Tomorrow, August 26th is National Dog Day. A time to celebrate those that love us unconditionally, never talk back, and rarely have an opinion contrary to ours. We primp them, dress them, quaff them, and walk them at our pace. They are all around us, on leashes, off-leashes, in strollers and body-slings held close to our hearts. New Yorkers are as intense about their pets as they are about everything else, and there are no shortage of shops and services to choose from. Some are outrageously over-the-top, and some are just pretty. For tomorow and any time of the year, here are 10 places in New York City to treat your pup.
10. The Jimmy Choo Canine Collection at Surrey Hotel
The Brazilian artist Rafael Mantes was so inspired by his own English bull terrier, whose name is Jimmy Choo, that he collaborated with the British footwear label, Jimmy Choo, to launch an entire canine collection. The collection, which includes studded leather collars, launched this year in London, Hong Kong and in New York City on the roof garden of the Surrey Hotel on the Upper East Side.
https://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrkXs9kBVec
Not really your style? Here are a few local lux shops we thought were pretty cool too: The New York Dog Shop online only, DoggyStyle located at 46 University Place, Wagwear located at 48 East 11th Street, Zoomies located at 434 Hudson Street, The Barking Zoo located at 172 Ninth Avenue and Wag Club located at 362 Furman Street, Brooklyn.
9. Fetch Club – A Nightclub for Dogs
Fetch Club is what the name suggests, a private canine members club located in the South Street Seaport Historic District. There’s a lot going on in the state–of–the art 13,000 square foot facility. There’s cage–free daycare, with exercise on a treadmill with or without a personal fitness trainer. There’s a doggie Night Club (7 pm to midnight) or a pet hotel. There’s a sibling discount and shuttle service to and from home. Full spa service includes Dead Sea Mud Mask, Aromatherapy, MicroBubble Bath and other equally luscious treatments. Their restaurant provides high-quality meals, catering to specific dietary needs. In the theater, your pet will lounge on a Jax & Bones bed, and enjoy a screening of a classic canine film. Films change daily, so feel free to call ahead for a list of that evenings movies. Shopping is at the entrance to the club, where you’ll find a wide selection of everything canine. Fetch club is located at 85 South Street, in the Historic South Street Seaport District.
8. Ruff Club – A NYC Social Club for Dogs
Daycare never looked so good, and includes live-stream for those with a little anxiety about leaving the dogs. This is a contemporary pet-care hub for canine members whose human friends pay an annual membership fee. Ruff Club is specific to cage–free daycare and overnight care in a lovingly renovated space in the East Village that once was the home to Aces & Eights Saloon by way of Mo’ Pitkins. With an interest in preservation, the owners learned that the building dates back to the 19th century. No frills or grooming here. Their detailed approach to care makes for a safe and comfortable environment for pets, and in the front of the shop, locally roasted coffee and wi-fi in a pet-friendly neighborhood setting for the owners. Ruff Club is located at 34 Avenue A between 2nd and 3rd Street.
7. The Salty Paw Pet Emporium & Groom Spa
Adorable shop Salty Paw Pet Emporium and Groom Spa specializes in pet fashion, with groomers for both cats and dogs. In 2011, they were commissioned by Isaac Mizrahi to dye poodles to match his collection for his Fall fashion show. They sell apparel and accessories by New York designers, and in addition, their own exclusive line of coats, beds, sling bags and lots more. The “Barkery” carries all natural and locally made treats. You can pick up a six-pack of Bouser Beer for Dogs, or arrange to have a portrait painted of your pet. The Salty Paw Pet Emporium & Groom Spa is located at 38 Peck Slip, in the Historic District of the South Street Seaport.
6. Puppy Dining at Barking Dog
You can’t be in better company than bringing your pooch along for a meal on the town. There are many pet-friendly restaurants, but we have to make mention of one that is particularly canine friendly – Barking Dog. Located at 1678 Third Avenue in Yorkville, they are not averse to grilling whatever your pooch desires. Doggie portraits line their walls, and a nicely tiled water fountain is outside for them to have a quick drink. Another great option is Fred’s on the Upper West Side, with dog portraits all over the walls and the tagline “Come, Sit Stay!”
5. Stay the Night at D Pet Hotel in Chelsea
D Pet Hotel’s are a hot spot for celebs pooches in Los Angeles, Scottsdale and, the 10,000 square foot luxury resort and spa in Chelsea. Yes, this is a five–star doggie spa with all the bells and whistles from daycare, hotel, grooming and shopping – they have it all. Suites come in a variety of sizes from standard to über, each with flat screen tvs. Doggie daycare offers three separate dog parks, depending on the size of your dog. Their boutique is loaded with upscale accessories, organic foods and treats. Grooming by doggie stylists. If your pooch prefers a private chef during daycare or an overnight stay, they can be accommodated. Custom photo shoots by Furtographs can also be arranged. Need a ride? A town car will pick them up or bring them home. If you live in L.A., your service might be in a Ferrari, and in Scottsdale, a private plane service! D Pet Hotel Chelsea is located at 104 West 27th Street between 6th and 7th Avenue.
4. A Dog Friendly Cruise around NYC
New York City may be one of the rare locations where you can take your dog on a boat ride, and options range from super upscale like a Transatlantic voyage aboard Queen Mary II‘s “Pet on Deck Program” or the 100% free Staten Island Ferry.
3. Take Your Pup to Work
Take your dog to work! There is even a day for this every year, which was most recently on June 26th. Startups and co-working spaces like WeWork and The Yard are known to be dog friendly. And in case your company is not so favorably inclined, here’s a list provided by the DogVacayBlog of places you might want to start sending your resume.
2. NYC Parks Dog Runs
Dogs are such an integral part of our city that our City Parks know that if they embrace our dogs, we will follow. One of the highest rated, by Curbed NY and CBS is the Tompkins Square Park Dog Run, encompassing 18,500 square feet and includes doggie pools and dog wash. It is also has the honor of being the first dog run in New York City, and aided in the transformation of the park from its tough times in the 1980s and 1990s.
1. Adopting a Dog in NYC
Check out adopting a pet. You can contact the Humane Society of New York, the North Shore Animal League, the ASPCA or many other shelters. Depending on the breed of dog you choose, here’s a fun map of the most popular dog breeds by neighborhood, so you’ll know where you fit in best.
It has been at times, a dog-eat-dog world out there: sidewalk pop problems, anti-pet neighbors, dog DNA testing in New York City apartments, but this is the day to forget what you stepped in, and who barfed in the elevator. It’s time to celebrate National Dog Day!
Next, read about Teddy Roosevelt, Jacob Riis, and the Little Dog Who Changed Homeless Policy in NYC. Get in touch with the author at AFineLyne.
