Pup Social Launches Adoption Support Initiative to Help New Dog Parents Thrive
Curt & His Newly Adopted Pup, Oscar (Pup Social, 8/30/2025)
New Dog Parents at Adopt & Shop Event at Pup Social (8/30/2025)
When Pup Social opened its doors in May 2025, the mission was simple but powerful — to redefine what it means to be a dog parent in the city.
Located in Chicago’s historic Green Dolphin building at 2200 N. Ashland Ave, Pup Social is the city’s first supervised off-leash park, bar, and coworking space designed specifically for urban dog owners. It’s a space built on community, care, and structure — where dogs play safely under professional supervision while their owners relax, work, or socialize.
“Safety has always been at the heart of what we do, When you know your dog is in good hands, it changes everything — it lets owners truly enjoy the experience”
(Aly Udartseva, founder of Pup Social)
From the very beginning, Pup Social has been about more than playtime — it’s been about giving urban dog parents the structure, education, and environment they need to raise happy, well-adjusted pups. The team quickly saw how transformative that kind of support could be, especially for newly adopted dogs learning to trust, socialize, and adapt to their new homes.
Now, that same philosophy of support and confidence is expanding beyond Pup Social’s walls with a new initiative created to help Chicago’s newest dog families start strong.
The Inspiration Behind the Adoption Support Initiative
In the first few months after opening, Pup Social welcomed hundreds of new members — many of whom had recently adopted dogs from local rescues. Their stories shared a common theme: the challenges and joys of adjusting to a new rhythm of life with a dog.
For many, Pup Social made that transition easier — offering structure, training, and a community of people who understand what it means to be a new dog parent in the city. These stories inspired a larger vision: What if every new adopter could have access to the same level of support, right from day one?
That question became the foundation for the Pup Social Adoption Support Initiative — a citywide effort to make responsible pet adoption easier, safer, and more sustainable.
One of the early success stories came from Jen and Kurt, members who met their rescue pup Oscar through a Chicago Rescue Authority adoption event hosted at Pup Social.
Pup Social members Jen (with Cooper) and Curt (with his new rescue, Oscar).
“It’s not just about Oscar playing with other dogs… Watching Oscar open up, build confidence, and feel like he’s part of the pack has been incredible.” Jen & Curt, Pup Social members
Stories like theirs — full of growth, connection, and transformation — are exactly what inspired this new initiative.
What the Program Includes
The Adoption Support Initiative by Pup Social offers over $500 in free resources to families adopting from participating rescues and shelters. It’s designed to help adopters navigate the first few weeks and months with confidence, structure, and community support.
Each adopter receives:
🐾 Unlimited 1 Month of Coworking & Off-Leash Membership — enjoy two hours of supervised play daily while you work, relax, or socialize.
🐾 Waived Onboarding Fee — complimentary evaluation, vaccination verification, and behavioral check.
🐾 Free Day of Daycare — a stress-free trial for your pup in a supervised environment.
🐾 Complimentary Training Session + 20% Off Additional Training Packages — to build trust, confidence, and basic obedience from day one.
🐾 $25 Gift Card to SPAW by Pup Social.
🐾 $50 Sploot Vets Credit — for peace of mind during those first vet visits.
🐾 $50 to FFC — because you deserve some time for yourself too.
In total, it’s a $500+ package of free support crafted to make the start of pet parenthood smoother, more affordable, and full of guidance.
Addressing Common Adoption Concerns
Adopting a dog is exciting — but it also comes with real challenges. Pup Social’s unique model helps ease those worries through structure, training, and daily support:
Balancing Work and Pet Care:
Urban living makes balancing a busy schedule and pet care tricky — but Pup Social’s coworking lounge offers a unique solution. Members can work onsite with full Wi-Fi access while their dogs enjoy supervised off-leash play just steps away.
For those with tighter routines, Pup Social’s flexible memberships and daycare options make it easy to fit pet care into daily life. Daycare starts at only $29/day for members, ensuring your pup stays active, social, and cared for even on your busiest days.
Need to step out for errands, hit the gym, or grab groceries across the street at Mariano’s? No problem — your dog stays safe and supervised until you’re ready to reunite.
Explore membership options and perks or plan your visit with a Day Pass.
Safe Socialization:
Many adopters worry about introducing their dogs to new environments or playgroups — and rightly so. Pup Social’s off-leash park was designed to be Chicago’s safest alternative to public dog parks.
Every dog must complete vaccination verification and temperament testing before joining, ensuring every playgroup remains positive and well-managed. Onsite certified dog-handling staff provide continuous supervision, guiding interactions and keeping energy levels balanced.
This structured, controlled environment helps dogs — especially rescues — learn to socialize confidently while giving owners peace of mind that playtime is both fun and safe.
