FAQs

What is Pup Social?

Pup Social is a premier social club for dogs and their owners, offering a unique membership-based experience that includes a supervised off-leash play area, a coworking lounge with a self-pour beer and wine, outdoor patio lounge, a self-wash station for dogs, a nail and hair salon for humans, and a retail area called our Barktique.

What are your hours of operation?

Beginning September 8th, our seasonal hours of operations are:

Pup Social

• MONDAY: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

• TUESDAY: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

• WEDNESDAY: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

• THURSDAY: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

• FRIDAY: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

• SATURDAY: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

• SUNDAY: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (p.s. may be closed or have limited hours during major holidays)

Pup School

• MONDAY: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

• TUESDAY: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

• WEDNESDAY: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

• THURSDAY: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

• FRIDAY: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

• WEEKENDS: BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Do you offer daycare?

• Yes, Pup Social now offers Pup School—it’s a curated experience designed to help your pup thrive. Through structured play, socialization, and skill-building, your dog will build confidence, learn good manners, and make lasting friendships, all while enjoying Pup Social’s premium amenities.

Do I need a membership to visit Pup Social?

• Yes, Pup Social operates on a membership-only basis. This ensures a safe and exclusive experience for our members and their dogs.

Do you accept cash?

• No, we do not accept cash. We accept all major credit cards for payments.

What are the Joining Requirements?

• The primary membership holders (humans)  must be 21 years or older on the day of membership activation.

• Membership fees are for pups; parents can visit for free.

• Pups must be at least 4 months old to join or visit.

• Vaccination records must be provided and kept up-to-date for the duration of the membership.

• All pups 8 months or older must be neutered or spayed.

• We enforce a limited restricted breed policy.

• A behavioral test is required for all joining members.

What membership levels do you offer?

• Pup Social offers three membership plans to accommodate various preferences:. Each membership offers a unique set of benefits based on your selected tier. These may include access to our core spaces, supervised off-leash play in the park, event tickets, exclusive member perks, and special pricing on services, daycare, and retail.

To explore the full list of benefits and compare membership options, please visit our Membership Plans page.

Can I bring a guest with their dog?

• Yes, dog guest passes are $19/pup. Humans visit Free.

What is your cancellation policy?

• Memberships are billed on a recurring basis. Please refer to your membership agreement for details on cancellation and refund policies.

Are there age restrictions for members?

• Yes, all human members and their guests must be 21 years or older to join Pup Social.
  

What vaccinations are required?

• All dogs must be up to date on Rabies, Distemper, and Bordetella vaccinations. Proof of vaccination is required before attending any Pup Social events or services.

Are there any age requirements for dogs?

• Dogs must be at least four months old and fully vaccinated to participate in Pup Social activities.

Do you require a temperament test?

• Yes, all dogs must pass a temperament evaluation before becoming members to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all.

Are dogs supervised while in the park?

• Yes, our staff closely supervises all dogs at all times while they are in the park to ensure their safety and encourage positive social interactions. We also offer separate areas for small and large dogs, and members are free to choose the space that best suits their pup
  

Does my dog need to wear a collar?

• Yes, all dogs must wear a quick-release collar with a visible ID tag while inside Pup Social for safety and identification purposes. Prong collars, choke chains, and e-collars must be removed before entering the play area.

What are the risks of bringing my dog to Pup Social? 

• At Pup Social, we’ve created a unique, off-leash environment where dogs and their humans can enjoy time together in a safe and social setting. Our staff is trained to monitor interactions and maintain a positive atmosphere, but just like kids at school or on a playground, dogs can get a little overexcited or playful in the moment. 

  While rare, the following risks may occur when dogs play together off-leash: 

  • Minor nicks, scrapes, or punctures from rough play 

  • Sore muscles or joints from active play 

  • General fatigue or overstimulation 

  • Strained tendons or soft tissue injuries from running or jumping 

  • Exposure to airborne illnesses like kennel cough (Bordetella), canine colds, or other viruses—even with vaccinations 

  We believe in prevention, education, and community care. If your dog isn't feeling well, we ask that you keep them home to help keep everyone safe and healthy. 

To ensure compliance with liability and safety and well-being of all dogs, club members, guests, and staff, the following breeds (and mixes thereof) require special approval before participating in any Pup Social services (grooming is the only exception): 

Breed List:

• Alaskan Malamute 

• American Pit Bull Terrier 

• American Staffordshire Terrier 

• Staffordshire Bull Terrier 

• Rottweiler 

• Doberman Pinscher 

• German Shepherd  

• Chow Chow 

• Akita 

• Cane Corso 

• Presa Canario 

• Bullmastiff 

• Mastiff (English, Neapolitan, etc.) 

