Pet Care in Old Town

Complete guide to dog ownership in Old Town, Chicago. Nearby DFA parks (Ward Park, Wiggly Field), dog-friendly patios on Wells Street (Happy Camper, Orso's), vets that issue DFA tags, and insider tips.

By Pawel Kaczmarek
Excellent Walkability
Ward 43 60610, 60614 Near Sedgwick Brown Line Station, Wells Street Corridor

Local Tips from Old Town Dog Owners

  • Old Town has NO official DFA parks within its boundaries - plan trips to Ward Park (south) or Wiggly Field (north)
  • Second City shows let out at 10PM-11PM on weekends - Wells Street gets crowded, not ideal for nervous dogs
  • Piper's Alley parking garage (230 W North Ave) is easiest for dog park trips but expensive
  • Victorian walkup buildings (3-4 floors) are common - verify dog walker can handle stairs

Dog Parks in Old Town

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

Ward (A. Montgomery) Dog Friendly Area

630 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60654

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

Wiggly Field (Lincoln Park)

2645 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Surface mixed
Small dog area Yes
Hours 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
DFA Permit Guide →

Dog-Friendly Patios in Old Town

Happy Camper

1209 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610

Patio Seasonal

Dogs welcome on seasonal patio. Water bowls provided. Staff very dog-friendly. Expect waits on summer weekends.

The Fireplace Inn

1448 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610

Patio Year-round
Heated Yes

Dogs welcome on heated outdoor cafe with retractable roof. Water bowls available. Quieter than nearby Wells Street spots.

Orso's Restaurant

1401 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610

Patio Year-round
Heated Yes

Dogs welcome on heated outdoor patio bar, available year-round. Traditional neighborhood Italian with welcoming attitude toward four-legged guests.

Topo Gigio

1516 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610

Patio Year-round
Heated Yes

Dogs welcome on sidewalk patio and heated inner garden (enclosed in winter). Water bowls provided. Upscale-casual atmosphere.

Benchmark

1510 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610

Patio Seasonal

Dogs welcome on patio. Water bowls available. Great for after-work drinks with your pup.

Old Town Pour House

1419 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610

Patio Seasonal

Dogs welcome on sidewalk patio only (not rooftop). Water bowls provided. Sports bar atmosphere.

Winter Walking

East-west streets channel lake wind ("The Hawk") from nearby lakefront. Victorian buildings provide some wind shelter on residential streets. Wells Street commercial corridor has heated entries and awnings. High-rises have indoor dog relief areas but vintage walkups do not.

Chicago Winter Walking Guide →

Veterinary Care Near Old Town

VEG Lincoln Park

24/7

2242 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Old Town Animal Care Center

DFA Tags

511 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60610

312-428-2571

Mon-Fri 6:30AM-7PM, Sat 6:30AM-3PM, Sun 9AM-2PM

Near North Animal Hospital

DFA Tags

1207 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610

312-944-5350

Mon-Tue 8AM-7:30PM, Wed 8AM-6PM, Thu 8AM-7:30PM, Fri 8AM-6PM, Sat 8AM-4PM

GoodVets Old Town

DFA Tags

1565 N LaSalle Dr, Chicago, IL 60610

312-668-0020

Mon-Sat 8AM-6PM

Pet Care in Nearby Neighborhoods

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