Boston’s Most Dog Friendly Neighborhoods
One of the best things we can do for our dogs, and more importantly, our own sanity, is find a dog friendly place to live. Living in a neighborhood where there is a dog park for your dog to socialize, a nearby tree for those late night bathroom breaks and a dogs allowed mentality, are all important considerations when searching for a dog friendly home in Boston.
When I am not writing articles for Fido Loves, I am searching for dog friendly apartments and homes for clients moving to Boston. During the past six months I started taking notes as I looked at the various Boston neighborhoods and how they rate as a dog friendly neighborhood. I had sought out to answer the question; “Which neighborhoods in Boston are the most dog friendly?”. Recognizing the primary needs of a Boston dog owner, here is a quick overview of Boston’s most dog friendly neighborhoods.
As you read through our list of the most dog friendly neighborhoods in Boston, you will begin to recognize the list is less about neighborhoods as a whole, but specific areas, generally around parks and other green space. Quite simply, dogs need to go outside and exercise, so do we. Walking a dog along a treeless freeway does not add to your life or the dog’s. Fortunately, Boston is a great walking city, for you and your dog.
With accessible green space and other very important factors in mind, which I pushed to a second page of this article, please enjoy these quick takes on the Boston neighborhoods which we found the most dog friendly.
The Fido Loves Favorite Dog Friendly Neighborhoods in Boston
Around the Boston Parks - Back Bay/Beacon Hill/Midtown Boston: Certain parts of the Back Bay (technically the area is huge) are perfect for living in Boston with your dog. The Back Bay gives you access to the Boston Public Garden, the Commonwealth Mall and beautiful tree lined streets. Both you and your dog could easily enjoy walks together as the architecture in the Back Bay is beautiful. The Back Bay is in the heart of Boston and hosts a wonderful community of dog owners.
The Charlestown Navy Yard - A 30 Acre Dog Park: The Navy Yard could easily be described as a 30 acre dog park. This waterfront community is only one mile from downtown Boston. While First Avenue is relatively quiet; park the car and walk over to the Boston Harborwalk. This is where you will see other people and yes dogs, plenty of them, walking, running, and socializing. The Navy Yard is one of my favorite places to walk my dog in Boston. Enough so, we currently live in the Charlestown Navy Yard.
South End – shopping and dining (dogs too): In addition to the 13 parks in the South End, a neighborhood known for great restaurants, shopping and tree lined streets of bow front homes. You will find more dog boutiques, and dog walkers than any other part of Boston. You will also find a great dog bakery and the Animal Rescue League of Boston. During the summer most of the restaurants have outdoor patios where dogs are welcome to join you while you eat. At Peter’s Park you will find the Joe Wex Dog Park, a well designed fenced in off-leash dog park right in the middle of the South End.
South Boston – parks and winter beaches: The Castle Island Recreation Area borders South Boston; Castle Island, Pleasure Bay, the L&M Street Beaches, Carson Beach and the Boston Harborwalk which connects them all together makes “Southie” a great place to live in Boston with your dog. You will also find the South Boston Bark Park. During the summer dogs are not allowed on the beach but there are plenty of other parks where you and your dog are welcome. South Boston also has a good selection of Dog Washes and dog walkers to keep your Boston dog fit and clean.
The Waterfront – North End/Financial District/Fort Point Channel: If you work in downtown Boston and own a dog, this is an area you will want to consider. The main reasons are; you will be able to walk home to let the dog out, the Boston Harborwalk, The Greenway and the Christopher Columbus Park are all great places to take your dog within minutes of Boston’s Financial District.
The Emerald Necklace – Jamaica Plain: When you talk to dog owners living in this area, Jamaica Plain really stands out as a dog friendly neighborhood for Boston dog owners. One of the highlights of the Emerald Necklace, the Arnold Arboretum, is a fantastic place to take your dog for a walk or run. Other areas of Boston’s Emerald Necklace are equally exiting for dogs. You will also find an off-leash dog park at the Angell Animal Medical Center where all Boston dogs are welcome. Even our favorite dog treat bakery, Polka Dog, has opened a store in Jamaica Plain.
If you are curious about how I define dog friendly living in Boston…
Defining Dog Friendly Living in Boston
Live close to your work: Dogs just want your attention and time with you. The closer you live to your work the more time you and your dog will have to play in the park. Besides, commuting sucks. Fortunately, Boston has plenty dog friendly apartments, neighborhoods and for those who work out of town, the reverse commute is a breeze compared to all those sitting in traffic during the typical rush hour.
