Pet Care in Lincoln Square

Complete guide to dog ownership in Lincoln Square, Chicago. Horner Park and Paws Park DFAs, 4 neighborhood vets issuing DFA tags, dog-friendly patios on Lincoln Avenue, and insider tips.

By Pawel Kaczmarek
Excellent Walkability
Ward 47 60625, 60640 Near Western Brown Line Station, Lincoln Avenue Commercial Strip

Local Tips from Lincoln Square Dog Owners

  • Horner Park DFA is one of the largest in Chicago - arrive early on weekends for calmer playtime
  • Paws Park (River Park) is perfect for anxious dogs - quieter location away from trains
  • Lincoln Avenue between Lawrence and Montrose is the walkable heart - excellent for on-leash strolls
  • Expect lots of kid + dog combos - family-friendly neighborhood means strollers and leashes everywhere

Dog Parks in Lincoln Square

All Chicago off-leash parks require a Dog Friendly Area (DFA) permit ($10/year).

Horner Park Dog Friendly Area

2741 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Surface mixed
Small dog area Yes
Hours 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM (not lit, daylight recommended)

River Park Dog Friendly Area (Paws Park)

5100 N Francisco Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

Surface Paved
Small dog area No
Hours 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Welles Park

2333 W Sunnyside Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

Surface grass
Small dog area No
Hours 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
DFA Permit Guide →

Dog-Friendly Patios in Lincoln Square

Burning Bush Brewery

4014 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618

Patio Year-round
Dog menu Yes
Dogs inside Yes

Extremely dog-friendly - dogs welcome inside taproom AND on patio year-round. Sells homemade dog treats and branded dog collars. Water bowls provided.

Gene's Sausage Shop Rooftop

4750 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

Patio Seasonal

Dogs welcome on rooftop patio (seasonal, May-Oct). Water bowls available. Arrive early on weekends - fills up fast.

The Bad Apple

4300 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Patio Seasonal

Dogs welcome on sidewalk patio spring-fall. Staff motto: "Dogs always drink free" - water bowls always out.

Daily Bar & Grill

4560 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

Patio Year-round
Heated Yes

Dogs welcome on spacious patio. Relaxed atmosphere perfect for post-walk beers. Water bowls provided.

Luella's Southern Kitchen

4609 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

Patio Seasonal

Dogs welcome on sidewalk patio. BYOB so bring your own wine. Limited outdoor seating - arrive early.

Winter Walking

Interior location shields from worst lake effect, but still receives significant snowfall. Lincoln Avenue commercial strip cleared quickly, residential streets slower. Single-family homes and 2-flats mean more private sidewalk responsibility. Horner Park Dog Friendly Area (DFA) not lit - plan winter visits for daylight hours.

Chicago Winter Walking Guide →

Veterinary Care Near Lincoln Square

MedVet Chicago

24/7

3305 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Lincoln Square Animal Hospital

DFA Tags

4501 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

773-271-1901

Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 9AM-7PM; Wed, Sat 9AM-5PM

BLVD Vet Ravenswood

DFA Tags

4646 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

773-516-4050

Mon-Wed, Fri 8AM-6PM; Thu 8AM-8PM; Sat 8AM-4PM

Ravenswood Animal Hospital

DFA Tags

2752 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

773-539-7387

Mon, Wed, Fri 8AM-6PM; Tue, Thu 8AM-8PM; Sat 8AM-1PM

Uptown Animal Hospital

DFA Tags

5545 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640

773-561-0734

Mon-Fri 8:30AM-6PM; Sat 8:30AM-2PM

Pet Care in Nearby Neighborhoods

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