The short version: Downtown has two public dog runs, Hamilton Park and Van Vorst Park. Newport and the Waterfront lean on private, resident-only runs and the Hudson walkway. Lincoln Park on the West Side and Berry Lane Park in Bergen-Lafayette cover the rest. If you have a cat, skip the park map and shop on layout, light, and street noise.
Where the dog runs are
Hamilton Park
680 Jersey Ave, Downtown
Separate off-leash areas for small and large dogs
Van Vorst Park
257 Montgomery St, Downtown
Fenced and shaded, with separate small-dog and big-dog runs and dog fountains
Lincoln Park
West Park Dr at Lakeview Dr, West Side
Off-leash, and the larger run for dogs that need more room
Berry Lane Park
944 Garfield Ave, Bergen-Lafayette
Off-leash run, plus trails where leashed dogs can walk
Newport Pier Dog Run
Newport waterfront
Private, for Newport residents only. Open 6 AM to 9 PM daily
Liberty State Park is a good place for long walks, but dogs stay on a leash there.
Which neighborhood fits your pet
Small dog: Downtown. Hamilton Park and Van Vorst Park both have a dedicated small-dog area, and they are close together.
Big or high-energy dog: Look near Lincoln Park, which has the larger run, or choose a building with its own run.
Dog that mostly needs a good walk: The Waterfront. Newport sits on the Hudson walkway, and Newport residents also get the private runs.
Cat: Any neighborhood works. Ask about window light and whether the unit faces a busy street.
Most pet-friendly listings on Apartment List are in The Waterfront, Downtown, and Journal Square, so those neighborhoods give you the most units to compare.
What it costs, and what New Jersey law covers
Security deposit cap. New Jersey limits the total deposit to 1.5 times one month's rent. On a $3,000 apartment, that is $4,500 at most.
Pet deposits. These generally count toward that cap rather than adding to it. A monthly pet rent or one-time pet fee is a separate charge, so ask for all three numbers: deposit, fee, and monthly rent per pet.
Getting it back. Your landlord must hold the deposit in an interest-bearing account and return it, with itemized deductions, within 30 days after you move out.
Service and support animals. These are not pets under fair housing rules. Landlords generally cannot charge pet deposits, fees, or pet rent for a service animal or a documented emotional support animal. This is general information, not legal advice.
Pet-friendly rentals in Jersey City run from about $1,300 to $12,800 a month.
Ask before you sign
How many pets are allowed, and is there a weight limit? Some buildings cap pets at two, and some set a limit around 50 lbs.
Is there an on-site dog run, and is it open to residents only? If not, how far is the nearest public one?
What are the deposit, one-time fee, and monthly pet rent, in writing?
How long does it take to get from the unit to the street at 7 AM? In a high-rise, this is your morning walk.
Is there a pet spa, a pet-only elevator, or a pet relief area?
After you move in
License your dog. New Jersey requires dog licenses, and Jersey City will not issue one without a current rabies vaccination. You can apply through the city's Division of Health online or by mail.
Find an overnight vet now. Check hours before you need them. The Animal Clinic and Hospital of Jersey City on West Side Avenue, for example, is closed Sundays and sends overnight emergencies to another facility.
Common questions
Which Jersey City neighborhood has the most pet-friendly apartments?
The Waterfront, Downtown, and Journal Square have the largest number of pet-friendly listings on Apartment List. The Heights, Bergen-Lafayette, and Greenville have fewer.
Can I bring my dog to the Hudson waterfront?
Yes, on a leash. The Hudson River walkway near Newport is a common daily route, and Liberty State Park also allows leashed dogs.
Can a landlord charge pet rent for a service animal?
Generally no. Service animals and documented emotional support animals are treated as assistance animals, not pets, so pet deposits, fees, and pet rent usually do not apply. You are still responsible for actual damage.
How much is rent for a pet-friendly apartment in Jersey City, NJ?
Rental prices for pet-friendly apartments in Jersey City, NJ range from $1,300 to $12,800 per month.
How many pet-friendly apartments are available for rent in Jersey City, NJ?
Currently, there are 1,744 pet-friendly apartments available for rent in Jersey City, NJ.
Are there any additional fees associated with renting a pet-friendly apartment in Jersey City, NJ?
Yes, most landlords and property management companies in Jersey City, NJ will ask for a refundable pet deposit. If there was no damage to the property caused by your pet, you should be able to recover the deposit at the end of your lease. Some rental properties in Jersey City, NJ may also charge monthly pet rent.
City Guide for Jersey City, NJ
Across the Hudson River from Manhattan sits Jersey City. The “sixth borough” of New York is adorned with waterfront high-rises and office buildings guarded by none other than Lady Liberty herself. She’s no giant fighting robot (yet), but she’s at least the closest thing to it. Located between the Hudson and New York’s Upper Bay, Jersey City began as a docking town. Slowly, but surely it has become a new must-move spot in the New York Metro area, as tons of Manhattanites have migrated here for that big city vibe minus the big city price tag.
Frank Sinatra may have sung about several other famous cities, but he was born and bred in New Jersey, and that’s good enough
