Blog
Asking For A Fur-Friend
Top Dog-Friendly Events Near DuPage County This March 2025
This month brings lots of fun and tail wags in DuPage County, Illinois! Offering a variety of pet-friendly events that cater to animal lovers and their furry companions. Here are some PAWsome events you might want to mark on your calendar:
This month brings lots of fun and tail wags in DuPage County, Illinois! Offering a variety of pet-friendly events that cater to animal lovers and their furry companions. Here are some PAWsome events you might want to mark on your calendar:
Lucky Dog 5K
Join fellow pet lovers on Saturday, March 15, 2025, for the Lucky Dog 5K at Busse Woods Grove in Rolling Meadows. This event supports local animal shelters and welcomes runners (and walkers) to join in the fun with their dogs! The course is a senic, flat route through Busse Woods. Registration includes a tee-shirt, race bib, treats (both human and furry), finisher medal and DOG FINISHER MEDAL!
https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/RollingMeadows/ShamrockLuckyDog5k
A.R.F. Adoption Events
The Animal Rescue Foundation (A.R.F.) is host several cat adoption events throughout March!
March 15: PetSmart Naperville - 3111 111th St., Naperville, IL starting at 11am
March 22: PetSmart Darien - 2153 75th St., Darien, IL starting at 11am
March 29: National Adoption Weekend at PetSmart Dairen - 2153 75th St., Darien, IL starting at 11am
March 30: National Adoption Weekend at PetSmart Wheaton, Wheaton, IL - 63 Rice Lake Square starting at 11am.
Events like these provide an opportunity to meet and adopt cats in need of loving homes!
Happy Dogs Barkery Event
Happy Dog Barkery in Downers Grove, IL is hosting Midwest BREW (Beagle Rescue, Education and Walfare) on Saturday, March 15, 2025. This event is a great opportunity to learn about Beagle adoption and to support rescue efforts!
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Consider taking a dog-friendly field trip downtown Chicago (or locally) for a St. Patrick’s Day Parade! Chicago’s parade takes place on Saturday, March 15 starting at 12.15pm. This parade is one of the country’s largest parades! It’s the luck of the Irish as leashed dogs are always welcome!
DuPage County Forest Preserves
For those seeing some outdoor fun, the DuPage County Forest Preserve District offers numerous trails that are sure to promote tail wags! These trails, open spaces and wooded areas offer beautiful places for your pups to enjoy and explore while leashed. These preserves provide a serene landscape for long walks and bonding with your dog.
Get Out and Explore with Your Pup!
Don't let the fun stop with these events—give your furry friend an adventure every day! Check out The Pet Lady, Ltd. for personalized dog walks and adventure walks that will keep your pup happy and active. Visit our website to get started and schedule your dog's next great outing!
Lauren Dunkle is the owner of The Pet Lady, Ltd, a pet care company who provides Dog Walks, Adventure Walks and Cat & Small Animal Care to pet parents in Elmhurst, Villa Park, Lombard and Naperville, Illinois. To learn more about The Pet Lady and their mission of providing pet parents with peace of mind knowing their pets are well-cared for, visit www.thepetladyltd.com.
Pet Friendly Spring Break Destinations 2025
While some people like to travel without their pets, there are just as many who tailor their trips to include the four legged members of their family. Spring break typically is the first sign of warmer weather, at least in the midwest United States, and can be a perfect time to get out and go with the whole family.
While some people like to travel without their pets, there are just as many who tailor their trips to include the four legged members of their family. Spring break typically is the first sign of warmer weather, at least in the midwest United States, and can be a perfect time to get out and go with the whole family.
These vacation destinations are known for spoiling pets and their people. Warning: Your bucket list is about to get a whole lot longer.
Victoria, British Columbia
We will start our journey in Canada. Victoria, British Columbia has amazing off-leash green spaces and pet friendly accommodations that will check all the boxes for your pup. The city has a “Paws in Parks” program which dedicates twelve parks in the city that are dedicated to off-leash activities. Just blocks away from Victoria’s downtown, Dallas Road offers a trail and beach fun for your pup with the backdrop of amazing ocean and mountain views. Local hot spot, Clover Point, is a great place to walk with your four legged best friend. Along the scenic marine drive you can catch views of Mount Baker while your dog navigates the rocky terrain. You may even meet many other four legged friends enjoying the space!
