The phrase "dog days of summer" can be traced back to ancient Greece and Egypt, when some noticed that Sirius, the brightest star in the sky which is also known as "the dog star," often rose and set with the sun, leading them to think that it was adding to the sun's heat and making weather hotter. These days, "dog days of summer" could refer to the days celebrating dogs throughout the month of August, or Dogust, as some call it.
North Shore Animal League declared August 1 (or DOGust 1) the official birthday for rescue dogs, many of whose actual birthdays aren't known, and National Dog Day on August 26 honors dogs of all breeds, and working dogs as well as pets. Celebrating can be as easy as playing with a beloved pet dog, or the day can also be honored by donating to an animal shelter, reaching out to elected officials to support dog-friendly legislation (e.g., eliminating breed bans), or even adopting a dog from a shelter.
In this article:
Beyond the festivities, dog-friendly living is a priority for many renters and buyers in New York City, where finding the right home often means considering proximity to parks and a building's pet amenities. That was the case for Seattle transplant Courtney Lee, who says she and her boyfriend specifically looked for a home outside of Manhattan to accommodate their dog Parker, a 65-pound, high-energy Australian Cattle Dog mix. They chose Long Island City development Malt Drive, where amenities include JoJo's Pet Club, a doggie daycare exclusive to residents that offers walks, playtime, and photo updates.
Ms. Lee said the building was a "no-brainer" for reasons that included JoJo's, and she isn't the only one to make real estate decisions that factor in her pet. A 2025 report by Zillow found that pet-friendly rentals in New York City are typically rented 26 days faster than those that do not accept pets, the largest gap of any major market.
It is important to mention that "pet-friendly" typically refers to one dog or two cats per unit, and that owners are responsible for keeping their animals well-groomed, addressing complaints about noise or behavior, and cleaning up after them in public areas. Some buildings that claim to be pet-friendly merely tolerate animals' presence, but several developers and landlords recognize the power of the pet parent by including pet-friendly amenities and services to cater to four-legged residents in their buildings.
Even if a building does not offer on-site doggie daycare, grooming, or other pet services, New York offers numerous dog runs across all boroughs, and greenways along the waterfront provide scenic spots for walks. With more options available for pet owners than ever before, the city can be a great place to call home for both you and your furry friend. Below, you'll find some of the city's top dog-friendly parks and runs, along with pet-friendly listings nearby, and dogs currently in search of their forever home.
Babka
Anagram Columbus Circle, #8D (Rose Associates)
91 Central Park West, #4A (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)
Iago
250 Mercer Street, #B1108 (R New York)
The Residences at West 9th Street, #5-A
$2,050,000
Greenwich Village | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 706 ft2
The Residences at West 9th Street, #5-A (Reuveni LLC)
Marlon
Chelsea Modern, #4C (Serhant)
The Cortland, #19AW (Sothebys International Realty)
Coconut
7W21, #1502 (Rose Associates)
10 Madison Square West, #2G
$4,998,000
Flatiron/Union Square | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, Unknown Baths | 2,365 ft2
10 Madison Square West, #2G (Modlin Group LLC)
Tompkins Square Park
East Village
East Village
Bob Dylan
Steiner East Village, #6C (Corcoran Group)
Hunter's Point South Park dog run
Long Island City
Long Island City
Darla
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Just complete the info below.
Or call us at (212) 755-5544
Malt Drive North Tower, #632 (TF Cornerstone)
Gantry Plaza State Park dog run
Long Island City
Long Island City
Louie-Bloo Raspberry
5241 Center Boulevard, #4503 ()
Hillside Dog Park
DUMBO/Brooklyn Heights
DUMBO/Brooklyn Heights
Ginger Spice
Pierhouse at Brooklyn Bridge Park, #N808
$3,450,000
Brooklyn Heights | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 1,814 ft2
Pierhouse at Brooklyn Bridge Park, #N808 (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)
Sirius Dog Run
Battery Park City
Battery Park City
Taco
Gateway Plaza Battery Park City, #35B
$5,600 (-4.2%)
Battery Park City | Rental | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 717 ft2
Gateway Plaza Battery Park City, #35B (Rentals Manager)
Liberty Terrace, #8A
$1,495,000 (-3.5%)
Battery Park City | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 873 ft2
Liberty Terrace, #8A (Battery Park Realty Inc)
Pier 84 Dog Park is the perfect spot in Midtown for dogs who enjoy some fresh air with a scenic view—or perhaps it's their owners who will appreciate the sights! Located in Hell’s Kitchen, this spacious park gives pups plenty of room to play and socialize. Nearby conveniences include bus lines M42 and M50, subway lines A, C, and E, as well as accessible restrooms and food options. Don't forget to stop by Hook’d on the Hudson for a snack while your dog enjoys the park!
Camilla
Atelier, #40D (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
Fort Greene Park
Zandoli
Eighty Nine Dekalb, #23C (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
137 Carlton Avenue, #2A
$1,395,000 (-3.8%)
Fort Greene | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,097 ft2
137 Carlton Avenue, #2A (Corcoran Group)
Brooklyn Point, #63H (The Agency Brokerage)
Ghost
One Domino Square, #PH3B (Two Trees Development Marketing LLC)
One Domino Square, #905 (Two Trees Management Co)
6sqft delivers the latest on real estate, architecture, and design, straight from New York City.