Pet Care in North Center

Complete guide to dog ownership in North Center, Chicago. Horner Park Dog Friendly Area (small & large dog sections), dog-friendly breweries, participating DFA tag vets, and neighborhood tips.

By Pawel Kaczmarek
Excellent Walkability
Ward 47 60618, 60613 Near 312 RiverRun Trail, Irving Park Brown Line Station

Local Tips from North Center Dog Owners

  • Horner Park Dog Friendly Area (DFA) is volunteer-run - join the 1st Saturday cleanup to meet the dog community
  • The DFA is NOT lit - plan visits during daylight hours, especially in winter
  • Burning Bush Brewery sells dog treats AND allows dogs INSIDE the taproom (rare for Chicago)
  • 312 RiverRun connects to Horner Park - great for longer walks along the river

Dog Parks in North Center

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

Horner Dog Friendly Area

2741 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Surface grass
Small dog area Yes
Hours 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM (not lit - daylight recommended)
DFA Permit Guide →

Dog-Friendly Patios in North Center

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. Popular post-Horner stop.

Burning Bush Brewery

4014 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618

Patio Seasonal
Dog menu Yes
Dogs inside Yes

Extremely dog-friendly - dogs welcome inside taproom AND on patio. Sells homemade dog treats and branded dog collars. BYOF (bring your own food) or order delivery.

O'Donovan's Pub

2100 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618

Patio Year-round
Heated Yes

Dogs welcome on summer sidewalk patio. Water bowls provided. Classic Chicago neighborhood tavern feel.

First Slice Pie Cafe

1969 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60613

Patio Seasonal

Dogs welcome at outdoor seating. Perfect for a post-walk pie slice. Water bowls available.

Rewster's Craft Beer & Spirits

1920 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613

Patio Seasonal
Dogs inside Yes

Dogs welcome on small patio and often inside at the bar. Casual neighborhood spot for beer enthusiasts with dogs.

Ritual Coffeehouse

1821 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613

Patio Seasonal
Dogs inside Yes

Dogs welcome both indoors and on back patio garden. Charming back patio provides a nice outdoor oasis during warmer months.

Winter Walking

Tree-lined residential streets mean less wind exposure than lakefront neighborhoods. Montrose and Irving Park become slushy corridors. The 312 RiverRun boardwalk near Horner Park can ice over - use caution. Side streets generally well-plowed but watch for ice patches under mature trees.

Chicago Winter Walking Guide →

Veterinary Care Near North Center

MedVet Chicago

24/7

3305 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

North Center Animal Hospital

DFA Tags

1808 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613

773-327-5050

Mon-Tue-Thu-Fri 7AM-7PM, Wed 7AM-1PM, Sat 7AM-2PM

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

Roscoe Village Animal Hospital

DFA Tags

3131 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

773-549-3131

Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM, Sat 8AM-4PM, Sun 9AM-3PM

VSx Veterinary Surgery

2019 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618

312-224-8940

Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM (surgical referrals)

Pet Care in Nearby Neighborhoods

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