The ultimate guide to dog-friendly Chicago

February 21, 2024 - 3 min read
Chicago skyline

The Windy City not only tops tourists’ bucket lists; it ranks No. 9 in 2024 for our four-legged friends, according to Forbes's.

With a massive brewing scene—160+ breweries, as of 2024—world-renowned architecture, and 8,000 acres of green space, there’s no shortage of things to do and places to explore with your dog by your side.

Start downtown with a walk along the Magnificent Mile or Riverwalk, then head to one of the city’s 77 diverse neighborhoods to find your favorite deep-dish pizza, explore local shops, take in a ball game with your pup, or enjoy the gorgeous lakefront together.

From dog-friendly dining to epic dog beaches, plus spots to get your pup the care they need, here’s our dog-lovers guide to the Second City.

Dog-friendly bars and restaurants in Chicago

Seeking dog-friendly dining in Chicago? You're in luck. Particularly when the weather warms up (or you’re feeling brave in the wintertime), Chicago patio season means you'll see dogs everywhere.

Satisfy your fried chicken craving at Parson’s Chicken and Fish. If it's a dog-friendly brunch you seek, Kitsch'n on Roscoe is a paw-pular spot.

And if you’re looking to put your dollars towards something good while you dine, the proceeds from Bandit’s doggy menu go to a local shelter.

Best dog parks and dog beaches in Chicago

City living includes finding your community, and there’s no better way to break the ice than making four (and two!)-legged friends at one of Chicago's best dog parks or dog-friendly beaches.

Small spaces and places provide great opportunities to explore Chicago, so head outside your ’hood and hit the town.

Montrose Dog Beach, an enormous swath of dedicated dog beach along Lake Michigan, is a favorite among locals all year long—especially in the summer, when it’s a friendly dog’s paradise.

Top groomers in Chicago

Whether you prefer DIY dog grooming or want to leave it to the professionals, there are a wide range of great Chicago dog grooming spots to get your pup cleaned up.

Urban Pooch Canine Life Center offers quick clean-ups and full-service grooming services, while Pet Care Plus Resort and Spa provides patrons with grooming, daycare, and boarding.

The best veterinarians in Chicago

Finding the right veterinarian can be overwhelming, but Chicago has a wide range of expert vets in nearly every neighborhood.

MedVet Animal Hospital is an American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care-certified trauma center for any emergency incidents, and for day-to-day care, Good Vets has four locations throughout the city and surrounding suburbs.

Old Town Animal Care Center offers walk-in appointments, grooming, daycare, and boarding services.

Best Chicago-area animal shelters

The rescue community in Chicago is thriving, with long-standing organizations like The Anti-Cruelty Society and PAWS Chicago saving thousands of homeless animals every year.

Slightly newer outfits, like One Tail at a Time, are dedicated to saving animals and giving back to the community by hosting biannual Community Days as well as vaccine clinics in underserved communities to help pet parents in need keep their pets at home.


David Teich
Lead Editor

David oversees content strategy and development at ManyPets. As Lead Editor, he focuses on delivering accurate information related to pet care and insurance. David’s editorial background spans more than a decade, including a pivotal role at Digiday, where he wrote content and managed relationships with media and tech companies. As an Associate Editor at Cynopsis Media, David wrote the Cynopsis Digital newsletter and interviewed executives and digital marketing experts in the TV industry. His background also includes film journalism. His diverse experiences in journalism and marketing underpins his role in shaping content within the pet care industry.