New York City and its Dogs

*will conduct interviews next week work week of 8am to 6pm is not conducive for interviews*-interviewing people is difficult when your phone's keypad won't work

In 2006, the United States Census Bureau reported that there was a 72.1 million pet dog population. With this multitude of pets, as is evident in New York City, people take their dogs virtually everywhere. New York City dogs become an important part of the landscape. Another important factor of the New York city landscape are its parks. Combined with parks New York City pets, and their owners help to shape a personality not typical of other places.

One dog owner speaks to this, "There is a definite New York City dog community because the dogs need to be socialized, and they get to know each other, it's different than the suburbs." says Terry, with her dog, Betty.

People in New York City are notorious for caring for their pets. As evidenced by the multitude of pet shops, dog groomers, and doggy daycare in existence, and still more cropping up. This month, Citipup is scheduled to open on 8th avenue, complementing the Veterinary Hospital and grooming station just off of 8th avenue on west 18th street. *Call all 3 of these places, including unopened Citipup ask them why they decided to open, location, demand...*

City parks have become an important part of dog owner's lives. As parks such as Washington Square Park are remodeled, it has become apparent what a big part of the city is influenced by these new facilities, the dog run sits almost directly across from the newly erected playground, it puts into perspective New York City residents priorities. The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation has provided owners with a comprehensive guide of rules and regulations regarding leash laws and all manner of other dog related concerns. The city website has a list of dog run park facilities according to what Borough the owner resides in.

What is most striking however, is the city parks that make the decision not to be dog friendly. One such park is the *T (212) 206-9922 talk to highline ask why no doggies?-exclusivity* Highline, the newest, uber trendy city park to open, does not allow dogs.

"I think it is horribly discriminatory and I do not go to the highline for that reason." Said Terry, a Dog owner walking her dog, Betty in Washington Square Park.

In fact, though it may seem as if many places are open to dogs, the exclusion of dogs from city recreational facilities, has many owners taking issue.

"To be honest, lawns are dog free, it makes it harder because we would love to take her more places." Said Sarah, Tom and their dog Annie.

Whether justified or not, the decisions parks make help to shape the feeling and openness of a park. City parks are supposed to be somewhat accommodating to all, shaping the experience of the city itself. When the park experience feels unwelcoming,or unaccommodating, the public is likely to get upset.

"It would be nice if they would just trust pet owners a little more," Sarah lamented.


call city park advocates, Inc. (212) 987-0565 - ask how they feel about dog laws, history of run ins

Talk to parks and rec 212-NEW-YORK about dog accommodation and how they have reshaped city parks to either accommodate or exclude dogs

The Animal Care and Control of New York City (212) 442-2066

Each parks dog laws vary, and for a dog owner who lives close to Washington Square Park, "it would be nice if the leash laws were different, because they are so early in the morning" says Tom.

Talk to dog lawyer, Eric Feinberg, Esq. 212) 247-1794 ask him what most cases are-does he get involved with the where and why of dog exclusion?


*talk to Joe, 20yr resident and dog owner, lives across from central park-what he loves about city park dog openness what he hates*

The fact remains, that though some parks may be exclusionary or less accommodating there are many city parks to choose from and each has a certain charm that sets it apart from the rest. Unfortunately as Tom and Sarah said, they choose Washington Square Park because it is closest to them, and they are hindered by its laws.