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If you’ve been thinking about raising chickens or looking for ways to save money on eggs, here are some tips from Viviana Okakpu of Advocates for Urban Agriculture, who also keeps five chickens 🐥

some of the most permissive urban livestock laws on the books

. But there are some limitations. Chicagoans can’t slaughter animals at home, and animals can’t make “excessive noise” beyond 10 consecutive minutes.

Yes, you can keep roosters, but Okapu reminds you to be mindful of how these crowing boys can make a lot of noise. Check in with your community, whether you’re getting the guys or the gals. Okapu says to consider sharing the wealth (aka eggs), too.

Okakpu feeds their chickens an organic diet of grains and various seeds mixed with oyster or egg shells. “They are one of the most efficient composters,” Okapu told us. And always ensure the birds have plenty of fresh water available.

Caring for chickens is a daily task. Unless you have an automatic chicken coop opener and closer, plan to wake up with the chickens! Similarly, plan your evenings around closing their coop to prevent predators from harming them.

Finally, Okapu has some fabulous names for their chickens. I say, invest a little love in your chickens, too 🧡

other animals you’re allowed to have in your backyard

 and the regulations you should know about.

Moo, bah, and cluck 🎧

If you’ve been thinking about raising chickens or looking for ways to save money on eggs, here are some tips.

How to Keep Chickens in Your Chicago Backyard

How to Keep Chickens in Your Backyard

Get to know the natural side of Chicago: the plants, animals, weather and more that make our city unique.

Chicago Urban Almanac

Urban Almanac

A flood watch may be in effect until this afternoon

, but it’ll still be warm outside. Here are some tips and tricks for safely navigating the Chicago heat with your best canine friend.

Plan your dog’s walks and outside time before or after the day’s hottest periods. Keep a chart or guide handy to help assess 

. On those days, limit exercise and walk in areas with plenty of shade.

And, how long is too long to keep them outdoors? 

Different breeds have different capacities

When outside, place your hand on the surface where your dog will be walking. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws. Try to get them to shaded paths. You can also apply a 

🙅 Never, Ever, Leave Your Dog in the Car

Car temperatures can exceed 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, and your pet can quickly suffer a range of issues, 

If you see a dog in a car and can’t locate the owner

, the Humane Society recommends calling your local non-emergency police number or animal control.

Carry a water bottle with you outside, ideally one that insulates and keeps water chilled. 

Some other great supplies to have on hand

 include battery-operated fans, spray bottles, frozen chew toys, cooling vests or wet bandanas, dog-safe sunscreen (yes, 

!), and unflavored pediatric electrolyte solution or coconut water. You can also 

Local parks are also a great resource. Research which parks have water fountains or water-play areas to help your dog stay cool and hydrated.

, practice new tricks or commands, schedule a playdate with another pup, and consider a stroll through your local pet store.

Even with your best efforts, dogs can still become dehydrated, which can lead to heatstroke. Common symptoms include panting, dry nose and gums, thick saliva, lethargy, and sunken eyes. Here’s a great explainer of 

If a summer storm or wildfire could take out the power in your home, 

create a disaster plan to keep your pets safe.

How to Keep Your Dog Safe in the Chicago Heat

Tips and tricks for living your best Chicago life, by locals, for locals.

Chicago Life Hacks

Vets are warning pet owners about a novel respiratory illness spreading among dogs in Illinois and other states. The infection is highly contagious, resistant to treatment, and in some cases, has proven to be fatal. Here’s what to know and how to keep your dog safe.

Coughing, sneezing, discharge, lethargy, troubled breathing, and blue and purple gums are signs to take your dog to the vet. These symptoms could last for six weeks. 

The cause of the virus is not yet known, but researchers agree that it is transmitted between dogs. 

That Means You Might Want to Skip the Dog Park …

Owners should consider limiting their dogs’ exposure to other dogs

, aka avoiding dog parks, doggy daycare, boarding and grooming facilities, and communal water bowls, a West Loop vet who has seen more than a dozen cases in the last two weeks told FOX32.

As vets look for more effective treatments, make sure your dog is up to date on other vaccines — 

like for canine influenza, Bordetella, and parainfluenza

 — to avoid catching a secondary illness.

Vets are warning pet owners about a novel respiratory illness spreading among dogs in Illinois and other states.

What to Know About Mysterious Illness Affecting Chicago Dogs

What Chicagoans have been wondering. We break down why things in Chicago are the way they are and how they work.

Chicago, Explained

Between dog-sitting in the burbs and learning about 

, we’re sharing how you can bring home a furry friend in Chicago.

 in Little Village is open daily, charges a $65 fee, and requires some paperwork — including a contract that owners will take their pets to a veterinarian within 14 days of adoption.

 in Washington Park and Chicago Ridge require adoption applications and appointments for their pets, which can cost up to $275. But little critters — like gerbils and hamsters — go for less than $8 🤓

 in Lincoln Park requires a comPETibility quiz, an appointment, and that owners be at least 21-years-old. Fees — which range from $50 to almost $400 — include a spay/neuter surgery, microchip, vaccinations, a bag of pet food, a training webinar, and a vet visit.

 in River North asks adopters to complete a questionnaire and consultation. Puppies can go for $300 and kittens for $150, but the shelter also has guinea pigs and rabbits. Fees include many of the same perks as above — plus a 30-day return period if your pet isn’t a good match.

 in Homewood and Matteson is trying to get 94 cats and dogs adopted in 94 days this summer under a special promotion. Not only are all pets fixed, microchipped, and vaccinated, dogs get checked for heartworms and cats get checked for feline leukemia.

, according to Chicago law. Why? A license tag can help owners reunite with their lost dogs. Plus, it’s required at many dog boarding and daycare centers.

You can register your dog for a one- or three-year emblem, which can cost more if your dog isn’t fixed. And if you don't do it? 

It can cost you at least $30 and up to $200

 helps rehome abandoned and stray birds, reptiles, and fish, founder Jessica Katz told us last year.

Between dog-sitting in the burbs and learning about Southwest Side dog parks, we’re sharing how you can bring home a furry friend in Chicago.

pets

How to Keep Chickens in Your Backyard

How to Keep Your Dog Safe in the Chicago Heat

What to Know About Mysterious Illness Affecting Chicago Dogs

Latest articles

How to Keep Chickens in Your Backyard

How to Keep Your Dog Safe in the Chicago Heat

What to Know About Mysterious Illness Affecting Chicago Dogs

How to Adopt a Pet in Chicago

Latest articles

How to Adopt a Pet in Chicago