Living in New York City with a dog is a full-time adventure, and if you're planning to travel around the city (or beyond) with your furry sidekick, preparation is everything. Whether you're navigating subways, hailing cabs, or planning a weekend trip to the Hamptons, this guide will help make your travels stress-free, stylish, and safe—for both of you.
Let’s dive into the ultimate travel guide for NYC dog parents who are always on the go.
🐾 1. Know the Local Rules
NYC is surprisingly dog-friendly, but there are rules to follow:
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Subways & Buses: Dogs must be in carriers (or in a bag, if you’ve seen those creative big-dog-in-an-IKEA-bag moments).
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Taxis & Rideshares: Many Uber and Lyft drivers allow dogs, especially if they're small and well-behaved—but always confirm before booking.
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Ferries: The NYC Ferry allows leashed dogs on outdoor decks or crated dogs inside.
Pro Tip: Keep a collapsible bag or soft-sided carrier on hand for quick subway hops with small pups.
🎒 2. Pack Like a Pro
Your dog’s travel bag should be just as curated as yours.
Here’s your NYC dog travel checklist:
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Dogistry harness (SoHo for small dogs, NoMad for medium-larger)
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Dogistry City Leash or Hands-Free Leash (depending on your destination)
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Collapsible water bowl
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Portable water bottle
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Extra poop bags (don’t be that person)
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Treats or calming chews
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Blanket or small mat for settling
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Vet and emergency info
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Apple AirTag in the NoMad harness tech pocket (for safety!)
You’re not just going for a walk—you’re city adventuring.
🚶♀️ 3. Choose the Right Gear
City travel requires versatile gear. Your pup should be secure, stylish, and comfortable.
Best Travel Harnesses:
🖤 SoHo Step-In Harness (Perfect for small dogs)
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Lightweight and breathable
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Escape-resistant with secure Velcro + buckles
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Award-winning innovation from the 2023 Independent Pet Innovation Awards
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Front D-ring = no-pull, city-safe walks
🖤 NoMad Over-the-Head Harness (Ideal for 25–50 lb dogs)
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Padded grab handle for close-quarters travel
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Reflective trim for low-light movement
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Built-in tech pocket for your AirTag
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Adjustable, snug fit for active adventures
Best Leashes for Traveling:
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Adjusts from 2–5 ft for navigating tight spaces or open walks
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Secure-in-place handle for extra grip in busy stations
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Bungee design absorbs tugs—perfect for smooth urban travel
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Wear it crossbody or around the waist
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Ideal when you’re juggling bags, phones, or coffee
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Awarded “Leash of the Year” for a reason!
🚖 4. Taking Taxis, Ubers & Lyfts
Not all rideshare drivers accept dogs, so follow these steps:
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Select “Uber Pet” when booking, if available
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Send a message to the driver before pickup: “Hi! I’m traveling with a small, well-behaved dog. Is that okay?”
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Always bring a blanket or carrier to protect the seats
Bonus Tip: Carry treats and keep your dog leashed inside the vehicle. A calm dog = a happy driver.
🏨 5. Staying Overnight with Your Dog
If you’re doing a staycation or heading out of town, make sure your accommodation is dog-friendly.
Dog-friendly hotels in NYC include:
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1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge (Brooklyn)
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The Ludlow Hotel (Lower East Side)
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The William Vale (Williamsburg)
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Loews Regency (Upper East Side)
Always call ahead and ask:
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Are there size/breed restrictions?
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Is there an extra pet fee?
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Are there dog amenities (beds, bowls, etc.)?
Pack a blanket or crate so your dog feels at home wherever you are.
🧺 6. Plan Dog-Friendly Outings
NYC has a surprising number of pup-approved spots:
Dog Parks:
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Tompkins Square Dog Run
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Madison Square Park
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Prospect Park (off-leash hours)
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Hudson River Park
Dog-Friendly Restaurants:
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Barking Dog (UES)
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Boris & Horton (East Village)
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Lucky Dog (Brooklyn)
Weekend Escapes:
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Montauk
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Beacon, NY (Metro-North accessible)
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The Catskills
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Cold Spring
Just make sure your dog is comfortable with crowds, travel, and new environments. If not, start with short, simple trips to build confidence.
🎧 7. Prepare for Loud Noises and Busy Crowds
If your dog is new to the city or gets overwhelmed:
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Use calming chews or a Thundershirt
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Stick to quieter neighborhoods like Fort Greene, West Village, or Battery Park
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Take breaks in shaded, quiet areas (find a patch of grass or a park bench)
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Use your Dogistry harness’s padded handle for quick control
Remember: The SoHo and NoMad harnesses are designed to be snug, secure, and comforting—great for nervous travelers.
🕶 8. Stay Stylish (Because It’s NYC)
Dogistry was born for the city dog. Our products blend form + function to help pups and their people stand out while staying safe.
Why City Dogs & Their Parents Love Dogistry:
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Luxe colors + materials
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Award-winning harness innovation
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Versatile leash options for every walking style
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Practical details like AirTag pockets, reflective trim, and padded grab handles
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Matching walking sets for coordinated style on every outing
When you're strutting through SoHo or brunching in Brooklyn, you and your pup will turn heads.
🛍 9. Shop Smart Before You Go
Before your next travel day, stock up on:
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Matching harness + leash sets
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Extra waste bags + dispensers
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Travel bowls and treat pouches
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Your pup’s favorite chews or calming aids
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Pet wipes for on-the-go cleanup
Shop Dogistry’s Luxe Dog Walking Sets for fashion-forward function that keeps you ready for anything NYC throws your way.
🚀 Final Thoughts
Traveling with your dog in NYC doesn’t have to be stressful. With smart planning, the right gear, and a touch of Dogistry style, every walk, trip, and Uber ride becomes part of your pup's next great adventure.
Whether you're catching a train, hailing a cab, or heading to brunch, Dogistry’s award-winning harnesses and leashes are designed to keep your dog safe, secure, and oh-so-chic.
Ready to make city travel a breeze?
Explore Dogistry.com for harnesses, leashes, and full walking sets that work as hard as you do.
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