New to the Chelsea, NYC area, new dog parent or taking care of a friend or relative’s up for the weekend? We got you! The first place many dog carers and parents like to scout out is you got it- their local dog parks! Where are these dog runs in 10011 and what are the pros and cons of each. Small dogs love to socialize just as much as bigger dogs and also enjoy the sniffing and strolling about town as well as the opportunity to meet other dog breeds similar and different to them- hence the rise of specific local dog breed meet-ups were seeing more of in Manhattan and around the other boroughs.
Small dog parents generally prefer smaller dog runs if that is what their specific dog likes and they feel more comfortable knowing their dog might not accidently get trampled or into a scuffle.Even if your dog is just “standing around” this can be a great start to exposing your dog to dog behaviors and ways to properly socialize before they jump off the deep end and start playing.
Maltipoo enjoying the small dog run in Madison Square Park, just minutes walking from the Chelsea, NYC neighborhood in Manhattan.
1. Jemmy’s Dog Run (Madison Square Park)
Nestled just a few blocks from Petsmart in the Flatiron district, this small dog run is newly remodeled and has both a small dog and large dog run. There are hills and a small running creek with fresh water. The dog run has astroturf and is generally well cleaned and maintained thanks for many volunteers and dog parents.
Pros for small dogs
- Small and large dog parks are separate
- clean and recently remodeled (2023)
- astroturf dog hill allows for climbing and higher vantage view points
- covered by trees
- mostly hygenic smell wise
- provides poop bags
- hose to wash away debris
- benches to hide under or jump on (human laps)
Cons for small dogs
- the overall size is modest
- if your small dog likes to do laps/zoomies the space is limited
- small dogs are too big even for the smallest toy breeds (maltese, yorkies, small pomeranians)
2. Stuy-Town Dog Park (2nd Ave @16th/15th Street)
This dog park is one of the most hidden and less known by locals and dog parents in general. It is not the easiest to find and not heavily advertised. It is the largest open dog park near Chelsea, NYC and is great for dogs who like to run around, play and have their choice of nicely behaved dogs to play with.
Pros for Small Dogs
- large area to run laps/zoomies
- lots of nature to sniff around the perimeter of the park as well as trees
- well-mannered dogs of all sizes and breeds
- clean and hygenic
- quiet and free from commuters walking past the park
- benches to sit or hide under
- nestled under some trees
Cons for Small Dogs
- all sizes allowed (no separate space for smalls)
- may require a long walk to get there
- no grass or dirt or water
3. Washington Square Dog Run
Washington Square Dog Run has two areas for dogs that are fenced and boasts of the only real grass near the Chelsea area for dogs that is permitted for them to walk and lay on south of Central Park.
Pros for Small Dogs:
- dirt for them to connect with nature
- shaded by trees
- friendly dog parent crowd
- large dog run does not share a border with small dog run
- benches for hiding under and human laps to sit on
- good chance to mingle with other small breed dog parents
- sense of community with local dog parents
- regular well behaved dogs
- poop bag dispenser
- occassional digging allowed
Cons for Small Dogs:
- on the smaller side for dog runs
- not a lot of space for zoomies
4. Gansevort Peninsula Dog Park: 353 West St, New York, NY 10014
This is one of the newest dog runs in the area (2024) for Chelsea dog parents and surrounding neighbors to enjoy. It was built as part of the Hudson Park Developments to bring more amenities to the locals.
Pros for Small Dogs
- Brand new construction
- Water Breeze
- Benches to hide or sit on laps
- Clean
- Water Hose to sanitize area
- Low concrete mounds to climb
- Water area for drinking
Cons for Small Dogs
- Not a lot of shade from the sun in the summer
- nothing particularly unique as far as small dog parks are set up
5. Union Square Dog Park
This dog run is centrally located for Chelsea dog parents. It is next to a very posh Petco that has lots of cute dog swag including clothing, collar and leash accessories, grooming and treats.
Pros for Small Dogs
- Conveniently located near 4,5, 6, L, N, Q, R, W trains so you can have your dog play at the run and then get into a carrier and off to your next destination
- next to the greenmarket which is a great social and sniffing opportunity for dogs and shopping opportunity for dog parents
- not too heavily attended
- medium sized dog run so a small dog could do the zoomies
Cons for Small Dogs
- only one dog run (not separated)
- gravel can be dirty and messy
- not so sanitary
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