Can dogs go on the L in Chicago? What to Know

Wendella is a privately-owned business that runs an array of boat tours around Chicago. “Only assist animals are allowed” on the Wendella tour boats.

South Shore Line uses some of Metra’s tracks to run an interurban commuter rail line serving southeast Chicago and northwest Indiana. “Small animals in carry-on cages” are allowed on the South Shore Line trains, but are “not permitted to occupy seats.” Your dog in her carrier, therefore, will need to fit on your lap.

Wendella also operates the Chicago Water Taxi (also called the “RiverBus”). The RiverBus “operates on a closed loop route on the Chicago River shuttling passengers between Madison Street on the south branch; La Salle Street and Michigan Avenue on the main branch; and River East on the main branch in Ogden Slip.” Unfortunately, Wendella’s policy applies here as well: only service animals are allowed on board.

Metra now allows small pets on trains on weekends: “Pets are allowed on weekends only. Pets will also be allowed on trains on all holidays with a Sunday schedule. Only small pets in enclosed protective carriers are allowed. Carriers will not be allowed to take up seats, seating areas or obstruct pathways on trains or in stations and must be small enough to be carried on by a single person. They must fit in a passenger’s lap or under the seat at all times.” [5/14/16 Many thanks to reader Inaya for letting me know about the change in policy. Indeed, it’s progress; with luck, and good behavior from we owners and our pets, the doors may open wider.]

Small dogs in carriers are also allowed on PACE buses. Again, this is information I got by calling PACE directly (the telephone number is 847-364-PACE).

Are Dogs Allowed at Chicago Restaurants?

Hungry for a delish deep dish pizza? Maybe a good old fashioned burger and fries? Or pawhaps a hot and naughty cinnamon roll made fresh? But heckin’ heck, what will you do with the dog? Don’t fret because Chicago has some of the tastiest, dog-friendly restaurant patios around.

Find exactly what you’re looking for in our dog-friendly Chicago restaurant directory.

How-To Guidance

During an emergency in which a train needs to be evacuated, customers must leave their bikes or e-scooters on the train.

In the case that cyclists or e-scooter users are required to get off the train before their destination, reimbursement will be based on the fare product used for that trip.

Train crews are not required to assist with the boarding of bikes or e-scooters – their primary responsibilities are for passenger safety and assisting those with disabilities. Bicyclists and e-scooter users must be able to board and detrain without assistance from conductors.

The wheelchair lift cannot be used to load or unload bikes or e-scooters.

There is no additional charge for bikes or e-scooters.

Bikes and e-scooters should be free of dirt and grease prior to boarding.

CHICAGO L TRAIN GUIDE From a Local | 15 Tips on How to Ride the CTA Chicago Travel Guide

With so many dog-friendly public spaces, restaurants, and bars available in Chicago, why leave your best buddy to nudge their toys around at home when you could bring them along for a night on the town? But if you don’t have your own car, getting them around the city in a pinch might be daunting. Thankfully, we here at Windy City Paws are at the ready with a quick guide to common public and private transportation options, so you can get your pet around town quickly and comfortably.

In 2019, Uber introduced “Uber Pet” as a dog-friendly ride option for their customers. Riders using Uber Pet are guaranteed room for one dog or cat on their trip, while additional pets are up to the driver’s discretion. There are no size or breed restrictions, so schnauzers or mastiffs alike are assured a seat! You can find the Uber Pet option when selecting the ride type after plugging in your pickup and destination. Service animals can join a ride without Uber Pet, per Uber’s service animal policies. If at all possible, contact the driver before pickup to let them know you are traveling with a service animal.

You’re still expected to be attentive to your pet during the ride, and Uber’s policies encourage owners bring either a leash, harness, or crate. You’re also encouraged to bring a towel or other seat covering in order to help keep the car clean for future riders (you never know if someone after you has a pet hair allergy!). You could be subject to a cleaning fee if your pet leaves a particularly bad mess in the car. This does not apply, however, if you’re traveling with a registered service animal. If your service animal sheds, the driver is not entitled to a cleaning fee.

Making sure your pet has done their business and that they don’t have car sickness are good steps to take ahead of getting a ride. And snap a photo of the car’s interior when you reach your destination, just in case you get dinged with erroneous cleaning fees!

As of this writing, Lyft sadly doesn’t offer a pet-friendly ride option, leaving it to their driver’s discretion whether or not to accept a pet. Contact your driver as soon as possible to inform them that you will have a pet, what the pet’s breed and weight are, plus what equipment you’re using for seat coverings and handling your pet. Use your best judgment and be prepared with a seat covering and leash if you want to take your pet into a Lyft.

Like Uber, Lyft can charge you cleaning fees if your pet leaves a mess. Plan to bring a seat covering and take your pet out for a pee break ahead of the ride. And like we mentioned under Uber, it’s not a bad idea to take photos of the car’s interior when you reach your destination.

Lyft’s service animal policy is simple: “Always Say Yes.” Lyft drivers cannot, for any reason, by Lyft’s policies or by law, deny service to someone with a service animal, nor can they request additional fees for cleaning.

Generic taxis in Chicago have discretion whether to accept pets, crated or otherwise. Many don’t charge additional for bringing pets, in particular Yellow Cab or Blue Cab taxis. However, if you’re planning to hop into a standard taxi cab, check with the driver that they allow pets before getting in. Service animals, like in all these services, by law can’t be refused by taxi drivers for any reason.

If you want a super-specialized alternative service option outside of Uber or Lyft, check out Chicago Pet Transport!

Chicago Pet Transport is a pet-specialized transport service that operates climate-controlled vans and accepts any breed or size of pet. They’re among the most pet-friendly of these services, but they encourage reserving a ride 24 hours ahead to guarantee an available driver. But they’re available to readily assist in the event of emergencies, driving you to the nearest vet or animal hospital if needed. They can be reached at (312) 256-4474, and their standard hours are 7am-7pm every day of the week. Emergency services are available 24/7.