Dog Friendly Areas

Dog friendly areas are designated sections within Chicago parks or beaches, where dogs are allowed to run and play off-leash, the only areas in the city where this is allowed. Until the creation of these areas, dogs were only allowed in the city’s parks on a leash. Many of these sites provide features such as doggie drinking fountains, separate areas for shy dogs, dog owner bulletin boards, trash receptacles and extra doggie bags.

The owner or other responsible person bringing any dog into a dog friendly area must have a permit and tag issued by a participating Veterinarian for each dog. Please be responsible when using these areas by following the policies and procedures for Chicago Park District Dog Friendly Areas as listed below.

We hope your dog enjoys running, playing and socializing with other dogs in one of these spaces.

Map & Listings

1611 S. Wabash Avenue
Chicago , IL 60601
United States

115 S. Sangamon
Chicago , IL 60607
United States

Belmont & Lake Shore Drive
Chicago , IL 60614
United States

Bryn Mawr & Lake Shore Drive
Chicago , IL 60614
United States

9801 S. Avenue G
Chicago , IL 60617
United States

1100 W. Irving Park Rd.
Chicago , IL 60613
United States

1825 N. Damen Ave.
Chicago , IL 60614
United States

4501 N. Marine Drive
Chicago , IL 60640
United States

1466 S. Wabash Ave.
Chicago , IL 60605
United States

951 S. Columbus Drive
Chicago , IL 60601
United States

3035 N. Hoyne Ave.
Chicago , IL 60618
United States

2741 W. Montrose Ave.
Chicago , IL 60618
United States

2732 N. Avers Ave.
Chicago , IL 60647
United States

450 E. Benton Place
Chicago , IL 60601
United States

2230 W. Pershing Road
Chicago , IL 60609
United States

601 West Montrose Avenue
Chicago , IL 60613
United States

2645 N. Sheffield Ave.
Chicago , IL 60614
United States

5899 N. Avondale
Chicago , IL 60631
United States

353 N. DesPlaines St.
Chicago , IL 60611
United States

2529 W. Logan Blvd
Chicago , IL 60647
United States

1358 W. Monroe
Chicago , IL 60607
United States

3938-40 S. Indiana Ave.
Chicago , IL 60653
United States

3900 South Lake Park Avenue
Chicago , IL 60653
United States

4149 -53 S. Vincennes Avenue
Chicago , IL 60653
United States

4100 N. Long
Chicago , IL 60641
United States

7340 N. Rogers Ave.
Chicago , IL 60626
United States

4900 N Marine Drive
Chicago , IL 60640
United States

5100 N. Francisco Ave.
Chicago , IL 60625
United States

1722 N. Ashland Ave.
Chicago , IL 60614
United States

630 N. Kingsbury St.
Chicago , IL 60606
United States

5625 S. Mobile Ave.
Chicago , IL 60638
United States

4233 W. 65th St.
Chicago , IL 60629
United States

1425 N. Damen Ave.
Chicago , IL 60622
United States

Anderson (Fred) Dog Friendly Areas

1611 S. Wabash Avenue
Chicago , IL 60601
United States

Bartelme (Mary) Dog Friendly Area

115 S. Sangamon
Chicago , IL 60607
United States

Belmont Harbor Dog Friendly Area

Belmont & Lake Shore Drive
Chicago , IL 60614
United States

Bryn Mawr Dog Friendly Area - TEMPORARY

Bryn Mawr & Lake Shore Drive
Chicago , IL 60614
United States

Calumet Dog Friendly Area

9801 S. Avenue G
Chicago , IL 60617
United States

Challenger Dog Friendly Area

1100 W. Irving Park Rd.
Chicago , IL 60613
United States

Churchill Dog Friendly Area

1825 N. Damen Ave.
Chicago , IL 60614
United States

Clarendon Dog Friendly Area

4501 N. Marine Drive
Chicago , IL 60640
United States

Coliseum Dog Friendly Area

1466 S. Wabash Ave.
Chicago , IL 60605
United States

Grant Dog Friendly Area

951 S. Columbus Drive
Chicago , IL 60601
United States

Hamlin Dog Friendly Area

3035 N. Hoyne Ave.
Chicago , IL 60618
United States

Horner Dog Friendly Area

2741 W. Montrose Ave.
Chicago , IL 60618
United States

Kosciuszko - Dog Friendly Area

2732 N. Avers Ave.
Chicago , IL 60647
United States

Lake Shore East Dog Friendly Area

450 E. Benton Place
Chicago , IL 60601
United States

McKinley Dog Friendly Area (DFA)