• Tosa Inu 

• Wolf Hybrid (Wolf-dog mix) 

• Great Dane 

• Rhodesian Ridgeback 

• Boxer 

• Any pitbull type or bully type mixes 

Requirements for Approval 

Any dog from the above list may be considered eligible to attend Pup Social if their owner provides: 

Two letters of recommendation from one or more of the following: 

• A daycare or boarding facility where the dog has attended for 6 months or more 

• A certified dog trainer who has completed a full training program with the dog 

• A veterinary behaviorist who can vouch for the dog’s temperament and behavior in social settings 

Additional Notes 

• All dogs, regardless of breed, must pass a temperament evaluation. 

• Approval is subject to ongoing behavior; if issues arise, access to services may be revoked. 

• Letters must be on official letterhead and include the professional’s contact information. 

What is included in a full groom?

• A full groom includes a bath, blow-dry, brush-out, haircut or trim based on your dog’s breed and coat type, nail trim and ear cleaning.

What is included in a bath service?

• Our bath service includes a deep-cleaning bath with gentle shampoo, blow-dry, brush-out, nail trim, and ear cleaning.

How long does a bath or grooming service usually take?

• Baths typically take about 1–2 hours, while full grooming services can take 2–4 hours, depending on your dog’s size, coat condition, and temperament. We’ll contact you as soon as your pup is ready for pick-up.

Who do I communicate my grooming request to?

• When you arrive for your grooming appointment, our groomer will come out to meet you and your dog. They’ll assess your dog’s coat, discuss your grooming preferences, and ensure clear communication about the desired haircut or services before beginning. This helps us provide the best experience for you and your pup.

What vaccinations are required for grooming services?

• For the safety of all pets and staff, dogs must be up to date on Rabies vaccination before receiving any grooming services. Proof of vaccination is required at the time of the appointment.

Do you offer training services?

• Yes! Pup Social now offers Pup Training — a structured program designed to help your dog develop confidence, manners, and social skills. Through positive reinforcement and personalized guidance, our experienced trainers focus on helping pups and their parents build better communication and stronger bonds.

What grooming services do you offer?

• We provide a full-service Grooming department as well as offer a self-wash station for dogs, allowing owners to conveniently bathe their pets. 

Can I book services online?

• Yes, members can book appointments for the nail/hair salon and Spaw (dog grooming) through our website or by contacting our team directly.

self-wash is on 1st come first serve basis, Spaw (Grooming department) is by appointment

What kind of events do you host?

• We regularly host exclusive events such as breed meetups, social hours, movie nights, pup photoshoots, and holiday-themed gatherings.

Can I rent Pup Social for a private event?

• Yes, our Pup Lounge is available for private events, including dog birthday pawties and group playdates. Contact us for more details on availability and pricing.

What is the Barktique?

• The Barktique is our retail area, offering a carefully curated selection of luxury and essential pet products, accessories, and gifts for dog lovers.

Do I need a membership to purchase from the barktique?

• No, the Barktique is open the public 
  

What drinks are available at Pup Social?

• We have a self-pour station featuring beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages for our members to enjoy while socializing. We also serve a variety of coffee & craft teas.

Does Pup Social have food? 

• No we do not have or serve any food.

Can I bring my own food & drinks?

• We allow outside food. However, outside beverages are not permitted.
  

We strongly believe in wellness , health, and prevention when it comes to all dogs visiting Pup Social or attending Pup School. With that in mind, all of our care is under supervision of our experienced and certified dog handlers - Pawtrol and dog trainers. Despite all of this, in a social environment, just like children in school, all dogs are susceptible to, among other things, to:

-Sore muscles & joints

-Fatique

-Airborne viruses

-Common cold

-Nicks, scratches, punctures

-Various strains of kennel cough

-Strained tendons anf ligaments

Where is Pup Social located?

• Pup Social is located 2200 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

How can I contact you?

• You can reach us by phone, email, or through the contact form on our website. Or email us at offleash@pupsocial.com

Can I bring a guest to Pup Social?

• Yes, members can bring guests with dogs at the discounted $19/pup guest pass (humans visit free).

• All yearly members receive three complimentary pup guest passes per year. Additional guest passes may be available for purchase.

Are there any age requirements for guests?

Yes, all guests must be 21 years or older to enter Pup Social.

Who is responsible for guests and their dogs?

Members are responsible for their guests and any incidentals or damages caused by their guests or guest dogs.

