Want to know where you can have supper with your spaniel at your side?
Do you want to break bread with your Basset or find a dogsitter for your Dalmatian?
It’s an increasing trend for Hudson County residents to take their pampered pooches to the bank or store with them, and even out to eat – as canines can often be seen tied to low railings on the other side of outdoor eateries.
Now, a new book, “Dog Friendly – Washington D.C and The Mid-Atlantic States” by Trisha Blanchet lists pooch-welcoming hotels, restaurants and doggie care centers from Northern New Jersey to Northern Virginia. They specifically mention locales Jersey City, Weehawken, Hoboken, and Secaucus.
Each region in the book is rated on its creature comforts on a scale of 1 to 5 – bones, of course. Northern New Jersey, where Hudson County is located, earned four and a half bones, ranking it behind Northern Virginia as one of the dog-friendliest places in the region.
“You might think Northern New Jersey is an unlikely recipient of one of the highest dog-friendly travel ratings,” Blanchet writes. “After all, isn’t this region known more as a mecca for high-tech firms and soccer moms than as a vacation spot?”
But Blanchet goes on to list those places in Northern New Jersey and specifically Hudson County that helped earn its high rating.
Hudson County is top dog
Let’s say that after a long trip, “Tinkerbell” is pet-lagged and needs to rest her paws. Suitable lodging can be found for canine and human alike in Secaucus at the Red Roof (or Woof?) Inn (15 Meadowlands Parkway), Prime Suites (350 Route 3 West) or AmeriSuites (575 Park Plaza Dr.)
The book cites Red Roof Inn as “being one of those wonderful chains that allow pets at every location.”
Nearby, in Weehawken, there’s the Sheraton Suites on the Hudson (500 Harbor Blvd.) Call hotels to find out their policies on allowing pets.
Woofing it down
There are many restaurants in the area where pet owners can eat outside and stick their chicken fingers through the small iron fence to the Chihuahua on the other side. A select handful are featured in the book.
In Jersey City, they say 4 Fifty 5 inside the DoubleTree Hotel in Jersey City (455 Washington Blvd.). Mark Pica, owner of 4 Fifty 5, said the restaurant is just following the pet-friendly policies of the hotel.
“I don’t have a problem with it as long people know that they can’t bring their pets inside,” said Pica, referring to the fact that there’s outdoor dining at the establishment. “Otherwise, I am happy to accommodate everybody.”
In Hoboken, they note that the Sushi House of Hoboken (155 First Street) and the Frozen Monkey Café (520 Washington St.) in Hoboken accommodate both two-legged and four legged customers.
Bounding through the park
What if “Rover” needs a space to roll over – and over? There are plenty of green spaces throughout the county, but the book recommends the massive Liberty State Park in Jersey City (Morris Pesin Drive), where dogs are allowed on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
Several parks in Hoboken, Jersey City and West New York also have fenced-in dog runs.
The book also lists select facilities for daycare and veterinary services.
But what if you don’t have a pet? Adopt! The book mentions Jersey City’s two shelters: the Liberty Humane Society (235 Jersey City Blvd.) and Hudson County SPCA (480 Johnston Ave.) in Jersey City.
Ricardo Kaulessar can be reached at rkaulessar@hudsonreporter.com