Dog-Friendly Parks in Chicago: A Guide to Furry Adventures

If you are planning to buy a new cat then you might want to consider the expenses that are incurred while owning a cat. Cats are amazing creatures, worshipped as gods in ancient Egypt they certainly want to be treated like royalty. Apart from the love and care that's obviously free of cost, there are some things that do cost money. In this blog, we will talk about the expenses of owning a cat. Initial Costs of Cat Ownership Owning a cat can be one of the most fulfilling experiences in one's life. However, it is going to cost some money as well. You might end up spending somewhere around $10,000-$20,000 annually on a cat. Here is a list of expenses of owning a cat: Adoption Adopting a cat is much cheaper than buying one. The cost of adoption is around $50-$150 which also includes the cost of spaying, vaccination, and check-ups. On the other hand, buying a cat can cost somewhere between $500-$3000. The cost may vary depending on the breed. For example, some breeds can be quite expensive like the Siamese cat. Spaying/Neutering Many owners prefer to neuter their cats, especially females to prevent them from giving birth. Depending on your personal preference you can choose to neuter your cats. The cost of neutering your cat is around $50-$200. Initial Veterinary Visit It is important to get the cat examined by a vet regularly to make sure that the cat is in good condition. A visit to the vet can cost somewhere between $100-$250. However, regular checkups can help avoid serious health issues. Essential Supplies Before you bring your cat home you need to buy a variety of items including a litter box, food bowl, scratching post, and toys which can cost somewhere around $200-$500. Depending on your cat you might have to buy a few things multiple times in a year. Recurring Monthly Costs You will mostly be spending on food which is something that you would be doing every month. Cats consume two types of food, dry food and wet food. It is important to feed your cat superior quality food to avoid any health-related issues. You might end up spending somewhere around $100-$200 per month on the cat's diet. Pet Insurance or Vet Savings As mentioned earlier regular visits to the vet is crucial for the well-being of the cat. Regular check-ups can help avoid serious health issues. A visit to the vet can cost somewhere around $100-$200. However, we would advise you to get your cat checked regularly. If left unchecked cats can develop a variety of health issues caused by disease and infection. How to Save Money on Cat Ownership  Now that we have discussed the overall expenses of owning a cat. Let us talk about ways that you can save some money as well. Here is a list of tips on how to save money while owning a cat: Adopt, Don’t Shop As mentioned earlier the cost of buying a new cat can be much more than adopting one. We would advise you to adopt a cat instead of buying one if you plan to save some money. You can visit your local adoption center to find your new pet. There are plenty of cats to choose from you will certainly find a cat of your choice there. Buy in Bulk Now buying food regularly can cost a lot in the long run. So, if you wish to save some money on cat food we would suggest that you buy in bulk. You can also get discounts if you buy in bulk which means you will end up saving money on your purchase. You can stock your cat's favorite food so you never run out of supply for cat food. Regular Vet Visits As discussed earlier regular visits to the vet is important for the well-being of your cat. However, if you don't want to end up spending money on medicine and procedures we would advise you to take preventive measures. Maintaining a certain level of hygiene can also help in preventing disease and infection. Regular grooming can help in maintaining hygiene and cleanliness which can eventually help in saving money on medical procedures.

Chicago is famous for sunny beaches, mouth-watering delicious cuisine, and a happening nightlife. If you are a pet owner looking for dog-friendly beaches in Chicago then you need not worry. There are plenty of dog-friendly beaches for your furry friend. Most of these beaches allow your dog to roam off-leash. However, at some beaches, they need to be leashed at all times. You just need to follow the guidelines to make sure your dog is safe at all times. Here is a list of dog-friendly beaches in Chicago: 1. Montrose Dog Beach (Wilson Avenue and Lake Shore Drive) If you are looking for a dog-friendly beach in Chicago then Montrose Dog Beach is the place for you. The beach has fountains, shaded areas, and disposable bags. The best part is that your dog can roam off-leash. So, if you want to take your dog out for a swim then Montrose Beach is the best option for you. 2. Belmont Harbor Dog Beach Dog owners who are looking for some peace and quiet can head on to the Belmont Harbor Dog Beach. If your dog is a bit shy and prefers little human interaction then Belmont is perfect for your dog. The water is not so deep which means it's safe for your dog to swim around and have a great time. 3. Foster Avenue Dog Beach At Foster Avenue Dog Beach you can do more than just take a dip in the water. You can enjoy taking your dog on long strolls and soaking up some sun while enjoying the surrounding greenery. It is a perfect place to spend your Sunday afternoon after a long week of work. There is nothing like spending some time with your dog at the beach. 4. Rainbow Beach and Park (South Shore) Dogs are allowed on the beach but they need to be leashed at all times. You can also enjoy playing catch with your dog at the park near the beach. So, if you are looking for a beach to spend some quality time with your dog then Rainbow Beach and Park on the city's south side might just be the place for you. 5. Dog-Friendly Areas at Lakefront Trail The 18-mile-long trail along the shores of Lake Michigan connects multiple dog-friendly places. However, the dogs need to be leashed if you are planning to visit the lake. It is an ideal destination for pet owners looking for a place to spend some time with their beloved pets. Tips for Visiting Dog-Friendly Beaches Know the Rules: If you are planning to take your dog to the beach then make sure they are tagged. The DFA tags are a must and are issued by the animal care and control department, in Chicago. Bring Essentials: Another important thing to do is to carry all the essentials such as water, snacks, towels, and waste bags. The last thing you want to do is to through garbage at the beach. Keep an Eye on Your Dog: You need to make sure that your dog behaves properly and does not bother other people on the beach. Timing Matters: If you want to enjoy some peace then we would recommend that you visit the beach early in the morning. As the day goes by more people keep showing up at the beach. Clean Up: Be responsible and clean up before leaving the beach. Use the waste bags and the trash cans to get rid of the waste. Nearby Amenities for Dog Owners Chicago has plenty of options to spend some memorable moments with your pet. Here is a list of places for your dog to visit:  Pet-Friendly Cafes: Apart from the sandy beaches Chicago also has some nice dog-friendly cafes where you can spend some time with your dog such as The Perch in Wicker Park or Heritage Bicycles & Coffee. Parks: After the beach, you can head to the nearby parks like Lincoln Park or Grant Park, with walking paths and shade. Pet Stores: There are plenty of pet stores to buy pet accessories from like Kriser’s Natural Pet or Tails in the City are just a short drive away.