Huskies are one of the most popular dog breeds, but can huskies live in New York, or do these Arctic dogs need more space?
Huskies can definitely live in New York, but you need to be able to give them plenty of space, exercise, and mental stimulation and make sure that your apartment or house allows pets. Things like potty training will be complicated, and you’ll also have to make sure they aren’t left alone for long periods of time as well.
Stay tuned for a full rundown of everything you need to consider when thinking about getting a husky in New York.
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8 Things To Consider About Living With A
Siberian Husky In New York
Keeping a husky in New York is no easy task.
If you’re considering getting a husky in New York, you must carefully read through each point below to ensure you’re up for the task.
If you aren’t prepared, your husky will quickly develop destructive behaviors, which can cause both of you unwanted stress.
1. Exercise & Mental Stimulation Requirements
One of the main things to consider with huskies, no matter where you live, is how much exercise and mental stimulation they need:
- Huskies need at least 2 hours of exercise every day, which is an incredibly high amount, especially if you live in a busy city like New York.
- They also need supplementary mental stimulation from obedience training, games, or puzzle toys to prevent boredom.
Living in a city can make it challenging to meet these requirements, and failure to do so can lead to lots of unwanted behavior and a poor quality of life for a husky.
2. Weather
Another essential thing to consider in New York is the temperature.
It can sometimes exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and go well below freezing in the winter.
Due to their incredible cold tolerance, it won’t get too cold for a husky in New York, but you need to be careful in the warmer months.
When temperatures start to exceed 70°F (21°C), it is recommended that you take measures to keep your husky comfortably cool. This is even more important to consider if your apartment is also prone to heating up during the summer.
3. Space (Potty Training)
Most apartments in New York don’t have a yard and can be pretty small, so you’ll have to take your husky outside A LOT.
This can also make potty training very difficult as well. You won’t be able to take them outside whenever they need to go, so you’ll have to train your husky only to use the toilet in one spot.
You’ll ideally have to use a potty pad for this, but it’s much more complex than letting them go outside, and it’s also less natural for them.
4. Pet Regulations In New York
There are a lot of important rules to follow when it comes to keeping a husky in New York:
- You must pick up and dispose of waste.
- Dogs are not permitted in several areas, such as playgrounds, zoos, fountains, and more.
- They just be kept on a leash of less than six feet in length when not in designated areas.
- All dogs must be vaccinated against rabies, and you must carry proof of this; otherwise, you risk a fine.
You’ll also have to stop your husky from chasing after other animals, which can be a big challenge considering how high their prey drive is.
For the full list of rules, click here.
5. How Much Time You Have
Most people who move to or live in New York have busy lives with work as the primary focus.
There isn’t anything wrong with that, but you do need to consider the amount of time required to take care of a husky and how that would fit into your lifestyle.
Huskies don’t like to be left alone all day, especially if you aren’t exercising enough, so remember this. If they’re left alone for too long, it can lead to separation anxiety, which can cause unwanted behaviors like excessive howling, chewing, and more.
6. Pet Sitting/Doggy Daycare
If you’ll be out a lot of the time for work, it’s much better to send your husky to doggy daycare rather than leave them alone and risk the consequences of separation anxiety.
Luckily, New York has many dog daycare options, so this shouldn’t be a problem. It also isn’t hard to find a pet sitter in New York either, so these are two benefits that the big city offers.
7. Noise Tolerance
Huskies are a very vocal breed by nature, and they will howl, screech, cry, and make various other noises whenever they feel like it.
This might be fun to record and upload to social media, but it’s also important to consider any neighbors. If you live in an apartment with thin walls, you could quickly get several complaints if you decide to get a husky prone to howling or being vocal.
8. Vet (And Other) Costs
Everybody knows New York is not a cheap place to live; it actually tied with Singapore as the most expensive city in the world in a 2022 study by the EIU.
You can expect pet care to cost significantly more than in other places. Dog food will be more expensive in shops; vet care will be considerably more expensive than in other cities, and insurance and services like dog sitting or doggy daycare will also cost more.
If you’re considering getting a dog in New York in the first place, you might not be struggling for money, but it’s still something to bear in mind.
Are There Any Benefits To Living With A Husky In New York?
New York has some significant benefits if you can get over the practical issues and provide your husky with the right living standard.
The main one is how many people are around. Huskies absolutely love to socialize, and early socialization is key for them to be confident when they get older.
A husky will get a lot of attention when walking around New York, which is ideal for this breed.
Another key benefit is the access to parks and other areas for long walks and exercise. Exercise really is a crucial part of owning a husky, and the numerous parks and paths in New York make it easy to meet their exercise needs.
The last benefit is one we touched on before – the availability of dog daycare and dog sitters.
In Summary
Huskies can live in New York, but it requires a huge commitment, both financially and in terms of lifestyle.
You’ll have to dedicate time every morning and evening for exercise, as well as making sure they get enough extra mental stimulation as well. There are also practical considerations, such as how long you will be out of the house each day, whether your building allows pets, and how your neighbors might respond to a particularly vocal husky.
Check out some of our other husky location articles below:
