When planning a long-term stay or move to the city with pets, it helps to know where your furry family members will be welcome and not subject to the baleful glances of anti-pet onlookers. Fortunately, New York City offers numerous pet-friendly parks and other areas.

Central Park boasts 23 off-leash areas scattered throughout the park. Inwood Hill Park encompasses a two-mile dog-friendly hiking trail. Dog runs such as Brooklyn Bridge Park Dog Run at Pier 6, are large, fenced-in areas where dogs can exercise unleashed during park hours. There is also a dog run in Washington Square Park and three in Riverside Park; located at West 72nd, 87th and 105th Streets.

Leashed dogs are allowed on some beaches, either on the sand, boardwalk and/or promenade. From October 1 until May 1, leashed dogs are permitted on the sand at South Beach, Manhattan Beach, Midland Beach, Cedar Grove Beach, Coney Island Beach and Brighton Beach.

Alfresco dining in the city is popular in the summer and there are many pet-friendly restaurants that allow pets in their outdoor eating areas. Barking Dog Luncheonette on 3rd Ave offers an extensive menu, reasonable prices and a weekend brunch. Cornelia Street Cafe on Cornelia Street is a romantic bistro with sidewalk cafe tables. Sidewalk Cafe, open 24 hours on weekends, is a great place to go for a late evening burger and frozen margarita.

Indoor and outdoor doggie daycare is available in the city. Wiggly Pups is an exclusive canine club in the Gramercy Park section. Fetch Club is a 13,000 square-foot state-of-the-art facility in the South Street Seaport historic district. Canine Country Outings For NYC Dogs will take your dog for an all-day outing that includes off-leash hiking, running and swimming.

Pets provide felicity and solace unconditionally, so it's nice to indulge them sometimes. In New York City, it's easy to find a place for some well-deserved pet pampering.