Evanston Dog Beach

Evanston Dog Beach is a popular off leash destination for many canine friends and their owners. The Dog Beach provides an opportunity for dogs to swim, run, and mingle on the shore of beautiful Lake Michigan.

Passes: 2024 Now Available
Hours: 6 a.m to 11 p.m. daily, weather permitting
Location: 1811 Sheridan Rd. (immediately south of Clark Street Beach and north of the Church Street Boat Launch)

Rules and General Information

View Evanston Dog Beach Rules and Information Packet

Fees

Free for residents (60201 and 60202 only) / $200 for non-residents (1st dog), $75 (2nd dog)

Before Purchasing a Evanston Dog Beach Pass:

1. Make sure your pet is up to date on its vaccines:
All dog owners must complete the vaccination verification form to provide proof of their pet’s current vaccinations or titers (antibodies) for Rabies, Distemper (CFV), Hepatitis (Canine Adenovirus-2), Para-influenza (CPIV), Parvovirus (CPV), Leptospirosis, and Bordetella (kennel cough). Additionally, proof of a negative fecal test by a veterinarian’s office for internal parasites within the last year is required.

2. Get a 2024 pet license:
All dogs must be licensed by the local government where the dog’s owner lives. City of Evanston pet licenses can be purchased online at cityofevanston.org/pet, by mail, or in person at the City Collector’s Office at the Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Ave. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Pet owners should allow up to two weeks to receive their pet license for purchases made online, and must provide a copy of their pet’s current rabies vaccination. The annual cost is $10 if the pet is neutered or spayed and $15 if not altered. Pet licenses are not sold at the community centers. 

Where to obtain a Evanston Dog Beach Pass and What to Bring:

1. Proof of residency
2. Completed Vaccination verification form
3. Proof of a paid 2024 pet license

2024 season passes will be available beginning February 19  on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the following locations:

• Levy Senior Center (300 Dodge Ave.)
• Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center (1655 Foster St.)
• Evanston Ecology Center (2024 McCormick Blvd.) - This location will close on March 1, 2024 for renovations
• Chandler-Newberger Community Center (1028 Central St.)
• Robert Crown Community Center - Passes will also be available for purchase at the Robert Crown Community Center, 1801 Main St., daily from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

More Information (Evanston Dog Beach)

For more information about the Evanston Dog Beach, call/text 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents may simply dial 311 in Evanston.

Pooch Park 

Pooch Park is a 2.7 acre park that is an off-leash fenced dog recreational facility. It is jointly operated by the City of Evanston and Skokie Park District.

There is a separate “agility” area and separate puppy/small dog area. Drinking fountains for both people and dogs are provided.

Location: 3220 Oakton St. (Channelside Park), Skokie
Hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., daily (closed for routine maintenance on Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.)