Howl-O-Ween Party & Costume Contest
Our scariest daycare celebration of the year is back! Join us for a spook-tacular day filled with Halloween fun and a costume celebration for our daycare pups. Whether your dog arrives dressed as a superhero, pumpkin, hot dog, or something completely unique, we can't wait to celebrate with them. It's the perfect way to kick off Halloween weekend with their daycare friends!
Costumes are encouraged but not required.
National Dog Day, Pizza Party
We're celebrating National Dog Day with a Pizza Party for our daycare attendees! Dogs joining us on August 26 will enjoy dog-friendly pizza party!
National Dog Day is for celebrating these wild furry creatures we let sleep in our beds/couch, feeding better than ourselves, and getting pampered! We look forward to spending the day honoring the incredible pups who make our daycare community so special.
End of Summer Luau
Aloha, daycare pups! Join us for our End of Summer Luau, a week long celebration exclusively for our daycare attendees. Throughout the week, dogs will enjoy tropical-themed activities, festive decorations, island-inspired photo opportunities, and plenty of fun with their daycare pack.
As we say goodbye to summer and prepare for the changing seasons, we'll spend the week celebrating sunshine, friendship, and all the memories made throughout the summer months.
Watermelon Bash
Join us for our Watermelon Bash on August 3! We're celebrating summer with a day full of watermelon-themed fun for our daycare attendees. Dogs will enjoy refreshing watermelon treats, themed activities, festive photo opportunities, and plenty of playtime with their friends.
Whether your pup loves watermelon or simply loves a good party, this sweet summer celebration is sure to be a favorite. All activities are optional and tailored to each dog's comfort level, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for every attendee.
Fire Hydrant Yearbook Picture Day
Say cheese!
In honor of National Dog Photography Day (July 26th), we're hosting a School Picture Day Week where daycare students will have their portraits staged & taken for their official 2026 "school photo."
Photos taken during this event will be featured in our upcoming 2026 Fire Hydrant Yearbook and shared with families after the event. Whether your pup is camera-ready or prefers a few goofy outtakes, we'll capture their unique personality and preserve a special memory from the year.
Participation is included with daycare attendance during the event.
Community Pack Walk
Join us for our Summer Community Pack Walk, an easy going walk designed to bring local dog lovers together. This walk is a great opportunity for dogs to practice calm leash skills while pet parents connect with fellow neighbors & dog parents!
Whether your dog is working on neutrality around others or you’re simply looking for a fun way to get outside, this pack walk offers a supportive, low-pressure environment!
🐾 Open to the community
🕰 Walk begins at 10:00am
🐕 All dogs must be friendly and up-to-date on vaccinations
📍 AIDS Garden (3158 N Lakefront Trail, Chicago, Illinois 60657)
🗺 The walk will start at AIDS Garden park, down to Diversey Harbor, and back!
We will be walking from the ‘Self-Portrait’ green statue in AIDS Garden down to Bacino’s Italian Grill by the Diversey Harbor, and back to AIDS Garden!
A simple and enjoyable walk with our dogs to get a Sunday morning started!
Community Pack Walk Participation Notice
By attending this event, participants acknowledge that they are solely responsible for the supervision, behavior, and control of their dog(s) at all times.
Fire Hydrant Pet Sitting Co., LLC, its owners, employees, volunteers, and event partners are not responsible for any injury, illness, loss, damage, or incident involving participating dogs, owners, attendees, or personal property before, during, or after the event.
All participating dogs must remain on leash and under the handler's control at all times. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs and for any damages, injuries, or expenses caused by their dog.
By participating in this event, attendees voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation and release Fire Hydrant Pet Sitting Co., LLC from any liability arising from participation in the Community Pack Walk.
Red, White & Woof Week
Join us for a full week of patriotic fun as we celebrate summer with our Red, White & Woof Week!
Throughout the week, daycare students will enjoy themed activities, festive decorations, photo opportunities, and special enrichment inspired by all things red, white, and blue. We'll spend the week celebrating summer, friendship, and the incredible dogs that make up our Fire Hydrant family.
This event is included with regular daycare attendance. No additional registration is required.
World UFO Day
We're taking daycare to another galaxy for World UFO Day! Dogs attending daycare on July 2nd will enjoy a day of out-of-this-world fun, including themed photoshoot opportunities, UFO-inspired activities, alien decorations, and plenty of cosmic surprises throughout the day.
