A Pet Owner's Guide To Raising A Happy Dog in Chicago
by freeandflawed - November 06, 2008
Rate Guide
(2)
.jpg)
Owning a dog in a big city like Chicago can be a tricky thing. Many people are cooped up in backyard-less high-rises, condos and apartments. Where does fido run? How does he make friends? How can you ensure the pooch's happiness so that they don't pee on your bed? You know, not that they'd ever do that...
Put down the newspaper!
When looking for a dog, don’t search online or in the newspaper. There are hundreds of lovable and adorable dogs of all ages waiting to be adopted by a pet lover such as yourself. Hundreds of dogs are brought into shelters and are in need of a good home. I recommend starting at a local shelter when looking for a four-legged friend. If you still can’t find a good fit with a dog at a shelter, then peruse the periodicals.
The Anti-Cruelty Society
157 W. Grand Avenue Chicago, IL 60654
The Anti-Cruelty is one of the largest humane groups in not only Chicago, but the country. My cousin has adopted two dogs from them and my family has turned in many stray cats to the ACS. In addition to the adoption of pets, the ACS also offers a low-cost spay/neuter clinic, rehabilitation and treatment center and dog training classes. The ACS also holds a wide variety of events for the community throughout the year.
Paws
1997 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
PAWS is one of the largest no-kill shelters in Chicago. As you can imagine, it can get pretty crowded in there. I don’t know anyone who’s adopted from them personally, but I always hear great things about the organization.
PAWS is one of the largest no-kill shelters in Chicago. As you can imagine, it can get pretty crowded in there. I don’t know anyone who’s adopted from them personally, but I always hear great things about the organization.
Shop til you drop
Our pets pretty much get anything they want. Tell me you can walk into a pet store and resist picking up a new toy or treat. You can’t. Ha! Whether your a small boutique kind of person or prefer the bigger chains, Chicago has a store for you and your pup!
Parkview Pet Supplies
5358 N Broadway St Chicago, IL 60640
Parkview Pet Supplies boasts an incredibly friendly and knowledgeable staff as well as a great selection on pet food and supplies at reasonable prices. Friends who frequent the store always have a great experience.
Urbanimal
1257 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60660
“A Whole Foods for dogs and cats!” Urbanimal is a great store for people that want an alternative outside of commercial pet foods – especially with all of the recalls lately! The store is very warm and friendly and you’re greeted by two dogs!
“A Whole Foods for dogs and cats!” Urbanimal is a great store for people that want an alternative outside of commercial pet foods – especially with all of the recalls lately! The store is very warm and friendly and you’re greeted by two dogs!
PetSmart
If you’re looking for a bigger chain PetSmart would be my recommendation. I find that they have a much bigger selection than most other chains. They also offering grooming, training and occasional low-cost clinics.
Etsy
Edie (above) is sporting a beautiful leash and collar made by an Etsy shop owner. Etsy is a great place to shop for anyone looking for adorable handmade items. After asking around, I found some of my friend’s favorite Etsy stores for pets.
Etsy: 3 Poochys
3 Poochys is the designer behind Edie’s retro collar and leash. The store offers many different designs that come in stylish colors and sizes.
Etsy: Big Doggy Bling
Big Doggy Bling makes and sells awesome collars and leashes. The best part? Twenty percent of your total is donated to an animal rescue group. My friend said she definitely recommends this shop. “The quality is amazing. I got two matching sets of collars and leashes and one Christmas collar.”
Etsy: Hoverfly
Hoverfly makes ridiculously cute and affordable sweaters for dogs. The sizes range from small dogs to super huge dogs!
Puptown: Where the dogs run free
Puptown is a Chicago Dog Friendly Area where dogs can run and play off-leash. This is great for pet owners who live in condos and yard-less apartments. The dogs get a chance to run around and interact with other people and animals.
No Muss, No Fuss!
Let’s face it, both you and your dog dread bath time. It’s unpleasant for the both of you. The before, during and after are enough to make it a once a month (if that!) event. However, it’s important to keep your dog smelling fresh, especially after rolling around underneath the deck (thanks, Max!)
Soggy Paws Inc
1148 W Leland Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
With locations on the north, south, west and northwest side of Chicago, Soggy Paws is a pretty convenient place to bring your dog for a bath! My family mostly have small dogs that can easily fit in a basement sink. But if your dog is on the bigger side, Soggy Paws is great because it’s a self-serve dog wash. You bring your dog in, wash him, dry him and then go home. Soggy Paw takes care of the mess!
With locations on the north, south, west and northwest side of Chicago, Soggy Paws is a pretty convenient place to bring your dog for a bath! My family mostly have small dogs that can easily fit in a basement sink. But if your dog is on the bigger side, Soggy Paws is great because it’s a self-serve dog wash. You bring your dog in, wash him, dry him and then go home. Soggy Paw takes care of the mess!
