Dog walking in Chicago
Book on-demand and scheduled walks with local dog walkers - choose between a 20-minute, 30-minute, or 60-minute walk for your pup- Wag!
- Dog Walking
- Chicago, IL
Best dog walkers in Chicago
Book on demand and scheduled walks with local dog walkers
On-demand, scheduled, and recurring walks
$10
$90
Best dog walkers in Chicago
Book on demand and scheduled walks with local dog walkers
1
2
3
4
5
How to book dog walkers near me
Get matched
A top-rated local Caregiver will match with you; or you can choose to browse Caregivers near you.
Follow along
Receive live updates and photos. Track your pup's walk via GPS.
Get a report card
Once your pet is home, view details on how the walk went, complete with a photo!
Why find pet care through Wag!?
Wag! is the nation's fastest-growing network of vetted and background checked pet sitters, overnight boarding, dog walkers, dog trainers, and even virtual vet chat. Schedule ahead for pet care while you are away, or book on-demand pet care during the workday. In minutes you can book a nearby dog sitter, daycare provider, or dog walker, who'll take complete care of your loved one - at their place or yours.
Customer Reviews
Unable to take your dog on a walk today? Dog Walkers through Wag! are available to care for your pup whenever you’re not. Every dog walker has passed an enhanced background check. Get photos and updates on where your dog poops and pees while you follow along via GPS in the app.
Scout,
Chicago
Ernesto was super communicative and was nice enough to send me pictures and videos so I can see my guy from the confines of my desk!
adriana,
Chicago
Thank you for being so good to zazu and walking him last minute ! We look forward to future walks
Joshua,
Chicago
Thank you!!!
Maria,
Chicago
Thank you!
Kris,
Chicago
Ellen was great as always! So many good photos and takes good care of our pup.
Brittney-Geneva,
Chicago
Julie you are so sweet. Thank you for taking care of Billie in my absence. My mother said she was so excited go walking with you. She ran out the door
Santiago,
Chicago
Thank you
Jackee,
Chicago
Angel. Thank you.
Racquel,
Chicago
Thank you!
Avalon,
Chicago
Taylor was communicative and arrived quickly for our ASAP walk. She met me outside with a smile and looked excited to take Nigel for a stroll! Great, smooth service!
Why book a dog walker in Chicago?
Your pup wants to see the Chicago, IL sights just as much as you do, whether they're taking a quick spin around the block or frolicking in their favorite nearby park. Dog walkers on the Wag! platform are experienced with dogs of all shapes and sizes, ensuring your dog is safe and happy as they explore Chicago, IL. You can work, play, or run errands knowing you don't have to worry about pet care while you're out.
The best dog friendly neighborhoods in Chicago
49
Wicker Park
For those who bark, look no further than Wicker Park! This Chicago neighborhood has not one, not two, but three fenced-in, off-leash dog parks. How do you decide which one is best for you and your canine compadre? Walsh Playground Dog Park is the place to go if you want wide open spaces and shelter from the summer sun. Head on over to Churchill Field Dog Park for a game of fetch with Fido. The humans can also play ball on the baseball field. Last but definitely not least is Wicker Park Dog Park. This dog park is the only one of the three to feature real, live grass for all of your dog's rolling, sniffing, and running needs! Wicker Park Dog Park tends to get busy on weekends, so it may be easier to get into the other two parks on Saturdays and Sundays.Keep reading36
River North
The trendy River North neighborhood lures culture vultures and party people alike with an impressive array of art galleries, glitzy bars, and chic clubs. Sparky will surely be tugging on the leash the whole way to A. Montgomery Ward Park! Nestled on the banks of the Chicago River, the park features a dog-friendly area, called Larrabee Dog Park, which is a "pawpular" spot with locals and dog walkers in Chicago. On-site amenities include drinking water for doggos and a mess-free surface of pea gravel. Just don't forget to bring plenty of waste bags! After your buddy has sniffed out some new four-legged friends, treat yourself to a taco or craft brew at one of the neighborhood's dog-friendly restaurants and bars.
