Pets

Best Dog Run

EAST RIVER ESPLANADE DOG RUN

East 63rd Street at the East River

This Upper East Side dog run in Andrew Haswell Green Park boasts great views of the East River and Queensboro Bridge, has separate small and large dog runs, a hose to rinse off your pooch and lots of seating for owners to watch their dog and enjoy the scenery. It’s also well-maintained, which is key for any dog run.

72ND STREET DOG RUN

West 72nd Street and Riverside Drive

www.dogrun72.org

One of five dog runs located throughout Riverside Park on the Upper West Side, the one at 72nd Street stands out for its neighborhood feel, regular upkeep, loads of seating and shade and separate large and small dog sections. The volunteer-run Riverside Park Dog Owner’s Group helps maintain and advocate for all the park’s dog runs.

WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK

Base of Fifth Avenue between MacDougal Street and University Place

www.wspdogrun.org

The community is strong at this dog run, which has a weekly newsletter and a fundraising calendar that features dog run regulars. As for the dog runs themselves, there are two separate ones for large and small dogs, both with plenty of shade and seating for owners and room to run for Fido.

Best Pet Store

FURRY PAWS

1705 Third Ave.

212-828-5308

Whether you’re in search of specialty food for your four-legged friend, or need some last-minute accessories, Furry Paws can help you out. It’s the type of place where you and your pet can quickly become regulars. The independent pet store offers free delivery, so you don’t have to lug large dog food bags all the way home.

PET CENTRAL

235 West 76th St.

212-712-1707

www.petcentralnyc.com

This Pet Central location has won over pet owners with its friendly and knowledgeable service, wide selection of cat and dog food (especially organic and grain-free options), competitive prices and free same-day delivery in Manhattan. If it isn’t on the selves, the store will gladly order it for you. Regulars are prone to stop in for a treat with their pooch and say hello.

ZOOMIES

434 Hudson St.

212-462-4480

www.zoomiesnyc.com

Treat your pet at this West Village boutique. It’s stocked with artisanal goods like Bocce’s Bakery’s all-natural dog biscuits, crochet toys, fashionable carriers and luxurious beds (there’s even a pet tent). Zoomies also has its own line of biscuits and grooming products, including organic shampoo and stain and odor remover.

Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants

BARKING DOG

1678 Third Ave.

212-831-1800

www.barkingdog94.com

The theme at this Upper East Side staple is canine, from the name (of course) to its signature outdoor water fountain for dogs. Grab a seat on the patio to dine with your pooch. Dog owners like the happy hour deal and getting the chance to dine with their fur baby in a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere.

FRED’S

476 Amsterdam Ave.

212-579-3076

www.fredsnyc.com

The walls of the Upper West Side bistro are all about dog appreciation, with framed pictures of man’s best friend all over (many of which are local). When you bring your pooch IRL to dine al fresco, the attentive staff makes sure the guest of honor is accommodated and has water. Cats aren’t forgotten, either - you’ll just have to head to the restroom for a dedicated wall.

THE WILSON

132 West 27th St.

212-529-2671

www.thewilsonnyc.com

You know a place is dog-friendly when it has its own, designated dog menu. The Chelsea restaurant launched said menu to much fanfare this past spring. Dishes resemble something you’d find on the “people” menu and include a 16-oz. grilled ribeye steak, pan-roasted salmon and grilled chicken breast.

Best Rescue

ASPCA ADOPTION CENTER

424 East 92nd St.

212-876-7700 ext. 4120

www.aspca.org

The ASPCA is one of the biggest names in animal rescue. Its Upper East Side adoption center has dogs and cats ready to go home. It also travels throughout the city for mobile adoption and low-cost spay and neutering services. Need medical treatment? The on-site animal hospital provides urgent care to pet owners on a limited income.

NEIGHBORHOOD CATS

2472 Broadway

212-662-5761

www.neighborhoodcats.org

Feral cats are the focus of this pioneering and influential Upper West Side rescue. The organization lays claim to inventing and popularizing mass trapping, in which whole colonies of feral cats are trapped, spayed or neutered and then returned. It also has co-designed equipment, such as a trap that aids in getting hard-to-catch felines. That’s all in an effort to reduce intake and euthanasia rates at local shelters.

ANIMAL HAVEN

200 Centre St.

212-274-8511

www.animalhaven.org

The Lower Manhattan animal shelter has been helping abandoned cats and dogs since 1967, working to assist pet owners and prevent pet relinquishment. It is home to Helping Pets and People in Crisis, which assists those at risk of losing their pets, while its Pet Assistance and Resource Center provides support and education on pet ownership in at-risk communities. Of course, it also connects cats and dogs with new owners, with comprehensive bios on its website.

Best Daycare

CANINE RETREAT BY AKC

1105 First Ave.

212-317-1222

www.akccanineretreat.com

The Upper East Side outpost is one of six NYC “retreats” run by the American Kennel Club. The East 60th Street location, as it’s known, boasts two large play spaces. For movement outside of the daycare, AKC’s walking and jogging services are available. Additionally, boarding, training and grooming are on offer to meet all your pet’s needs.

PLAYGROUND PUPS

664 Amsterdam Ave.

212-362-5221

www.playgroundpups.com

Upper West Siders are fans of this dog destination, which offers daily daycare, as well as boarding, grooming and training. On Saturdays, the space also hosts a free puppy playgroup, with sessions for small and large dog breeds. You can take care of all your dog’s needs in one spot, from grooming services during daycare to weekend playtime.

CIAO BOW WOW

11 Maiden Lane, 2nd Floor

212-952-9300

www.ciaobowwowny.com

Marking dogs’ birthdays is just one of the ways this FiDi daycare pays special attention to its charges. It keeps dogs on a routine, so they better adjust to the space, and provides accommodations like medication and as-needed bath free of charge. Grooming services are also available on-site, along with treats, clothing, toys and collars at its boutique - perfect if you’re in a pinch at pick-up.

Best Groomer

DOGGY STYLEZ

356 East 87th St.

212-996-4000

www.doggystylezny.com

Pet owners appreciate how easy it is to get an appointment, especially for last-minute emergency grooming situations. Walk-ins are welcome at the Upper East Side salon, too. Grooming services include your nail clippings and shaves, as well as anesthesia-free teeth scaling. They have a special way with dogs that are anxious about grooming.

SNOWBALL’S SALON

943 Columbus Ave.

212-666-4606

www.snowballsalon.com

The Manhattan Valley groomer is named after the owner’s dog. Customers find the staff treat their fur babies like one of their own. From shining coats to teeth brushing, your dog will look like a puppy again. After coming in once, clients tend to make it their go-to groomer, returning for years.

PUPCULTURE

521 Broome St.

212-925-2090

www.pupculture.com

Drop off your pooch for the grooming services and treat them to a bath based on their breed, age and sensitivity. Beyond dog grooming, the SoHo shop - which also has locations in TriBeCa and Roosevelt Island - offers daycare, boarding and walking services. Plus find pet supplies like beds, treats, toys and carriers. With all that, it can become your one-stop shop for taking care of your little guy.