A Dog City: Chicago

From Dachshund to Akita, Chicagoland loves itself a dog. Never have I seen so many perfecting pairings of humans and their dogs on a day to day. Whether its Washington Square dog park in the heart of Gold Coast, or the Montrose dog beach right off the Wilson stop in Uptown, Chicago has this allurement to it keeping its citizens and their dogs at bay. 

Rover, nationally acclaimed dog sitting and walking service, ran a report ranking different major cities on certain attributes and statistics their dog owners produce. Chicago took up #1 for the most indulgent dog owners in the country, and boy do we know it. While of course taking up the #2 spot for the most obsessive dog owners. The numbers don’t lie either, Chicago lands 5th nationally on percent of population with dogs at 53%. Out of this 53% of dog owners over 80% gets their dog professionally groomed. Little details like this really show how much our city loves their dogs. 

Working at Aritzia on Rush st. gives me a huge sense of Chicagos connection with their dogs. Every kind of dog, and one thing they all have in common, while being different breeds, sizes and colors all these dogs are well behaved lovers. It is a very real reflection of the way that Chicagoans treat their dogs and it couldn’t create a better atmosphere for dogs and dog lovers alike. 

Given the newly (self) proclaimed city of dogs, here are some of the best places around the city to have your dog accompanying you!

Retail

1. Aritzia (923 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611)

(555 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611)

Aritzia not only offering everyday luxury within their in store shopping experience, Aritzia also offers a dog friendly environment allowing comfort for you and your furry friend. Aritzia being intentionally dog friendly lead to the company creating their own doggie puffer jacket matching their iconic “Super puff”. So next time you and your dog are downtown stop into Aritzia and get yourself some matching jackets !

2. 900 N Michigan 

Other retailers offer dog friendly environments as well. Stores like Bloomingdales, Nordstrom and most of the 900 N Michigan Avenue retail space promotes a dog friendly environment.

Restaurants

1. Pizza Lobo, Andersonville: (5457 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640)

Logan Square: (3000 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647) 

Offering an amazing outside experience to chat with friends, lounge with your dog, indulge in a drink or a slice of pizza, this restaurant is the perfect place to bring your integrated group for all types of entertainment. Certain locations, specifically the Andersonville one, even have dog beds which they offer free use for so your dog can be equally comfortable during their experience as well. 

2. River Shannon (425 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614)

In the heart of Lincoln Park, River Shannon is a dog friendly Irish Pub that offers different whiskeys, beer and foods for their patrons and their pets to enjoy. The pub emphasizes their enjoyment for the dogs that join them, and encourage you to bring your furry friend the next time you step in!

3. Chicago in Recess (838 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60642)

Serving as one of the biggest patios in West Loop, Chicago’s Recess offers a dog friendly outside environment, especially during the summer. 

PO