2230 W. Pershing Road
Chicago , IL 60609
United States

Montrose Beach Dog Friendly Area

601 West Montrose Avenue
Chicago , IL 60613
United States

Noethling Playlot Dog Friendly Area

2645 N. Sheffield Ave.
Chicago , IL 60614
United States

Norwood Dog Friendly Area

5899 N. Avondale
Chicago , IL 60631
United States

Park No. 551 Dog Friendly Area

353 N. DesPlaines St.
Chicago , IL 60611
United States

Park No. 556 Dog Friendly Area

2529 W. Logan Blvd
Chicago , IL 60647
United States

Park No. 569 Dog Friendly Area

1358 W. Monroe
Chicago , IL 60607
United States

Park No. 590

3938-40 S. Indiana Ave.
Chicago , IL 60653
United States

Park No. 591

3900 South Lake Park Avenue
Chicago , IL 60653
United States

Park No. 592

4149 -53 S. Vincennes Avenue
Chicago , IL 60653
United States

Portage Dog Friendly Area

4100 N. Long
Chicago , IL 60641
United States

Pottawattomie Dog Friendly Area

7340 N. Rogers Ave.
Chicago , IL 60626
United States

Puptown

4900 N Marine Drive
Chicago , IL 60640
United States

River Dog Friendly Area

5100 N. Francisco Ave.
Chicago , IL 60625
United States

Walsh Dog Friendly Area

1722 N. Ashland Ave.
Chicago , IL 60614
United States

Ward Dog Friendly Area

630 N. Kingsbury St.
Chicago , IL 60606
United States

Wentworth (John) Park

5625 S. Mobile Ave.
Chicago , IL 60638
United States

West Lawn Park

4233 W. 65th St.
Chicago , IL 60629
United States

Wicker Dog Friendly Area

1425 N. Damen Ave.
Chicago , IL 60622
United States

Rules & Regulations

• Owners are legally responsible for their dogs and any injuries caused by their dogs.
• Owners must remain with and watch their dogs at all times.
• Dogs must be leashed prior to and upon leaving the DFA. Gates to the DFAs must remain closed except upon entering and exiting the DFA.
• Owners must immediately clean up after their dogs. Owners who fail to clean up after their dogs are subject to a fine of up to $500.00 (City of Chicago Ordinance 7-12-420).
• Dogs with a known history of, or who exhibit, dangerous behaviors are prohibited.
• Dogs must be healthy, fully immunized, dewormed, licensed and comply with the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control Regulation for Chicago Park District DFAs.
• No dog will be allowed in a DFA unless it has a current rabies vaccination.
• Dog owners are responsible for the monitoring and maintenance of the DFA.
• No Food (human or dog food) is allowed inside the DFA
• Owners or other responsible persons must have a DFA permit with them for each dog visiting the DFA.
• DFA permits are valid from January 1 through December 31 each year.
• Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult; younger children must be closely supervised.
• Only three dogs per person allowed.
• Puppies under four months old and female dogs in heat are prohibited.
• Failure to comply with the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control Regulation for Chicago Park District DFAs can result in a fine of up to $500.00.

Permits and Tags

The Administrator of the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control mandated that the Park District issue permits for all off-leash dogs using Dog Friendly Areas. This regulation will be enforced by Deputies of the Department of Animal and Rabies Control. Any patron using a DFA without a permit is subject to a $500 fine.

The owner or other responsible person bringing any dog into a DFA must have a permit and tag issued by a participating Veterinarian for each dog. The veterinarian will issue a permit for any dog when the dog’s owner or other person responsible for the dog shows the following:

1. The owner or other responsible person produces a current dog license issued by the City of Chicago, or proof that the dog has a current rabies vaccination.
2. The owner must complete a Chicago Park District Dog Friendly Area Permit Application for each dog. The owner shall provide written proof acceptable to the Park District showing that a licensed veterinarian (or other authorized person) has performed a fecal test for parasites and vaccinated any dog entering a DFA for the following diseases:
   1. Distemper
   2. Hepatitis
   3. Para influenza; and
   4. Parvovirus
   5. Bordetella
   6. Leptospirosis

   (Current titers where applicable will also be acceptable) After issuance of a permit, the dog owner is responsible for keeping immunizations a thru f above current.

