By Sara Lugardo

Chicago is a top destination spot for tourists all over the world. Whether it’s to sightsee famous Chicago landmarks like Willis Tower and Buckingham Fountain or to attend one of the many festivals like Taste of Chicago; vacationing in Chicago can be a fun time for people of all ages. However, an obstacle many people face while vacationing is finding spots that are pet friendly. When planning to travel to Chicago with your pet, make sure to check out some pet-friendly getaway locations to make the most out of your trip.

(Credit: chinadollguesthouse.com)

China Doll Guest House
738 W. Schubert Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 343-8769
www.chinadollguesthouse.com

Located in the heart of Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, there are a few different options to choose from. Whether it’s a rental unit with a cozy fireplace and gourmet kitchen or a three-bedroom coach house, China Doll Guest House is a pet-friendly vacation spot with a home-like feel. Each location has features that can suit the various needs of travelers, including conference rooms with overhead projectors for those on business trips. Amenities include free parking, free local calls and free high-speed Internet. Pet owners have specific requirements before checking in, so make sure to divulge bringing a pet when calling for reservations.

(Credit: mercuryskylinecruiseline.com)

The Canine Cruise
Mercury Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline
112 E. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 332-1353
www.mercuryskylinecruiseline.com

Taking place on the Skyline Queen, the cruise departs from the southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge. This is a 90-minute cruise that travels through Chicago waterways while giving a guided tour of pet-friendly locations in Chicago. Your guide will inform you of local restaurants, parks and hotels that are pet friendly. There is outdoor seating for both you and your dog and special accommodations, including a newspaper-lined bathroom for dogs. Tickets are sold the same day of the cruise and no reservations are necessary.

(Credit: biddlehouse.com)

The Biddle House
405 W. Eugenie St.
Chicago, IL 60614
(800) 375-7084
www.biddlehouse.com

Located in Historic Old Town, this vacation rental is on a tree-lined street within walking distance of the lake, shopping and restaurants. There are two fully-furnished apartments with two bedrooms each. A continental breakfast is supplied along with Wi-Fi Internet and a fully-equipped kitchen. Also, there is no pet fee for rental, like other pet-friendly locations. Discounts apply for monthly rates and public transportation can take you to downtown in just 10 minutes.

Related: Best Dog Parks In Chicago

(Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images)

 
Montrose Dog Beach
W. Wilson Ave. and N. Simonds Road
Chicago, IL 60640
www.mondog.org

Montrose Dog Beach is designated in the northwest corner of Montrose Beach. It is a legal off-leash beach with monthly clean-ups for dog mishaps. However, owners are encouraged to pick up after their pets while enjoying the beach. While the beach offers free accessibility, pet owners are still required to pay $5 for a dog-friendly area tag. This is a great spot to take your pet while vacationing in Chicago, whether it’s to meet other dog lovers or to let your pet roam free on a beach they can call their own.

(Credit: puptown.org)

Puptown Dog Park
W. Lawrence Ave. and N. Marine Drive
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 539-3880
www.puptown.org

Puptown Dog Park is not affiliated with the Chicago Park District but is supported through a nonprofit membership association. Located in the Uptown neighborhood, Puptown Dog Park is over 16,000 square feet with a fully enclosed area. The fences ensure dogs are kept safe and secure while being able to run free off their leash. Although it is mandatory for owners to pick up after their dogs, the park provides regular maintenance and cleaning on the first and third Saturdays of the month. This is a great dog park to go to if you’re on an extended vacation in Chicago, whether it’s a summer vacation or a winter trip. This dog park is well maintained through volunteers and locals, so the $30 fee is a small price to pay for a quality experience for you and your dog.

Sara Lugardo is a Korean American who thrives in writing about Asian community news in Chicago. She has a Bachelor’s in Communication and is currently working on her Master’s. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.