Know your DFA's: Dog Friendly Areas

I remember walking my dogs on Foster beach a few years back and being told by a fellow dog-lover that the cops were giving out tickets if your dogs weren't on a leash. I couldn't believe it had sunk that low.

They were actually following me as I walked out of the park! Now that same area is NOT a designated area where dogs are allowed and I could be ticketed for another reason even if I am in what they refer to as a DFA. What is a DFA?

A DFA is how the city refers to their officiallly permitted" dog friendly areas (DFA's). Why would you care about a DFA? Because you can be fined if you don't follow their rules which are summarized here:

The Chicago Park District will require that people escorting dogs into DFAs shall have obtained from licensed veterinarians permits and registration tags for all dogs issued pursuant to the requirements in Regulation VIII. People bringing dogs into a DFA must have both a permit with them and a registration tag for each dog. The registration tag, Cook County Rabies Tag must be on the dog’s collar or harness.

Bottom line: enjoy the dog friendly areas in the city BUT make sure your dog is properly licensed and that you have the registration on you at all times.

You never know when the 'DFA police' will find you!