Are you planning to move to the concrete jungle to make your dreams a reality but wondering what’s it like living in NYC with a big dog? Or, maybe you’re already a New Yorker and decided you’re now ready to become a new dog parent to a big dog? Being a first-time dog mom to a Siberian Husky and living in NYC, it’s possible. Here’s what you need to know, so you’re well prepared for this next exciting chapter in your life!
Set aside money from every paycheck just for your dog
First, living in NYC is already expensive. Second, adding your dog’s expenses to your NYC lifestyle is going to be CRAZY expensive. The cost of veterinary care in NYC is generally much higher (pet insurance is a must-have. Read about why you need pet insurance here). Another option is to get a dog walker, which is still not cheap. I WOULD NOT recommend Rover, the dog walking/boarding service company, to anyone. I’ve had close friends who had an awful experience. There are also a lot of horror stories I’ve read about from other dog parents in Facebook groups. Please research about them before letting them take care of your pup.
Dog daycare will cost you about $55 per day. Most daycares offer packages with a discount and webcams so you can see what your dog is up. And yes, I believe dog daycare is an excellent option if you’re away at work for more than 6 hours a day. It’s not fair to crate your dog all day and your dog will not thrive without any physical and mental stimulation. If you need to board your dog, it will cost you about $75+ a night.
Look for a dog-friendly apartment that allows big dogs and your specific breed.
Not every NYC apartment allows big dogs and certain breeds, so make sure you ask about that and have it in writing before signing a lease. I’ve heard too many times from Facebook groups, “I need to re-home my dog because my landlord found out I have a big dog.” That’s not cool, and it’s your bad.
Think about which floor you want to live on. How easy will it be when you take your dog for a walk? Will there be elevators or stairs? If you have an older senior dog, these are good questions to think about.
I have tips on living in an apartment with a big dog, and you can check it out here. If you’re looking for dog-friendly apartments now, check out TF Cornerstone properties. We chose to stay with them because I love how dog-friendly they are, and their building management is on point! If you plan to see and apply to any of their buildings, please let them know I (Elaine Le) referred you! ?
NYS Law requires your dog to be vaccinated
Based on New York State mandates, your pup is required to get a rabies vaccine. The first rabies shot is due between 3 and 4 months of age. They also need a booster shot one year later and then again every one to four years.
If you plan on taking your pup to dog daycare, they’ll need the required vaccines below and yearly poop exams.
- DAPP (a.k.a. DHPP) Vaccine
- Leptospirosis Vaccine
- Bordetella (Sometimes Called Canine Kennel Cough) Vaccine
- Canine Influenza Virus (Dog Flu) Vaccine
NYC Department of Health requires your dog to be licensed
As per the NYC Health Department, all dogs living in NYC must have a license, and it must be attached to their collars at all times. Licensing your dog will cost between $8.50 – $34, not including fines, late fees, or lost tag costs. You must also provide proof of your pup’s current rabies vaccination. To apply for the license and for more info, go to NYC Health Department.
Getting Around the City with a big dog
With big dogs, you’ll either have to walk around the city or put your pup in a carrier. Unless your dog is a service dog, they’re only allowed on NYC subways, buses, and METRO-North trains if they’re in a carrier. As for NYC ferries, dogs need to be kept in carriers, or they must be muzzled. Although I’ve seen people use a K-9 Sport Sack to carry their pups, I don’t think my back can take it since Gatsby is like 70 pounds! ? But, if your big dog is still a small puppy, it will work! Another option is to get a large stroller.
If you plan to take a taxi to get around, your dog is allowed only if the driver is OK with it. Thank god for Uber Pets these days!
We live in Long Island City, right across the East River from Manhattan, and usually, drive into the city and walk around from there.
You’re going to need a car if you want to head out of the city for a weekend adventure like hiking Upstate with your pup. A monthly parking spot in NYC parking garages can easily cost about $450, so renting a car for the day is another option!
Provide enough physical exercise and mental stimulation for your pup
Living in NYC with a big dog means you need to provide your pup with extra physical exercise and mental stimulation so they can thrive. If you’re moving to the heart of NYC, chances are you won’t have a yard for your pup to run around. The good thing is that many dog parks are fenced in for your pup to run free and meet other dogs. You can search for dog parks from NYC Parks.
And then, there’s beautiful Central Park! You’re allowed to let your dog run off-leash in the mornings before 9 am and at night after 9 pm. You’ll often find us here on Sundays, where we take a stroll by Bethesda Fountain and then to Bow Bridge.
As for mental stimulation for your pup, I shared eight ways to fight boredom.
Protect your dog’s paws from walking on concrete with paw wax
Prevent your dog’s paws from cracking and bleeding while they step on the concrete jungle with paw wax. We use Musher’s paw wax because it’s the safest, non-toxic and non-allergenic paw wax in the market. The cool thing about this wax is that a semi-permeable shield is absorbed into your dog’s paws, allowing perspiration to escape through their toes. It provides a barrier of protection. Gatsby uses this all year round because it protects him from the ice melt in the Winter and hot pavement during the Summer.
There are already so many people living in NYC with a big dog, so it’s doable. Moving to an NYC apartment with your big dog won’t be difficult. As long as you’re well prepared and willing to put in some extra effort (and money ?) to meet your pup’s needs, you and your big dog will be living the dream in NYC in no time!
Want to see more of what our life is like in NYC? Check out our YouTube Channel!
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