Essex, Vermont
Vermont is a great vacation destination any time of the year. But in spring with all the blooming trees, it is breathtaking. The Essex Resort and Spa is the best spot to stay and pamper your pup. They have a pet-friendly “R & Arf” package that includes an interactive doggy treat cooking class for owners. The ultimate lodging package for guests and their number one travel companions, “R & Arf” features a two-night stay, the cooking class, a two-course room service dinner for two adults and one pet, passes to the 575-acre community park at Indian Brook Reservoir for a self-guided hike, and a keepsake collapsible water bowl and toy.
Shandelee Mountain, New York
The Arnold House is one of the best country escapes for guests and their pets, especially those who enjoy outdoor activities. Specific pet amenities include house-made dog treats, customized dog tags with Arnold House contact information, dog beds and more. There are hundreds of nearby hiking trails, swimming, boating, and fishing activities; humans and four legged guests can explore during the day and return to the inn at night.
Smoky Mountains, Bryson, North Carolina
If you want to visit the smoky mountains, Hidden Creek Cabins has over fifty dog-friendly mountain cabins. Even better, they have no weight limit or dog limit, so it’s perfect for the large family that has trouble finding a place to vacation. You can enjoy all the mountain trails you can squeeze into your vacation, as well as a cozy fire in the evenings.
Telluride, Colorado
This town is truly for the dogs – they have more dogs than people per capita! Visitors can take advantage of all kinds of activities that are dog friendly – from hiking to dog-friendly gondolas to get around town. Dogs are welcome at most of the inns and hotels and on the local shuttle bus, The Galloping Goose. They not only have dog-friendly restaurants, but they have convenient, two-house puppy parking spots located in front of the town’s restaurants and shops.
Sedona, Arizona
If the southwest is more your speed, check out Sedona, Arizona. Sedona is known for its stunning red rocks and outdoor adventures for those on two or four legs. Surrounded by over a million acres of national forest land, Sedona offers endless trails for hiking for all skill levels with dogs allowed on most trails. You have plenty of choices of restaurants with more than a dozen, being pet friendly. The Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa allows dogs up to 75lbs to stay in their two-room suites.
Emerging Destinations For Spring Break 2025
South Padre Island, Texas
South Padre Island is a fantastic pet friendly destination, offering a mix of sandy beaches and outdoor activities. This island features miles of open shoreland where leashed dogs can play, run and splash in the water, one of the popular spots is Isla Banca Park. If your dog is not a beach dog, the Laguna Madre Nature Trail is a beautiful spot to stroll on the boardwalk through costal wetlands.
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Wisconsin Dells is a great destination for pet parents looking to enjoy outdoor adventures with their pups! The Dells is knows for it’s family friendly atmosphere and provides quick access to Mirror Lake State Park and Devil’s Lake State Park. Both parks welcome leashed dogs and allow visitors to take in the stunning rock formations and forests. Several boat tour companies, including Dells Boat Tours, allow four-legged family members along to join in on the fun.
Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville, Kentucky Is an excellent destination for pet owners looking for a mix of urban attractions and outdoor activities. The city is known for its welcoming attitude towards pets, with numerous parks, restaurants and accommodations that cater to travelers with dogs. One of the top spots is Cherokee Park with scenic trails and an off-leash dog park. If you and your pup want more city life, many restaurants and breweries, such as Garage Bar and Against the Grain Brewery have pet friendly patios.
We hope these ideas spark the desire to travel with your pet; however, we know that is not always the best option. I have to say it - if you are unable to travel with your pet, consider hiring a local professional pet sitter to care for them. If you live in Illinois in Elmhurst, Villa Park, Lombard or Naperville communities, contact us here. We would love to meet your dog!
