WORKING DOGS: Pet-Friendly Offices
Green Desk: 155 Water St.
WE WORK: 81 Prospect St.
Welcome to Northwest Brooklyn
Northwest Brooklyn is ”old school charming” in all the right places. Some areas still have that historic cobblestone vibe going on, while other parts have been updated to the new factory turned live-work-condo style. Northwest Brooklyn is like a tasting menu for the Brooklyn neophyte, and for all the Brooklyn pets there's a little bit of everything happening all at once. That’s why for this guide we chose three of our favorite neighborhoods that promise to give you a little taste of it all. Dumbo is the prototype for the new and improved industrial-building-turned-hip-shopping-center neighborhood, while Fort Greene holds true to the classic Brooklyn bohemian spirit, and Brooklyn Heights has retained the regal brownstone look of Brooklyn's past. So in Northwest Brooklyn, we promise that each neighborhood holds its very own hidden treasure at every turn.PetYen's Picks
WOOF: In Case of Emergencies
NYC Vet Specialists: 32 4th Ave.
VERG: 318 Warren St.
Animal Kind: 365 Seventh Ave.
AmbuVet: # 800 262 8838
Instavet: # 917 525 2579
WHO RESCUED WHO: Local Rescue Groups & Shelters
A Tail at a Time: 238 Atlantic Ave.
Brooklyn Bridge Animal Welfare Coalition: Brooklyn, 11201
Hope Animal Hospital: 390 Atlantic Ave.
LET SLEEPING DOGS LIE: Pet-Friendly Hotels
NU Hotel: 85 Smith St.
Aloft Brooklyn: 216 Duffield St.
Our Favorite Pet-Friendly Neighborhoods of Northwest Brooklyn
DUMBO:
The Low Down: “Old school” meets “new school” in this former industrial warehouse district. Dumbo has defined itself as one of the major players in “Brooklyn’s Technology Triangle” thanks to the roughly 500 tech companies that call this waterfront oasis their headquarters.
Top Dog: You’re headed to the office with your human in the latest high-tech gear on the market. Your harness glows in the dark, and your activity monitoring dog collar shows that you have walked exactly 1.2 miles this morning. If only you can persuade your human to build an app that reminds him to feed you a biscuit every hour.
Wag Like a Local: Guess where you can find some of the best food trucks and street food in all of Brooklyn? That’s right. Dumbo is where it’s at. The hundreds of tech workers who spill out onto the streets during lunch hour have attracted some terrific outdoor, pet- friendly food truck options. We’ll throw a shout out to our favorite tacos in Brooklyn, El Super Tacos, who set up their stand under the archway of the Manhattan Bridge during the warmer summer months.
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS
The Vibe: 15 blocks long and five blocks wide, this neighborhood is defined by its stately charm. With three protected historic districts full of elegant brownstones and regal row houses, plus the brand spanking new Brooklyn Bridge Park, this neighborhood is made for walking and exploring. If you’re looking for the “Old Brooklyn” of Truman Capote’s days, then the Heights, with its cobblestone streets, majestic brownstones and retro-fitted gaslights, is where you’ll find it.
The Dogs of Brooklyn Heights: Dressed in your favorite Orvis Dog coat and matching leather leash you try to keep up as Mom hustles the kids to St. Ann’s School before you head to the groomer and she goes to pilates. When she hands you off she reminds you that the dog walker will be picking you up and taking you home. Just another day in the life of a privileged Brooklyn Heights dog.
Wag Like a Local: During the spring and summer when the window boxes are blooming with flowers, this neighborhood pops with unexpected colors. The Brooklyn Promenade’s views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline make this a not-to-be-missed dog walking experience. If you’re getting hungry you can then head over to the dog-friendly outdoor seating at the Heights Cafe on Montague Street.
TREAT TIME: Pet-Friendly Restaurants in Northwest Brooklyn
Usagi: 163 Plymouth St. - Find the best Matcha, and our favorite bento boxes, in this chic Japanese art gallery/coffee house that allows your dogs come in and join the fun.
Building on Bond: 112 Bond St. - During the day this spot is all about the coffee, but at night, when the lights go down, it turns into our favorite go-to date night restaurant.
Hollow Nickel: 494 Atlantic Ave. - A super fun outdoor bar that invites you and your dog to partake in all alcohol-related Brooklyn shenanigans.
Shake Shack: 1 Old Fulton St. - Shake Shack looks out for our dogs, be sure to order your pup the famous Puppuccino! They can’t get enough. Woof!
