New York City and its Dogs

In 2006, the United States Census Bureau reported that there was a 72.1 million pet dog population. With the millions of people in New York City, and its close quarters, New York City dogs have become an important part of the landscape. Another important factor of the New York City landscape is parks. Combined with parks New York City pets, and their owners help to shape a charming personality and subculture of the city.

People in New York City are notorious for caring for their pets, says Tessa Huxley, of the Battery Park Conservancy, “we have more dogs living in the area, than children, and we have forged a lovely little relationship”.

As evidenced by the multitude of pet shops, dog groomers, and doggy daycares in existence the dog community is flourishing; with still more cropping up. This past Friday, Citipup opened its doors to 8th Avenue pet aficionados, complementing the Veterinary Hospital and grooming station just off of 8th avenue on west 18th street. Downtown Doghouse, on 18th street caters to the pet community, and even recognizes dogs before their owners.

One dog owner speaks to this, "There is a definite New York City park 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.


Coco Pecroni, buyer and manager of Downtown Doghouse says, "We have been in business for seven years, we keep notes on all our dog customers, and we can tell if a dog is not himself". She says there is a flourishing dog culture, especially in Chelsea, with the 23rd street dog run being a contributing factor.

"If I look out the window, I'll see 10 dogs walk by in 10 minutes"

Newly opened Citipup manager, Leo Malheiros, speaks to the demand of pet stores and local dog shops. "We took a hit when the economy slowed at the beginning, but, we still sell dogs because people still need love".

Malheiros says, "My parents have been in the business for 15 years, this is a good neighborhood, we work with the vet on 18th street." Again, the dog community is forging its way within the city; this has much to do with location, and park access.


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 striking however, is the city parks that make the decision not to be dog friendly. One such park is the Highline, the newest, uber trendy city park to open, does not allow dogs. When asked to comment, the man on the phone, who declined to give his name, said he thought the reasons were pretty obvious, citing walking traffic and the above ground layout as determining factors.

"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 the city is doing its best to accommodate its pets and owners, 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.

Geoffrey Croft, of New York City Parks Advocates, is on the fence about dogs and parks. “There are several different issues, one being that we do not have properly existing laws for dog owners at parks, another is that many dog owners simply do not understand non-dog owners”.

“I have had a woman tell me that her dog pays taxes too and that it can go to the bathroom on the lawn where a child may be crawling”.

Croft maintains that the laws must be changed, and a balance put into place. “We have the most expensive dog run in the country here in the city, I have certainly tried to help people establish a space for dogs in parks where there is none, I work closely with the community to administer the establishment of better and more dog runs on a daily basis”.

“Some dog owners have a huge disconnect with reality, which makes it hard on all of us.” Croft reflects that the change must begin with an understanding.

Paul Columbia, founder of NYC Dog Walkers has an interesting philosophy on dog people and park behavior, his musing were zen. “Just like anything else, we have to draw the line, shorten the leash”.

“We go on 100,000 dog walks per year, and we try to respect the parks and space, I really believe if you do unto others, as you would do unto yourself we can all coexist, personally, it would be better is people were less absorbed”


“The owners I deal with are very pleasant and we understand each other”, Columbia notes, as he reflects on the different dogs he has dealt with. It seems that in the New York City dog subculture, the few owners who are negligent set a negative tone. However, those who are involved in the dog community understand that only a few dog owners are ignorant and the dog culture of the city is quite fun and playful.

Stefan Marchione, Arsenal Reception at the New York City Parks and Recreational facilities maintains that most parks are very accommodating saying that the health and safety of humans comes first, and that most issues are demographic. “Our rules are put in place by the Department of Health, we simply implement them, and the parks that do not allow dogs off-leash are simply geared toward different activities”.

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. Dogs are a large part of this charm, and the city’s appeal is shaped by this unique relationship it has with its dogs.