North America
Pet travel to Chicago
O'Hare international arrivals with APHIS coordination and downtown lakeshore transfers.
Clearance & Entry
What's required to enter.
- 1
Current rabies vaccination certificate
- 2
Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
- 3
APHIS endorsement for international origin
- 4
Airline-specific carrier size compliance
These are the official entry rules for United States.
Read our step-by-step compliance guide covering every document, timing window, and government contact for United States.
The US does not require quarantine for most countries. Dogs from high-risk rabies countries require a CDC-issued import permit. We manage all APHIS endorsements and advance CDC filings. International pets arriving at O'Hare are cleared through the USDA-APHIS inspection facility in the international terminal complex — we pre-notify and manage the full clearance workflow.
— Paws en Route Compliance Team
Our process
How we handle Chicago.
Documentation Review
We audit every certificate, vaccination record, and microchip date against the exact requirements for Chicago.
Permit Filing
Our team files all import permits and advance notifications on your behalf, tracking approval status in real time.
Veterinary Coordination
We work with your vet or our partner clinics to issue compliant health certificates timed precisely to departure.
Airport Concierge
A dedicated chaperone manages customs inspection, APHIS or border authority clearance, and handover at destination.
Local Logistics
Getting your pet into Chicago.
Chicago O'Hare (ORD) is a major APHIS port of entry with a dedicated live-animal handling facility. We pre-notify USDA-APHIS and coordinate timeslots. Midway (MDW) handles domestic routes only.
Entry Airports
Supported Airlines
At a glance
Lead time
5–14 days
Ready to travel to Chicago?
Get a custom quote with exact timelines and costs for your pet.
Pet-Friendly Stays
Where to rest in Chicago.
Kimpton Gray Hotel by IHG
Kimpton Gray Hotel by IHG is pet friendly! Pets of any size are welcome for no additional fee. Both dogs and cats are permitted. Well-behaved pets
1426 Whole House
This 5-bedroom house in Chicago allows 9 dogs of any size for no additional fee. Cats may also be allowed by request. There are 2 resident cats on the
Ray's Bucktown Bed and Breakfast
Ray's Bucktown Bed and Breakfast allows dogs of any size in designated rooms for an additional fee of $20 per night up to 2 nights, and $20 per stay for
Paws en Route
Not seeing your ideal stay? Our concierge knows every pet-friendly property in Chicago.
Paws en route members get waived pet fees at select partner properties in Chicago. Ask your concierge which properties are currently in the programme.
Getting Around
Navigating Chicago with your pet.
One of the biggest anxieties of pet travel is local transit. Here's everything you need to know before you land.
Public Transit
CTA trains and buses allow small dogs in enclosed carriers at no extra charge. The Blue Line connects O'Hare to downtown in 45 minutes — practical for small-dog arrivals with carriers.
Private Cars
Our Chicago fleet operates O'Hare and Midway transfers citywide. No breed or size restrictions with advance notice; SUVs confirmed at booking for large breeds.
On Foot
Lincoln Park and Wicker Park are supremely walkable neighbourhoods. We provide maps of the Riverwalk, lakefront trail off-lead windows, and the best dog-welcoming café patios.
Private Ground Transport
Climate-controlled, GPS-tracked fleet. Seamless door-to-door service between cities or to your final destination.
Experiences & Culture
Chicago, with your dog.
Jackson Bark
Jackson Bark is a dog park located in Jackson Park, just south of the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, IL. The fenced park features agility
6000 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL, US, 60637
Montrose Dog Beach
The Montrose Dog Beach is Chicago's first legal off-leash beach. Located on the Northwest corner of Montrose Beach, this area is fenced and offers
601 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL, US, 60640
Chicago Lakefront Trail
The Chicago Lakefront Trail is a multi-use trail that's a great place to walk Fido in Chicago! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access
See Map Below, Chicago, IL, US, 60614
Nordstrom
Nordstrom in Chicago, IL, is pet friendly. Leashed dogs are allowed inside this shop located inside the Shops at Northbridge. They sell a variety
55 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL, US, 60611
Shoreline Sightseeing
Bring Fido aboard one of the dog-friendly Shoreline Cruises boats in Chicago, IL, for a tour on Lake Michigan or the Chicago River. Well-behaved,
Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL, US, 60611
Paws en Route
Want more to do with your dog? Our experts plan the perfect itinerary in Chicago.
Local Infrastructure
Know before you land.
Emergency resources, export-certified clinics, and vetted boarding — vetted and saved before departure.
Emergency Vet
MedVet Chicago
Export Clinic
Village West Veterinary
Boarding & Daycare
Chicago Canine Academy
Get a Quote
Get a custom quote for Chicago.
We handle the flights, the veterinary compliance, and the door-to-door logistics. Tell us where you're starting from, and we'll calculate the route to Chicago.
Travelling to
Pet type
No obligation · Concierge response within 24 hours
Paws en Route Concierge
Ready to turn this guide into a real trip?
Your Preparation Timeline
We build a personalised calendar for Chicago: permits, vet appointments, and health certificates timed precisely to your departure window so nothing expires before you board.
Local Intelligence, Pre-loaded
Vetted stays, pet-safe transit routes, and emergency contacts, all curated for Chicago and confirmed before you land, so your first day is calm.
Common questions about Chicago.
Everything you're likely wondering before you start the process.
