Living in the concrete jungle doesn’t mean you have to go a whole summer without swimming. There are places where your dog can splash, play and cool down. Here are the top 4 spots where your dog can swim in NYC.

Dog Beach

Located at Long Meadow in Prospect Park, Dog Beach is the perfect swimming hole for our four-legged friends. It was recently renovated in 2016 with new fencing and rocks brought in from upstate New York. Dogs are able to swim, run, and play freely during off leash hours in the dog days of summer.

Prospect Park is a haven for dogs, offering acres of dog-friendly green space beyond Dog Beach. You can connect with other Prospect Park dog owners through FIDO, New York City’s largest off-leash community. They host events throughout the year, like Coffee Bark, a monthly get together for dog owners to meet, socialize, and exchange information while enjoying coffee, pastries, and dog biscuits.

Location: 95 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Francis Lewis Park

With epic views of the Whitestone Bridge, and sandy shores to run on, Francis Lewis Park is the perfect place to take a dip. Dogs are free to climb the rocks, run on the sand, and splash around as much as they want in the water. The area is calm, but water levels change so check the tide before heading out.

Pro tip: close the gate when you enter, and ask others to do the same so that your pup can enjoy off-leash play time with no worry of escapes.

Location: 3rd Ave, College Point, NY 11356 (Queens)

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First trip to the beach.

A post shared by Verena von Pfetten (@vonverena) on May 6, 2015 at 4:49pm PDT

Louis Valentino, Jr. Park and Pier

This kayak launch point in Red Hook doubles as a dog swimming oasis for adventurous doggos. Head below the pier where your pup is free to frolic in the water and swim out. Dry off in the grassy park, or sitting on the benches along the pier. You can see the Statue of Liberty (it’s only 1.5 miles away!) or check out the fishermen. After spending the day at the pier, grab a bite of Steve’s Key Lime Pie before heading home. Perfect.

Location: Coffey St & Ferris St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Water4Dogs

If you’re serious about your dog getting some good exercise, then Water4Dogs is the place to go. This downtown facility is used for dog rehabilitation and physical therapy. They have a heated therapy pool you can rent out in half hour and hour increments. Call them to set up a private appointment for your dog to come in and swim. They provide the towels!

Location: 77 Worth Street, 2nd Floor, New York

Click here for more dog-friendly NYC tips. 

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