It’s no secret that a dog can bring endless joy and fulfillment into a person’s life. But finding a suitable home for your furry friend in New York City can be stressful. StreetEasy analysts scoured the data across all five boroughs to help show you the best places for NYC dog lovers to live.
According to dog license data from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Shih Tzus are the No. 1 breed in NYC right now, followed closely by Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, and Labrador Retrievers. The stats also helped us narrow down the 10 best neighborhoods for dogs (and their humans) in NYC, which we’ve listed below in no particular order. The areas that made the cut had the following in common: a high number of registered dog licenses, easy access to dedicated dog parks and dog runs, and plenty of pet-friendly units available. Read on to pick your paws-itively (sorry, we had to!) perfect neighborhood.
Upper West Side, Manhattan
StreetEasy’s analysis shows that a remarkable 85.8% of the homes for sale on the Upper West Side allow pets, making this a particularly good option for dog owners looking to buy. And with 5,493 active dog licenses in the area – more than any other neighborhood – your furry friend would be in great company. Both Central Park and Riverside Park have designated off-leash hours, and Riverside Park even has four different dog runs. Resident favorite pet store Little Creatures has an average rating of 4.5 stars on Google, plus three different locations across the neighborhood. And Lucky Dog NYC is a convenient one-stop shop for all of your walking, daycare and boarding needs.
DUMBO, Brooklyn
We’re headed to Brooklyn for our next dog friendly neighborhood: DUMBO. StreetEasy data determined that it was the No. 1 most pet-friendly neighborhood for renters, as 96.2% of rentals on the market from January through July allowed pets. The nearby Brooklyn Bridge Park dog run, located at Pier 6, is a fabulous spot to let your hound run free, while Hillside Dog Park provides generous space and ample doggie water fountains for hydration. Neighborhood favorites Hounds Town and pupculture both boast 4.9-star Google reviews for their daycare and grooming services.
Long Island City, Queens
According to StreetEasy data, Long Island City is the friendliest neighborhood for buyers with pets, as 92.5% of homes for sale from January through July allowed pets. But even beyond your own four walls, you’ll find that Long Island City is uber welcoming to four-legged New Yorkers. You’ve got your pick of dog-friendly areas, from the Hunter’s Point South Park Dog Run, to the Dog Run at Murray Playground, to the dog park in Gantry Plaza State Park. Beyond having an excellent name, Dog Island City is a highly-rated dog lounge and gym that offers specialized services such as puppy socialization classes. And when you need supplies for your furry friend, look no further than neighborhood pet store Pet Island.
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Upper East Side, Manhattan
Our next dog-friendly locale is Manhattan’s Upper East Side. StreetEasy analysis of NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene data reports that there are currently 4,976 active dog licenses in the area, making this the second-most pup-populated (pupulated?) neighborhood in NYC. It’s obviously very close to Central Park, which contains a whopping 23 distinct areas for dogs. But don’t overlook Carl Schurz Park, which runs along the East River and boasts two immaculate dog runs separated by dog size. There’s also a plethora of high quality groomers and boarders to choose from, like the two Urban Woof locations and Puppy Tale Lodge.
Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Back in Brooklyn, we’re shining a spotlight on fantastic Fort Greene. StreetEasy analysis shows that there are approximately 3,620 active dog licenses in the neighborhood, and about 81.7% of available rentals allowing pets on the lease, making it a prime area for dog lovers in NYC. In terms of green space, it really doesn’t get more idyllic than strolling with your furry friend through the eponymous Fort Greene Park, which offers generous off-leash areas and hours. Beyond standard grooming services, neighborhood gem Flossy Pet Pawlor offers fabulous spa add-ons like blueberry facials and pet-friendly fur dye. And if you’re going out of town, you can leave your pup at the highly-rated HI-BK, which has more than 3,700 square feet of dedicated doggy play space.
Astoria, Queens
Astoria is an amazing place to raise a fur baby – and the numbers prove it. This Queens neighborhood currently boasts 2,897 licensed pups. If you choose to move to Astoria and add to this number, we recommend taking your dog to Triborough Bridge Playground C Dog Run. It’s equipped with water fountains and spray hydrants for those hot, hot NYC days. Dozo Dog is a local business with 4.6 stars on Google that provides both daycare and training services. And when it comes to groomers, you can’t go wrong with the unique, natural offerings at the Astoria Holistic Pets Spa.
Battery Park City, Manhattan
StreetEasy ranked Battery Park City the NYC neighborhood with the most walkable dog runs, with a total of four in the wonderful waterfront area: the North End Dog Run, the Sirius Dog Run (which is particularly convenient for residents of the Gateway Plaza Complex), the West Thames Street Dog Run, and the Tribeca Dog Run. What’s more, an estimated 92.2% of rental apartments in Battery Park City have pet-friendly policies. Le Pet Spa is a standout groomer and boutique pet store that has been serving NYC dog owners since 1991.
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Mott Haven, The Bronx
StreetEasy analysts rated the Bronx locale of Mott Haven as especially friendly to renters with dogs; 93.6% of rentals allow pets on the lease. St. Mary’s Dog Run is a crowd favorite for its kitschy fake logs and boulders that serve as both decoration and also obstacles for energetic pups. But the undeniable selling point is the intentional community building among neighborhood dog owners. The Dogs of Mott Haven organization is an incredible resource for pooch-loving neighbors to connect: They put on multiple events a year, including movie nights and a Howl-O-Ween block party.
Chelsea, Manhattan
With nearly 3,000 active dog licenses, Chelsea is a choice neighborhood for pups and their humans. 90.6% of homes for sale are welcoming to pets, and you have your pick of walkable dog parks in the area. The recently expanded Chelsea Waterside Park Dog Run, the Gansevoort Peninsula Dog Park at 14th Street (which has separate spaces for large versus small dogs), and the Leroy Street Dog Park are particular favorites for dog lovers in NYC. And we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Paws in Chelsea, a boutique pet business that offers walking, grooming, boarding and concierge services.
Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn
Our last featured NYC neighborhood for dog lovers is Bedford-Stuyvesant. The 3,662 active dog licenses suggest that this Brooklyn neighborhood is a great place to parade your pooch. While Bed-Stuy doesn’t have a ton of public green space compared to some of the other neighborhoods on this list, it’s worth noting that a lot of the available real estate consists of brownstones, which often come with backyards. What could be better than letting your doggo roam free in your own personal outdoor space? For those without backyards, Herbert Von King Park and Fulton Park offer dog-friendly areas. For pet supplies and grooming services, check out one of the two Who’s Your Doggy locations. And if natural ingredients are important to you as a pet owner, you’ll love Zen Animals and its comprehensive list of clean spa offerings.
Browse Homes in Dog-Friendly Neighborhoods on StreetEasy