Dog Friendly

Elmwood Park Zoo is throwing dog lovers a bone with the inclusion of special days and events where owners can bring their pooches on their very own zoo excursion! Our Dog Days invite zoo fans and their four-legged family members to enjoy the zoo together! Dog admission is limited and rules are in place to help ensure the comfort and safety of you, your dog, other guests, and the zoo’s animals.

All guests visiting the zoo with a furry friend must complete an online application and submit required documents before purchasing their tickets. Along with the application, you must upload a copy/record of your most recent veterinary visit, as well as proof of vaccinations and heartworm test. Your completed application, successfully uploaded documents, and your purchased admission tickets are all required in order for you to attend our Dog Days. Please note, dogs are currently not permitted to enter Trail of the Jaguar, Habitat HQ, Barn, Wetlands Boardwalk , Feeding Decks and Harmony Hideaway.

Families often consider their pets as members, and many enjoy sharing adventures with their dogs! Now one of those adventures can be to the Elmwood Park Zoo, for select “Dog Days” through the year!

Dog Days

Wednesday, Friday, Sunday – 12 pm to 4 pm

Dog Days are not available in July and August.

*TICKETS AND A COMPLETED APPLICATION ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND.

PRICING

Yearly Members: $10.95 per dog

NON-Members: $12.95 per dog**

**Regular zoo admission must be purchased for all human companions.

***Already submitted an application?

Yappy Hours are like Happy Hours except they cater to canines as well as their owners! You and your pooch can join us after regular zoo hours on select nights, from 5:00PM – 8:30PM (last admission at 7:30PM). Each dog will receive one free pup whipped cream treat cup.

*Since this is an after-hours event, our indoor buildings will be closed and many animals will be sleeping or inside for the night.

YAPPY HOURS

CHECK BACK IN SPRING 2025 for our Yappy Hour Dates

PRICING

Free to attend

Dogs — Must submit a Yappy Hours application at the link below and then you will be directed to reserve a free Yappy Hour dog ticket

If you already completed the application above, please click below to register your dog.

We’re extending memberships to the doggos! Yearly zoo members can now opt to purchase a special dog membership for their furry friends! Dog memberships are valid for the full calendar year in which they were purchased. 

Dog Membership Days

ALL DAYS EXCLUDING THURSDAYS, 10 AM to 4 pm

Dog Days are not available in July and August.

PRICING

Yearly Members*: $50.00
*You must be a yearly EPZ member to purchase a dog Membership. YOU MUST complete a dog visit application before VISITING.

If you already purchased a dog membership, please click below to register your dog.

Fine Print

Owners/handlers are limited to one (1) dog per person at any time.  All dogs must be registered to the owner/handler walking them through the zoo.  Handlers must be over the age of 18 and also not responsible for managing children. All dogs attending the zoo must be evaluated by a licensed veterinarian at a minimum of once per year. Dogs must receive monthly heart worm prevention and receive an annual heartworm test. Vaccinated against Rabies, Canine Distemper Virus and Canine Parvovirus (proof required). All dogs should arrive at the zoo with a well-fitting collar or harness with one tag that indicates contact information for owners and one tag that confirms rabies vaccination status. Collars must be worn at all times. Retractable leashes are not permitted.  For the safety of your dog and others, we do not allow puppies under 4 months, sick dogs, dogs with active injuries (ie. stitches, bandages, etc) or female dogs in heat. If the temperature on the day of your Dog Day or Yappy Hour exceeds 85 degrees fahrenheit the event will be cancelled. To reschedule your event date due to the high temperatures please email zoo@elmwoodparkzoo.org.