Training Support:
Training is the foundation of every healthy relationship between dogs and their humans — and Pup Social makes it accessible for all. Every adopter in the initiative receives a complimentary training session plus an exclusive 20% discount on future programs.
Our training curriculum covers everything from Training Foundations to Reactivity Bootcamps and Confidence-Building Classes, all led by certified trainers experienced with rescue and newly adopted dogs.
These programs don’t just teach commands — they build trust, communication, and understanding between owners and their pups.
Learn more about available options on our Training Programs
Financial Relief:
Being a great dog parent doesn’t mean giving up your own wellness routine — and Pup Social helps you maintain both. Through our partnership with Fitness Formula Club (FFC), members receive a $50 referral credit when joining, encouraging balance between fitness and pet care.
With amenities like free parking, grooming services through SPAW, and an onsite Sploot Vets partnership, Pup Social is truly a one-stop destination for Chicago dog parents who value convenience and community.
Community Connection:
Becoming a new dog parent shouldn’t feel isolating — it should feel like joining a pack. That’s exactly what Pup Social offers. Through weekly social events, breed-specific meetups, and seasonal festivals, members and their pups get to connect, play, and build friendships that last.
New adopters often find that socialization isn’t just beneficial for dogs — it’s enriching for people too. Pup Social creates a space where adopters can network, share advice, and find genuine support from others navigating the same journey. Whether it’s your pup’s first playdate or your own first happy hour with fellow dog lovers, this is where community truly comes to life.
Partnering with Chicago’s Rescue Communities
Adopt & Shop Vendors, Chicago Rescue Authority, and Pup Social Team. 8/30/25
Since opening its doors in May of 2025, Pup Social has supported and partnered with many of Chicago’s most respected animal welfare organizations — including Paws Chicago, Anti Cruelty, Sit Stay Read, and Chicago Rescue Authority. Adoption Support Initiative is the next step to promoting safe adoption and assisting Chicago residents on their new pet parenting journey.
As part of our ongoing commitment to helping dogs find — and stay in — loving homes, Pup Social partnered with One Tail at a Time by donating a full annual membership to support their fundraising event. The membership auction helps fund lifesaving rescue efforts and provides adopters with a unique way to stay connected to a dog-loving community year-round.
For the Art of Giving Foundation’s annual gala, Pup Social contributed a full-year membership to help raise funds for programs that empower local youth, families, and artists. This partnership reflects our belief that compassion and creativity go paw-in-paw — both strengthening the fabric of our Chicago community.
At the Two Bostons Pet Wellness Festival, we extended our reach beyond the city to support community-based education and pet wellness initiatives. Our contribution gives one lucky dog parent a month of off-leash play and connection at Pup Social, encouraging a healthy, social lifestyle for both dogs and their humans.
Pup Social joined The Anti-Cruelty Society’s Pour Your Heart Out Gala in support of their vital mission to prevent cruelty and promote humane care for animals. Our donated membership and curated gift basket help raise funds for shelter programs, adoption services, and community outreach initiatives that change lives every day.
As part of the Sarah’s Inn Fundraising Gala, Pup Social donated a premium membership and luxury basket package to support their mission of ending domestic violence and fostering safe, nurturing homes. This initiative extends our focus on well-being — not just for dogs, but for the people who love them.
At Chicago’s most glamorous pet-friendly gala, Pup Social proudly contributed to PAWS Chicago by donating a membership and basket package. Every bid helps fund no-kill shelter programs and lifesaving veterinary care for animals in need — a cause that aligns deeply with our values of rescue, care, and community.
These partnerships help connect new adopters with the resources they need most: education, socialization, community, and care. Pup Social also provides rescues with marketing materials and onboarding support, ensuring every adopter knows about the program and how to claim their benefits.
“This isn’t just about convenience — it’s about community,” says Aly. “We’re helping families feel confident, connected, and supported as they welcome a new dog into their lives. And that helps more dogs stay in their forever homes.”
Building a Better Beginning for Every Adoption
The Adoption Support Initiative is more than a membership perk — it’s a movement to help more families thrive and keep more dogs in homes for good. By giving new adopters the tools, knowledge, and community they need, Pup Social is ensuring that adoption doesn’t end at “Gotcha Day” — it begins there.
This initiative embodies Pup Social’s belief that when people feel equipped and confident, dogs stay happier, healthier, and home for life. It’s about building sustainable relationships, strengthening community bonds, and creating a ripple effect that benefits rescues, shelters, and families citywide.
Because at Pup Social, we know that every successful adoption story starts with connection — and by investing in people as much as we do in pups, we’re helping shape a Chicago where every dog can belong, and every owner can feel proud, supported, and never alone.
