As a pet owner who recently moved from New York City to the Los Angeles area, it has been quite a change for me and I think an even bigger (and better) change for my dog and cat. Things such as cold weather and limited living and outdoor spaces make it more difficult to have a dog in NYC.

It seems to take much more effort on the part of the dog owner to get their dogs outside and exercising. New York is generally "high rise" living and just to make it out the front of the building is an experience. It begins with the elevator ride; one always wonders whether you'll get on with a "friendly" neighbor or the vicious dog from the next floor, or the little kid who is completely terrified even though they are bigger and scarier than many of the dogs. In many buildings you are not allowed to take your dog in the "people" elevator.

There is such a variety of conditions in NYC apartment buildings when it comes to dogs; only certain sizes are allowed (smaller), only one dog, not two, then of course, NO DOGS ALLOWED. When looking for a place to live in the Big Apple, if you have a pet (even cats), you are limited in your choices, regardless how high the rent is. In the past few years, apartment buildings are advertising themselves as "pet friendly."

I'm not sure how hard it is to find "pet friendly" dwellings in Los Angeles, but in my neighborhood there are more dogs than people and that must mean something. When I see people with big dogs - Great Dane, Bernese Mountain Dog (really!), Newfoundland – I still think like a New Yorker and wonder how they fit in their homes.

It is easier to have a big dog in LA. There definitely is more time outside just because the weather is usually fabulous. Everyone complains about "winter" here which means a few weeks of cold rain, but compared to the Northeast it is a piece of cake. As a result, I think owners and their pets spend more time outside – better for people, better for pets.

People tend to walk their dogs at the same times during the day and so the dogs mingle, the people mingle and generally, it makes for wonderful community feeling. Friendships develop; tips are shared about grooming, vets, foods, treats - and not just for the pets!

I remember seeing a very energetic woman in Central Park who would play catch with her lab for hours and I was lamenting that I'd been trying to get my dog to do this for years, but she was not interested. The woman said to me so matter of factly, "well your dog isn't a Retriever!" All the sudden both my dog and myself were let off the hook. Of course, my Westie was not a Retriever! Nevertheless, no matter where you live, it is great fun to pass the time with someone who is equally passionate/crazy about their pet whether it is in a New York City dog run or on a stroll down the street.

As a pet owner who recently moved from New York City to the Los Angeles area, it has been quite a change for me and I think an even bigger (and better) change for my dog and cat. New York City is generally "high rise" living and just to make it out the front of the building is an experience. It begins with the elevator ride; one always wonders whether you'll get on with a "friendly" neighbor or the vicious dog from the next floor, or the little kid who is completely terrified even though they are bigger and scarier than many of the dogs. In many buildings they have people elevators where dogs are not allowed.

Limited indoor living space and cold weather make it more difficult to have a dog in New York City. I know first-hand, it’s not fun walking or exercising your dog in the rain and cold. Regardless of the weather, New York is "destination" oriented. New Yorkers are generally in a hurry to get somewhere, even if it’s for pleasure. In Los Angeles, there is a slower pace of living and more desire to stop and smell the roses, so to speak. The sun and milder climate of California impels people to spend time outdoors and with them come their pets.

I’ve always taken note of pet accessories and products. In New York, one may see fancy collars and sweaters or jackets during the cold weather - even on some of the bigger dogs – but that’s the extent of "pet fashion." In the winter, because of the snow, sometimes you see dogs wearing booties to protect their feet from the salted walkways. Perhaps it was the territory I would cover in my daily life, but most New Yorkers don't seem to go for the "glam" of pet fashion. Even the dog carriers, an opportunity to sport another designer item, don't show up much.

With the exception of exercising their dogs, New Yorkers leave their dogs home. Dogs tend not to be part of the social fabric in the way that dogs are on the West Coast. As a result, West Coasters have more opportunity to show off their pooch in the latest pet fashion. I do think it is the smaller dogs that get dressed, but all size dogs deserve to be fashion plates.