Whether your pup believes in little green men or not, they'll have a blast exploring our extraterrestrial celebration. This event is included with regular daycare attendance and is exclusively available to daycare students.
No registration required—just beam your pup aboard!
Summer Solstice Sunflower Party
We’re welcoming the official start of summer with a bright and joyful Sunflower Party 🌻 for our daycare students! This sunny celebration is all about soaking up good vibes, wagging tails, and seasonal fun.
Throughout the day, students will enjoy a sunflower-inspired photo setup to capture the moment. Think golden hues, happy pups, and the perfect way to kick off summer break — Fire Hydrant style.
📸 Photos included
🐶 Daycare students only
Paint Your Pet Night!
SOLD OUT
Hosted by Fire Hydrant Pet Sitting x BottlesUp! Lakeview
We’re back for the 3rd year in a row at BottlesUp in Lakeview!
Join us for a relaxed and creative evening where you’ll paint a pre-drawn portrait of your pet while enjoying great company & wine at BottlesUp in Lakeview. Whether you’re an experienced painter or haven’t picked up a brush since grade school, this event is designed to be fun and light-hearted.
📍When it’s happening:
Thursday, June 18th
Start Time: 6:30pm CT
3164 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657
🖌 How it works:
Before the event, you’ll submit a photo of your pet. A local artist, Alejandro Rivera (Instagram: @DroByTheKey) will pre-sketch your pet onto the canvas. So when you arrive, you can jump right into painting—no stress or pressure to have to draw your own pet!
🍷 What’s included
Tickets are $54 and include the following
Pre-drawn canvas of your pet
Guidance and instruction from a local artist
Wine tasting curated by BottlesUp!
Wine available for purchase (non-alcoholic options available)
A finished portrait you’ll be proud to take home
This event sells out every year, so grab your spot early and come enjoy an evening that celebrates pets, wine, and community.
🎟 Spots are limited. Advance registration required.
No refunds or exchanges.
Community Pack Walk
Join us for our Summer Community Pack Walk, a relaxed and structured group walk designed to bring local dog lovers together. This walk is a great opportunity for dogs to practice calm leash skills while pet parents connect with fellow neighbors & dog parents!
Whether your dog is working on neutrality around others or you’re simply looking for a fun way to get outside, this pack walk offers a supportive, low-pressure environment!
🐾 Open to the community
🕰 Walk begins at 9:00am
🐕 All dogs must be friendly and up-to-date on vaccinations
📍 AIDS Garden (3158 N Lakefront Trail, Chicago, Illinois 60657)
🗺 The walk will start at AIDS Garden park, down to Diversey Harbor, and back!
We will be walking about 1 mile from the ‘Self-Portrait’ green statue in AIDS Garden down to Bacino’s Italian Grill by the Diversey Harbor, and back to AIDS Garden!
A simple and enjoyable walk with our dogs to get a Sunday morning started!
Community Pack Walk Participation Notice
By attending this event, participants acknowledge that they are solely responsible for the supervision, behavior, and control of their dog(s) at all times.
Fire Hydrant Pet Sitting Co., LLC, its owners, employees, volunteers, and event partners are not responsible for any injury, illness, loss, damage, or incident involving participating dogs, owners, attendees, or personal property before, during, or after the event.
All participating dogs must remain on leash and under the handler's control at all times. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs and for any damages, injuries, or expenses caused by their dog.
By participating in this event, attendees voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation and release Fire Hydrant Pet Sitting Co., LLC from any liability arising from participation in the Community Pack Walk.
Fire Hydrant’s Student Graduation
It’s time to celebrate our students! Dog Graduation Day is a special event honoring the pups who have been working hard with their teachers and growing in confidence, skills, and structure.
During graduation, each dog will have the chance to show off a trick or skill they’ve been practicing, enjoy a graduation photo session, and proudly receive their diploma. 🎓 This is a joyful, lighthearted way to recognize their progress and celebrate all the hard work they’ve put in throughout their time at daycare and training. Plus, it’s just fun!
Pet parents are invited to join us for this milestone moment as we cheer on our graduates and send them off with plenty of tail wags and applause 🐾✨
Pet CPR & First Aid Class
Join us for a hands-on educational workshop led by Alice Murtas from Better Veterinary, following principles from the RECOVER Initiative — the leading authority on veterinary CPR guidelines.
