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Note: Please contact the Chicago Police Department at 911 and Chicago Park District Security at (312) 747-2193 to report aggressive dogs, an owner or dog walker with more than 3 dogs, or any criminal behavior.

1) All owners are legally responsible for their dogs and any injuries causes by their dogs.

The first rule of the DFA is “all owners are legally responsible for their dogs and any injuries causes by their dogs”. There are two ways that should be read. The first is obvious; if your dog hurts another, you are responsible and will will have to pay for any damages. The second is that you are entering an area where your dog may come into contact with a dog that could hurt it. As a dog owner you are responsible for keeping your dog out of harm’s way. Even if your dog is very friendly, you still have to be aware of the other dogs and how they are reacting towards yours. The best way to stop a fight is by preventing it.

2) Off-leash dogs must remain within the fenced area at all times.

The boundaries of The Montrose Dog Beach are designated by the rock walls on the southwest, and the fence across the sand on the east. Dogs are only allowed on the beach within the off-leash area. Respect other beach users by keeping dogs in the off leash area. The Chicago Police monitor the beach on a regular basis and will ticket you if you are on the wrong side of the fence. The beach is a privilege in the City of Chicago, not a right. Please make sure you are that you and others comply with this ordinance, so that we may all continue in the future to come to the beach.

3) Dogs must be leashed prior to entering and upon leaving the area.

Gates to the area must remain closed. Your dog has to be leashed when you come into the beach and when you leave the beach. Once you walk down the rocks and physically arrive on the sand you may then remove the leash. Don’t allow your dog to run onto the beach ahead of you. You can be ticketed for having your dog off the leash in the grass area in front of the Dog Beach.

4) Dog guardians must clean up after their dogs. Failure to do so can result in a fine up to $500.

It is up to every dog guardian to clean up after their dog every-time, no matter where, no matter when. If the police see you disregard the mess, they will fine you up to $500. It is extremely important that dogs not be allowed to defecate in the water. This could create a hazard for humans and other dogs.

Help keep the beach safe and clean by always cleaning up after your dog, and make an extra effort to clean up the “one that slipped by” for someone else. This extra effort will pay off for all of us by creating a cleaner, safer beach!

5) Dogs with a known history of, or who exhibit, dangerous behavior are prohibited.

Every owner should know their dog. If your dog does not socialize well with other dogs and/or people and children, coming to the beach is not a good idea. Any type of aggressive behavior is not welcome and not allowed on the beach- this is for the safety of every dog and person visiting the beach. Statistically, un-altered or intact male dogs are more often involved in incidents of aggression weather they are the instigator not. Mondog advocates neutering all male dogs.

6) Dogs must be healthy, fully immunized, de-wormed, licensed and wearing ID tags.

Before coming to beach make sure your dog has all of its shots up to date and is de-wormed for the protection of your dog and others. By law, every dog must have a current dog license and an rabies tag on their collars. This is for the safety of every dog and person.

7) An adult must accompany children under 12; young children must be closely supervised.

Children under 12 are not allowed on the beach without a parent or guardian. Children must be supervised for their own safety and that of the dogs. There are many parks and playgrounds in the city exclusively for children, and only a few parks where dogs can come to play with other dogs. Children are welcome to watch the dogs play, but must be watched closely.

8) Puppies under four months old and female dogs in heat are prohibited.

Because of the number of large dogs on the beach, puppies are more vulnerable to injury. Puppies are also at risk of catching dangerous diseases and parasites until they have completed all their puppy shots and boosters, usually by around 4 months old (but check with your vet before bringing your puppy to the beach). Additionally, when the waves are high it is more dangerous for puppies to be in the water as they could easily drown. Dogs in heat, or near heat, should not be taken to socialize with other dogs. Dog in heat are a fight hazard and present a danger to themselves and other dogs. Mondog endorses spading or neutering all dogs.

9) Dogs must be watched at all times.

Always, always, always have your dogs in eyesight. Your dog is your responsibility, so please keep a close eye on your dogs as they play, making sure that they are safe at all times. It is your responsibility to keep you dog out of trouble and under control, and to pick up after him/her every time.

10) There is a limit of three dogs per adult.

There is a strict limit of three dogs per adult. It is too difficult to watch over, control and clean up after more than three dogs. Got more than three dogs? Bring a friend to help! Professional dog walkers with more than three dogs are expressly prohibited.

11) Cooperation between dog guardians is essential.

Cooperation is essential for the dog beach to work, not just between dog owners, but between all beach users. Always be respectful of other beach users. Make an effort to work out any issues between the parties involved, or call the police or park security right away for serious issues. Mondog should also be made aware of any serious issues. Coming to the beach is a privilege, so enjoy it, have fun and be safe. We want the beach to be around for a long time!