*in Alicia Keys voice* In New York, dogs will come everywhere, you want them to…Dog owners celebrate! This concrete jungle is incredibly dog friendly. In fact, many New Yorkers are disappointed when they travel with their dogs to other cities, as they believe no other city can compare with pet-friendliness. And oh, are there dogs in NYC. As of 2019 there were an estimated 600,000 dogs living in the city.
General rule: Whether a dog is allowed in a NYC store is at the store owner's discretion, but New York is generally known as a dog-friendly state, although dogs must be restrained by a leash no longer than six fee (1.8m) in public spaces (except in designated off-leash zones.) This makes ST ARGO leashes PERFECT for you New Yorkers. At 1.3m long, they fit the bill!
Parks
Up first, Central, duh. The majority of the park is dog-friendly, so long as they are leashed. But there are also some designated dog-off-lead zones such as Harlem Meer and East Meadow. PLUS, there’s some 29 dog fountains dotted throughout. How’s that. Apart from the big park, there are ample dog friendly parks across the island. Chelsea Waterside Dog Park is highly rated.
Beaches
Would it surprise you to hear that NYC does actually have beaches? It is an island after all.. As a general rule, dogs are not allowed to enter any bathing facilities, including New York City beaches. However, as a courtesy, leashed dogs are allowed on the sand and boardwalk at Rockaway Beach, Coney Island & Brighton Beach, Manhattan Beach, Midland Beach, and South Beach during the colder months - from October 1 until May 1.
Restaurants
Want to dine out and bring your fluffy bestie along? Well, when in NYC, you’re in luck. Among the slew of amazing restaurants, there are plenty of dog-friendly restaurants. The general rule is, you can bring a non-service dog into a restaurant if you are sitting in an outside seating area. Remember to leash your pooch in hospitality venues. It’s a huge task to recommend dining venues in NYC, one we honestly don’t want to attempt. Did you know: If you dined out for breakfast, lunch and dinner for every day of your life, and you lived until 90… you STILL wouldn’t hit all the venues. Our recommendation? Ask the locals what’s good.
Public Transport
Here’s where NYC loses its .25 to make the perfect score. Hey, the Big Apple can’t have it all. Small pets are permitted on the subway and on buses of New York City Transit and MTA Bus only when they are carried in kennels or similar containers that can by accommodated by you on your lap without annoyance to other passengers. Sorry big dogs.
Private Transport
Dogs are allowed in taxis as long as the driver is OK with it. If a driver refuses your request, try to hail another cab.
As with most other cities, UberPet is also available in the Big Apple.
Accommodation
Similarly to dining, there is AMPLE dog-friendly accommodation on the island. An overwhelming amount, actually. There’s also a range of options for every budget. So don’t worry if you don’t have thousands to spend every night. Although if you do, we recommend The Standard in East Village (prices start from around $700AUD per night)… Our recommendation for searching is narrowing down the area you’de like to stay. East Village and Greenwich is trendy whilst you get amazing harbour views along the south edge of the city. Hitting google maps and clicking through options based on budget works. Ensure to call ahead to double-check on whether the hotel is pet friendly.
To us, it doesn’t just get it’s name: ‘The city of Angels’ because of the pretty people, LA is also is also famous for being one of the most pet-friendly cities in the United States. There are plenty of activities, dog-friendly restaurants, cafés, and public places for you to hang out with your dog. And for this reason, it has one of the highest populations of pets per capita. LA comes behind NYC in our list, mostly because there are fewer dining and accommodation options (although there’s certainly plenty).
Parks
Due in part to the weather, Californians are blessed with an incredibly out-doorsey culture, which trickles through to their pet’s life. There’s a tonne of pet-friendly parks in LA, with some of the most famous being Runyon Canyon Dog Park, the Silver Lake Dog Park, and the Griffith Dog Park.
Beaches
It’s no surprise that dog owners are spoilt for choice with dog friendly beaches along this coastal city. Although not all beaches are dog friendly, we recommend: Rosie’s Dog Beach, Granada Beach, Del Mar Beach and Huntington Dog Beach. Remember, have your dog collared with their registration, pick up after your dog and dispose of the waste in the bins provided. Use our poop bags to assist!
Restaurants
As with it’s East Coast counterpart, there is NO shortage of pet-friendly dining options in LA. This is especially the case because there are SO many outdoor venues due to the year-round mild weather. Our recommendations? Etta for contemporary American & for a cheap drink, Highland Park Brewery in Chinatown.
Public Transport
You can take your pet dog or cat on the public transport system in Los Angeles that includes the bus, light rail and the subway. Your pet must be confined in a carrier at all times. Sorry big dogs.
Private Transport
As with all major cities, UberPet is available for a private transport option.
Accommodation
The general tone of pet-friendliness in the city runs through to accommodation options. For the best pet-friendly accommodation in LA, check out Andaz in West Hollywood (it’s expensive, but beautiful) or the Sofitel. Unlike NYC, there’s not as many affordable pet-friendly options in the City of Angels. But do some digging and you might be in luck.
Bark-elona. When you walk around Barcelona, you can’t help but notice the sheer number of pets being walked in the city. More so than any other city we have experienced personally. Of special note, is that there is a whopping 1500 euros fine for failing to pick up after your pooch. Also, ensure to water down your dog’s wee. This is the norm of pet ownership in the city of Barcelona.