   Where to Get a Permit In Chicago

   Dog Friendly Area Permit Applications are available at participating veterinarian offices (see list below). The Chicago Park District, with the cooperation of the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association, developed a process for distributing permits for our Dog Friendly Areas (DFAs). Permits are available at the offices of participating veterinarians for a cost of $10 per dog.

   1. Abell Animal Hospital
      6032 N. Northwest Hwy., Chicago IL 60631
      (773) 631-6727
   2. Animal Ark Veterinary Clinic, PC
      3235 N. Kedzie Ave., Chicago IL 60618
      (773) 442-6500
   3. Animal Care Center of Chicago
      1248 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago IL 60607
      (312) 243-6655
   4. Animal House of Chicago
      2752 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago IL 60625
      (773) 878-8002
   5. Animal Medical Center of Chicago
      1618 W. Diversey, Chicago IL 60614
      (773) 525-3353
   6. Animal Medical Center
      8343 N. Skokie Blvd., Skokie IL 60077
      (847) 673-2616
   7. Beverly Hills Animal Hospital
      10359 S. Western Ave., Chicago IL 60643
      (773) 779-7790
   8. Blum Animal Hospital
      3219 N. Clark St., Chicago IL 60657
      (773) 327-4446
   9. Bramer Animal Hospital Ltd
      1021 Davis Street, Evanston IL 60201
      (847) 864-1700
   10. Brighton Park Animal Hospital
       3779 S. Archer Ave., Chicago IL 60632
       (773) 254-1111
   11. Broadway Animal Hospital
       6320 N. Broadway, Chicago IL 60660
       (773) 262-5445
   12. Bronzeville Animal Hospital
       203 E. 31st St., Chicago IL 60616
       (312) 949-1838
   13. Burnham Park Animal Hospital
       1025 S. State St., Chicago IL 60605
       (312) 663-9200
   14. Cermak Animal Clinic
       6911 West Cermak Road, Berwyn IL 60402
       (708) 484-0101
   15. Chicago Pet Clinic
       3510 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago IL 60641
       (773) 283-4627
   16. Chicago Veterinary Care
       441 W. Roslyn Pl., Apt. 1E., Chicago IL 60614
       (312) 371-9839
   17. Clark n Oak Animal Health Center
       1009 N Clark St., Chicago IL 60610
       (312) 951-8000
   18. Compassionate Veterinary Care
       620 W. Webster Ave., Chicago IL 60614
       (773) 327-5024
   19. Cragin Animal Hospital
       3042 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago IL 60641
       (773) 777-4400
   20. Delta Animal Hospital
       2105 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago IL 60622
       (773) 278-6019
   21. Diversey Animal Hospital
       5540 W. Diversey, Chicago IL 60639
       (773) 283-0827
   22. Duke Animal Hospital
       3941 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago IL 60613
       (773) 627-4200
   23. Elk Grove Pet Clinic
       615 Meacham Rd., Elk Grove Village IL 60007
       (847) 524-8387
   24. Elmwood Grove Animal Hospital
       8035 W. Grand Ave., River Grove IL 60171
       (708) 456-6700
   25. Family Pet Animal Hospital
       1401 W. Webster, Chicago IL 60614
       (773) 935-2311
   26. Forest Glen Animal Hospital
       5324 N. Elston Ave., Chicago IL 60630
       (773) 283-2883
   27. Fox Animal Hospital
       2107 Crawford Ave., Evanston IL 60201
       (847) 869-4900
   28. Fullerton Animal Clinic
       4303 W. Fullerton Ave. Chicago IL 60639
       (773) 227-7600
   29. Furnetic/Chicago Center for Veterinary
       Med 2242 W. Harrison, Suite 101 Chicago IL 60612
       (312) 226-2588
   30. Heal Veterinary Clinic
       4108 N. Rockwell, Chicago IL 60618
       (773) 888-5091
   31. Higgins Animal Clinic
       1705 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago IL 60657
       (773) 525-0472
   32. Hyde Park Animal Clinic
       1363 East 53rd Street, Chicago IL 60615
       (773) 324-4484
   33. Illiana Veterinary
       16259 Van Dam Rd., South Holland IL 60473
