If you live in New York City or plan to move there with your dog, you might need some information about local pet regulations. Even though the Big Apple is a pet-friendly city, there are things that you and your buddy are permitted or forbidden to do. Moreover, one of the biggest concerns as a dog owner is how to get around with your pet. As a result, we conducted some research and compiled a list of options for dog-friendly transportation in New York City. With its help, you will know how you and your buddy can move around the city without having problems. So, after you help your dog adjust to an NYC apartment, it’s time to get your furry friend out and explore the city together.
General pet ownership regulations in New York City
As mentioned before, NYC is a pet-friendly city with lots of amenities for dogs. There are lots of pet parks, boarding facilities, pet shops, grooming salons, etc. However, to obtain access to most of them, you must follow local regulations. And it applies to transportation as well.
To begin with, all dogs need to have a license. You need to renew the license periodically, usually once a year. Also, while you are with the dog in public, you must tie the license tag to the collar. Furthermore, you must keep your dog on a leash that is no longer than six feet while in public. At the same time, you should know that if you leave your dog tied up for more than three hours, you could get a fine. So if your dog has to spend more time alone, make sure to find other solutions than to tie it up. In addition, using chains and pinch collars is forbidden.
Another regulation that you should abide by is having your dog vaccinated. The most important vaccine for your dog is the rabies shot. However, other vaccines are requested too and should be up to date. You might not be permitted entry into some places or transportation if you do not have them.
Lastly, picking up after your dog is mandatory. In New York, there is a canine waste law that can get you fined $250 if you don’t pick up after your dog. So make sure that you always have everything you need to clean after your dog.
If you prefer walking to using public transportation, you need to keep your dog on a leash.
All the options for dog-friendly transportation in New York City
Regular dogs may have difficulty entering public transit or spaces, even if assistance dogs are permitted. As a result, before you decide to visit the city, it is good to figure out which modes of transportation you and your buddy can use.
Riding the subway
Because the subway is one of the cheapest means of transportation in New York, everyone uses it. Particularly the residents of Manhattan, where the subway connects them to the rest of the city. And the best part is that dogs are allowed on the subway. Of course, there are some rules regarding traveling with your dog on the subway, but it’s great to know that you can. For instance, you can bring your furry friends with you only if you keep them in a carrier or closed container. Furthermore, you need to ensure that your dog will not bother other passengers. Except for that, you can ride the subway with your furry friend any time you want and pay only one ticket of $2.75.
So if you think Manhattan is a great place to live your life with your doggo, we couldn’t agree more. Everything you need is within easy reach, especially with such a great subway system. Moreover, you can find great assistance in the area if you need to move from one block to another. Local movers can help you and your best friend move out and into your new home in a blink of an eye. That way, you can get back to your daily routine fast so that your dog can have an easier transition.
Even if most transportation in New York City is dog-friendly, you might need to muzzle, leash, or keep your dog in a carrier while on board.
Riding the bus
Because the MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) runs the bus and the subway, the same regulations apply to both. Dogs are allowed on the bus as long as they are in a carrier and not bothering other passengers. The ticket is also $2.75, and, of course, service dogs are allowed with no exception.
Riding the train
When it comes to taking the train with your dog in NYC, policies vary by rail line. For instance, the Long Island Rail Road is dog-friendly transportation in New York City as long as your dog is in a bag or carrier. Metro-North, however, allows dogs if they are in a bag or on a leash and if they are well behaved. Furthermore, New Jersey Transit only allows small dogs in carriers, and the PATH trains allow dogs of all sizes as long as they are in crates or containers. Lastly, AirTrain to JFK allows only small pets in secured carriers. Service dogs, however, are welcome on all rail lines with no limitations.
Riding the ferry
Different ferries in NYC have different pet rules, just like rail lines. The NYC Ferry allows dogs on board as long as they are muzzled or kept in a carrier. The same regulations apply to the Staten Island Ferry. However, if you ask the personnel, you might be able to unmuzzle or uncage your dog if it behaves. Of course, only if you keep your buddy on a leash. At the same time, NYC Water Taxi forbids any pets on board unless they are service dogs.
So, if you are planning on taking the ferry to get around or relocating from one part of NYC to another, be sure you are aware of the rules. As you can see, not every ferry in New York is a dog-friendly transportation option, so you need to plan your move in detail. For example, take the advice of the experts from Ben Hur Moving & Storage NYC, and do good research ahead of time of all the local moving companies. See which one of them could help you relocate your dog, or at least help you move all its things so that you don’t have to carry them with you during transit. This way, you can focus on your buddy’s needs and keep it calm during the ride.
Riding the taxi
When it comes to riding a taxi with your dog, there isn’t a general regulation. For instance, yellow cabs leave this decision to the driver. Even so, you have more chances to get a ride if you have a small dog kept in a carrier. If you have a big dog, things can get complicated a bit. You need to ensure the driver that the dog is behaving, and your buddy should sit in the back with you. Furthermore, you should take precautionary measures and place a blanket or a towel where the dog sits so that it doesn’t get the seat dirty or cover it with hairs. Also, remember to tip generously at the end of the trip.
However, if you want to be sure that you will get a ride with your dog, it’s better to call a pet taxi. The drivers have experience with pets and know how to make them feel comfortable and safe during the ride.
Dogs love car rides, but you need to make sure the taxi driver is ok with you bringing along your best friend.
Riding in shared cars
In this case, as in the case of taxis, the decision is up to the driver. It is, nevertheless, a good idea to inform the driver that you will be bringing a pet along for the ride. Also, if your dog leaves hair or damages the car, expect to pay a fee for cleaning or repair. However, several shared-ride companies have introduced pet-friendly rides alongside regular rides. Just keep in mind that the pet-friendly rides are a little more expensive. But, if you have a service dog, you can call any type of shared ride, pet-friendly or not.
Riding the plane
If you plan to travel by plane with your dog, you should be aware of the airport regulations in NYC and during flights. Dogs are allowed on the premises of airports only if you keep them in a kennel or carrier. Also, dogs can be released or kept on a leash only during security checks or in pet relief zones. Service dogs, however, are not subject to the same regulations. In addition, you should be aware that, as of this year, emotional support dogs can no longer fly for free.
Final words
As you can see, there are many options for dog-friendly transportation in New York City. In fact, almost all of the means of transport here are pet-friendly. Even so, from time to time, it’s a good idea to check if any regulations have changed. Furthermore, we advise you to train your dog, especially if you want to travel without concern. A well-trained dog is more friendly and well-behaved, which can keep you out of trouble on rides. Other passengers won’t be afraid of or be bothered by your best friend. So the two of you can have a pleasant experience. In addition, remember that riding public transportation with your dog should not replace daily walks. It still needs to walk and run each day as much as possible.
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