Dog-Friendly Chicago, Year-Round Travel Guide

Our pets are like family members—we love and care for them and want them to be near us, even when we’re exploring a big city like Chicago. Savvy travelers and Windy City locals understand that just because a place allows dogs, it doesn’t necessarily mean that dogs are particularly welcome or that the locale is dog-friendly.

This guide will clue you in to the best spots to go around the city, with your furry pal in tow, from neighborhood parks where Fido can run off leash and socialize with other canines to top sights and attractions in the Windy City.

Romp Around Chicago’s Public Dog Parks

From Roger’s Park up north to South Chicago along the Indiana border, and everywhere in between, multiple Chicago Park District Dog Friendly Areas welcome pets year-round and allow them to run off leash within the safety of a fenced-in area. Your fully vaccinated pet will need a permit and tag to enter ($10) and you’ll have to pick up after your dog (of course). Some of these parks have special areas for smaller dogs or shy dogs, pet drinking fountains, garbage receptacles, and extra doggie bags. Below are a few standout locations:

• Belmont Harbor Dog Beach: Situated at Belmont and Lake Shore Drive, within Lincoln (Abraham) Park, this dog park, located in a great area within walking distance to the Lakefront Trail, is small but clean. In the warmer months your dog can swim and chase balls.  
• Puptown Dog Park: This spot, located in Chicago’s Margate Park, is well-liked by locals. If you visit here often, plan on volunteering to help maintain the park—folks meet up every other Saturday morning to rake the pea gravel, refill poop bag dispensers, and clean the park. Puptown is a sweet spot for your pet to run around and be a part of the community.
• Montrose Dog Beach: This beautiful park, also called Mon Dog, is open every day of the year. In the warmer months, especially, this celebrated dog beach is exciting to visit. You’ll watch your wooly pet bounce in and out of the water, roll in the sand, and make new friends.
• Wicker Dog Park: Located within Wicker Park on North Damen Avenue, this park is tidy and relatively large. There’s a drinking fountain for your pups and benches to sit on. The park can be quite the social affair, for humans and dogs alike.
• Bronzeville Dog Park: The Bronzeville Association for Recreation with Canines (BARC) worked with the Chicago Park District to establish three dog parks. Well-maintained and supported with volunteers from the community, these parks are wonderful for pets who need a little fresh air, sunshine, and exercise.

Good to Know:  Chicago’s weather can often be temperamental each season. Rain, snow, wind, ice—we have it all. Plan to dress for the occasion and outfit your dog with Kurgo’s Halifax Rain Shell, which comes in white or yellow, or their colorful Loft Dog Jacket. Both choices will offer an extra layer of protection and warmth, perfect for the city’s unpredictable weather patterns.

Explore Chicago’s Lakefront Trail

The Lakefront Trail is an 18-mile-long pedestrian and bike path that runs from Ardmore Avenue on the north side of the city to 71^st Street on the south side. From one end to the other, you’ll be able to explore a number of neighborhoods including Edgewater, Uptown, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, South Loop, Bronzeville, and Hyde Park. Leashed dogs can walk with their handlers on the footpath.

Good to Know: If you decide to burn of your dog’s seemingly endless energy via an extra-long walk, you’ll likely want to be hands-free while out and about. The Tumalo Hydration Pack from Mazama is the perfect size for hitting the city’s Lakefront Trail. The insulated reservoir compartment will keep your water from freezing in the winter and from getting too warm in the summer. Stuff the pack’s pockets with extra waste bags and treats for you pooch and you’ll be on your way.

Stroll Navy Pier

Navy Pier is a dog-friendly locale, popular with tourists and locals. View the skyline from the pier, as you wander along the South Dock. Rest on one of the benches at East End Plaza and watch the boats. Explore Polk Bros Park, located at the front entrance of the pier. Take part in a public event or two, including a plethora of free programs. Dine alfresco at Harry Caray’s Tavern. The pier has many photo opportunities and backgrounds for you and your pup: Centennial Wheel, Wave Wall, and the USS Chicago Anchor.

Good to Know: Keep your pet warm and fashionable with the Ellie Dog Jacket from Lolë . And, if you want to be match-y—match-y, you can get the packable multipurpose night blue Jwp Atmos Jacket from Jack Wolfskin. Explore the Windy City’s top sights and attractions in style.

Cruise on Chicago River and Lake Michigan

Why not bring your pet on a dog-friendly Chicago cruise? Mercury Cruises, the most pet-friendly, operates a Canine Cruise on Chicago’s waterways, beginning in July. The lake and river cruise guides will educate you on not only Chicago history and architecture, but also, dog-friendly points of interest.

Leashed dogs are welcome on any of Shoreline Sightseeing’s tours. Leaving right from Navy Pier, Seadog Cruises also offers a number of cruises ideal for leashed seafaring pets.

Good to Know: You may want to bring along a blanket, like the We Wander Pet Throw from Eddie Bauer, for the cruise to keep your pet comfortable while they’re either sitting in your lap or relaxing on the floor of the boat. And, if you think your dog will catch a chill, consider the Mountain Pet Sweater for an extra layer.

Take Your Dog Indoor Swimming

Doggie Paddle, located in Wicker Park, is the ultimate indoor fitness center for dogs. From day care to swimming lessons to round-trip transportation, they do it all. If it’s chilly in Chicago and you don’t want to go outside, yet your dog needs exercise and socialization, then you may want to register for classes here.

Good to Know: Likely you’ll be transporting your dog to and from in a vehicle. Why not create a safe and comfortable space in your car with a portable dog bed. Smartwool’s Second Cut K-9 Camp Cushion, fashioned out of recycled socks, has a washable cover and multi-hued design. The handle makes it easy to transport the bed from your car to your home.