The Pet Lover

Q: Can you recommend specific dog-friendly hotels? A: While you'll find fantastic rates on hotels in our hotel guide, some hotels that admit dogs are a bit friendlier than others. For example, some do not allow dogs that weigh more than 20 pounds. Some also charge an extra fee per night or per stay, as well as an additional cleaning fee. So it's worth inquiring about (non-)refundable deposits, cleaning fees, size and breed restrictions. Some of the friendlier hotels are also located close to doggie spas or parks; but with so many hotels, it's worth doing the research depending on your dog's weight and what venues you want to be located nearest. In recent years, some of the most friendly dog policies have been at these hotels, all of which you can book right HERE: the Wall Street District, The Sherry Netherland, The Peninsula, Le Parker Meridien (with its special room-service menu for dogs), SoHo Grand and TriBeCa Grand. Other great hotel choices with no weight restrictions on pets include these Affinia hotels: the Affinia Dumont, the Beekman, and the Affinia 50.

Q: What are New York's leash laws? A: NYC Parks reminds you that they enforce the health code laws for the following reasons:

• Unleashed dogs pose potential danger to people and to other dogs. Many park users, horses, park wildlife and leashed dogs have been attacked and bitten by unleashed dogs. • Many park visitors are frightened by dogs and may find unleashed dogs to be intimidating or annoying. • Unleashed dogs are more likely to leave behind waste that is not picked up by their owners; canine waste is a known source of several pernicious zoonotic diseases. • Unleashed dogs destroy lawns and flower beds: areas used as informal "dog runs" have been severely damaged by the combination of wear and uric acid, a known killer of plant life.

In a city of eight million people and around 120,000 licensed dogs, it can be tough to strike a balance, and we hope as a visitor you can understand these regulations are probably mores stringent than what you are used to at home! But just spend some time on the streets or in the parks with other pet lovers, and you'll see just how dog-friendly NYC really is!

Q: Can you tell us about dog runs? A: New York City's Department of Parks & Recreation maintains wonderful dog runs in parks throughout the city. However, the city does insist that only dogs who are licensed may use the run. If you intend to stay for longer period, do note that dog licenses can be obtained through the Department of Health. However, do not let this rule deter you from walking your pet through our wonderful parks. Just please do observe leash laws in the parks.

Q: I heard Riverside Park has special rules for dogs. A: It does; although the rules are more lenient, they are also a bit more complicated than in other parks. Want to download a one-page PDF brochure about it? Just click HERE.

Q: OK, what about restaurants? A: There are many places with sidewalk tables that welcome pets, and frequently in summer you will see bowls of water the waitstaff have placed in the outdoor seating areas for dogs. If your concierge hasn't got any suggestions on nearby restaurants that are dog-friendly, you might ask the nearest New Yorkers you see walking their pets for some recommendations!

Q: And doggie spas? Or walkers? There are a fair number of spas such as the New York Dog Spa and Hotel, Woofspa & Resort or Pup Culture as well as dog walkers galore. Also have a look at urbanhound, the city dog's ultimate survival guide.

Q: Any special dog events, organizations and activities we might not be aware of? A: Other than the grooming shows you've heard of, did you know that the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine hosts a blessing of the animals every October? It is a huge event and a New York tradition. Have you heard of Broadway Barks? It originated because of Bernadette Peters' and Mary Tyler Moore's passion for animals. (They also have beautiful pets for adoption!) Consider a dog-friendly walking tour by Susan and Art. The Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals has a great website and sponsors a number of super-fun animal events as well as fundraisers and benefits. And we can't forget the New York Council of Dog Owner Groups for all sorts of news & info you'll want to know.

Q: OK, we want to get from Point A to Point B, but we're not planning to walk seven miles. How do we get there? A: Although small dogs are allowed on buses and trains, they have to be on a leash (or in a carrier). Taxi regulations are another thing, but it seems individual taxi drivers have their own private rules—especially with large dogs. So why not try the Pet Taxi or Pet Chauffeur? Just give them a bit of notice, especially if it's a busy time of day or on the weekend. They can also be very helpful in the unlikely and unfortunate case of emergency! More info all about getting around NYC with your dog can be found HERE. Have fun!