From dog parks to pet stores, these dog-friendly NYC suburbs have everything your four-legged friend needs.
Making sure your pup feels at home is a big part of the moving process. But pet parents don’t have to worry — there are tons of dog-friendly suburbs just outside of the city.
#1. Northport (Long Island)
Main Street’s wide sidewalks are perfect for dog walkers plus you’ll pass a ton of pet-friendly eateries along the way. Enjoy a craft beer on the patio at Sand City Brewing Co. or grab a bite to eat at Rockin’ Fish. You can also stop by PetPort for toys, food, or grooming services.
#2. Glen Cove (Long Island)
There are tons of spots to let your dog run around and play in Glen Cove, including the Garvies Point and Dennis Murray Park — both of which have kids’ playgrounds right next door. And if your dog likes to splash around? Take them to Mercadante Beach, also at Garvies Point.
For those heading out of town — or if your dog needs a walk or daycare — check out House of the Woofers. This local spot offers a “bed-and-breakfast-like atmosphere” for your pup and has a big backyard for running around.
#3. Peekskill (Westchester)
If you love spending the weekends with your dog, you’re in luck. Peekskill has tons of things you and your pet can do together. Head to the Peekskill Dog Park to let your pup run around while you meet other local dog owners.
Blue Mountain Reservation is a sprawling park with miles of trails. Bring your dog on a leash and explore the great outdoors together. After, make your way to the pet-friendly patio at River Outpost Brewing Co. for a post-hike beer.
#4. Mamaroneck/Larchmont (Westchester)
The neighboring Westchester towns of Mamaroneck and Larchmont are perfect for pet-lovers. When you want to get outside with your pup, you can go for a hike in the Otter Creek Preserve or a nature walk in Sheldrake Environmental Center.
There are several dog-friendly eateries in the area as well, including Lazy Boy Saloon in Mamaroneck plus a popular picnic area outside Walter’s Hot Dogs. When you need boarding, grooming services, or veterinarian care, there’s Village Animal Hospital.
#5. Pleasantville (Westchester)
Rockefeller State Park Preserve features wide carriage roads that are great for hiking with kids or dogs. There’s also a small fenced-in dog park in town where you can meet other local pet parents.
If you’re looking for an outdoor spot to eat, consider the dog-friendly patio at Wood & Fire Pizza. And Pleasantville Grooming is where you can go in town to make sure your pet looks its best.
#6. Fairfield (Connecticut)
Connecticut beaches are pet-friendly in the offseason so Jennings Beach is a hotspot for dog lovers from October to May. Lake Mohegan Recreational Area is a great option year-round for outdoor enthusiasts to hike with their pups.
For your pet supply needs visit Woofgang & Co. This local nonprofit sells all-natural treats and toys while also helping adults with disabilities gain vocational skills. The pet-friendly patio Flipside Burgers and Bar is especially popular on sunny days- they even have a few items on a doggie menu.
#7. Greenwich (Connecticut)
Take your dog for a stroll along the charming Greenwich Ave. Tons of shop owners leave water bowls out for the pups. If you get hungry, Terra Ristorante Italiano has a dog-friendly patio.
Grass Island Dog Park is a nice fenced-in play area with views of the water. And the 300-acre Babcock Preserve is the place to go when you want to explore the woods with your dog. Greenwich also has tons of vets, including Greenwich Animal Hospital which offers grooming and daycare in addition to wellness services.
#8. Stamford (Connecticut)
Stamford is packed with places to take your dog. Half Full Brewery and Lock City Brewing are two spots to meet up with other pup-loving locals. Stamford Dog Park is a great open area to let your dog run around- there’s even a playground nearby for the kids.
Camp Bow Wow is your one-stop shop for grooming, doggie daycare, dog walking, and boarding. And for veterinary services, there’s Stamford Veterinary Center, which also offers boarding for both cats and dogs.
#9. Norwalk (Connecticut)
Cranbury Park has a popular dog park plus trails where you can take your pup on a hike. With a PetSmart and Petco in town, you won’t have any trouble getting food or toys for your furry friend. And don’t worry about finding a vet- Norwalk Animal Hospital has you covered. They offer dental care, wellness services, and boarding for cats and dogs.
Main Street is great for a stroll. Consider stopping at Burger Bar & Bistro for a drink on their dog-friendly patio. There’s also the outdoor seating at Sedona Taphouse on West Ave, which happens to be across the street from The Neon Dog.
