Our History
The Mercer Houston Dog run was created in the 1960s when a small group of determined residents convinced the Community Board that a dog run would be an asset to the neighborhood. In the 1970s, Community Board #2 and the NYC Planning Commission approved the amended Urban Renewal Plan allowing NYU to build the Coles Gymnasium. The university agreed to build and maintain the new, adjacent dog run. In 1980, the dog run was officially opened. In 1981, MHDRA was incorporated: Filed under Section 202 with NY State as a volunteer, not-for-profit corporation. By-Laws and a Code of Conduct were defined, and a Board of Directors was elected.
Today, the run continues to be a community gathering spot for members.
Board of Directors
Mary Steyer, President
Dona Bergin, Vice President
Sara Goldsmith, Treasurer
Jen Gatien, Secretary
Diane Brown
Alycia Foley
Peirce Moser
Dylan Paige
Alexander Polakov
We welcome you to submit a membership application. The annual fee, per dog, is $80 and $40 for people 62 and older. Applications must be submitted via the website with the fee paid by credit card.
MHDRA requires written proof that the following three vaccinations are up to date:
Distemper/Parvo (DA2PP)
Rabies
Bordetella (kennel cough)
Applicants must upload a photocopy of your dog’s (dogs’) New York City / other locality license as a PDF or JPG. If you do not have a dog license, you can obtain one HERE.
Only complete applications will be processed. If you do not have proof of all three vaccinations, please do not send your application at this time.