Keep reading24
Near North Side
Dubbed one of Chicago's most walkable neighborhoods, Near North Side is a must-see for four-legged foodies and fashionistas. The district is also one of the oldest neighborhoods in Chi-Town, making it the perfect spot for hound-dog history buffs. Once you've walked up an appetite, take your pick of dog-friendly restaurants serving up everything from coffee and donuts to five-star fare. Get some seafood at Juniper Spirits and Oysters inside the Claridge Hotel, or check out Barrio which features a dog menu in the summer. The aptly-named Magnificent Mile is a magnet for shopaholics, boasting dozens of dog-friendly stores, pet boutiques, and even hotels. For a truly unique experience, book a cruise with your canine to see Chicago from a different perspective.
Keep reading13
Near South Side
Located just a bone's throw from the Loop and Lake Michigan, Near South Side is a "furrific" area for puppers that features museums and high-rise condos. What does Chicago's Near South Side have to offer our fuzziest family members? Two beautiful dog parks! The first of these is the renowned Fred Anderson Dog Park. This hot spot for Spot features separate enclosures for large and small pups. Things get fancy with a special performance area complete with a stage if your dog is the competitive type. Though smaller than Fred Anderson Dog Park, what Coliseum Dog Park lacks in space it more than makes up for in amenities. Water and waste baggies are provided, and you'll usually find plenty of other dogs playing here. If you and your dog travel with kiddos, this park is right up your alley. The surrounding community park features a fun playground, making it the "pawfect" place to take the kids — fur-babies included!
Keep reading1
Uptown
Most folks know Uptown for its Prohibition-era history. Many of the bars and snazzy jazz clubs you'll see today were pupular hangouts for world-famous gangsters like Al Capone back in the Roaring '20s. Modern-day Uptown is just as glamorous, home to live concerts, gourmet cuisine, and upscale entertainment venues. The star attraction for your woofer will be the Montrose Dog Beach. Puptown at Margate Park is another "grrreat" place to play off-leash. Maintained by volunteers, this park provides drinking water and waste baggies. In the summer, the sprinklers offer a fun way for your canine to stay cool. When you've explored all of Uptown's parks, settle in for a hearty meal complete with beautiful views of Lake Michigan.
Keep readingFrequently asked questions
How much does a dog walk cost in Chicago, IL?
How do I find and choose a dog walker in Chicago, IL?
How long does a dog walk last in Chicago, IL?
How to book a dog walk in Chicago, IL?
Famous dog in Chicago
Theo the Golden Retriever was a dying dog with a huge bucket list. He was adopted at 12 years old, terminally ill with cancer, after being allegedly abandoned in a Walmart parking lot. He quickly stole the hearts of his adoptive family, the Leeches. Despite his grim diagnosis, he was still full of joy and had lots of life left to live.
Theo’s bucket list initially included a boat ride, a fire station visit, and going on a play date. After CBS 2 picked up Theo’s story, news of his bucket list began to spread beyond Chicago, and the family began receiving emails from far and wide, including India, Australia, New Zealand, and Germany. He was even featured in British tabloids and People Magazine!
One by one, Theo started checking things off his fun-filled bucket list. Some of his accomplishments include being sworn in as an honorary police K-9 for the police department, going (pretend) skydiving, riding top-down in a Mustang, going to a concert, and meeting an Elvis Impersonator. He’s even had a beer named after him – Theo's Octopus beer from Roaring Table Brewery.
When the Leech family adopted Theo, they thought he only had a good couple of weeks. He gave them over 6 months of thrilling memories before heading to doggy heaven in December 2020.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Chicago
Fancy a bite to eat with your four-legged pal? Check out some of these dog-furiendly restaurants in the Windy City for a night out your pup will howl about!
Parson's Chicken & Fish
Parson’s Chicken and Fish has four Chicago locations to choose from, in the neighborhoods of Logan Square, Lincoln Park, Andersonville, and West Town. Their locations feature patios with plenty of outdoor seating for dogs and their owners. They serve fried chicken, fish, and other Southern-inspired dishes. The patio also has a walk-up bar with refreshing drinks to enjoy while lounging with your pup.
