Dog walking in Makanda

Book on demand and scheduled walks with local dog walkers

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How it works

Flexible scheduling

Select the date and time that best suit your needs. Want a walk ASAP? We’ve got you covered.

Customized for your pup

Choose between a 20-minute, 30-minute, or 60-minute stroll for your dog.

Follow along

Track your walk with our live GPS tracker, then view your detailed report card after the walk.

What is Wag!?

Wag! is the nation's fastest-growing network of pre-screened and insured pet sitters and dog walkers. In less than 15 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.

Book walkers near you

Daniel VMakanda, IL 62958

5.0

(7)

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Hi, my name is Danny and I have taken care of dogs and other species for nearly 10 years now. I have worked with dogs of various sizes and dogs who are blind and deaf. I have completed a Veterinary Assistant program at the College of Lake County and I know how to take care of your furry family member if anything were to occur. I am currently a college student studying zoology with a minor in environmental studies and a focus in mammalogy, I look forward to meeting with your furry family member!

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Natalie ZMakanda, IL 62958

5.0

(5)

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I am a lover of all dogs! I am active and love playing with, walking, and being around dogs! This fall I will begin my training to be a service dog trainer!

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Kendall HMakanda, IL 62958

5.0

(2)

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Hello! My name is Kendall and I am a grad student at SIU studying animal science. I have been an animal lover my whole life: from dogs and cats to snakes and frogs, I love all animals, big and small! You can be assured knowing that when your dog is with me, they will be treated like one of my own animals. I know how important your fur-baby is, and I know that I can provide then a top-notch walk with top-notch care.

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Specialties

Oral medicine administration, Injected medicine administration

Dog Walking in Makanda

Quirky, creative and close to nature, the village of Makanda, IL has been voted the most "hippie" place in the whole state. Walking through downtown, it’s hard not to soak up the good vibes -- you and your pooch can check out the windows of the local emerging art galleries, or take a stroll down the Makanda Boardwalk past specialty shops selling handmade jewelry, soap, and a whole host of weird and wonderful stuff. Just make sure the smell of incense et cetera isn’t too much for your fur-baby’s sensitive schnozz! True to form, Makonda holds many festivals throughout the year -- you and your leashed pup are welcome at many of the outdoor events during the Vulture Festival, a massive party to celebrate the return of the turkey vulture from warmer climes.

Makanda doesn’t have its own dog park, but you and your buddy shouldn’t get too "melan-collie" about it! If drumming circles aren’t your thing, don’t worry -- Makanda sits right in the middle of a ginormous state park, so outdoorsy pooches won’t lack for fur-friendly hiking options. The village is near a wine trail, too, and many local vineyards welcome wagging tails with open arms. And if your doggo longs to lose the leash, don’t worry -- you’ll find some pawesome dog parks just a short drive away!

Best Dog Neighborhoods in Makanda

Giant City State Park

Population Density

28 per sq. mi.

Giant City State Park

With Giant City State Park completely surrounding Makanda, you and your pooch would be barking mad not to check it out! The park is named after Giant City Streets, huge sandstone bluffs that were formed over twelve thousand years ago. It goes almost without saying that the preserve is breathtakingly beautiful, featuring untamed, forested wilderness and carpeted with ferns, unique wildflowers, and flowering mint. Not only that, but you’ll find a trail here for every age and ability. With Makanda as a base, you could spend days or weeks exploring here!

Sherwood/ Briarwood

Dog Parks

1 park

Population Density

1,558 per sq. mi.

Sherwood/ Briarwood

You’ll have to cross the state line into Missouri to get to the closest fenced area where your furry friend can run free, but once your fur-baby gets through the double gates at the Dog Town Playground in Kiwanis Park, you’ll be glad you made the trip! Located in the historic Mississippi riverside college town of Cape Girardeau, this off-leash area is a pawfect place for your pup to play and socialize. There’s plenty of room in both the large and small dog areas for even the most energetic of pups to run around and tire themselves out in, and bags and water are provided.

Alto Pass

Population Density

48 per sq. mi.

Alto Pass

Another oasis of civilization in the middle of Giant City State Park, Alto Pass is home to the excellent Hedman Vineyards and Peachbarn -- and after all, since you’re in wine country, it’d be a huge faux paw not to go for a tasting! Hedman Vineyards is part of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, and they do a fantastic Traminette. Your pooch is welcome at an outdoor tasting, as long as they're leashed! Afterward, you two can chow down at The Peachbarn, an onsite restaurant that serves up the best in Swedish cuisine and caters to canines outside.

Southwest Murphysboro

Dog Parks

1 park

Population Density

615 per sq. mi.

Southwest Murphysboro

Compact, friendly and just a seventeen-minute drive from Makanda, the small city of Murphysboro really is a mutts-visit! It’s home to the furrific Friends of Murphysboro Dog Park, which has the distinction of being the first dog park in southern Illinois. The dog run might not be as big as the one in Cape Girardeau, but there’s still enough space for a large furball to leap about to their heart’s content, even when the park is crowded. Like the Cape Girardeau park, there’s a separate small dog area, too. Bags and water are provided, so just bring your pup and prepare to play!

Downtown Carbondale

Population Density

9,272 per sq. mi.

Downtown Carbondale

Laid-back and full of charm, Carbondale is home to the University of Southern Illinois, an institution that has been supplying Makanda with artists for years. Not only that, but Pure Pet is based here, and a treat from this local gem will certainly make your pup sit up and beg! Aptly located on Sweets Drive, Pure Pet stocks everything from healthy daily rewards to more occasional indulgences. Of course, owners need to eat, too! Don’t worry, though -- many restaurants in Carbondale are fur-friendly. Bandana B-B-Q serves up a great Brunswick stew, and welcomes wagging tales at their outdoor tables.