Chicago is a very dog-friendly city, and there is so much for you and pet dog to explore in the city. Chicago has several well-defined dog-friendly areas where your dog can run around and socialise with other dogs. The town has several dog parks, dog-friendly restaurants and cafés, and many establishments even leave out food and water for dogs walking by.

Chicago is a wonderful city to raise your dog in. If you are travelling with your pet dog to Chicago from a different country, it is recommended to use an IPATA member pet travel agency to help with the international pet transport. Whether you are moving on work or going to Chicago for a holiday, here’s all that you need to know about living in the city with your pet dog:

Register your pet

All pet dogs that are four months and older have to be registered with the city of Chicago. Your dog must have a current rabies vaccination for the registration. The validity of the registration mirrors the rabies vaccination. The city council awards three-year registration emblems for dogs that have had a three-year rabies vaccination and a one-year emblem for dogs whose rabies vaccination is valid for a year.

You can register your pet online at the Chicago City Clerk website on in person in one of the many Chicago City Clerk offices. Registration fees for sterilised pets are priced at $5 per year. Unsterilised pets will be charged $50 per year as registration fees.

Vaccinations and leash laws in Chicago

Family pets in Chicago must be mandatorily vaccinated against rabies. Make sure the rabies vaccination is always current by giving your pet booster shots when they are due. Other mandatory vaccinations for dogs in Chicago are Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis and Bordetella.

The city of Chicago has strict leash laws, and all dog owners must abide by them. All pets must be on a lead when they are out in a public place. Your pet can be unrestrained in private property as long as there is an appropriate fence around the property to keep the dog from running away.

Your pet dog must be on a lead in all public parks and beaches at all times, except in the specially designated dog-friendly areas where they can be off-lead.

Pet owner responsibilities in Chicago

As a responsible pet parent, you will be expected to follow specific rules and regulations in Chicago. These rules are to ensure your pet dog is safe from harm and is not a nuisance to others. Pet owners are legally responsible for their dogs and any injuries or damage to property caused by their pets. Remember to clean up after your pet always; failure to do so can attract fines of up to $500.

It is the responsibility of the pet owner to ensure that the dog is well cared for and exercised adequately. The dog must have hygienic living quarters and must always be treated with care. Dogs cannot be left alone in cars without proper ventilation and protection from the heat and cold.

Dog-friendly areas in Chicago

The city of Chicago has designated dog-friendly areas (DFAs) where you can take your dog for exercise and socialisation. You can find dog-friendly areas within most Chicago public parks and beaches; pet dogs are allowed off-lead only in these areas and nowhere else in the city.

Most DFAs have doggie water fountains, cleaning up stations, separate enclosures for small and timid dogs, bulletin boards for dog owners, and trash bins for dog waste. Before you bring your dog to a DFA, they must be vaccinated against rabies, dewormed and fully immunised. To use the dog-friendly area, your pet dog will require a permit from the Park District, as well as the dog licence. Entering a DFA without a valid permit and tag can carry a fine of up to $500.

A participating vet can issue a park permit and tag for any dog wishing to visit the DFA. You will need to furnish proof of rabies vaccination and other mandatory vaccinations, and fill in a Chicago Park District Dog-Friendly Area Permit Application for your dog to a participating vet and purchase the permit for $5 per dog.

Pet parents are directly responsible for their pets and must remain and watch their pets at all times in the DFA. Remember to clean up after your pet. Puppies under the age of four months female dogs in heat are not permitted in dog-friendly areas for health reasons.

Dog-friendly beaches and parks in Chicago

Chicago has several beautiful dog parks and beaches for you to enjoy with your pet dog. Almost every neighbourhood in the city has access to dog parks that are within walking distance. Some of the best parks and beaches for a fun doggy day are:

• Montrose Dog Beach
• Belmont Harbor Beach
• Norwood Park Dog Park
• Hamlin Dog Park
• Logan Square Dog Park
• River Park Dog-Friendly Area

Pet-friendly restaurants and cafés in Chicago

The people of Chicago love their pets and dogs are welcome in many restaurants, cafés and even shops. Many of these pet-friendly restaurants have special dog menus or dog treats for their pet patrons. If you are looking to grab a bite in Chicago with your pet friend in tow, head to one of these pet-friendly restaurants:

• Ten Cat Tavern
• The Promontory
• Bistronomic
• Big Star
• Paradise Park
• Ranalli’s Pizzeria and Bar

Pet transport to Chicago? Call the pet travel experts

Chicago is a great place to raise a pet. The multicultural city has much to offer pets and pet parents alike. International pet transport to Chicago is a lengthy process that involves health tests, documentation, vaccinations and much more. If you are planning to move your pet to Chicago, reach out to Petraveller for a detailed pet transport itinerary and stress-free pet travel experience.