       (708) 331-4640
   34. Janda Veterinary Hospital
       5005 W. Cermak, Cicero IL 60804
       (708) 863-4008
   35. Jewell Animal Hospital
       4501 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago IL 60625
       (773) 271-1901
   36. Lincoln Park Dog and Cat
       2665 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago IL 60614
       (773) 549-2090
   37. Logan Square Animal Hospital
       2543 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago IL 60657
       (773) 384.1138
   38. Marquette Animal Hospital
       4227 W.63rd St., Chicago IL 60629
       (773) 585-8350
   39. Mayfair Animal Clinic
       4314 N. Elston, Chicago IL 60641
       (773) 478-1868
   40. McKillip Animal Hospital
       2867 N. Clark St., Chicago IL 60657
       (773) 248-7266
   41. Metropolitan Veterinary Center
       1556 S. Michigan #1100, Chicago IL 60605
       (312) 583-1921
   42. Mid North Animal Hospital
       2212 N. Halsted, Chicago IL 60614
       (773) 929-0777
   43. Milaknis Animal Hospital
       5638 N. Western Ave., Chicago IL 60659
       (773) 561-1433
   44. Morton Grove Animal Hospital
       9128 Waukegan Rd., Morton Grove IL 60053
       (847) 965-4010
   45. My Neighborhood Vet
       6927 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincolnwood IL 60712
       (847) 213-0600
   46. My Vet Animal Hospital
       1643 W. Cortland, Chicago IL 60622
       (773) 235-8387
   47. Near North Animal Hospital LTD
       1207 N. Wells, Chicago IL 60610
       (312) 944-5350
   48. North Ave. Animal Hospital
       1901 W. North Ave., Chicago IL 60622
       (773) 278-1330
   49. North Center Animal Hospital
       1808 W. Addison St., Chicago IL 60613
       (773) 327-5050
   50. Northwest Animal Hospital
       2024 S. River Road, Des Plaines IL 60018
       (847) 296-3112
   51. Norwood Park Animal Hospital
       4321 N. Harlem Ave., Norridge IL 60706
       (708) 457-0066
   52. Pets First Veterinary Clinic
       3413 N. Broadway, Chicago IL 60657
       (773) 904-8724
   53. Pulaski Animal Hospital
       5424 S. Pulaski Rd., Chicago IL 60632
       (773) 735-2112
   54. Ravenswood Animal Hospital
       2752 W. Montrose, Chicago IL 60618
       (773) 539-7387
   55. Riser Animal Hospital
       5335 W. Touhy Ave., Skokie IL 60077
       (847) 673-2520
   56. Roscoe Village Animal Hospital
       3131 N. Clybourn, Chicago IL 60618
       (773) 549-3131
   57. The Royal Treatment Veterinary Spa
       4130 N. Rockwell, Chicago IL 60618
       (773) 267-9966
   58. Terry Animal Hospital
       1419 Lake Ave., Wilmette IL 60091
       (847) 256-1131
   59. Touhy Animal Hospital
       2311 W. Touhy Ave., Park Ridge IL 60068
       (847) 698-3123
   60. Urban Veterinary Care
       2930 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago IL 60657
       (773) 388-0400
   61. Veterinary Home Health Care
       5000 W. Bloomingdale Ave., Chicago IL 60639
       (773) 237-8230
   62. VCA Lake Shore AH
       960 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago IL 60642
       (312) 738-3322
   63. West Loop Veterinary Care
       815 W. Randolph, Chicago IL 60607
       (312) 421-2275
   64. West Suburban Animal Hospital
       518 N. Warwick, Westmont IL 60559
       (630) 968-4212
   65. West Wrigley Animal Hospital LLC
       3416 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago IL 60657
       (773) 528-8387
   66. Wicker Park Veterinary Clinic
       1166 N. Milwaukee, Chicago IL 60642
       (773) 227-9700
   67. Woodlawn Animal Hospital
       6523 S. King Drive, Chicago IL 60631
       (773) 288-3744
   68. Wright Animal Hospital
       265 River Road, Des Plaines IL 60016
       (847) 299-0135
   69. Your Pets Wellness
       2319 N. Damen Ave, Chicago IL 60647
       (773) 697-8176

   Updated June 2024

   Participating Veterinarian Offices (map)

   Updated June 2024