The Dock at Montrose Beach
The Dock is a casual restaurant located right on the beach and boasts beautiful lakefront views. Dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio, and the menu features classic beach food like burgers, hot dogs, and fish tacos. You may even get to enjoy some late-night luaus and live music throughout the summer!
90 Miles Cuban Cafe
90 Miles Cuban Cafe is a Cuban restaurant that has two locations in Chicago, Lincoln Park and Roscoe Village. Both offer dog-friendly outdoor seating! They serve delicious Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, and other traditional dishes. The staff even keeps a bowl of water on hand for furry patrons. Don’t miss their live music on Thursdays!
The Little Goat Diner
The Little Goat Dinner is a trendy spot in the West Loop neighborhood and has a spacious outdoor seating area where pups are welcome. The menu features modern takes on classic diner fare, like chicken and waffles and breakfast sandwiches.
Rockwell's Neighborhood Grill
Located in the Lincoln Square neighborhood, Rockwell's Neighborhood Grill is a dog-friendly spot with a large outdoor patio. The menu features American classics like burgers and fries, and they also offer a dog menu with treats and meals specifically for your furry friend.
Dog-friendly event in Chicago
Mercury Cruises offers a Canine Cruise, which is a fun and unique way to explore Chi-Town with your furry best friend. From the vantage point of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, you can enjoy sights of the skyline while listening to a lively commentary about the history and architecture of the area. They’ll point out the many dog-friendly points of interest along the way, so you can even start planning your next adventure!
While you sit back and enjoy the views, your pup can enjoy the wind in their fur. The boat offers plenty of safe outdoor seating, water bowls, and a special newspaper-lined restroom for your pal. Bar and snack services are available for humans. The cruises kick off July 8th and run until October 1st, at 10 AM on Saturdays and Sundays. You can purchase tickets online or at the ticket office on the day of. Be sure to keep your pup leashed, and enjoy a day out on the water with your pupper!
Where to take pics of your dog in Chicago
In this iconic city, there's no shortage of furbulous backdrops for your pup's big city adventure! Here are just a few!
The 606 Trail
The 606, also known as the Bloomingdale Trail, is a 2.7-mile elevated park and trail that were built on what was once an industrial train line. It runs through several Chicago neighborhoods and offers great photo ops with your pooch. You can capture your pup enjoying the scenic views and street art along the way.
Millennium Park
If there’s one photo-op you can’t miss while in Chi-town, it’s the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture in Millennium Park, also known as "The Bean." While this whimsical work of art makes for a great photo backdrop with your dog, the park also features beautiful gardens and art installations that are perfect for taking memorable shots.
Navy Pier
The Ferris wheel and other attractions at Navy Pier provide a fun and exciting backdrop for photos with your dog. Plus, there are plenty of outdoor spaces where your pup can enjoy the lakefront view.
The Art Institute of Chicago
After capturing the classic photo op with the Art Institute's iconic lions, there's plenty to explore in the surrounding areas with your doggo. The architecture and gardens offer plenty of other picturesque settings for photos for the cultured pup.
Animal Shelter Spotlight in Chicago
As one of the oldest animal shelters in Chicago, the Anti-Cruelty Society had humble beginnings. In 1899, four compassionate women had a meeting to discuss Chicago’s forgotten animal population. Their three primary goals were to suppress cruelty to animals, to educate the public on humane treatment, and to create a refuge for strays. In 1904, they opened their first small animal shelter and began initiatives like providing watering troughs for workhorses in the city. Now, The Anti-Cruelty Society serves more than 40,000 pets and their humans each year through sheltering, spay/neuter services, training, behavior hotline, classes, and programs.
Check out their website to see what furry friends are available to join your family. You can also see a list of fundraiser events they host, including the Anti-Cruelty Society’s annual BARK on May 20th, 2023. This is Chicago’s oldest dog-friendly, outdoor fundraiser, and something you won’t want to miss! The event begins with a 2-mile walk along Chicago’s beautiful lakefront, followed by the best Pup Party in town with food, beverages, music, family activities, and dog-friendly demonstrations.
