North Brooklyn

Our Favorite Pet-Friendly Neighborhoods of North Brooklyn

WILLIAMSBURG

The Vibe: The rest of Brooklyn (and probably the world) is a little jealous of Williamsburg. There are few places where you can find such a dense concentration of world-class restaurants, top-notch nightlife, and fabulous shopping. Forget the naysayers who claim that the opening of the Apple Store and Whole Foods was the beginning of the end. Williamsburg is, and will always be, an iconic neighborhood for all things hip. So just embrace it, leash up your dog and enjoy this slice of urban bohemia together.

The Pets of Williamsburg: Your dad just told the groomer to give you a mohawk, he bought you a matching leather bomber jacket, and now he is teaching you to skateboard. It’s not easy having a 20-something hipster as your person. We get it. But you love that crazy guy. And at least you two look good together.

Wag Like a Local: Walk along the Williamsburg Bridge, grab a vegan treat from the organic coffee shop, then hit up the taco truck and bring your tamale to a quiet bench along the waterfront to watch the ferries go by on the East River. You will need this peaceful break from the crowds.

GREENPOINT

The Vibe: This once sleepy waterfront neighborhood use to be known as Little Poland and home to the best pierogis in town. But when the popularity of Williamsburg surged, and the young people pushed further north, this neighborhood became all the “buzz.” Today, Greenpoint has the typical farm-to-table restaurants, chic bars and trendy boutiques that make it truly “Brooklyn-esque,” but it still manages to retain its Polish charm. Manhattan Avenue, the main commercial strip, is where to find the old school Polish restaurants like Karczma, and the neighborhood’s new trendier bars and restaurants are all clustered around the Nassau St. G station. Regarding architecture, Greenpoint might not be much to look at except for an assortment of beautiful old churches, but what makes Greenpoint special are the parks areas that dot this neighborhood (it’s all in the name: Greenpoint).

The Pets of Greenpoint: The Greenpoint dog shops at the Greenpointers Market, thinks the NY Pet Fair at the Brooklyn Expo is the hot ticket of the year and meets his friends at Little Dokebi before tearing it up at McGorlick Park.

Wag Like a Local: Greenpoint is blessed with four key outdoor areas for dog owners to enjoy! The new waterfront Transmitter Park, the lovely McGolrick Park, an industrialized oxymoron called the Newtown Creek Nature Walk (keep your dog safely leashed here) and McCarren Park which it shares with Williamsburg. If you’d enjoy a more inebrious activity with your dog, then head to Greenpoint Beer and Ale where dogs always drink for free.

DOGGYSTYLE: Pet-Friendly Shopping in North Brooklyn

In God We Trust: 70 Greenpoint Ave. - The ultimate in “local” love, selling locally made jewelry sourced from local Brooklyn artists (and they love their local canine neighbors too).

Brouwerij Lane: 78 Greenpoint Ave. - The go-to source for fresh beer in Greenpoint with a nifty little art pop-up space featuring local Greenpoint artists.

From the Source: 67 West St. - Specializes in handcrafted, unique, solid-wood furniture to perfect your one bedroom studio in your 5th-floor walkup.

28 Scott: 28 Scott Ave. - For the truest of Brooklyn experiences, this underground vintage shop is chock full of curated thrift finds. Even if you’re not in the market for vintage, you can still settle in here with your pup and drink their complimentary whiskey.

Sprout Home: 59 Grand St. - Bring your dog and check out the outstanding selection of plants and artworks. Or even better, book a private build your own terrarium class with your dog by your side.

WHO YOU GONNA BARK AT: Pet Associations of North Brooklyn

North Brooklyn Cats: A self-funded group of concerned neighbors helping out the local feral and stray cats in the area. And for anyone who wants to pitch in and help out (but maybe doesn’t have the time or resources to foster a cat of their own) they would be happy to point you in the right direction, just email northbkcats@gmail.com.

Bushwick Street Cats: Group of volunteers, who also work closely with North Brooklyn Cats, are determined to reduce feline overpopulation with their trap and neuter program. And for all the budding rescuers out there, they have an instruction page on how to make Bushwick Street Cats Winters Shelters in case you want to take matters into your own hands.