Travelling to New York? Bring along your dog.

People often wonder what to see in New York, what guidebook to consult, whose recommendations to heed, what time of year to visit…

I would like to offer that visiting New York with a friendly dog is an excellent way to see New York and to meet New Yorkers. Dog in tow, you won’t be able to enter the M.E.T or MoMA, but perhaps you’ve seen the current exhibition elsewhere, or perhaps you visit museums because you think you ought to. Visiting New York with a dog means that you will enjoy the city and her residents in a way no guidebook, nor concierge, not even, or perhaps only, Bill Fischer can arrange without renting you a dog.

People who love dogs are the warmest people. Whether or not they own a dog, people who like dogs are worth liking. Bring your dog to New York and you’ll meet people worth meeting.

New York can use some warming up. I lived in a building of Gramercy Park for several years knowing no one, no one knowing me, until I adopted a castaway Dalmation named Coco who soon became my identity in my building and neighborhood. I became known to the dog-owning and dog-loving population in my building and my neighborhood as Coco’s mother.

Here is my short list of places where you and your dog can fall in love with New York, and her residents.

If you are coming downtown with your dog, stay at the Soho Grand.
310 West Broadway @ Canal & Grand (212) 965-3000

If you are coming uptown, stay at the Lowell.
28 East 63rd Street @ Madison & Park Avenues (212) 838-1400

or The Carlyle
35 East 76th Street @ Park & Madison Avenues (212) 744-1600

Many neighborhood restaurants with sidewalk tables accommodate diners with dogs. Officially you may not bring a dog to the restaurant, but many restaurants permit dogs under toe at their café tables. Rather than bring the attention of the Department of Health to the establishments we like, let’s say that the neighborhoods with lots of outdoor cafes are Battery Park, the East Village, Union Square, Gramercy, the Upper East Side and Upper West Side.

For sure, you can bring your dog to Shake Shack
Madison Square Park @ 23rd & Madison (212) 889-6600

There are recommendations on dog-friendly bars for the public at Chow Hound.

If you’d like to outfit your dog with luxuries or necessities, you’ll want to visit

Canine Styles Uptown
1195 Lexington Avenue @ 81st & 82nd Streets (212) 472-9440

trixie + peanut
23 East 20th Street @ Broadway & Park Avenue South (212) 358-0881

And don’t miss Central Park. The park’s 843 acres provide miles of walking paths and its green lawns are often overflowing with friendly dogs. Local playgroups dot the park and provide ample socialization. There are a few rules you need to obey. Keep your dog on a short leash between 9 am and 9 pm. If your dog is aggressive, never let him off the leash. Finally, always pick up after your dog. Central Park Paws lists more information.

For more information, visit the dog listings at My Urban Sherpa or UrbanHound.com