A Guide to Exploring the City with Your Pooch

The only thing better than exploring New York City is doing so with your best furry friend. Now, while NYC is a dog-friendly place, pups aren’t still given full rein and there are plenty of rules and social norms to be aware of. So, to make sure that your outing is a success, you should keep the following guidelines in mind:

Know Where Your Pup is Allowed

As mentioned, NYC is pretty welcoming to most dogs. At the same time, it is a good idea to look up exactly where your pup is allowed. This can prevent a great deal of hassle and perhaps even some embarrassment.

Fortunately, there are plenty of city sights to see including crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, visiting the 9/11 Memorial Park, and heading to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. Remember, it is always a good idea to call ahead and ask if a certain spot allows dogs.

If your pup classifies as a service animal or an emotional support dog, you may want to get them registered with a reputable agency. This may increase the number of places that your pup will be allowed into. Thus, this is something you really should consider.

Do Some Research on Restaurants

In New York, restaurants and cafes that allow dogs are a dime a dozen. However, just because they let pups in, doesn’t actually mean that they are dog-friendly. Some spots really aren’t all that suitable for your pooch.

To learn the distinction, it is best to read up on articles and reviews and determine which eateries are right for you and your pup. This way, you can make sure that your dog is treated well and has just as much of a nice time as you.

Understand the Limits of Public Transportation

Now, you are probably all caught up on the law that says all dogs must be housed in carriers or bags if they are to be allowed aboard the subway. If you were to check out Instagram, it would appear that you have plenty of leeway with how you can take your dog aboard.

However, you should be aware that there may be some conductors that don’t let you and your pup on, especially if they are larger. So, it is a good idea to have a backup plan if this does happen to you. Call a taxi, but make sure to tell them that you have a dog with you. It is much better to be upfront about this rather than face an issue when the driver pulls up.

Be Fully Prepared

This goes without saying but you really should be well-prepared before heading out. Make sure you have everything your pup needs including a good leash, food and water bowls, treats, and more. If the weather doesn’t look good all that great, a doggy raincoat may come in handy as well.

It is also a good idea to plan your day out completely. Know exactly where you are going and how you are going to get there. You should have an itinerary so that you don’t have to worry about your pup getting tired or bored.

These are the top guidelines to pay attention to when exploring the city with your pooch. Follow these and you and your pup are sure to have a wonderful day out.