Several years ago, the city of Chicago designated a portion of the Montrose Beach as a permissible area to keep dogs “off-leash”. As a result, pooches visiting the Montrose Dog Beach have the freedom to romp, play and run freely without restraint. Not only does this beach allow dogs to relax and unwind, no dog lover could fail to enjoy the sight of hundreds of dogs frolicking alongside the lake shore. If you are a dog owner, or even just an animal lover, be sure to visit Chicago’s Montrose Dog Beach for a much-needed ‘moment of zen’ during your next visit to the Windy City.
When initially imagining a ‘dog beach,’ it is easy to jump to an image of hundreds of dogs fighting amidst a sea of dog poop. Fortunately, dog owners visiting the Montrose Dog Beach seem to take their responsibility of reprimanding and cleaning up after their canines very seriously, making it a pleasant experience for everyone. Truthfully, the dogs appear to be so delighted by their newfound freedom along the lake shore, that sparring with their neighbor is the furthest idea from their minds. Overall, the beach is clean and appears very well-maintained. Please note that the beach can be much more crowded during early morning hours, so to avoid the rush, plan on arriving later in the day. The beach is open from sunrise to approximately 9:00 p.m. during the summer.
First time visitors should be aware that all dogs entering the Montrose Dog Beach must have a permit and a registration tag to access the beach. The owner must have the permit on his or her person and the registration tag must be attached to the dog’s harness or collar. According the Montrose Dog Beach’s website at http://www.mondog.org/wp/?page_id=22, permits and tags are available from local veterinary offices for a $5.00 fee. No one is exempt from this regulation as it ensures that the dogs have received all necessary vaccinations. Violators can expect a fine of $250.00 to $500.00. Additionally, dogs can only be off their leashes within the specifically designated areas. When traveling from the car to the beach, dogs must still be restrained at all times.
Prior to allowing your dog off his or her leash, make sure that you are comfortable with your dog’s responsiveness to your call. Dogs with poor recall may roam too far away from their owners. Also, be sure to check out the area where your dog will be playing as there may be hazardous items such as trash, fishhooks or other debris.
The beach is located north of the Lincoln Park area at North Simonds Dr. and Lawrence-Wilson Drive. For more detailed directions, visit the website at http://www.mondog.org. If you or your pooch is in need of an opportunity to unwind in the Chicago area, be sure to plan a visit to the Montrose Dog Beach.