Making Your Home Senior Pet Friendly
As our pets age, it is our responsibility to ensure that we continue to provide the best care, enrichment and cuddles we can provide. This means, we, as pet parents, may have to make some changes and adjustments to our homes to keep our senior pets safe and happy in their golden years.
As our pets age, it is our responsibility to ensure that we continue to provide the best care, enrichment and cuddles we can provide. This means, we, as pet parents, may have to make some changes and adjustments to our homes to keep our senior pets safe and happy in their golden years.
Keep a Routine
Our pets thrive on routines from a young age. This does not change as they get older. Our pets, especially our senior pets, really thrive when a good routine is in place and kept as much as possible. Keeping a routine increases the predictability and consistency in their days. This helps to reduce anxiety and hyperexcitability. Simple things, such as, keeping meal times, walks, play time, cuddles and even bedtime at the same time each day can help keep your pet happy and calm.
Senior-fy Your Home
If you have multiple pets in your home, create multiple safe places for your pets to go if they need some time alone. This decreases stress and social tension, but this also gives your pet choices and allows resources to be more accessible. Make sure you have plenty of soft resting places. For dogs, this could be a comfy dog bed, for a cat, consider a chair cushion for a ledge or dresser top. Consider heated pet beds, if you live somewhere that experiences cold weather or you enjoy cranking up the a/c, providing a warm bed for your aging pet can provide comfort. As your pet gets older, they may need assistance on tile or hardwood floors. Rugs, yoga mats, carpets or even booties with grips on the bottom can help your pet move about your home safely. In my home, our biggest concern was our hardwood steps. We were able to find stair mats with a non-slip rubber backing to assist our dog while using the stairs. Like humans, pets can begin to experience a loss of sight as they age. Adding nightlights in areas your pet might visit overnight/when light is low can help. Places like near food bowls or litter boxes will make sure your pet will be able to find their way around in the dark.
Encourage Appetites
You may notice as your pet ages they are not as excited for meal times as they used to be. This could be many things, but simple changes you can make, may just be the thing your pet needs! Consider raising up your pets food and water dishes. Using a standing tray or switching to bowls that come with a stand or riser may make it easier for your pet to eat. Some pets experience arthritis most commonly in their backs and hind legs, raising up food bowls allows your pets to eat and drink without bending over, which could be painful. Try adjusting food schedules, not changing times, but consider feeding your pet less amounts per feeding while increasing the frequency of meal times. As pets age, their senses may weaken, try adding a bit of warm water or broth to your pet's kibble or heating wet food for a few seconds in the microwave. Heating pet food, even slightly, helps the food become more fragrant and may be more appetizing to your pet.
Grooming Assistance
While brushing and cuddling should be part of your pets normal routine, as they age these activities could be even more beneficial to your pet. In cats, as they age, they begin to not be able to keep up with the grooming of their fur. Brushing your cat regularly helps to spread the oils on their skin and keep their coat healthy. It is also beneficial to keep your pet's coat tangle free! If your pet is not a fan of traditional pet brushes and combs, consider a silicone brush that may be softer for your pet. Making sure your pets nails are kept trimmed and short. This helps with traction as your pets move through the world.
Enrichment
Even as our pets age, that does not always mean they are no longer interested in playtime. We just may need to make some adjustments to accommodate their age. Things to consider as our pets age, shorten length of play time but increase the frequency of play times. Our senior pets may tire out quicker and we do not want to force them to play if they are not interested. Consider horizontal play surfaces such as the floor, get down on their level. For cats, drag their favorite wand toy on the floor for them to chase instead of airborne play. Make sure you are rotating toys, our pets may get bored or be more interested if they are not seeing the same few toys all the time. Introduce some toys while others are put away and swap them out.
Training
All dogs and even cats can benefit and enjoy training. For our senior cats, something as easy as teaching them to ‘sit’ on command can be a fun trick to teach them and something that will be mentally stimulating for them. For dogs, continued training or reinforcing commands that your pup already knows is another great way for your senior pup to use their minds!
