Dog Walking in Chicago: what to know
Year-round walks are the norm in Chicago — tell your walker how long your dog copes with cold, whether it wears booties and which routes you prefer in snow.
Where to walk dogs in Chicago
- Montrose Dog Beach — A designated dog beach on the lakefront — one of the few places dogs can swim in the lake.
- The 606 (Bloomingdale Trail) — A raised trail on a former rail line; dogs are welcome on a lead.
- Lakefront Trail — Long and scenic but busy with bikes and runners — keep leads short.
- Park District Dog Friendly Areas — Fenced off-lead areas across the city, such as the one at Noethling Park in Lincoln Park; dogs need a DFA permit tag.
Weather and seasons in Chicago
Chicago winters are long and cold, with snow, ice and bitter wind off the lake; sidewalks are heavily salted. Summers are warm to hot and often humid, with the lakefront a few degrees cooler than inland neighbourhoods.
Planning around the seasons
In winter, keep walks shorter on the coldest days, wipe salt off paws afterwards and use booties or a coat for small and short-haired dogs.
In summer, head to the lakefront early, avoid hot pavement in the afternoon and never leave a pet in a parked car.
Before you book
Walkers can offer extras such as photo updates, a report card, pick-up from home or an extra 30 minutes — you see what each walker offers before booking.
Keep your pet's vaccinations and any local registration up to date and carry the records — providers may ask to see them before the first booking.
Dog Walking in Chicago — FAQ
Is dog walking available in Chicago?
Yes. OnlyPaw is available worldwide, including Chicago. Because it's a marketplace, the dog walkers you can book depend on who has been approved near your address — the app shows who's available before you pay.
How much does dog walking cost in Chicago?
Dog walkers in Chicago set their own prices, so you see each provider's rate in the app before you book. At checkout OnlyPaw adds a service fee of 10% of the service price, with a minimum of USD 2 and a maximum of USD 20 (or the equivalent in your local currency), shown before you pay. Your payment is held and only released to the provider after the service is completed.
How are providers vetted?
Every provider submits a government ID and a selfie, passes a knowledge test with a 70% pass mark and uploads service-specific documents — home photos for sitting and boarding, driving licence and vehicle registration for pet taxi, certificates for grooming and training — before the OnlyPaw team approves them.
Do I need a permit for Chicago dog parks?
For the Chicago Park District's Dog Friendly Areas, yes — dogs need a DFA permit tag along with their rabies vaccination. Check the Park District's current rules for how to get one.
What if I need to cancel?
Each provider uses one of three cancellation policies. Under the default moderate policy you get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start, 50% if you cancel at least 2 hours before, and nothing in the last 2 hours. The flexible policy refunds in full up to 2 hours before the start; the strict policy refunds in full from 48 hours and 50% from 24 hours before.
What happens in an emergency?
Every active booking has an SOS button in the app. It alerts the other party and the OnlyPaw team straight away. If your pet needs urgent medical care, contact a vet or emergency clinic first.