A Close Tree For your Dog To Pee: Unless you happen to find a place with a yard or garden patio, you will appreciate a spot of grass or tree near your front door for those late night visits to your dog’s bathroom. What s even better is an outside garbage can to leave you bag of poop. Not all streets in Boston have a place for your dog to go to the bathroom or garbage cans to dispose of poop bags. Flushable poop bags can be tough to find..
The last thing you want to do is leave your dogs poop behind. Whenever I have been in discussions with landlords about considering taking dogs as tenants, their main concern is always poop on the street. If you want to turn a dog friendly apartment into a no dogs allowed; leave your Boston dog’s poop behind. I am just saying….
A Nearby Dog Park or Off-leash Area: In Boston there are some very pet friendly apartment buildings which have an area set aside for exercising your dog. Other apartments or homes are located near an established Boston dog park or Bark Park. We currently live with an off-leash area right around the corner. For us, it is very easy for our English pointer to get the exercise he needs to be very happy. Good dog parks and streets to walk your dog can make or break a neighborhood as the best of Boston dog friendly.
Good Pet Related Businesses: In Boston there are some fantastic dog walkers, dog boutiques, dog day care and dog washes or groomers. When you live in Boston it certainly helps when you can just walk up the street to get what you need for your dog. Or in the case of a dog walker, it is always nice to have more than just one choice of someone to care for your dog when you can’t be there.
Michael J. Carter
February 23, 2010 at 10:38 pm //
Im glad Southie made it up high on the list. I like to see people with dogs around the city but I will never understand how they get huge greyhounds to be happy living in a tiny Southie apartment. It’s cruel really! At least a tiny pug can move around.
http://southbostontaxi.com
Jay Stebbins
February 23, 2010 at 11:17 pm //
I am glad you are happy to see Southie on the list. Just so you feel better about the greyhounds, most greyhounds are complete couch potatoes in the house. If they were to live in a mansion a greyhound would still spend their day curled up somewhere comfortable. Most of the greyhounds you see around town were rescued from much tougher situations at the track.
However, It is important to get any dog outside for at least an hour of more of exercise every day.
I have a question, is South Boston Taxi Pet friendly?
Susan Dietrich
August 1, 2010 at 9:11 am //
Hi Jay,
The only information I have on this is that I took my lab with me in a cab I’d say 7 or 8 times and never had a mention of it. (I’ve only lived here 3 years.) I did take a moist paper towel to wipe the seat and dog hair
and I know that was appreciated. The cab company that I used was Independent, but I’m guessing that others are similar in this part of town.
I should also mention that before Southie, I lived in Cambridge for 5 years. I probably only took my lab in a cab 4 or 5 times. Only once did a cab driver refuse to take my dog, so I’m not sure that it’s a problem most anywhere if a dog is well-behaved and stays on the back seat…
Do others have cab experiences w/ dogs?
Michael J. Carter
February 24, 2010 at 10:46 am //
I don’t mean to be cheeky but it all really depends on the Driver and the dog. I once had a woman call who initially just said she was going to Jamaica plain. A few minutes later she was calling back saying that the driver would not take her. I ask the driver what is up and find out that she had a dog and he is allergic to dogs.
I have another drive who has a mini hot dog dog named Pippi that acts as co pilot while he drives. Customers love the pippster and I have even brought her out with me while babysitting her when her master is on vacation.
I guess the safest answer is to let us know when you call that you have a dog with you and ask for a dog friendly driver, it really is up to the driver. As far as I know a driver is only REQUIRED to transport a dog if it is a seeing eye dog or the like and really how often does that occur?
Anyway thanks for the link and call us the next time you and Fido need a ride.
mike AT http://Southbostontaxi.com
617-269-4444
CJ Hinckley
February 25, 2010 at 10:01 am //
BRAVO!!! What a terrific article. Love the way you define Dog Friendly Living…. right on! Also – totally agreed with your response about Greyhounds – they are total couch potatoes, indeed – are so happy to be rescued from the track and lie on that comfy couch. -CJ
Sue Doctrow
June 7, 2010 at 1:51 pm //
Great article, Jay! But, how about Roslindale as a dog-friendly Boston neighborhood? In the many years I lived there (with a total of 3 dogs) it was very dog-friendly and, to my knowledge, that hasn’t changed. Like JP, Roslindale also abuts the Arboretum (esp the Peters Hill section, a doggy paradise). Pet Cabaret is a beautiful, locally-owned pet-focused store. Another nice feature of Rozzie..plenty of houses with backyards. Yet another…proximity to Angell (I loved your article about Angell, too, btw.).
