Beat the Summer Heat at These Dog-Friendly NYC Events
Melody Lee
As summer temperatures skyrocket close to record-breaking highs, NYC residents have been resorting to creative methods to get their dogs toileted, exercised, and satisfied without letting them overheat. In a recent NY Post article, a creative New Yorker mentions that she walks her dog under cloud cover to keep her dog from overheating. If you and your pup are looking to brave the summer heat, New York boasts plenty of indoor and outdoor options. Just don’t forget to keep yourselves hydrated, stay in the shade as needed, and have lots of fun!
Outdoor Events
Summer Splash For Dogs (Fridays, $13): Bond Vet and Manhattan Kayak partnered together to offer a kayaking lesson for you and your dog, followed by 45 minutes of paddling in the cove. Lifejackets provided!
Dog Meetups (Free): Check on Facebook, Meetup.Com and Instagram for meetups in your area. Meetups can be organized by size, location, or breed–whatever floats your boat. Typically running weekly or monthly, meetups are a great way to connect with your local dog community.
Prospect Park Dog Beach (Free): There’s no better way to beat the heat than to take a dip in the water. The Prospect Park Dog Beach allows dogs to splash and swim freely during off-leash hours (6 AM to 9 AM and 9 PM to 1 AM). If you’re looking for an indoor alternative, All Dogs in the City (Astoria) styles itself as a canine recreational resort, complete with pool!
Inwood Hill Park Trail (Free): An easy, 2 mile hike in Manhattan’s only natural park, this trail provides plenty of shade, sights, and smells. Dogs are permitted on leash.
Seventh Heaven Rescue Super Dog 7K (Virtual, $25): A virtual 7k happening nationwide, the Seventh Heaven Rescue encourages dog owners to take their dogs outside, bond over the course of a walk, and raise money all at once. Participants have 10 days to walk, run, bike, skateboard, or even swim a total of 7 km with their dogs.
Bark at the Park (Sept 12, $30): Big sports fan? Or just really love baseballs? This event allows you to bring your dog to a special Mets game at Citi Field. Tickets go quickly for this event, held three times per year. Proceeds support the North Shore Animal League America.
Indoor Events
Furry Friday at the Museum of the Dog (Every other Friday, $25): If you and your dog consider yourselves more of the indoor type, the AKC has you covered. Every other Friday, the museum allows your furry friend to join you on an educational (and air-conditioned) walk through canine history.
Must Love Dogs (and Comedy) (Biweekly, pay what you want): Every other week, Boris & Horton hosts a dog-friendly standup comedy show. The show features up-and-coming LGBTQ+, female, or BIPOC comics, and tickets partially support local rescues and shelters.
Sip and Paint Pet Portrait Fun (weekends, $65): Sip a cocktail, enjoy dinner, and paint a watercolor of your dog at Barking Dog’s UES location. Attendees submit a photo in advance to artist Michele, who provides a drawing for you to color in. Naturally, dogs are welcome to attend!
Korean K9 Rescue Summer Party (July 31, $35-60): Held at the Five Boroughs Brewery in Brooklyn, this is a massive annual summer party for you and your dog. Enjoy the live DJ, drop in on the comedy show, get a photo shoot, or just relax with a beer and enjoy the vibes. Proceeds support Unchain Me, Korea.
Pet First Aid and CPR (Monthly, $30) Taught by the founder of Waggytail Rescue, this low-cost first aid and CPR class is held at dog cafe Boris & Horton. Their goal is to provide pet owners with the tools to recognize the need for and administer emergency care until their pets can reach a veterinarian. Dogs are very welcome, but all demonstrations and practice will be performed on dummy animals.
Breakfast at The Wilson (Reservation only, prices vary): The Wilson invites you and your dog year-round to enjoy brunch together. Taking it a step further than your average dog-friendly restaurant, The Wilson offers a special dog menu, so that your dog can develop a taste for the finer things in life.
Puppy Brunch in Chelsea (Sundays, $40+): Not to be outdone, HOWM Cocina + Cocktails is hosting a puppy brunch with a special doggy menu. Puppy Brunch offers a dogs only table, a pop up pup beauty bar hosted by Pride + Groom, patterned bandanas from The Foggy Dog, and homemade treats and snacks. Proceeds partially support Animal Haven NYC.