New NYC Dog Arrivals

Choosing an NYC Apartment

When choosing an apartment in New York City, it's important to be absolutely clear on the building's pet policy. A growing number of apartment buildings in Manhattan are tightening their restrictions on dogs, with some banning them outright. Don't worry though - there are more than enough apartments in New York City to choose from and with over a million dogs here, there is always going to be a huge market for pet friendly buildings. Newer buildings tend to be more dog friendly than older buildings. When inquiring about a building's pet policy, don't just take the broker's word for it - you're better off contacting the building management directly, or even asking other tenants. Some buildings allow dogs but have restrictions on size, weight or breed - you don't want to sign a lease only to find out later that your dog is larger than the rules allow.

Other things you might want to consider are size and location. Many people make the mistake of thinking that small apartments are not suitable for a dog but just remember, if you're fine in that space then your dog - who is many times smaller than you - probably is too. Of course you probably want to avoid moving into a tiny studio with a Great Dane! Location can be important and if your dog needs a lot of exercise then it helps to live near a dog run or park. Living near a river is great because river paths allow you non-stop exercise without having to stop at every intersection.

NYC Dog Life

Many people move to New York City with their dogs from an area in which there was plenty of open space for their dog to run around and worry that NYC dog life is not going to be so good for them. But the fact is that NYC dogs have a great life and are immensely happy - we can put our hands on our hearts and attest to that! Let's look at the positives. First of all, New York City is exciting and stimulating. There are so many colorful sights, sounds and smells in this city that it can be an intoxicating place for a dog. If your pooch likes to sniff, they're going to have a field day here! There is no doubt at all that Manhattan has a stimulating effect on dogs and it can do wonders for their general confidence and temperament.

Secondly, NYC dogs have it better than others when it comes to socialization! Meeting other dogs is a highly important part of canine life, just as meeting other people is an important part of ours. It is not uncommon during a thirty minute walk in Manhattan to pass ten or more dogs in the street and your dog is going to love all of those stop 'n' sniffs! If you're worried about exercise then don't be - enlisting the services of a good NYC dog walker is all part of NYC dog life and means your pooch can have his or her legs stretched however many times you like during the day. Additionally, you're going to love the NYC dog run culture. Dog runs are a sight to behold - up to 20 or 30 fun loving dogs having the time of their lives together, play wrestling, chasing balls and generally getting as much exercise, if not more, than they would off leash in a park or on the beach. NYC dog life is a treat and you have nothing to worry about!

NYC Dog Runs

If you're wondering where energetic NYC dogs get their exercise then look no further than your local dog run. These dedicated, fenced off areas for dogs are one of the best things about NYC dog life! There is something to be said for regular on-leash street walking - it's a good time to work on issues of self-control and discipline as well as letting your dog get a wide sense of the neighborhood through its sights, sounds and smells. But as far as exercise and socialization goes, nothing beats a good old session in the dog run!

It's also a great place for you to meet other NYC dog owners and trade knowledge, advice and dog stories. You'll really get a good sense of the NYC dog scene from talking to people in the run. Thousands of lifelong friendships have been forged in them. Plus, it's just great to watch a bunch of dogs really enjoying themselves! Some runs have separate areas for small dogs, although don't worry too much if your nearest one doesn't. Many NYC dog owners have found that their shy or timid dog has gained much confidence from their time in the run with other dogs. If yours likes to wrestle, it'll quickly make friends with others that do too. Don't be surprised if they fall fast asleep as soon as they get home - there is no better way for your dog to burn off those calories.

Of course any environment in which dogs play together off leash comes with a certain level of responsibility and most runs are reassuringly strict about rules of engagement, behavior and courtesy. These include: not bringing aggressive or unneutered dogs into the run, keeping a close eye on your dog at all times, intervening in cases of canine dispute, cleaning up and hosing down after your dog, not bringing too many dogs into the run, leaving food and treats at home and so on. You'll find that most runs are a close-knit community that police themselves and as long as you obey the rules and show common sense and courtesy, you and your dog will fit in well. Don't be surprised if they memorize the route to the dog run after the first visit and drag you there every day from then on!

NYC dogs and the law

NYC's health code says that your dogs must be licensed, have up to date rabies shots and wear the tags to prove it at all times when out in public. NYC dog laws aren't just for the city's benefit - they're for your benefit too. Being licensed and wearing the correct tags makes your dog stand far more chance of being reunited with you should you ever become separated.

You should make sure that you have all of your dog's documentation, including medical history (rabies shots etc), in order as soon as you get here. Don't put off registering at a vet's office upon arrival - do it straight away. If your dog is up to date with rabies shots then you should make an appoinment for the next booster...the first shot should be given no later than four months of age, the second a year later and all subsequent boosters either annually, or depending on the type of vaccine, every three years.

New York City enforces a number of laws concerning dogs and dogs ownership; most of them are common sense and responsible dog owners won't find themselves breaking any inadvertently. They include: picking up after your dog, keeping noise to a minimum, having control of them at all times in public and keeping them on a leash no longer than 6ft when outside, unless they're in a designated off-leash area.