Jay Stebbins
June 7, 2010 at 1:58 pm //
We will have to swing by Rosindale and check out the area. Thank you for the suggestion, I love suggestions actually. Boston and New England has plenty to offer dog owner as a spectacular place to live.
Susan Dietrich
July 31, 2010 at 11:36 am //
I live in Court Square Press across from the Broadway T in Southie. Concierges give dogs biscuits, condo dog-walkers are available, and there are two pet-friendly parks.
One park, is a few blocks away across from the Harbor Walk, the other is being landscaped across the street from us (Denise’s park in memory of one of our dog-loving owners). Owner and dog joggers often choose to run along the Harbor Walk up to Fan Pier. And although most of us have cars, we find that dogs love riding the T.. even more fun than hanging a head out of a car window!
There are two dog groomers and two vets nearby and there are some great vets a block from Central Station and Davis Square on the T. I take my lab on the T to Porter Sq Vet (great vet that moved to Davis Sq and kept the Porter Sq name.. you know the place).
Anyway, if you’re an urban condo dweller and your dog likes a good social life, I’d suggest Southie across from the T, or around the South End where they have the really large dog park.
Jay Stebbins
September 11, 2010 at 2:05 am //
Susan, Court Press is a great building. Where do you go for late night bathroom breaks?
Susan
May 4, 2011 at 5:07 pm //
Hi Jay!
Sorry I didn’t see your question. Late night bathroom breaks are easy at Court Sq Press. A small area is right next to the building and next to the Macallen, next building, is a dog run. The closest and best place is the park by the Gillette Building… a lot of grassy area to run. But what are the Stonehenge Rocks. All round this area is very safe.
Liz
July 31, 2010 at 10:56 pm //
What about Brighton? I know it’s not as ideal as the South End, but I certainly cannot afford a condo in the South End. Who lives in Brighton with a dog? Any suggestions of areas to live, places to go, etc.?
Jay Stebbins
September 11, 2010 at 2:03 am //
Liz, Brighton is a great area. I have friends who live in Oak Square where you will find a robust community of dog owners. There are a couple of off-leash “Bark Parks” established as well.
I was out there over the winter and have pictures of Oak Square on my list of things to do. Besides, I would like to catch up with my friends that live out that way.
R.
October 23, 2010 at 8:37 am //
What about West Cambridge? We have:
1. Fresh Pond
2. Danehy Park (which includes it’s own enclosed dog park)
3. Banfield Hospital
4. Laundromutt business
5. Raining Cats & Dogs
It is dog heaven….
Teresa
May 4, 2011 at 3:53 pm //
My cousin forwarded the post to me. My husband and I and our two middle-aged labs likely are moving to Boston, and I’m using your info as ammunition in what is sure to be an intense debate over city vs suburb life. We spent a little time in Southie when we visited a couple of weeks ago, and I loved it. Since then, I’ve been trolling the real estate sites looking for things in the Navy Yard area. I can’t wait to check it out in person…seems like we might be able to find a happy medium in Charlestown!
Jay Stebbins
May 4, 2011 at 4:11 pm //
I would argue the life of a Boston (urban) dog is much more dynamic than the suburban dog. My dog has led both lives and has a fantastic life in the city. We have other friends who have a home in Maine as well as their condo in the city. They say their golden retriever just mopes in the yard while in Maine and is always very excited to arrive back in Boston.
Life of the city dog is pretty fantastic as long as their human companions are willing to make an effort.
Susan
May 4, 2011 at 5:12 pm //
Hi Teresa,
Saw you met Southie.
Not sure if you stayed in the old Southie or the new. Navy Yard is nice, too.. love Charlestown. I thought about that area but I wanted to be close to the redline and keep my car in a garage. I’m right across from the T so I don’t really need the car. Hahha You have many places from which to choose in Boston. Hope you like it as much as I have.
Teresa
May 4, 2011 at 6:02 pm //
My husband went to school at NU at lived in the South End when it was not so pleasant, but this was, like 25 years ago. I’m not sure the exact area where we walked around, but we started behind Huntington Ave, then worked our way down Dartmouth to Tremont. I thought it was great and only about a 20 minute walk to where we’d be working. Close to the T, too.
My proposal to him was to rent a place in the city for the first year, see how we (meaning: dogs) like it, and then decide where we want to be. We have a big, fenced-in yard now, and it is very convenient for the dogs and us. They come and go as they please/need. We would have to learn to stick to a schedule if we were in town, but if we were only a 20-minute walk from work, it wouldn’t be a big deal to come home and let the dogs out before we went somewhere.