Exclusive | Pet-friendly Chicago

Where to Hang Your Leash
Peninsula Chicago (108 E. Superior St.; 312-337-2888; $475+) has been rated by Conde Nast Traveler as the No. 1 luxury property in the world?and yes, this is where celebrities like Madonna and Jennifer Aniston stay whenever they are in Chicago. If your pet (of any sort up to 20lbs) deserves the same sort of star treatment, book them in and they?ll enjoy creature room service and pet beds. No deposit is required.

Hotel Allegro (171 W. Randolph St.; 312-236-0123; $149+) is one of downtown's hip addresses and was the first Kimpton Group hotel east of the Rockies. If you?ve got a bigger beast, this is the hotel for you. Allegro welcomes pets up to 200lbs, and as many of them as you care to travel with, no deposit required. The hotel provides treats, feeding bowls, mats, bottled water, beds, pick-up bags, and list of local pet services. Book in advance for walking services, pet sitting, and doggie daycare. Pet packages include pet ?swag bags,? with snacks, water, and a leash. It also includes a 20-minute dog walk. It?s not just good for you and your pet?$5 of the room charge is donated to the Chicago Anti-Cruelty Society.

Kimpton?s Hotel Monaco (225 N. Wabash St.; 312-960-8500; $139+), where unexpected amenities include "tall" rooms for the vertically challenged, accommodations for your accompanying pet, and even a goldfish companion for lonely travelers. All pets are welcome with no fee. Pet packages available starting at $149 including deluxe accommodations, bed and bowl, welcome treats, kitty litter box, and pet photos. Pet walking, sitting, day care, grooming, and spa services are available.

The most dramatic Kimpton property is Hotel Burnham (1 W. Washington St.; 312-782-1111; rooms: $149+) in the spectacularly renovated 1885 Reliance Building. Built with then-new steel reinforcement by Daniel Burnham, John Root, and Charles Atwood, it was the direct predecessor of the modern skyscraper. All pets are welcome and receive a bowl and bed for the evening (a refundable deposit is required). Pet packages are available and include pet massage book, Goodie bag with bottled water, snacks, and a Kimpton leash. Partial proceeds from your stay go to PAWS (Pets Are Worth Saving).

Chow? dog-friendly spots to grab some kibble
Parisian delights star at downtown?s Brasserie Jo (59 W. Hubbard St; 312-595-0800; $16-35), where there are rumors that despite city ordinances forbidding pets to be fed at restaurants, more than one mutt has tucked into a plate of steak tartare.

The patio at Gold Coast gem Oak Street Beachstro (Oak Street Beach, N. Lakeshore Drive; 312-915-4100; $7-20; open May through September) is popular with dogs and humans. Check ahead that no special events are happening on the patio.

Lincoln Park neighborhood watering hole Joe?s Sports Bar (940 W. Weed St; 312-337-3486; $7-15) donates 10 percent of patio profits to PAWS during Wednesday evening Doggie Happy Hours (5 p.m. to 9 p.m.). Red Dog House provides treats, toys, and T-shirts.

Run Dog, Run
If it's raining out and your four-legged friend has cabin fever, join Of Mutts and Men (2149 W. Belmont St; 773-477-7171; dog $3, owners free, monthly $40) in Roscoe Village and enjoy pool tables, chessboards, free coffee, and a TV area. Dogs may roam off-leash inside.

During the summer Mercury Skyline Cruise Line (Michigan Ave. and Wacker Dr; 312-332-1353; adults $18, dogs $5) offers a dog-friendly cruise. Take a 90-minute drift past downtown?s riverfront on the Chicago River.

If your dog likes playing catch, take him to a Major League Baseball game to see the White Sox play. This annual event, usually held in April, gives the two of you left field seats at Comiskey Park (333 W. 35th Street; 866-769-4263). This event normally sells out, so purchase tickets early.

The following parks all offer fenced in off-leash dog areas; (www.chicagoparkdistrict.com, 312-742-PLAY)

Challenger Playlot Park (1100 W. Irving Park Rd)
Hamlin Park Dog Park (3035 N. Hoyne Ave)
Noethling (Grace) Playlot Park (2645 N. Sheffield Ave)

(All dogs that use the Chicago dog parks are required to have an annual permit. The permits currently cost $5 per dog. You will have to visit an approved location to get a permit. Proof of certain vaccinations is also required.)

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