Central Bark Doggy Day Care
3358 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60641
This day care doubles as a doggy salon!
This day care doubles as a doggy salon!
Day Care & Boarding
It’s difficult having a busy schedule when you have a pet, especially a new puppy. Luckily there are services that will entertain your pup for the day while at work or an extended period of time while on vacation.
Urban Out Sitters
729 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661
They’re open weekdays and Saturdays and are one of Chicago’s most recommended no-cage day care facilities. They also have dog walking and boarding in addition to day care. A really cool feature of Urban Out Sitters is that they will come to your home so your pet doesn’t have to deal with the stress of a new place.
They’re open weekdays and Saturdays and are one of Chicago’s most recommended no-cage day care facilities. They also have dog walking and boarding in addition to day care. A really cool feature of Urban Out Sitters is that they will come to your home so your pet doesn’t have to deal with the stress of a new place.
Houndry the
3945 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60613
They’re open all week, including weekends. They play groups are small to ensure a fun and safe environment. The handlers are extremely attentive and treat the dogs as if they were their own. The owner is also extremely personable and honest. They also offer dog walking and training.
They’re open all week, including weekends. They play groups are small to ensure a fun and safe environment. The handlers are extremely attentive and treat the dogs as if they were their own. The owner is also extremely personable and honest. They also offer dog walking and training.
Training
You don’t want your dog thinking his name is “No!” do you? We don’t all have the time or knowledge to successfully train a puppy. I’m currently trying to re-train an 8-year-old dog (I know!) and that’s proving to be very difficult. Get training out of the way early! Your floors, couches and beds will thank you.
Tucker Pup's Dog Activity Center
219 North Carpenter Chicago, IL 60607
Tucker Pup’s also offers dog walking, grooming and boarding in addition to training and an on-site store.
Animal Sense Canine Training
1912 S. State St. Chicago, IL 60616
From puppies, small dogs, shy dogs, aggressive dogs, and old dogs, there is a class for all. They have three locations (two in Chicago and one in Oak Park), so you don’t even have to go far for great training.
An apple a day...
Well, that rule really doesn’t apply to our pets. Regular trips to the vet come with the territory, whether it be for a nail trim, checkup or annual shots. Below I’ve included my favorite vet as well as a couple other raved about vets in Chicago.
Vca Franklin Park Animal Hospital
9846 Grand Ave, Franklin Park, IL 60131
It’s a bit out of the way, but I’m really happy with the service I’ve received here. They have really great hours and a half-price clinic on Wednesdays. The staff is very friendly and helpful. They also have boarding and pet grooming.
It’s a bit out of the way, but I’m really happy with the service I’ve received here. They have really great hours and a half-price clinic on Wednesdays. The staff is very friendly and helpful. They also have boarding and pet grooming.
My Vet Animal Hospital
1643 W Cortland St, Chicago, IL 60622
My Vet Animal Hospital has received great reviews from pet owners in Chicago. The staff is very friendly and from what I hear, they’re reasonably priced. The vets are very thorough and make sure you understand what is going on with your pet. Now if only my doctor were as thorough!
My Vet Animal Hospital has received great reviews from pet owners in Chicago. The staff is very friendly and from what I hear, they’re reasonably priced. The vets are very thorough and make sure you understand what is going on with your pet. Now if only my doctor were as thorough!
PAWS Chicago Lurie Family Spay & Neuter Clinic
Read what other people are saying about the PAWS clinic. I really like spay and neuter clinics because most times they’re more reasonably priced than a general veterinarian.
Guides We Think You'll Like
.jpg "Surviving a Chicago Winter: Pet Edition")
.jpg "Pretty People With Dogs")
.jpg "Chicago's Best Pet Services")
.jpg "Viva Chihuahua's!!!")
- |
- |
- |
- |
- share this
.jpg "jamielovely")
-
Obviously, I like this guide since I helped with it :) Plus my adorable puppy is on here!
.jpg "freeandflawed")
.jpg "Famous Chicago: Tour the City Through the Big Screen")
.jpg "The Unofficial Guide To BlogHer '09")
.jpg "Finding the Best Breakfast in Chicago")
.jpg "Awkward Family Portraits will make you say \"WTF?\"")
.jpg "Food is SO SEXY, I want to TAT my body with it!")
.jpg "Will You Go to Duct Tape Prom With Me?")
.jpg "Super Sexy Body Art")
.jpg "ENGLISH Mother Fornicator- Do You Speak it?!")
.jpg "Be The Best Pen Pal You Can Be! In San Francisco")
.jpg "Quality Woodcraft")
.jpg "Extreme Acts of Patriotism")
Add Our Widget To Your Site
.jpg)
Discussions