Montrose Beach is the largest and most popular dog beach in Chicago. On a sunny summer weekend, hundreds of dogs romp the sand and swim in Lake Michigan. Montrose is an off-leash beach and is open from sunrise to 9 p.m. daily. The beach is free, but dogs must have the required city registration tags. Owners should not bring food to the beach, but most toys are welcome. Mondog, a dog owners' volunteer organization, works on making improvements to the beach. Their efforts have resulted in a new fence and daily beach clean-ups.
Rent a canoe and paddle down the Des Plaines or Chicago River with your dog. Chicagoland Canoe Base is a canoe and kayak specialty shop that allows you to bring your pet aboard their equipment. The outlet provides the water vessel, paddles, life preservers and information about diverse paddling destinations. Canoe and kayak rental fees are charged per day. Chicagoland Canoe Base is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Take your pup on part of the city's 18.5-mile Lakefront Trail. A section of the trail runs through downtown Chicago and on to Grant Park, where the famous Buckingham Fountain is located. Dogs on leash are allowed in Grant Park, but if you want your dog to be able to play, Grant Bark Park at 900 S. Columbus Drive is a large, modern paved dog park with double gate entry, a fountain, trees and water bowls. Your dog must have the required city registration tags to enter the dog park.
PAWS Chicago, a nonprofit humane organization, finds homes for the city's homeless animals. Throughout the year, PAWS holds several large adoption and fundraising events. You can participate in an event, such as runs or walks, and bring your dog with you. Other volunteer opportunities include being an adoption counselor for cats and dogs, a location manager, a dog walker or foster parent to a cat or dog.
