Tails on the Trails

Enjoy dog-friendly activities and explore a seasonal pet expo with your four-legged friend.

During Tails on the Trails events, guests can explore the on-site pet expo, featuring dog-oriented shopping from vendors representing local businesses and organizations; learn about opportunities to adopt dogs; and connect with local animal shelters about volunteering options.

The upcoming Tails on the Trails pet expo event will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Dogs are allowed on the trails until sunset.

Event Highlights

More than 40 dog-focused vendors representing local rescues and small businesses. Connect with organizations in your area and shop for training and grooming supplies, fun accessories, and homemade treats.

From 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., live demonstrations focused on obedience training and safe foods for dogs will take place near Meadow Lake Trail.

Admission

Dog admission is $5 per dog and is available only on designated Dog Admission Days and Tails on the Trails events. Each dog needs a ticket.

General admission tickets are required for people, except for members. Plan ahead and save on general admission by purchasing tickets online. Tickets bought online are always $2 cheaper. Tickets will be more expensive when purchased at the gatehouse on the day of the event.

Arboretum members may enter at any time without general admission tickets by showing their current physical or digital membership card at the gatehouse. Have your membership card, general admission ticket, dog admission tickets, or payment ready when approaching the gatehouse.

Rules and Restrictions

Please note that dogs must be attended and on a leash at all times, must stay on marked trails, and are not allowed in some locations at the Arboretum.

Vendors and Map

The Tails on the Trails pet expo takes place in Arbor Court and on the south side of Meadow Lake on the Arboretum’s East Side, next to the Visitor Center. The closest parking is in Parking Lot 1.

Please note that participating vendors are subject to change up until the event date.

A map of vendor table locations will be available soon.

Pet Expo Vendors

Table 1 The Beggars Kitchen

Table 2 PetSuites Naperville

Table 3 Naperville Humane Society

Table 4 Animal Medical Clinic of Wheaton

Table 5 Midwest Border Collie Rescue

Table 6 Happy Feet Canine

Table 7 Border Tails Rescue

Table 8 Emergency Veterinary Services

Table 9 City Paws

Table 10 4 Greyhound Racers

Table 11 Chicago Rescue Authority

Table 12 Crate Free USA

Table 13 Our Purposeful Pet Project

Table 14 Designs by Tiniesta

Table 15 Midwest Shiba Inu Rescue

Table 16 Koko’s Kitchen

Table 17 Boujee Pups Accessories

Table 18 BAARK Dog Rescue

Table 19 Latino Outdoors

Table 20 Sandeez Embroidery

Table 21 Invisible Fence

Table 22 Hanover Park Animal Care Center

Table 23 Glenbard All Breed Obedience Club

Table 24 Medallion Rottweiler Club

Table 25 Fox Valley Dog Training Club

Table 26 Transition 99 Downers Grove

Table 27 pawTree

Table 28 Just Giants Rescue

Table 29 Floofins & Co.

Table 30 Lemah Creek Naturals

Table 31 As Good As Gold Golden Retriever Rescue of Illinois

Table 32 Lovin’ Tails

Table 33 Mac’s Mighty Paws

Table 34 The Pet Lady

Table 35 Thrive Pet Healthcare

Table 36 Treats By William

Table 37 Adopt A Husky

Table 38 West Suburban Humane Society

Table 39 Love Hope Believe Galgo Adoption

Table 40 Stop Online Puppy Mills

Table 41 VEG ER for Pets Oakbrook

Table 42 Common Ground Community Rescue Network

Table 43 Fetching Tails Foundation

Table 44 Pet Wants Naperville

Table 45 Tanimu Pet Bodega

Table 46 Rarity’s Rarities Pet Grooming

Demonstration Schedule

All demonstrations will take place on the lawn near Meadow Lake Trail and Tram Road.

10:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Obedience training, Medallion Rottweiler Club

10:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Can You (and Your Dog) Eat That? live game show, Koko’s Kitchen

11:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Obedience and rally, Glenbard All Breed Obedience Club

1:00 to 1:30 p.m.
Obedience training, Medallion Rottweiler Club

1:30 to 2:00 p.m.
Can You (and Your Dog) Eat That? live game show, Koko’s Kitchen

2:00 to 2:30 p.m.
Obedience and rally, Glenbard All Breed Obedience Club

Admission

Dog admission is $5 per dog and is available only on designated Dog Admission Days and for Tails on the Trails events. Each dog needs a ticket.

Arboretum members may enter at any time without general admission tickets by showing their current physical or digital membership card at the gatehouse.

Have your member ID or general admission ticket, as well as dog admission tickets, ready when approaching the gatehouse.

Rules and Restrictions

Please note that dogs must be attended and on a leash at all times, must stay on marked trails, and are not allowed in some locations of the Arboretum.

Rules for Visiting with Dogs

Guests who visit the Arboretum with dogs on Dog Admission Days must adhere to the following rules.

Dogs must be attended and on a leash at all times.
All dogs must have updated vaccinations and registrations.
For the safety of your pet and the natural environment, do not let dogs go off the marked trails.
Please clean up after your pet. Bags are available at the Visitor Center.
Dogs are not permitted on Walking Play performances or Acorn Express tram tours.

Restricted Locations

Dogs are not allowed in the following locations:

Children’s Garden
Maze Garden
Visitor Center
Thornhill Educational Center
Administration and Research Center
May T. Watts Reading Garden
Firefly Pavilion

Dog-Friendly Restrooms

Restrooms for humans who need to bring their dogs with them can be found at the following locations:

Thornhill Picnic Shelter
Prairie Visitor Station
Big Rock Visitor Station

Visiting with Service Animals

The Morton Arboretum welcomes guests of all abilities and strives to create a safe, enjoyable, and engaging experience for all. To support that goal, the Arboretum welcomes all service animals, including those still in training.

Because the Arboretum does not allow pets on the grounds, and some guests disregard this rule, staff or guests may inquire about your service animal if it is not wearing a vest or label. To help alleviate these questions, please let the gatehouse attendants know you have a service animal with you when you enter the Arboretum so they can make other staff aware.

To learn more about accessibility at the Arboretum, see Accessibility at The Morton Arboretum.