If you or your senior pet is in need of care, and you are in the Elmhurst, Villa Park, Lombard or Naperville, IL communities, give us a call! We love our seniors and would love to meet your pet! Call or text us at 847.802.9538 or contact us here.
Pet Friendly Naperville
Naperville, IL is an adorable town 28 miles west of Chicago and is also the fourth largest city in Illinois. Naperville is not only home to its large population, but home to many pets! Along with residential areas, Naperville is home to vast areas of parks and prairies making Naperville a great place for your dog. We have compiled our favorite places in Naperville to walk, run, shop and dine with your dog.
Naperville, IL is an adorable town 28 miles west of Chicago and is also the fourth largest city in Illinois. Naperville is not only home to its large population, but home to many pets! Along with residential areas, Naperville is home to vast areas of parks and prairies making Naperville a great place for your dog. We have compiled our favorite places in Naperville to walk, run, shop and dine with your dog.
Springbrook Prairie Dog Park
The almost 1,900 acre forest preserve is not only a birder’s paradise but also offers an off-leash dog park along with trails to hike and run with your dog. There are limestone paths throughout the preserve that will give you and your pup miles of sniffing and enjoying the summer blooms. Pets are not allowed on the mowed grass paths, and your pup must remain on a leash while on the trails. While strolling with your dog, watch out for pet parents on horseback! Springbrook Forest Preserve also welcomes your horse on all it’s limestone. The off-leash dog area is fully fenced in to give you and your pup the space to play and explore. You do need a Forest Preserve Permit to use the dog park and you must adhere to all rules, which can be found here. The Forest Preserve and Dog Park are open seven days a week from dawn to dusk. Please note the off- leash dog area is closed Thursday mornings for routine maintenance and cleaning.
https://www.dupageforest.org/places-to-go/forest-preserves/springbrook-prairie
Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar
Plan a dinner or lunch date with your dog at Lazy Dog! Dogs are welcome on the patio AND they have a menu just for your pup. Their Dog Bowls can be ordered for dine in or take out and your dog has the choice of chicken or beef. My dog knows when we say Lazy Dog or spell it out for that matter, that she is getting a special dinner. They also offer the cutest TV dinner style togo meals for humans.
https://www.lazydogrestaurants.com/
Wag ‘N Paddle
Wag ‘N Paddle is a great place to have fun and bond with your dog. They offer private swim time in their indoor swimming pools along with a 12,000 square foot indoor dog park. They also offer boarding, day care, training and space for private events. As a pet owner you are encouraged to join your pup for play and swims, but Wag ‘N Paddle always has trained staff available to make sure all pups and pup parents are on their best behavior. Before your dog can enjoy all the fun activities at Wag ‘N Paddle, they must go through a temperament evaluation to not only keep your pup safe, but all the dogs that come to play. Wag ‘N Paddle offers monthly memberships and pool passes on their website.
https://wagnpaddle.com/
Two Bostons
Two Bostons is a go to pet store offering in-store shopping, curbside pick up and delivery of your pup’s favorite foods and treats. They offer all natural foods and treats for your canine and feline family members. They also offer pet nutrition counseling to help your four legged family member get the nutrition they need to thrive.
https://twobostons.com/
Green Valley Forest Preserve
With almost 1,400 acres of preserve, Green Valley offers a great scenic place to stroll with your dog. May through October, you are able to see the skyline of Chicago from the 190 foot tall overlook. Green Valley has over 12 miles of marked trails along with an off-leash dog area. Green Valley’s off-leash dog area is over 16 acres and what we love best about this dog park is it offers separate areas for large and small dogs. You do need a Forest Preserve Permit to use the dog park and you must adhere to all rules, which can be found here. The Forest Preserve and Dog Park are open seven days a week from dawn to dusk. Please note the off- leash dog area is closed Wednesday mornings for routine maintenance and cleaning.
https://www.dupageforest.org/places-to-go/forest-preserves/greene-valley
The Pet Lady, Ltd. is proud to have served the Naperville community for the past 30 years. We would love to meet your pet! CLICK HERE to get started with dog walks and pet care from The Pet Lady!