Victoria Kam normally walks her year-old miniature schnauzer, Sunny, around Battery Park and the East River Esplanade.
Now, they have 172 more acres to stroll at their leisure.
Kam was among those making the trip with Sunny to Governors Island on Saturday, the first time dogs have been allowed to roam there.
“I follow Governors Island on Instagram,” said Kam. “When I saw the post that they’re now allowing dogs, I was really excited. We’re hoping he could meet some friends.”
Owners and their four-legged friends can enjoy all of the island on leashes, or dogs can run free at the new fenced-in dog park behind Liggett Terrace toward the center of the island.
Marco Palacios, Sebastian Jimenez and dog Charlotte head to the dog park on Governors Island. Stephen Yang
Victoria Kam is among those “excited” dogs can enter the island. Stephen Yang
Dog owners can take the ferry with their pooches to the island. Stephen YangDogs are allowed every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. until May 1, officials have said.
But Saturdays, pooches are no pioneers. There has been a pack of working dogs on the island for the past six years to keep geese away. The big Canadian waterfowl can be aggressive toward humans, and their droppings are breeding grounds for invasive species.
The Governors Island Ferry Service boat leaves from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South St. in Manhattan.
