Montrose Dog Beach

Want to surprise your favorite pooch with a road trip sure to delight? Take Fido to visit Montrose Dog Beach. Yes, you read that correctly; this beach has gone to the dogs! It's the pawrfect place for Fido to run, frolic, swim, and play; all without the need for a lead. This off-leash dog beach is the very first of its kind in Chicago, and people and their pooches flock from all over the city to enjoy a day of seaside fun. 

You can find this pawrific dog beach in the northwest corner of Montrose Beach, near the steel walls of the boat launch off of Wilson Avenue. If a dip in the surf was on the agenda, you can join your best canine pal for some doggy paddling in the crisp, clean waters. A stroll along the sand more what you had in mind? Montrose Harbor Dog Beach is the pawsomest place for that too! Though no leashes are required by the local Paw Patrol in this area, you should have one on hand just in case. 

Though entrance to this pawrific beach is free of charge, you must register for a city of Chicago Dog Friendly Area permit. Permits are available for a cost of $5 and must be renewed yearly. To obtain a permit, you must produce proof of a negative fecal sample, as well as the following vaccinations: distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus, bordetella, and rabies. Once approved for a permit, you will be given a DFA dog tag and a paper copy of the pass which you must bring with you on each visit to the beach.

To keep the beach a safe zone, no food is permitted on the grounds. Leave the treats and snacks at home, but be sure to pack some bottled water! If Fido has had a little too much of a doggone good time frolicking in the sand, there are dog wash stations where you can hose him down to get him presentable for the car trip home. Other pawrific things to do at Montrose Harbor Dog Beach including swimming, kayaking, and even paddleboarding! Though it is not known if there is a pawblic bathroom on the grounds for people to use, clean-up bags are provided for picking up any canine waste. 

If a day at the dog beach would send Fido into a gleeful orbit, plan a trip to Montrose Harbor Dog Beach. He'll have a barking good time!