Pets in NYC: Things to Know and Things to Avoid

Having a pet is a wonderful thing. As a companion, a friend for kids, and to add some colour to our lives, they come in all shapes and sizes, and for many they’re just another member of the family. The main advantage of owning a dog in the city: You’ll meet tons of people – New Yorkers are crazy about their 4 legged friends. But living in the city also presents different challenges for pet owners. Though there’s a fantastic range of pets and pet supplies on offer, the city’s limited space, local laws, and the obvious dangers of such a busy metropolis bring a different range of problems with them.BE LEGALFirstly, for internationals moving to New York, the major question is simple: Will the U.S. allow your pet into the country?All pets entering the U.S. will be subject to various requirements and prohibitions, and it’s important that you know whether your pet meets U.S. standards. Any animal that is excluded from entry must be exported or put down. Read this U.S. Customs and Border Protection guide carefully before you decide to bring your pet with you.To bring your pet, certain immunizations have to be proven upon entry. Dogs from areas of the world not free of rabies must have a rabies vaccination certificate, while birds and wild animals are subject to very specific rules (see the guide above).It’s worth noting that animals are free of duty if imported as pets, but check the guidelines thoroughly, as they include some very specific rules. For example, dogs need a screwworm check within five days of arriving in the U.S., and dogs and cats may be quarantined at the owners expense long enough to establish that they are free from tapeworm and any other disease capable of being spread to humans.Once your pet is here, or if you’re buying a pet once you’re already settled in the city, there are still several legal factors to consider.Dogs in New York City are required by law to be licensed – that is, registered as yours, with your address kept on record in case they go missing. You can now apply and make payment online, and the licence needs renewing every year. It’s a legal requirement of having a dog in the city that you have a valid and up-to-date dog licence. You’re also required to get rabies shots, and you may need to present certificates stating this at times. There are benefits, though! A licensed and certified dog will be allowed to run off-leash in certain areas of the city’s parks, as long as you have the proof with you. City of New York Parks and Recreation has put out this guide with all the info you’ll need.Owning a dog or a cat may be against the lease of your apartment building – so be careful if you’re getting a pet once you’ve moved in. Though smaller animals – fish, certain birds, and lizards – are contained, quiet, and don’t damage their environment, cats and dogs are more noticeable, nosier, and can be disruptive. It’s worth taking the time either to get explicit permission from your landlord or, if you’re apartment-hunting, making sure pets are welcomed in your building.OUT AND ABOUT IN THE CITYIf you’re safe, obey the rules, and respect others, dogs are welcome within designated areas of the city’s parks – and NYC has about 29,000 acres of parkland!If you work during the day and want to make sure your pets still get enough exercise, pet sitting and pet walking are a great way to make sure your animals stay happy and you stay on task at work. Dog walking costs about $30 an hour, and companies such as Petaholics, NYC Dog Walkers, and NYC Pooch all offer good service. You can also get pet sitting for times you’ll be away longer – prices vary for cats, dogs, and birds, but a bit of shopping around is always worth it.If you’ve just got a puppy, congratulations! Training is an important step is making sure our dog is easy to care for, gets on well with other animals, and won’t damage your home as he grows. New York Dog Spa, as well as offering grooming and day care, has training classes for puppies up to six months. Andrea Arden, voted “Best of NYC” by New York Magazine, offers a full range of training for dogs of all shapes and sizes. If for nothing more than socialization, it’s a great idea to get our puppy used to all manner of sights and smells while it’s still young. New York City is a bustling, buzzing place, and for a dog out in the world, the safest option is to be comfortable with whatever comes along.