Parks
There are plenty of dog friendly parks located around the city.
Parc de les Agues is one of these. This is off the beaten (tourist) track and is open from 10am until sundown year round. Be sure to check out the memorial to people killed in Hiroshima at the top edge of the park.
For a big park, we recommend Parc de l’Espanya Industrial. It has everything from a lake, sculptures and a basketball court.
Beaches
There are plenty of beaches to choose from in Barcelona. But be mindful that during the warmer months there are restrictions with dog access to these beaches. From April 1 to June 30 dogs are not allowed on beaches on the weekend and July 1st to last Sunday in September, dogs are not allowed on the beach at all.
Restaurants
Barcelona hospitality venues are incredibly pet-friendly which means you can generally bring your pup along when you go shopping or dining. As a whole, you should generally be fine to bring your pup along when dining outdoors. If you plan to go to a fancier / indoor venue, check ahead.
Public Transport
As a general rule, large dogs can be taken on the metro in Barcelona outside peak hours (not between 7-9:30 am and 5-7 pm) as long as they are leashed. Small breeds can travel at any time as long as they are in a carrier.
Private Transport
As with most major cities, UberPet is available.
Accommodation
This is where Barcelona really shines. There are a tonne of pet-friendly hotels across the city, and some of them are incredibly affordable. Some hotels in the heart of the city start from $118AUD per night! How’s that!
Dubai’s dog rules can come across as restrictive, but they stem from a concern for public safety. Dogs are just not as common in Dubai as they are in other countries. But perceptions are starting to shift…As a general rule, most parks, beaches and shops have a no-pet policy. But if you search, you can definitely find some dog-friendly spots in this city. Dubai has very strict laws on dog neglect and abuse (amazing). For example, abandoned dogs will be traced back to the owner as a matter of urgency and the owner will be fined AED 500.
Parks
All dogs must compulsorily be leashed and masked in public. Walking dogs off-lead in Dubai is illegal. Dubai has some fabulous indoor dog parks, remember, it’s hot – so this is often the best option for your fluffy mate.
Beaches
Popular places like the Jumeirah Beach residences are off limits. But you can take your dog for a walk to the Jebel Ali, Al Warqa and beach near Dubai College.
Public Transport
Dogs are not allowed on public transport.
Private Transport
Ask ahead if possible and ensure your dog is restrained in a carrier or crate.
Restaurants
Some of our recommendations include: Jim’s Kitchen Table – with a huge outdoor area and a wide selection of options from burgers to breakfast platters and pizza’s, there’s something for everyone. For a pub-fix, head to the Sportsman’s Arms. It’s an American-Irish-gastro-pub with a beautiful terrace. It’s open from 8am and features a wide array of culinary options such as Philly cheesesteaks and Sloppy Joe Sliders.
Accommodation
There’s not a huge selection of pet-friendly accommodation like some of our other cities, but there are certainly some viable options. Millennium Central Mafraq Hotel is a 4-star hotel which runs great deals (prices starting from $94AUD) whilst the Radisson Blu Hotel on Yas Island has prices starting from $197 and is very centrally located near the airport.
Paris is well known for being an exceptionally dog-friendly city. Parisians love their dogs, and it is estimated that there are 17 dogs for every 100 people in Paris.
Fun Fact: Unlike most of our major cities, it is not mandatory to register your pet with the council in Paris. But all pets must be microchipped as well as being regularly vaccinate against rabies.
Parks
Paris truly is a city for walking. While there is public transport widely available, there’s no better way to see the sights than by foot (especially with Fido in toe). Ensure to keep your dog leashed and pick up after your dog to avoid a fine. Why not try our biodegradable poop bags? Some awesome pet-friendly gardens in Paris are: Bois de Boulogne, Bois de Vincennes, Buttes Chaumont park and Georges Brassens park.
Beaches
N/A – Sorry surf lovers, you’ll have no luck searching for a beach in Paris, let alone a pet-friendly beach.
Public Transport
Private Transport
As with all of our cities, UberPet is available in Paris for transporting your pooch. Parisian taxis can choose to accept or refuse to take your dog in the car; it is a good idea to mention your dog when you book your cab.
Restaurants
Get this, there’s NO LAWS in Paris against letting your dog’s dine inside with you. It will depend on the venue. As a general rule, dogs ARE allowed to dine with you. But always check ahead if possible, and keep your pooch close. Our recommendations? Bistro Paul Bert for a quintessential bistro experience with a colourful clientele and well prepared, reasonably priced cuisine.
Accommodation
Again, plenty of options.
For something on the lower end of the spectrum, try Citadines Apart’hotel in Montmarte. Prices start at around $250AUD per night and it is pet friendly, plus it boasts a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower. For something a little more luxurious, try the Bulgari Hotel in the 8th Arrondisment. This 5-star beauty has exceptional online reviews. But it’ll cost you. Rooms start from around $3500 AUD per night, and this is highly seasonal. If Paris takes your fancy... why not check out our blog post on pup trends straight out of Paris...
The recurring theme with most of this cities is the need to keep your dog close. Ensure your dog is properly restrained with our luxe harness walk set.
Couldn't find your city on the list? Don't worry - we've listed another 5 major cities in our next dog-friendly-city blog post!