Clementine Bakery: 299 Greene Ave. - Swing by this neighborhood gem for fresh homemade dog treats and the best vegan goodies in town.
Archway Lighthouse: Under the Manhattan Bridge - Drink like a local with your pup at the liquor dispensing lighthouse under the Manhattan Bridge and be sure to sample El Super’s tacos (they are a PetYen staple)!
Washington Commons: 748 Washington Ave. - One of the best watering holes in town with a pet-friendly backyard! They also let you bring in take-out, making this joint a favorite neighborhood hangout.
DOGGYSTYLE: Pet-Friendly Shopping in Northwest Brooklyn
Found My Animal: Handmade pet accessories with a soul! This local website (born and bred in Fort Greene) features locally made, nautically inspired leashes, harnesses, and collars and a portion of their proceeds are donated to local rescue and animal shelters!
Greenlight Bookstore: 686 Fulton St. - Order your Rachael Hale McKenna ‘s “New York Dog” just in time for Fido’s birthday (or yours).
Dry Goods: 362 Atlantic Ave. - They make customized pet pillows directly from photos of your pet. Like a little-pillowed version of your pug. Who doesn’t want that?
Grumpy Bert: 82 Bond St. - You and your pup can take in some art and culture and buy some very cool designer toys here.
Housing Works: 122 Montague St. - An authentic New York thrift store with a heart! They donate portions from their sales to advocate for and support New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS.
SOCIALIZATION: Dog Parks of Northwest Brooklyn
Adam Yauch Park Dog Run: Columbia Place & State St. Ren says: Small and quaint. It’s ideal for taking care of business and a quick butt sniff.
Pier 6 Dog Run: 334 Furman St. Ren says: Great views, hip, modern design and a water fountain, make this run something to bark about! But it does fill up at lunch time so claim your territory early.
Hillside Park Dog Run: Hicks St. b/t Middagh & Vine St. Ren says: Two enclosed dog acres of pure puppy love with wood chips, plenty of shade, benches, water fountains, and a separate section for small dogs. This park is the bark of the dog town!
Fort Greene Park: Washington Park St. to St. Edward-St. Ren says: My favorite park in all of Brooklyn, hands down. So many different areas to play in, tons of friends around and squirrels to chase for miles. Off leash, hours are from 9pm-9am, and that’s when all the action goes down.
WHO YOU GONNA BARK AT: Pet Associations of Northwest Brooklyn
Fort Greene Pups (Park Users and Pets Society): Because of these dedicated dog lovers Fort Greene Park’s got more trash cans, poop bag dispensers, a dog-friendly water fountain and miles of clean grounds to frolic around. But most importantly, the highlight for every canine in town is The Annual Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest, which gives the neighborhood’s dogs a chance to strut their stuff in front of throngs of adoring fans.
Brooklyn Bridge Animal Welfare Coalition at Hope Animal Hospital: 390 Atlantic Ave. - This animal welfare coalition is an amazing support group that helps pet parents who are nursing terminally ill animals or grieving over pet who have passed. This coalition is staffed by social workers and their aim is to provide a safe and supportive forum for the pet community.
A Tail at a Time: 238 Atlantic Ave. - A Tail at a Time is a committed organization that finds forever homes for homeless pets around Brooklyn and Manhattan. They also work to educate and provide information to the public about the importance of spaying and neutering.
THROW ME ANOTHER BONE: More Pet-Friendly Activities in Northwest Brooklyn
Jane’s Carousel: Brooklyn Bridge Park - Though your pup can’t ride on the horses they will surely enjoy following them around (and around) from the outside while you enjoy the spectacular views of New York City.
Brooklyn Smorgasbord: Brooklyn Bridge Park (summers only)- “The single greatest thing I’ve ever seen gastronomically in New York City.” - Mario Batali. So, if Mario Batali says so, we’re in! We’re sure you and your pooch will be licking your chops over everything from BBQ, Ramen burgers, ice pops and so much more.
Fort Greene Park Greenmarket: Washington Park b/t DeKalb & Willoughby - Because nothing says “Brooklyn” quite like purchasing some hand picked organic apples while toting your pooch around and sipping on a half-caf latte.
Fort Greene Flea: 176 Lafayette Ave. - A not-to-be-missed urban experience with over 150 vendors this flea market can only be described as a bizarre vintage bonanza with endless food stands and handmade goods for all the crafty folks.