About Us

Introducing the New York Dog Society

A note about The New York Dog Society written by its Doggie Founder just before she passed - Caroline (2004-2022)

Hi. I’m Caroline, the chairman of New York Dog Society. I’ve lived off Central Park for over 18 years now. It’s been an amazing life for me, living in doorman buildings, smelling hello to dozens of dogs every day, and traveling every manner of public transportation.

Even today, when it’s getting harder to get my old bones moving, I get around in backpacks and strollers so I can share in little daily rituals like running errands, or having a coffee or drink with my human family. Sometimes they meet up with friends who bring their dogs too!

Not all NYC dogs are so lucky, though. Over 3,300 are euthanized each year, with undersocialized and senior dogs losing their lives in massive numbers, accounting for almost 70% of drop offs in our cities kill-shelters. The New York Dog Society will serve the lives of 600,000 NYC dog owners and 100’s of local restaurants and retail businesses, while helping others gather and connect with 100’s of shelter dogs who just need to learn the rules so they can find their forever homes.

We plan to do this by creating “pup-ups” for socialization in empty commercial spaces near parks city wide, and through beautiful events and professional training. We’ll also lobby for expanding more dog friendly outdoor dining, and adding safe and secure dog houses in front of retail shops that can’t allow dogs in any way. Anything that can turn a date or an errand into a walk. Because sharing walks is the heartbeat of a loving, civilized dog/human society.

And once we’ve made our mark on NYC, we plan to repeat it in cities across the US. Each year, over 6.5 million companion animals are killed in United States shelters – many of them dogs who never had a chance to develop the kind of healthy relationships NYC dogs like me and our families enjoy.

And don’t get me started on life for dogs in countries across the world! The New York Dog Society will find ways for our lucky NYC dog members to sponsor other dogs in crisis. We want no dog left behind!

Please join us for an inaugural 12 month luncheon series to explore all the best spots to take your dog across the burroughs, or just sign you and your pup up to be notified as we grow our services.

Our Mission

Encourage More Walks:

At the New York Dog Society, we believe sharing walks is the heartbeat of a loving, civilized dog/human society. Your membership will help establish ambient and safe sidewalk sanctuaries for dog owners to park their canine partners while shopping at grocery stores and other no-dogs allowed places.

Establish “Pup Ups” for pet adoption and socialization:

We’ll convert empty commercial spaces near parks city wide, and put kennels in the windows about the dogs up for adoption and their stories. Our staff will train volunteers to socialize younger dogs through regular walks or runs they can count on – and offer dog carts and strollers so the older ones can enjoy the fresh air and feeling of walking.

Create more places to take your dog:

We’ll advocate for more dog friendly bars and restaurants centered around hanging out, and convert city owned outdoor spaces for mini-gated dog parks, funded by local dog owners.

In addition we will -

Offer Hospice Training for Doggie Caregivers:

The New York Dog Society will offer resources and encouragement for New Yorkers at any income level to keep their old friends comfortable at home in their final years and days.

Measure Our Social Impact For Governments:

Our researchers will develop ways to measure the social impact of our work in ways that can be integrated into NYC’s alternative economic indexes.

Promote NYC’s Dog-Friendly Culture Around The World:

We’ll help bring new residents and tourism to the city, and introduce dog societies around the world.

Our Founding Board of Advisors 🙂

New York Dog Society Street Scenes

Share a photo of your dog-about-town and membership is free