WHAT DO I NEED TO VISIT THE DOG BEACH?

You need a DFA Tag that are available from many Chicago veterinarians.

HOW MUCH DOES THE DFA TAG COST?

The current fee is $10-15 per dog. There are no discounts.

LOTS OF PEOPLE DON’T HAVE DFA TAGS FOR THEIR DOGS, WHY SHOULD I GET ONE?

It’s in the rules. You can get fined up to $500. You can get barred from visiting the DFA with your dog.

HOW LONG IS A DFA TAG GOOD FOR?

The season each year runs from January 1 to December 31.

WHEN CAN I GET A TAG?

You can get a tag from a participating veterinarian after they are made available by the Chicago Park District.

WHERE CAN I GET A DFA TAG?

From a participating veterinarian.

WHAT ARE THE DFA TAG REQUIREMENTS?

Pursuant to regulations under the Cook County Ordinance, dog owners must show: 

1. A current dog license issued by the City of Chicago, or proof that the dog has a current rabies vaccination. 

2. The owner must complete a Chicago Park District Dog Friendly Area Permit Application for each dog. The owner shall provide written proof acceptable to the Park District showing that a licensed veterinarian (or other authorized person) has performed a fecal test for parasites and vaccinated any dog entering a DFA for the following diseases unless an exemption to this requirement has been granted by the Administrator upon the written recommendation from the Owner’s veterinarian: 

a. Distemper 

b. Hepatitis 

c. Para influenza 

d. Parvovirus 

e. Bordetella 

f. Leptospirosis (Current titers where applicable will also be acceptable) 

After issuance of a permit, the dog owner is responsible for keeping all immunizations current. 

3. The owner must agree to abide by the Chicago Park District Rules and Regulations of a Dog Friendly Area. 

4. The current fee is $10-15.

DO I HAVE TO BE A CHICAGO RESIDENT TO GET A DFA TAG?

No, but you still need to get a DFA tag from a participating veterinarian. You can try contacting the Chicago Parks Department DFA Administrator, Wade Chan via his email address: [email protected].

ARE THERE VISITOR OR DAY PASSES?

No. Everyone needs a DFA Tag for their dog.

WHO ENFORCES THE DFA TAG RULES?

The Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control will enforce DFA tag rules and regulations and issue tickets to violators. Violators, along with the Chicago Park District, will face a possible fine of $500. The Chicago Park District does not enforce the tag rule.

WHY DO I NEED TO HAVE A DFA TAG FOR MY DOG?

Pursuant to a regulation issued by the Administrator of the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control, all dogs entering a DFA must have a permit and registration tag from a licensed veterinarian. People who bring dogs into a Chicago Park District DFA must have both a permit with them and a registration tag for each dog. The registration tag must be on the dog’s collar or harness. The permit and registration tag may be used at any officially sanctioned Chicago Park District DFA. The tag helps other users of the Dog Friendly Areas be comfortable that your dog is healthy and helps you to see that their dog is healthy.