Be it rain, heat, sleet, or an impending polar vortex (or in true Chicago form, all four in one day), sometimes an outdoor walko just ain’t it. Plan one of these indoor dog walks when the weather is doin’ a scare.
For Crafty Canines: Dog-Friendly Chicago Craft Stores
You’re a dog parent, so we’re pretty sure you’re gonna need to sew up some socks, reassemble a shredded scrapbook, or crochet a cozy snood at some point in the near future. And you’re in luck, cause “JOANN knows that pets make us happy and inspire creativity. That’s why you should feel free to bring your furry friend to shop with you!” Michaels is dog-friendly company-wide, too!
For Mall Muts: Dog-Friendly Chicago Malls and Department Stores
Many Chicago department stores welcome frens with open arms, including Nordstrom (and Nordstrom Rack!), Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and Sak’s Fifth Avenue. We recommend callin’ ahead to your specific location confirm just to be certain. *Serious* walkers can take advantage of the ENTIRE MALL at The Shops at Northbridge, where you’ll find Pet Comfort Stations, water bowls, baggies, and treatos. And if you’re pup for a drive, Yorktown Center (the #1 dog-friendly shopping center in the country) includes numerous amenities for woofers (and photo opps!) and nearly 60 pro-pup stores.
For Hip Hounds + Fixer Puppers: Dog-Friendly Shops + Hardware Stores
Got a doggo that’s up on all the latest trends and obsessed with home design shows like Good Bones and Pupperty Brothers? Help him get his steps in and find the pawsh decor of his dreams at Urban Outfitters, Anthropology, Pottery Barn (psst, North Ave. has treats!), and CB2, all of which are dog-friendly! And if your situation is more Extreme Makeover: My Dog Ripped Off the Doorframe Again Edition, many locations of Home Depot and Lowes’ll let your pal peruse, too–just call ahead cause it’s pup to the manager.
For Frugal Fluffers: Dog-Friendly Chicago Discount Stores
The only thing that makes a great walk even better is a great deal (and the only thing that makes a house feel like a home is a dog who just got a 57th discount throw blanket). Ross, Marshalls, Homegoods, TJ Maxx are dog-friendly company-wide (as always, we recommend you give your store a call). Several Old Navy locations including State Street, Kingsbury, Cicero, and Roosevelt are cool with four-legged shoppers as well.
For Rrrreaders: Dog-Friendly Chicago Bookstores
Perhaps an ideal indoor walko for both the canine literati (as well as slowpokes). The folks at the Barnes and Noble stores on both State Street and Jackson are glad to see your well-behaved buddy steers clear of the cafe. If your fren is more about the reading and less into the walking, check out our round-up of smaller bookstores.
Where does your bestie like to go for indoor dog walks? Woof at us in the comments and don’t forget to tag us at #SidewalkDog in all your cozy pics!
Featured photo: Baptist Standaert
Sidewalk Dog’s mission is to help dog parents spend more time with their puppers by discovering and sharing activities they can do and places they can go—together! Sniff out our award-winning newsletter and Instagram, and join our Dog-Friendly Chicago Facebook Group.
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