It is possible to have a dog in New York, but there are certain rules and regulations to follow. Dog owners must register their pet with New York City and obtain a dog owner’s license. There are also size limits for dogs in some apartment buildings and in public parks. It is important to learn about the laws and rules before getting a dog in New York.
Licence
All dogs living in New York, including assistance dogs, must have a dog license issued by the Department of Health. Licenses must be renewed annually.
You can apply for, renew or replace a dog license online or by mail. You can also get the status of a dog license application or renewal.
If your dog does not live with you in New York City, you should contact New York State or your local health department for information on registering your dog in your area.
Cleanliness
Owners must keep their property, adjoining sidewalks and gutters clean, even if they do not own the domestic or wild animal responsible.
At the restaurant
You can bring a dog to a restaurant only if you are seated in an outdoor area. Restaurants are not required to accept it.
Dogs must be kept on a leash or in a cage and cannot eat at the table or be served with dishes or utensils intended for customers.
You cannot feed a dog using the dishes you brought from home.
leashes
All dogs in public places in New York City must be leashed. The leash must not exceed 1.80 m in length.
You can report an off-leash dog in a park, apartment building, and other public places.
Dog-friendly areas in parks
Some areas of city parks allow dogs to be off-leash. Dogs in off-leash areas must have a license and their owners must have proof of rabies vaccination.
You can bring up to three dogs at a time on a dog run.
In addition to the dog areas, some unfenced areas of the park allow dogs to roam off-leash from park opening until 9 a.m. and from 9 p.m. until park closing.