Emergencies can happen when we least expect them. Being prepared can make all the difference. During this 2.5-hour class, you’ll learn practical skills to help you feel more confident responding in emergency situations involving your pet.
What You’ll Learn
This class will cover:
How to perform CPR on dogs
What to do if a dog is choking
Basic first aid for paw injuries and wounds
Signs that indicate a pet may be sick or injured
Safe tick removal procedures
How to respond calmly and effectively in urgent situations
Participants will receive a Fire Hydrant Certificate of Completion. While this class does not include official RECOVER certification, Alice can provide guidance on how to pursue RECOVER certification separately for those interested.
Who This Class Is For
Pet parents who want to feel more prepared in emergencies
Dog walkers, pet sitters, and pet professionals
Anyone responsible for the care of a dog
Families wanting practical safety skills
No prior medical knowledge is required.
Spots Are Limited. The class sizes will be small to allow time for questions and discussion.
Yappy Hour @ Clark Street Ale House
Our 3rd Annual Yappy Hour at Clark Street Ale House has arrived!
Fire Hydrant Pet Sitting & Doggy Daycare is excited to partner again with Clark Street Ale House to invite you to a Yappy Hour event! Like Happy Hour, but with dogs.
Come join us for Yappy Hour—a free event where you can socialize, bring your dog, and connect with local pet businesses!
📍 Clark Street Ale House, 742 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60610
⏰ April 18, 2026 -- 1:00pm to 3:00pm
🐶 For your dog to join in on the fun... 🐶
You must register for the event.
Your dog must be fully vaccinated
They must be dog-friendly to all breeds of all sizes and age
Must be 21+ years old.
Small & Mighty Social Meet up
Big personalities, small bodies! The Small & Mighty Mixer is a social event designed just for our little puppers (30 lbs and under) to mingle& play in a group setting tailored to their size and energy.
This social hour encourages positive interactions, supervised play, and lots of tail wags—giving our small pups a space where they can shine without being overshadowed by the big dogs! Come hang out with us on April 11th from 12:30pm - 2:00pm at Fire Hydrant Doggy Daycare in Old Town Chicago!
All ages & breeds are welcome! Must be 30 pounds and under. Must be fully vaccinated (DHPP, Bordetella, and Rabies).
Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Our Annual Easter Egg Hunt is back for its third year in a row! This daycare-only favorite is a full day of springtime fun for our students, featuring a festive egg hunt throughout the daycare space, themed enrichment activities, and plenty of photo-worthy moments.
Dogs will sniff, search, and celebrate with Easter-themed surprises (all dog-safe, of course!), making this a joyful way to welcome spring and continue a beloved Fire Hydrant tradition. 🌸🐾
Senior Pup Social Hour
We love our senior pets & even though they may not have the same wild energy, it is still good for them to keep moving! This event is for them! Our goal is to provide an engaging activity for senior dogs who still enjoy company — but prefer a crowd that works at the same slower rhythm. A time for them to socialize comfortably and confidently with dogs their age! No puppies will be allowed.
Open to all senior dogs.
St. Patrick's Day Celebration
Our students are getting lucky this March! 🍀 Dogs attending daycare will take part in a festive St. Patrick’s Day mini photoshoot, complete with themed décor and a touch of Irish flair.
Pet Industry Night
Petpreneurs & pet industry professionals — this one is for you!
Join in on an dedicated to the people behind the leash! Let’s enjoy a social, casual event for pet professionals to connect & share expereinces!
Dog trainers, groomers, pet photographers, dog walkers, pet sitters, vet techs, support staff — all are welcome.
📍 Kibbitznest
⏰ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
📋 RSVP required to attend
Unfortunately, no dogs allowed. Humans tolerated.
Boston Terrier Meet Up
Boston Terriers, this one’s for you!
After a tail-wagging success last fall, our Boston Terrier Meetup is back for another round of fun.
This gathering gives Boston Terriers the chance to enjoy playing, wiggling and snorting around dogs who match their size & energy!
Dogs must be fully vaccinated (DHPP, Rabies, and Bordetella).
National Dog Biscuit Day
Because every good dog deserves a biscuit! In honor of National Dog Biscuit Day, each student will go home with a special bag of dog biscuits sourced from a local dog treat vendor.
It’s a small but thoughtful way to treat our pups and send them home with something special.
