Dog Walkers in University Village - Little Italy

Sitting west of the Chicago River in the downtown area of the city, University Village - also known as Little Italy - is a combination of Italian tradition and bustling university life. The area boasts a variety of Italian restaurants, bakeries, shops, and more, as well as others. Taylor Street, Little Italy's central hub, is one of the busiest roadways in the neighborhood and is where you will find plenty of coffee shops, stores, and monuments celebrating Italian culture. Howlistic Grooming, an eco-friendly pet grooming service, is located on South Halsted Street near the University of Illinois. 

Chicago's weather is typical of any Great Lake-bordering city. The spring and fall seasons are warm, breezy, and a great time to go for long walks. The summer and winter months can bring changing weather patterns, so be sure to check the forecast before heading out and bring the appropriate gear. Your pooch will thank you for it!

University Village or Little Italy is a typical city neighborhood consisting of concrete sidewalks and busy roadways. However, many of the tree-lined streets offer small grassy areas that are a perfect place to stop and take a break. There are many different greenways and parks you could stumble upon during your walk through the area. The only place you'll find any hills is in one of the neighborhood's major parks, but these artificial hills aren't steep and won't tire you or your furry friend or present much of a challenge.

Walking throughout the neighborhood is fairly easy, but you'll want to watch out for the busy roadways, particularly Taylor Street. At the center of Little Italy, it can become crowded, especially on weekends during tourist season. It's about a two-mile walk across the neighborhood starting from the edge of the Rush Medical Center to the southern part of the university's campus near the Halsted Street train station. 

There are plenty of green spaces to take your dog in University Village and you'll easily find one just walking through the neighborhood. Arrigo Park, a six-acre wooded area just north of Taylor Street surrounded by Little Italy's residential area, is the most well-known park in the neighborhood as it features a statue of Christopher Columbus from the 1983 World's Columbian Exposition. The park also offers views of Chicago's skyline. Nearby, Sheridan Park offers a playground, turf, and a field house for different activities. 

In the southeast corner of Little Italy, Addams/Medill Park is a large area with green space and courts or fields, popular for festivals and concerts during the summer. There is a dog park in the University Village area of the neighborhood with a double-gated entrance, fountains, and space for your pet to run around, but it is completely covered in concrete and may not be ideal for paws during very hot days so come prepared.