#10. Maplewood (New Jersey)
Every summer, Maplewood’s pups get to take over the Maplewood Pool for the Dog Days of Summer Event. But the fun doesn’t stop there. Throughout the year, you can take your four-legged friend to the South Mountain Dog Park. This nature reserve also has plenty of trails to explore.
For your pet’s wellness needs, there’s Valley Veterinary Hospital and Bubbles & Bath Pet Grooming Spa.
#11. Montclair (New Jersey)
Montclair is one of the most pet-friendly towns around. There are tons of restaurants where you can bring your dog, like Toast and Uncle Momo. Besides eateries, there’s the Brookdale Dog Park, which has shaded benches for pet parents.
Pups@Play offers everything from boarding to veterinary services to dog training. And L&B Healthy Pet Market sells pet food and treats that you can feel good about feeding to your furry friend.
#12. Ridgewood (New Jersey)
Wholistic Paws is the spot for high-quality pet food in Ridgewood. There are also a bunch of groomers in town, so you won’t have any trouble finding someone to make your pet look great. VCA Ridgewood Veterinary Hospital offers boarding and both emergency and routine services for cats and dogs.
The huge Ridgewood Dog Park is a favorite with locals and a perfect place to meet other dog owners. This shaded park features a separate large dog area and has plenty of benches. If brunch with your pup is your thing, check out the outdoor seating at Raymond’s.
#13. Wood Dale County Park (New Jersey)
Dogs can run off-leash in a sprawling grassy section of this 118-acre park. Don’t worry if you forget something — you’ll find plenty of toys for your pup to play with. Plus the dog park provides drinking water and plastic bags for cleaning up after your pup. And when you’re done? Just outside of the dog park, you’ll find a playground, picnic tables, and a walkway that travels around the fishing pond. Bring lunch, lace up your sneakers, and spend the afternoon exploring.
#14. Orange Reservoir Loop at South Mountain Preserve (New Jersey)
When both you and your dog want to get out and go, the Orange Reservoir with South Mountain Preserve is the perfect place to stop. The 1.8-mile loop around the reservoir is flat, paved, and dog-friendly. Just be sure to keep your pup on a leash as you travel along the scenic path. And, because of the location, you’re just steps from a variety of South Mountain Preserve activities including an ice rink, mini-golf, an adventure course, swan boats at the waterfront and, of course, the Turtleback Zoo.
#14. Hilltop Dog Park (New Jersey)
One of the newest dog parks in the area, Hilltop Dog Park spans nearly 35,000 square feet, with a ¼-acre run for small dogs and more than ½-acre devoted to large dogs. Once inside, there’s plenty of agility apparatus for pups to play, plus water fountains and lots of seating for pet parents.
#15. Saddle River County Park: Wild Duck Pond Area (New Jersey)
This park includes two fenced-in areas to let your pup off-leash — one area is designed for large dogs over 20 pounds and the other is for smaller pups. The shaded dog runs also include water fountains, benches, and trash cans to make it easier to clean up after.
#15. Ossining Dog Park (New York)
For an annual membership fee of $20, Ossining residents and their four-legged friends can enjoy the two-acre dog run in Cedar Lane Park. The fenced-in park offers separate areas for small and large dogs. There are plenty of shaded seating areas, a water station, and waste bags. And — bonus — you won’t have to worry about muddy paws since the ground is covered in wood chips instead of dirt.
#15. Eisenhower Dog Park (New York)
Since 2017, pet parents from Glen Cove, Sea Cliff, Glen Head, and surrounding areas have flocked to the Dennis Brian Murray Park. It’s a great place to meet people — you can even get more involved in the community by volunteering with the Glen Cove Dog Park Committee. The park is free to use and has a doggie water fountain, separate areas for small and large pups plus shaded seating areas. There’s also a playscape adjacent to the dog run, so parents can keep their eyes on both kids and dogs.
#16. Grass Island Dog Park (Connecticut)
This dog run offers stunning views of the water, but we’re guessing your pup will be too busy playing to notice. After letting your dog run around in the ¾-acre fenced-in field, you can take them for a stroll on the dog walking trail nearby. With so many dog-friend suburbs, how do you narrow down the perfect one for your family? The answer- you don’t do it alone. Get a Suburban Jungle Strategist to help you (and Fido) through it all.
Ready to find the suburb that checks all of your boxes? We’re here to help! Schedule your FREE Suburbs Strategy session today.