Our big list of everything dog-friendly in North Jersey

For those of us with dogs, we can all probably agree that these pups are official members of our family. And that means there’s probably nothing we want more than to have them by our side at all times.

Between restaurants and bars, hiking trails and luxury pet salons and stores, there are so many pet-friendly places across our region, but you just have to know where to find them. To get you started, we’ve curated lists of all of these must-visit places. And we’ve also taken a deep dive into North Jersey’s favorite dog breeds, as well as what has made New Jersey such a dog-friendly state.

So dog lovers: Sit back, relax and enjoy some reading dedicated to all those Garden State pups.

We sure do love our dogs here in New Jersey. And while residents across the state likely have their own preferences for which dog breeds they consider to be their favorite, there are only a select few that can officially claim the title of being the Garden State’s most popular breeds.

The American Kennel Club, as well as U.S. News and World Report, each released their own rankings for New Jersey’s most popular dog breeds in 2024. Read the rankings and find out whether your pooch is among the state’s most popular pups.

Over the last several years, more people in New Jersey have been bringing their dogs everywhere, from restaurants and bars to department stores and pharmacies. The Garden State was also named the eighth most dog-friendly state in 2024, having more than 2,000 dog-friendly facilities, over 1,700 dog-friendly restaurants and nearly 400 dog-friendly hotels. Read about why more people like to bring their dogs out with them, and why New Jersey has become so much more dog-friendly.

Sometimes we’d just like to treat ourselves to a cold drink or a nice meal, but it’s tough to not feel guilty about leaving our furry friends behind. Luckily, there are plenty of dog-friendly spots across North Jersey, so you don’t have to.

While it’s impossible to name them all, we’ve compiled a list of 27 different dog-friendly breweries, bars and restaurants throughout North Jersey. All of these places feature an outdoor seating area where pups are welcome.

Our region is filled with some of the most beautiful natural attractions and green spaces in the country, and thankfully, many of these locations are dog-friendly. Considering one of the things dogs love most is going on walks, why not take them along to explore some of North Jersey’s most scenic destinations?

We created a list of 14 dog-friendly trails that you can hike in North Jersey. Some locations have natural terrain, while other areas offer pathed paths, so there are a variety of options available depending on you and your pup’s skill level.

North Jersey is no stranger to luxury, so it’s only fitting that even our pups get special treatment. From fancy spa experiences and elaborate grooming services, to speciality treats and unique toys, Garden State pups deserve the best of the best. So if you’re looking to spoil your pooch, we’ve compiled 15 must-visit luxury dog salons and stores right here in North Jersey.

Maddie McGay is the real estate reporter for NorthJersey.com and The Record, covering all things worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her on Instagram @maddiemcgay, on X @maddiemcgayy, and sign up for her North Jersey Living newsletter. Do you have a tip, trend or terrific house she should know about? Email her at MMcGay@gannett.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Our big list of everything dog-friendly in North Jersey