NYC's 4 Best Places To Take Your Dog Swimming
As the lazy days of summer draw near, nothing's better for a pampered pooch than a chance to splash it up somewhere cool. A search of the city reveals a select few doggy swimming holes, but these are the cream of the city's watery crops. Where can you take your dog swimming in New York City? These are the best places for your furry friend to frolic and splash. He'll not only cool off, but the exercise will help keep him happy and healthy.
Prospect Park's Dog Beach
Prospect Park off 9th Street
Brooklyn, NY
(888) 604-3482
www.prospectpark.org
www.fidobrooklyn.org
Price: free
Nowhere near the city will you find a place like Dog Beach. Created exclusively for canine companions, rejoice as you watch your pooch splash it up with his furry friends in this unique dogs-only swimming hole. If you are in the park during off-leash hours, take a quick walk over to Prospect Park's Lake and let your pooch loose. Managed by the Fellowship in the Interest of Dogs, this park allows doggy paddling only during off-lease hours.
Francis Lewis Park
3 Avenue between Parsons and 147 Street
Queens, NY
(212) New-York
www.nycgovparks.org/
Price: free
This somewhat obscure beach is sits at the bottom of the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge at Francis Lewis Park, on the Queens side. While it may look like just a strip of dirt and sand to you, this is a tiny slice of doggy heaven. The calm water under the bridge and a gate offer a natural swimming enclosure, a fun safe place for Rover to ruff it up. To get there, take the last exit before the toll (as signed), then drive to the end and turn right.
Water4dogs
77 Worth Street
New York, NY 10013
(212) 285-4900
www.water4dogs.com
Price: $30 for 30 minutes/$40 for 60 minutes
If your dog is not much of a beach pooch, then Water4dogs is perfect. It offers open, social swim times for pups and their owners to get a little aquatic exercise. Back stroke, side stroke, doggy paddle or crawl, that furry friend will also snag a great workout while you play. Spots are limited, so be sure to call ahead. To participate in swims, swim rehabilitation or doggy daycare here, your dog must be up to date on vaccinations. Session packages are available at a reduced price.
Related: Guide to NYC Swimming Pools
Hudson River Park Dog Runs
Chelsea Waterside
West 23rd Street and 11th Avenue
New York, NY
Leroy Street-Greenwich Village
Cross at Morton Street
New York, NY
(212) 627-2020
www.hudsonriverpark.org/
Price: free
If time and distance are a concern for you, then the dog run may be the best place to take your dog for a quick cool off. The convenient hours and location make this an attractive option for city dwellers. Fresh water is always available. During the warmer days your canine companion may cool off kicking around in a kiddy pool or under the hose. More controlled than a beach or creek, this is the perfect get-wet option for pups that don't do well in deep water.
Related: Best Dog Parks and Runs for Dogs
Dr. Jennifer Powell-Lunder is a freelance writer in New York. She is a clinical psychologist specializing in work with children, adolescents, young adults, and their families. Her work can be found here
