The Best Dog Parks in New York City

Dog owners living in New York City rarely have a private yard big enough for their dogs to run and play. And, the streets and public parks prohibit letting a dog loose and unleashed. But New York City has dog parks in every borough, where dogs run free. Just as importantly, a dog can meet other dogs to play with. These parks are not unlike playgrounds for human children, with human parents arranging playdates and where they also forge human-to-human connections. For some dogs, especially larger breeds, the dog park is essential for exercise and socialization.

There are two kinds of areas where dogs are allowed to be unleashed. Designated off-Leash Areas are sections of certain parks that allow dogs to be off-leash from the time the park opens until 9 a.m. AND from 9 p.m. until the park closes. Dog Runs are large, fenced-in areas for dogs to exercise unleashed, and are usually open from morning until dusk. The runs supply good drainage, safe lighting, and dog-friendly plants..

The website of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation lists dog parks and off-leash areas in all five boroughs. And worth checking out is the website for DogPublic.com, which not only lists NYC dog parks, but gives a profile of each, many with reviews and/or links to dog park's webpage. You will find that each dog park has its own feel and personality. If you are lucky enough to live near more than one dog park, try multiple locations to see where your dog, and you, feel more comfortable. Please observe the rules of the off-leash area or dog park. Rules and regulations are posted at the dog-park gates and on the NYC Parks webpage. But there are a few things you should know before bringing your dog to one of these parks. First, the dog must be licensed and you must bring documentation of the most recent rabies vaccine. Secondly, you must watch your dog at all times and have full control. And common sense dictates that you must not bring a female in heat to a dog park. Also common sense: don't bring an aggressive dog to a dog run or off-leash area.

Below is just a sampling of some of the best dog parks in NYC, with links, where available, to the website of the community organization that is responsible for it.

Dog Beach at Prospect Park, Brooklyn, deserves special mention. During the summer months, dogs can swim in the area of the park called "The Pools". This is the only park where your dog is allowed to swim, and is a first for NYC dogs. FIDO, an organization for Brooklyn dog owners, holds events such as the popular "Coffee Bark" In rain, sleet, snow or shine, on the first Saturday of every month, FIDO sets up a table full of coffee, pastries, dog biscuits, and relevant information pertaining to off-leash activities and issues.

Manhattan
Battery Park City Dog Park is on North End Avenue between Murray and Warren Streets. Maintained by the Battery Park City Dog Association.
The Hell's Kitchen Dog Run is at 10th Avenue and W. 39th Street....click here for more info and schedule of events
On the Upper East Side, the dog run at Carl Schurz Park has a spectacular setting next to Gracie Mansion, and abutting the East River
Riverside Park has two dog parks, one at Riverside Drive and West 72nd Street, and the other at Riverside and West 87th Street.
St. Nick's Park, which provides a separate area for small dogs too, is a favorite of upper-Manhattanites.
Tompkins Square Park 1st Avenue to Avenue. B, from East 7th to East 10th Street
Washington Square Park Waverly Place and West 4th Street, between McDougal & Thompson Street [has a small dog area]

You will find a more complete listing, as well as dog parks in the outer boroughs on either of these two websites:
NYC Parks and Recreation
DogPublic.com