Listen up, pet pals! So, you and your furry sidekicks are thinkin’ about hittin’ up the Big Apple for some real doggone fun, huh? Well, ain’t that a howlin’ good idea! Your pet in NYC is always welcome. NYC’s got your back with dog-friendly hotels, incredible transit with cats and dogs, and more paw-some stuff to do than you can shake a stick at.
But hold up, not every spot rolls out the red carpet for your critters, so it’s time to get street-smart and plan. Ready to give your fluffballs a taste of the city that never backs down? Check out the lowdown on how to make it happen, and you and your pals will be livin’ it up New York style!
Dog Friendly Hotels

Finding a pet-friendly hotel in NYC isn’t rocket science, but it ain’t a walk in Central Park either. If you want your furry sidekick to bunk up with you, you better start your quest early – primo pet dogs are as rare as a cab during rush hour. Don’t expect a warm welcome for hefty hounds. Most buildings give the side-eye to doggos tipping the scales at 50 pounds or more.
Straight talk: spill the beans on your breed and pet headcount from the get-go. No room for mix-ups in the concrete jungle. You see, plenty of pad owners lay down the law on size and breed – no mansion for the mastiffs, capisce? Certain aggressive breeds are blacklisted faster than a no-show at a Broadway premiere – do your homework before signing on the dotted line.
Be ready to fork over some extra dough for your four-legged roommate. Besides the usual rent hustle, most places ask for a pet fee. But keep your eyes peeled for co-ops or rentals advertising no-fee pet perks. Your dog’s gotta live large, but your wallet doesn’t have to.
New York hotels aren’t exactly wallet-friendly, but if you’re flush with cash, going old-school New York style is the way to roll. Some of the city’s swankiest stays roll out the red carpet for your four-legged buddy, putting you right where the action’s at. Here’s our top three list of pet-friendly hotels in NYC that’ll make your pup feel like royalty:
Fifty NYC
Drop a mere $50 per pet, and this swanky boutique joint’s your oyster. New York dreams come true for you and your furry sidekick. When the hustle and bustle’s done for the day, kick back in the hotel’s artsy digs. Experience a top-tier stay for you and your pet in NYC.
The Roxy Hotel
Dripping with glam and perched near Soho, Battery Park City, and Little Italy. You won’t pay an extra cent for your pup to live the luxe life – they’re even getting pampered with organic treats and primo bedding from Bocce’s Bakery. Book your stay today.
NYLO New York City
This Upper West Side charmer oozes history and class. Dive into on-site dining and rooftop vibes during your stay. Pups under 50 pounds can check in for $40 extra. Get ready for a New York stay your furry mate will remember. Check them out.
Navigating The Ins and Outs With Your Pet in NYC

Your four-legged partner-in-crime is ready to explore this concrete jungle with you. But before you hit the streets, let’s talk about how to get around the city with your furball.
The good news is NYC’s got some options to keep you and your pet on the move. So, leash up or lock ‘em in – let’s break down the pet-friendly transit scene in true New Yorker style.
Subways
Your NYC pets are allowed on the subway, but they gotta stay cozy in a carrier. And here’s the deal: don’t let your furball turn into a subway superstar who bugs the rest of the riders.
Buses
Guess what? Bus rules are like subway rules, plain and simple. Your fluffball needs to stay in its carrier, and yeah, you gotta make sure your pet’s all squared away before the bus rolls up.
Taxis
You wanna catch a yellow cab with your buddy? Well, it’s up to the driver if they’re cool. If they give you the cold shoulder, wave down another cab. Oh, and don’t forget to tip.
Commuter Rail Lines
Got a critter in a carrier? Good news, you can hop on NYC’s commuter rail lines. And guess what? Your buddy can even be on a leash outside the carrier on Metro-North.
Staten Island Ferry
Alright, this one’s straightforward – your pets are ferry-approved only if they’re caged up or sporting a muzzle.
Some PAWsome Adventures

Get ready to wag those tails and strut the concrete jungle with your four-legged companion because NYC has some tail-waggin’ adventures for you and your furry sidekick. New Yorkers and their fur babies have no shortage of pawesome options to enjoy together. Check it out!
Here’s a bark-worthy list of things you and your furry pal can do in NYC:
Park Playtime
Grab that leash and head to one of NYC’s parks for quality playtime. Run Street has a guide for pet parents, ensuring that you and your furry friend can roam freely and enjoy nature together.
Beach Bliss
From October 1 to May 1, leash up your buddy and hit the sandy shores of iconic beaches like Rockaway Beach, Coney Island, and more, as the City of New York Parks & Recreation grants leashed dogs access to these spots.
Off-Leash Adventures
Dreaming of some off-leash fun? Show off your pup’s license and rabies vaccination, adhere to the Parks Department rules, and voila! You can let your fur baby roam leash-free in designated areas during specific hours.
Commute in Style
Your furry mate can tag along on the Metro-North Railroad, MTA buses and subways (in a case), and the Long Island Railroad (also in a case), according to the MTA. The city’s transit system is pet-friendly, making getting around easier for you and your buddy.
Annual Paw-some Events
NYC knows how to throw a paw-some party for pets! Take advantage of the Tompkins Square Park Halloween Dog Parade, where creativity and costumes collide. Check out the Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show for a showcase of top-tier pooches.
Furry Friend Adoption
Looking for a new addition to the family? Attend events like Broadway Barks and Adoptapalooza, where entertainers and adoptable cats and dogs come together for a chance to find their fur-ever homes.
From park picnics to sandy strolls, NYC has a treat-filled adventure for you and your fur baby. So, leash up and get ready to explore the city that never sleeps with your best four-legged friend by your side!
Heat Helpline for NYC Wildlife & Important News
Don’t let your furry pals sizzle in the summer sun. Need to find a spot for your four-legged buddy to chill? Dial 311 or hop onto 311 online to snag the pet-friendly Cooling Centers. And hey, your local Petco might be just the oasis you need for you and your pets – peep the map for the deets.
For more recent information about pets in NYC, NYC pet shops bid adieu to Guinea Pigs
Starting June 11, 2023. NYC pet shops are waving goodbye to guinea pigs—no more selling, flaunting, handing out, or swapping these little furballs. Pet shops, time to give those guinea pig orders the ax and clear out your guinea pig stock by June 11, 2023. Time to let those little critters find their new pad.
PAWsitively Perfect Adventures Starts Here in the Big Apple

So there you have it, fellow New Yorkers, travelers, and pet lovers alike. Navigating the urban jungle with your furry companions might sound challenging, but NYC has gone to great lengths to ensure your pets are welcome, safe, and entertained.
From pet-friendly parks and hotels to cool-down spots during extreme heat, the city’s got your back (and your pet’s paws). So leash up your best friend, take a bite of the Big Apple, and explore the city that never sleeps with your loyal companions by your side. Remember, your pets are always part of the crew in this concrete playground!