How to Sniff Out New York City’s Best Dog Shops

Being a dog owner in New York City can be both a blessing and a curse. While it is possible to find every sort of treat and toy your furry friend’s heart could desire, the sheer number of NYC dog shops can be overwhelming. From Park Avenue in Manhattan to Park Slope in Brooklyn, knowing where to go and how to shop can mean everything to the unprepared dog shopper in the city.

The first tip may seem painfully obvious, but it is one that is often overlooked: NYC’s dog shops strongly follow the trends of the neighborhoods they are in. Posh, more expensive neighborhoods, such as Murray Hill or the Upper East Side, tend to feature higher-end doggie boutiques and day cares, such as the Ritzy Canine Carriage House. Unpretentious, more down-to-earth neighborhoods on the other hand, such as the East Village or Park Slope, will feature more eccentric, local-oriented stores, along the lines of Buttercup’s Paw-tisserie. Knowing what a neighborhood has to offer, and what its particular dog shops can offer you, is a good first step when planning a shopping trip.

Once you’ve found what neighborhoods suit your style, it is helpful to know which areas specialize in the particular service you’re after. Chelsea, for example, is known for being an up-and-coming base for groomers, while services such as Dog Retreat and Pawsitively Love have given the Upper East Side a reputation for matchless service in dog walking and day care. When searching for particular types of New York dog shops, finding out such insider tips from people in the know can help get you the absolutely finest products and service.