It’s safe to say that the Anti-Cruelty Society has had a huge positive impact on Chicago’s pet population.
The most popular dog names of 2023 in Illinois
Guest Author: Amber Spencer-Knowles – Stacker Media
You've done everything on your checklist. Got pet insurance and found a great, affordable veterinarian. Didn't forget to puppy-proof the house and scanned high and low for the best quality dog food. Just one thing's missing: What will you name your new furry family member?
In the past century, man's best friend has had various popular names. Spike, Fido, and Buddy are classic names. But what if you're looking for something more unique? Or, you want to give them a classic name, like Charlie? Whatever you choose to call your puppy pal, you want to make sure it's just right.
What's in a name, you might ask? Sometimes, what you see is what you get. Other times, it's quite the complete opposite. According to the PetHelpful, the ideal dog name should be kept to one to two syllables. Why? You'll get your puppy's attention faster. Another helpful tip: give your furry friend a name you won't get tired of repeating.
Wag! ranked the 50 most popular dog names in Illinois based on its users' data. Find your next pup's name below, or see if your canine companion's name made the cut.
#50. Murphy
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 1.19%
- National rank: #57
#49. Oreo
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 1.19%
- National rank: #39
#48. Winston
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 1.19%
- National rank: #46
#47. Ellie
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 1.20%
- National rank: #49
#46. Blue
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 1.26%
- National rank: #40
#45. Roxy
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 1.27%
- National rank: #38
#44. Maggie
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 1.27%
- National rank: #30
#43. Bruno
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 1.28%
- National rank: #43
#42. Jax
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 1.28%
- National rank: #37
#41. Mia
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 1.28%
- National rank: #41
#40. Ollie
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 1.29%
- National rank: #45
#39. Rosie
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 1.31%
- National rank: #42
#38. Tucker
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 1.35%
- National rank: #36
#37. Lucky
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 1.40%
- National rank: #33
#36. Zeus
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 1.41%
- National rank: #34
#35. Bentley
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 1.46%
- National rank: #26
#34. Sophie
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 1.48%
- National rank: #35
#33. Harley
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 1.52%
- National rank: #31
#32. Zoey
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 1.56%
- National rank: #29
#31. Lily
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 1.57%
- National rank: #28
#30. Chloe
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 1.57%
- National rank: #22
#29. Duke
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 1.60%
- National rank: #20
#28. Levi
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 1.61%
- National rank: Not ranked in the top 100
#27. Jack
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 1.65%
- National rank: #19
#26. Riley
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 1.71%
- National rank: #32
#25. Louie
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 1.76%
- National rank: #50
#24. Penny
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 1.78%
- National rank: #27
#23. Toby
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 1.79%
- National rank: #24
#22. Sadie
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 1.80%
- National rank: #16
#21. Wrigley
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 1.81%
- National rank: Not ranked in the top 100
#20. Molly
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 1.85%
- National rank: #15
#19. Leo
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 1.86%
- National rank: #21
#17. Oliver (tie)
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 1.87%
- National rank: #25
#17. Nala (tie)
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 1.87%
- National rank: #18
#16. Teddy
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 1.88%
- National rank: #23
#15. Stella
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 2.08%
- National rank: #17
#14. Bear
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 2.10%
- National rank: #14
#13. Milo
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 2.38%
- National rank: #11
#12. Rocky
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 2.59%
- National rank: #13
#11. Bailey
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 2.60%
- National rank: #8
#10. Buddy
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 2.68%
- National rank: #9
#9. Lola
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 2.77%
- National rank: #10
#8. Daisy
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 2.85%
- National rank: #6
#7. Cooper
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 2.89%
- National rank: #12
#6. Lucy
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 2.95%
- National rank: #5
#5. Coco
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 2.97%
- National rank: #7
#4. Luna
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 3.84%
- National rank: #2
#3. Max
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 4.22%
- National rank: #3
#2. Charlie
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 4.26%
- National rank: #4
#1. Bella
- Share of Illinois's top 50 names: 5.65%
- National rank: #1
Want to see other state's rankings? Check out the top 10 in each of the 50 states.