New York City is the United States of America’s most popular tourist destination, with more than 50 million visitors trotting across the globe each year to see The City That Never Sleeps. One thing’s for certain: there’s a growing number of furred visitors in that demographic who look forward to exploring NYC on four legs. As an increasingly pet-friendly tourist destination, NYC anticipates more pet and pet-parent tourists than ever before.
If you love traveling with your dog or cat and you intend to hit up NYC’s concrete jungles together, below are a few good ideas for what to do. Book a ticket to the Big Apple, pack some of PrideBites’ best pet products in your suitcase, and scour the streets of New York with your pet in tow.
Head to One of NYC’s Pet-Friendly Parks
No visit to New York City would be complete without a stopover at one of its famous parks. You and your pet will be able to take a good break from the streets, as well as get some fresh air, at locations like Central Park, Madison Square Park, and Bryant Park.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you and your four-legged friend can take a short hike together on trails like that of Inwood Hill Park. Tourists with dogs can also journey to one of NYC’s enclosed dog parks, like St. Nicholas Dog Park, Washington Square Dog Park, and Tompkins Square Dog Run, for some safe off-leash fun.
Look for Pet-Friendly Events in One of NYC’s Art or Cultural Establishments
Nature isn’t the only place where your pet can feel at home. Some of New York City’s famous art and cultural establishments allow pets or are open to pets for certain events.
For example, while The American Kennel Club’s Museum of the Dog only admits service dogs and guest demonstration dogs during regular hours, the museum sometimes schedules dog-friendly events that are open to the pooch-owning public. Search for pet-friendly establishments like museums, galleries, and studios, and find out what their specific admission guidelines and rules are.
Grab Some Yummy Chow
NYC is also quite famous for its gastronomic culture, and both pets and their pet parents may be looking forward to chowing down on some good eats.
You and your pet will be spoiled for choice when it comes to finding delicious meals at a pet-friendly burger joint, deli, café, bar, trattoria, or street stall.
Sign Up for a Pet-Friendly Walking Tour
If you’d love to walk through the Big Apple in the company of other pets and pet enthusiasts, there’s also the option of signing up for one of New York City’s pet-friendly walking tours. Some walking tour groups have become famous within NYC for choosing a variety of interesting, hospitable, and pet-friendly stops. Look for recommendations from social media or fellow pet parent tourists and see what you need to do to sign up for a walking tour.
Attend a Meet-Up with Other Pet Parents
It’s also possible to attend social events that are exclusively for other pets and pet parents such as meet-ups and walks for particular pet breeds. When you and your pet are in NYC, find out whether you can make time in your schedule for a pet meet-up at a park, restaurant, or other key location in the city. Relish the time to make friends, learn more about New York’s culture, and share your love for animals with a welcoming community.
Snap Photos with Your Pet at One of NYC’s Iconic Landmarks
Last but not least, it would be a great idea to embark on a series of photo ops with your pet at some of New York City’s most famous spots. Pet-friendly ferries like the Seastreak Ferry and the Staten Island ferry may allow you to take beautiful seaside photos with your pet, with Lady Liberty in the background. You can also walk your pet across the Brooklyn Bridge and take a selfie or two together as long as you keep them leashed and close to you.
Some Last Tips for Traveling to the Big Apple with Your Pet
Before heading off to New York City, be sure that you’ve attended to the following:
- You’ve obtained all the necessary vaccinations and health certifications needed for travels with your pet.
- You’ve packed all the gear you need for a safe and enjoyable journey, including your pet’s collars, harnesses, leashes, and ID tags.
- You’ve done your research about which NYC establishments allow pets, and you’re ready to abide by each establishment’s rules.
- You’ve planned an itinerary that allows you to attend to your pet’s needs, including feeding them, letting them take breaks, and admitting them to a vet’s clinic in case of a medical emergency.
NYC will prove to be a fun and adventure-filled destination for any pet lover and their fur baby. Here’s to having a paw-some time in the City of Dreams!