If you’re traveling with your four-legged friend to New York City, have no fear! Despite the crowdedness and possibly daunting site of this ‘concrete jungle,’ doggy day cares, gyms, and even pet-friendly bars and restaurants await you.  There’s no reason your furry companion can’t enjoy the trip just as much as you do.   But let’s start with the basics. Here are a few of New York City’s best dog parks to visit on your trip to the Big Apple.

Central Park — West 79th and Transverse Road

The obvious choice, Central Park has many dog friendly paths to take.  You can enjoy the fresh air and scenery just as much as your pooch, but only on a leash.  If you want to go off leash in one of the 23 dog run areas, you can do so in the early morning hours (before 9 a.m.) or later at night (after 9 p.m.).

Prospect Park — 95 Prospect Park West

If you’re heading to Brooklyn, Prospect Park is very big and even has a pool for your pup to cool down on hot summer days.  Large enough to walk long distances, the park also has off-the-leash hours from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Stuyvesant Park Dog Run — 2nd Ave and 17th

Visiting New York will likely take you downtown, and you’ll be near this centrally located dog park.  Dogs can only be walked here on leashes and visitors can also head to the park across the street.

Madison Square Park — East 24th and 5th Ave

This park is in a great location, allows your pup to run off the leash and is in a great location near many tourist locations and accommodations.

Sirius Dog Run — 385 South End Avenue

This paved park is situated downtown in Battery Park and is named after one of the rescue dogs killed in after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.  You may even be able to catch a beautiful view of the Hudson River, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty from here.