National Boston Terrier Day Celebration
We’re celebrating National Boston Terrier Day with extra love for our Boston students! Boston Terriers attending daycare this day will enjoy a special photoshoot just for them. To make the day even sweeter, Boston Terrier–themed treats for humans will be available for pet parents at pickup. It’s our way of celebrating this hilarious, quirky, and vocal breed!
Mardi Gras 2026 Pup Celebration!
We’re bringing the Mardi Gras fun to the daycare with our first-ever Mardi Gras Week! This week is all about color, excitement, and playful energy!
Students will enjoy their regular structured daycare routines alongside a festive Mardi Gras-themed photoshoot. Expect bright vibes, happy pups, and a little extra flair woven into the week.
Valentine's Party
Our annual Valentine’s Party is back! This longtime daycare favorite is all about celebrating Puppy Love and having plenty of adorable moments.
Students are encouraged to wear pink or red for the festivities. A Valentine’s-themed photoshoot will take place so pet parents can enjoy keepsake photos of their pup celebrating the season of love with their daycare friends.
Fire Hydrant's Winter Olympics 2026
While the world tunes in to the Winter Olympics, our students will be competing in a dog version of the Games! Throughout the week, pups will participate in structured agility activities inspired by Olympic-style challenges—testing coordination, focus, and confidence.
Each dog will have opportunities to shine in their own events, whether that’s speed, bravery, or steady determination. We’ll also be sharing the event highlights via Instagram!
A themed photoshoot will capture our athletes in action as they compete for tail wags, bragging rights, and gold-medal energy.
National Peanut Butter Day
Actual Peanut Butter Day is January 24, BUT we want to celebrate with your pups!
Details Coming Soon!
National Cocoa Day Celebration!
Warm up with us for National Cocoa Day at Fire Hydrant Doggy Daycare! Pet parents can enjoy a complimentary cup of hot cocoa (and a few marshmallows, of course) when they pass by the daycare! Come & say hello!
When: Saturday, December 13
Where: Fire Hydrant Doggy Daycare – Old Town Chicago
Who: Anyone & everyone! All neighbors welcome!
No RSVP needed! Just stop by and grab some cocoa, and share a little warmth before heading into your weekend.
Stuff the Stocking Supply Drive
Stuff the Stocking Drive for OTAT
Dates: December 1–19
Benefiting: One Tail at a Time (OTAT)
This holiday season, Fire Hydrant Pet Sitting & Doggy Daycare is on a mission to spread some extra cheer to the pets at OTAT!
One Tail at a Time is a Chicago-based animal rescue with a mission to end pet homelessness by making pet companionship a joyful and accessible experience for all. They rescue and care for hundreds of dogs, cats, and small animals each year—providing medical support, safe housing, and the chance for every tail to find its forever home.
Our Stuff the Stocking Drive is our way of giving back to the rescue community that does so much for the pets in Chicago. Throughout December, we’re inviting our Fire Hydrant families to help us “stuff the stockings” with much-needed supplies—from toys and treats to cleaning products and enrichment tools—that will make a big difference for the animals in OTAT’s care.
How It Works
Ask for a Stocking from our team at Fire Hydrant (or bring your own!) — Pack it with all kinds of items from OTAT’s wishlist.
Go fill your stocking and then bring it Fire Hydrant Pet Sitting & Doggy Daycare during business hours, Monday - Friday between December 1 and December 19th!
We’ll deliver all donations the weekend before Christmas so they’re ready for the holiday tail wags!
Most-Wanted Donation Items
This list may be viewed on OTAT’s Wish List or you may check out their Amazon Wishlist!
For the Dogs
Easy Walk Harnesses
4 feet - 6 feet Leashes with Traffic Handles
Martingale Collars
Slip Leads
Kongs (M-XL), Toppls (L-XL), Lickmats, Snuffle Mats
Bully Sticks
Treat Training Pouches
Slow Feed Bowls
Snufflemats
For OTAT
Bleash
Powder Laundry Detergent
Zip-Lock Bags: Jumbo & Gallon Sizes
Toilet Paper
Dishwasher Detergent
Dryer Sheets
Heavy Duty Garbage Bags
Items they CAN NOT accept
X Opend food or treats
X Fresh / frozen food
X Choke, prong, or e-collars
X Retractable leashes
X Blankets, towels, beds, or furniture
X Used stuffed toys
Other Ways to Support OTAT
Shop their Amazon or Chewy Wish Lists
Make a monetary donation at onetail.org/donate
Send gift cards or checks to their mailing address