Park: Prospect Park

Taking your pet to see Central Park is a must, and with 842 acres to explore, you are sure to find the perfect grass to romp around in. Central Park doesn’t have fenced-in off-leash dog parks, but there are designated off-leash areas. Otherwise, remember to carry your proof of vaccination and always have your pet on a leash.

But if you’re looking for the most dog-friendly park in NYC, head over to Brooklyn to Prospect Park. The park boasts 526 acres of green space including the 90-acre Long Meadow, a picnic house, zoo, boathouse, Brooklyn’s only lake and forest, and a bandshell. There’s an off-leash dog park, a swimming beach for pups, and special hours for off-leash romping in designated areas. Before you head to the park, check out FIDO for locally organized doggy events.

Bar: Lucky Dog

A tried-and-true hangout for local pups and their parents, this Williamsburg bar is the place to be when you and your pup want to see friendly, furry faces. The unsuspecting hangout boasts a pet-friendly patio and invites your dog to mingle among friends at the inside bar, too.

Luxury Hotel: The James NoMad

If you and your pet are just passing through the Big Apple, then you’ll need a pet-friendly hotel to rest your paws. If it’s a luxury stay you and your pet want, then look no further than the pet-patisserie catered The James NoMad. There’s a one-time fee of $150 to stay with your cat or dog, but you’ll both be in for a culinary and restful treat. In addition to pet room service, each room comes furnished with pet supplies, a pet-friendly destination map, and organic treats. If you need to visit establishments that aren’t pet-friendly, just call the front desk for daycare, a walker, or sitter arrangements.

Have you visited any of these spots with your pet or have another must-visit pet-friendly spot? Tag us on Instagram and follow us for even more city guide recommendations!

Janelle is a cat mum to two resident adventure kitties, Lyra and Atlas, and numerous cat and kitten fosters. Janelle and her furry family enjoy filling their days with hiking, kayaking, and seeking out the best cat-friendly destinations around the Pacific Northwest. You can follow Janelle, her adventure kitties, and adoptable fosters at @paws_pdx.