How many guests can I bring at once? 

• As many as you would like each guest can bring one dog.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

• Check-In: Anytime during our business hours. 

• Check-Out: 12:00 PM 

• Pickups after 12 PM will be charged a half or full day of daycare, depending on the time of pickup. 

What should I bring for my dog’s overnight stay?

• Quick-release collar with a name tag 

• Food for the duration of their stay (pre-portioned if possible) 

• Medications with clear instructions 

• Optional: favorite blanket or toy 

Do you provide 24-hour supervision?

• Yes! Pup Social has an overnight staff member on-site all night, providing care, supervision, and monitoring your dog’s comfort and safety. 

Will my dog be crated at night?

• Yes. All overnight pups sleep in individual crates with a blanket and water.  Crating ensures safety, comfort, and proper rest. 

Do you require vaccines for boarding?

Yes. All dogs must be current on: 

• Rabies 

• Distemper/Parvo (DHPP) 

• Bordetella 

All vaccines must be uploaded and verified before boarding. 

What is your daily schedule for overnight dogs?

Our overnight pups follow a structured routine that includes: 

• Morning potty break at 5:00 AM 

• Breakfast and rest time 

• Playtime in the park or lounge 

• Joining the daycare dogs for social play 

• Evening feeding at 8 PM 

• Final potty break around 9 PM 

• Bedtime around 11 PM 

• Overnight monitoring throughout the night 

Can my dog stay if they have medication or special needs?

• Yes! We can administer medications as long as they come with clear written instructions. Please provide all medications at check-in in their original containers. 

Do you accept dogs with special diets or allergies?

• Absolutely. Please list all allergies and special feeding requirements on the check-in form so we can accommodate your pup safely. 

 Will my dog play with other dogs during their stay?

• Yes, if they are social and meet our daycare requirements. Boarding dogs join our daycare groups during the day unless otherwise requested. 

 Do I need a reservation for overnight boarding?

• Yes. Overnight boarding fills up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. We recommend booking as early as possible. 

 What type of collar should my dog wear?

• All pups are required to wear a quick-release collar with a name tag for safety. 

Effective January–February 2026

As Pup Social continues to grow and expand its offerings, we are implementing the following updates to Club policies and membership plans. These changes are designed to support sustainability, enhance member benefits, and ensure a consistent experience across all services.

Membership Plan Updates

Effective January 1, 2026, the Standard Annual Membership Plan has been discontinued. All existing members currently enrolled in this plan will be fully grandfathered, retaining the most recent set of plan benefits moving forward. Upon renewal, members will have the option to renew at their existing rate or at the prevailing rate available at the time of renewal.

As of January 1, 2026, all Standard Monthly Members have been automatically upgraded to receive a 5% discount on club services and retail, in addition to the ongoing loyalty rewards offered on retail and beverage purchases.

The Premium Annual Membership will remain the only annual plan available to new members or to existing monthly members who wish to upgrade.

A new Premium Monthly Membership Plan was introduced effective January 1, 2026. This plan includes:

• Up to 3 hours of off-leash playtime, and

• Complimentary access to Pup-Up Events, excluding Exclusive Experiences.

Club Services & Membership Discounts

All club services—including Pup School Daycare, training, boarding, grooming, salon services, pet sitting, and additional offerings—will continue to receive membership-based discounts in accordance with each tier:

• 5% discount for Standard Members

• 10% discount for Premium Members

The Unlimited Coworking Membership perk will remain available and unchanged for all existing membership holders.

Off-Leash Playtime & Daycare Policy Updates

As our member base and Pup School Daycare programs continue to grow, stricter enforcement of off-leash playtime limits based on membership tier will begin.

Starting February 1, 2026, additional off-leash playtime beyond plan limits may be subject to an hourly fee of $9 per dog.

Members will also have the option to utilize hourly Pup School Daycare drop-off at a rate of $9 per hour per dog, with a minimum of one hour.

All current Annual Plan members will retain the benefit of one complimentary hour of Pup School Daycare drop-off.

Beverage Policy Update

As we expand our curated selection of alcoholic, non-alcoholic, hot, cold, and THC-infused beverages, outside beverages will no longer be permitted beginning February 1, 2026.
The only exception will be water in clear water bottles.

Hourly Dog Drop-Off Availability

Pup Social now offers hourly dog drop-off services for added flexibility. Hourly drop-offs are available exclusively for active Monthly and Annual Membership holders.

The pricing structure is as follows:

• $9 for the first hour (minimum charge; not split)

• After the first hour, time is prorated at $3 for every additional 20 minutes