NYC Dog Walking Rules Every Owner Should Know
Walking your dog in New York City might feel like second nature — but the city has specific laws that every pet parent should understand. Whether you’re taking a quick lap around the block or heading toward the park, knowing the rules helps protect your dog, your neighbors, and your peace of mind.
At Pampered Pets, we’ve been walking Upper East Side dogs for years — and we’ve seen how easy it is for well-meaning owners to accidentally run afoul of the law. Here’s what you need to know to keep your walks safe and legal.
1. Your Dog Must Be Licensed
All NYC dogs over four months old must be licensed with the Department of Health. The license tag must be attached to your dog’s collar when in public — no exceptions.
• Spayed/neutered: $8.50/year
• Unaltered: $34/year
Licensing helps reunite lost dogs with their owners and keeps you compliant with NYC law.
2. Leash Laws Are Strict
Dogs must be leashed at all times in public, and leashes cannot exceed six feet in length. While retractable leashes are popular, they’re not legal in many public settings — and they’re risky on busy sidewalks.
Our walkers always use standard-length leashes to maintain control and keep dogs safe, especially near high-traffic corners or narrow blocks.
3. You Must Pick Up After Your Dog
The “Pooper Scooper Law” (Section 1310 of the NYC Public Health Code) requires that all dog waste be picked up immediately — no matter where it happens.
This is one of the most commonly enforced pet laws in the city, particularly near schools, parks, and residential buildings. We always encourage pet parents to clip an extra roll of bags to the leash just in case.
4. Rabies Vaccinations Are Required
Your dog must be up to date on rabies vaccinations — it’s not just good health practice, it’s the law. If your dog bites someone and you can’t provide proof, they may be subject to quarantine.
We recommend keeping a photo of your vaccination certificate on your phone, especially if your dog is new to the city or still getting used to urban walking.
5. Public Nuisance & Behavior Rules
City dogs must behave in public. Excessive barking, lunging, or aggressive posturing can lead to enforcement or complaints. If your dog has been involved in past incidents, you may be required to use a secure muzzle during walks.
Our walkers are trained to identify early signs of overstimulation and help dogs avoid high-trigger scenarios — whether it’s loud construction zones or crowded intersections near Lexington.
Trusted Walkers Outside the UES
While we focus primarily on the Upper East Side, we do partner with and work alongside other reliable local brands across the city:
If you live in the Upper West Side, Midtown, Chelsea, or the West Side, MixyPaws offers broad coverage and scheduling flexibility
For Brooklynites, we LOVE Brooklyn Bark.
And if you’ve got friends in Chicago, Chicago Dog Walkers is a solid referral we trust across the country.
If you’re unsure who’s right for your location, we’re happy to help connect you.
Final Tips Before Your Next Walk
• Stick to leash limits (six feet or shorter)
• Check the NYC Parks dog area map for updated off-leash hours and closures
• Be mindful of hot pavement in summer and salted sidewalks in winter
• Always carry proof of vaccination, even if your dog is microchipped
Looking for Walks on the Upper East Side?
Pampered Pets has been walking dogs across the UES for over two decades. From solo walks to consistent weekday routines, our walkers know the blocks, the buildings, and the rhythms of this neighborhood — because it’s our neighborhood, too.
👉 Reach out today to get started with a team that knows how to care for NYC dogs the right way.