Weather and seasons in New York
New York summers are hot and humid, with July and August often around 30°C (high 80s °F) or more, and asphalt in direct sun gets far hotter than the air. Winters bring freezing days, snow and slush, and the salt and de-icers spread on sidewalks can crack and sting paw pads.
Planning around the seasons
In summer, walk early in the morning or after sunset, keep to shady park paths and bring water — brachycephalic breeds such as French bulldogs and pugs struggle most in humid heat.
In winter, wipe paws after every walk to remove salt, consider booties or paw balm, and keep short-coated dogs warm on windy avenues and riverside paths.
Getting around New York with a pet
On the subway and city buses, pets generally have to travel in a closed carrier or bag (service animals excepted), which rules out most medium and large dogs. A pet taxi is the easy way to reach a vet across town, a groomer or JFK, LaGuardia or Newark for a flight.
Homes, buildings and access
Many buildings have their own pet policies — some limit size or breed, and many ask dogs to use the service elevator. Tell your provider about the doorman, buzzer codes, stairs and where keys are kept before the first booking.
Local rules worth knowing
New York City requires dogs to be licensed with the Department of Health, dogs must be on a lead (no longer than six feet) in public places except in designated off-lead areas and hours, and owners must pick up after their dog.
Pet care in New York — FAQ
Does OnlyPaw work in New York?
Yes. OnlyPaw is available worldwide, including New York. Because it's a marketplace, the providers you can book depend on who has been approved near your address — the app shows who's available before you pay.
How much does pet care cost in New York?
Providers in New York set their own prices, so you see each provider's rate in the app before you book. At checkout OnlyPaw adds a service fee of 10% of the service price, with a minimum of USD 2 and a maximum of USD 20 (or the equivalent in your local currency), shown before you pay. Your payment is held and only released to the provider after the service is completed.
Can my dog ride the subway in New York?
Only if it fits in a closed carrier or bag — service animals are the exception. For larger dogs, book a pet taxi in the OnlyPaw app for vet, groomer or airport trips.
Where can my dog be off-lead in New York?
Only in designated areas: fenced dog runs, and in many city parks during early-morning and late-evening courtesy hours. Check the signs in each park; at other times dogs must stay on a lead.
How are providers vetted?
Every provider submits a government ID and a selfie, passes a knowledge test with a 70% pass mark and uploads service-specific documents — home photos for sitting and boarding, driving licence and vehicle registration for pet taxi, certificates for grooming and training — before the OnlyPaw team approves them.
What happens in an emergency?
Every active booking has an SOS button in the app. It alerts the other party and the OnlyPaw team straight away. If your pet needs urgent medical care, contact a vet or emergency clinic first.
