For those looking to celebrate National Dog Day on Monday, Aug. 26, with their furry friends, there are a range of dog-friendly spots across the borough, from sprawling dog runs to all-inclusive cafes.
NYC Parks requires that dogs be on a leash at all times in most areas, but many parks allow dogs to run leash-free at prescribed times of the day when there is less foot traffic. In Queens alone, there are over 30 parks listed as having designated off-leash area zones.
And almost a dozen others have designated dog runs that are fenced in with a double gate for additional safety. Many also have separate areas for small and large dogs.
Queens is also home to two popular dog cafes on opposite sides of the borough. These spaces allow dogs to mingle indoors while their owners enjoy a beverage or snack. They also sell dog treats and provide water for dogs.
Annie’s Social in Bayside is a fairly new dog cafe, but it is already become a community staple, with designated events for different breeds. The light-filled space on Francis Lewis Boulevard has a separate entrance to the designated dog space and another entrance to the cafe selling coffee, tea, beer and pastries.
While dogs are not allowed in the cafe area, there is a pickup window for convenient ordering before heading to the dog room. Stay up-to-date on their events on their Instagram page.
Château le Woof is an all-inclusive space in Long Island City that has been catering to dogs since it opened on Vernon Boulevard in 2015. It features a full cafe menu with coffee, sandwiches, beer and wines. But what makes this place unique is the weekend brunch, which has dog-safe items such as peanut butter pancakes, fish and sweet potato chips with freeze-dried raw salmon skin.
The space also offers dog grooming by appointment, and sells almost all dog essentials, such as food, cleaning supplies and toys.
But for a fully free space for dogs with fresh air and some amenities, Queens has a range of dog runs to choose from. And even more options if you are willing to wake up early for off-leash hours at parks.
Dog Runs in Queens
Cunningham Park Dog Run
- Located at 193rd Street, between Aberdeen Road and Radnor Road in Fresh Meadows.
Forest Park K9 Korral
- Located on Park Lane South in Woodhaven. There is a separate area for small dogs, as well as benches for owners, water fountains and complementary doggie bags.
Forest Park Barking Lot
- Located behind The Overlook: Queens Department of Parks and Recreation at 80-30 Park Ln. in Kew Gardens. The space has been operated by volunteers in collaboration with NYC Parks since 2015.
Hunter’s Point South Dog Run
- Located on Hunter’s Point South Park, at Center Boulevard. and 51st Avenue in Long Island City. Separate entrances for big and small dogs with waterfront views of the Manhattan skyline.
Landing Lights Dog Run
- Located on 78th Street in East Elmhurst, right near LaGuardia Airport. Visitors report that the space is over 10,000 square feet. But they say that doggie bags and water are not available.
Little Bay Park Dog Run
- Located on the north side of the Cross Island Parkway and Utopia Parkway in Whitestone. Visitors report that the waterfront park has shady areas, benches and sand for dogs to run in.
Rockaway Freeway Dog Park
- One of the largest dog parks in the city, located at Beach Channel Drive in Far Rockaway. The park was started by the Allied Rockaway Foundation for Animal Recreation and Fitness. The group also cares for the Shorefront Dog Run at Shore Front Parkway at Beach 90th Street.
Sherry Park Dog Run
- Located on Queens Boulevard and 65th Place in Woodside, the space is mostly asphalt with a hilly dirt area. In warmer weather, there are small pools for dogs to cool off.
Torsney/Lou Lodati Playground Dog Run
- Located at 43rd Street and Skillman Avenue in Sunnyside, the space has two separate areas for small and big dogs.
Triborough Bridge Playground C Dog Run
- Located on Hoyt Avenue and 24th Street in Astoria, the dog run features separate areas for small and large dogs. There is also climbable equipment and dog friendly drinking fountains.
Underbridge Playground Dog Run
- Located on Grand Central Parkway service road, between 64th Avenue and 64th Road in Forest Hills. The two separate areas feature grass that past visitors warn can get muddy after rain.
Veterans Grove Dog Run
- Located on Judge Street and Whitney Avenue in Elmhurst, along the south side of the park. The asphalt dog area is on the smaller side, but features benches and water fountains.
The majority of NYC Parks also have off-leash hours, from 6-9 a.m., during which dogs are allowed to run free due to less foot traffic. A full list can be found through NYC Parks.
