During Tails on the Trails events, visitors 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, September 8, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Dogs are allowed on the trails until sunset. The Morton Arboretum welcomes you and your four-legged friends to explore all that the Arboretum has to offer.
Ticket Details
Dog admission is $5 per dog and is available only on designated Dog Admission Days and Tails on the Trails events. All visitors to the Arboretum, including Arboretum members, must reserve a dog admission pass in advance for each dog accompanying them.
Arboretum members may bring dogs on the trails starting at 7:00 a.m.; visitors who are not members may bring dogs on the trails starting at 9:00 a.m.
Arboretum general admission is required for all visitors who are not members and must be purchased online before arriving at the Arboretum.
Arboretum members may enter at any time without general admission tickets by showing their current physical or digital membership card at the gatehouse.
Your visit helps support the Arboretum’s vision of a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.
Ticket Details
Dog admission is $5 per dog for all visitors and members and is available only on designated Dog Admission Days and Tails on the Trails events. All visitors and members must reserve a dog admission pass in advance for each dog accompanying them. Please remember that dogs are allowed at the Arboretum only on certain days of the year.
Arboretum members may bring dogs on the trails starting at 7:00 a.m.; visitors who are not members may bring dogs on the trails starting at 9:00 a.m.
Arboretum general admission is required for visitors who are not members and must be purchased online before arriving at the Arboretum. Purchasing admission online takes just a few minutes and can be done with a smartphone or computer.
Arboretum members may enter at any time without general admission tickets by showing their current physical or digital membership card at the gatehouse.
Vendors and Map
The Tails on the Trails pet expo takes place in Arbor Court and on the south side of Meadow Lake. A map with vendor locations will be available closer to the event date.
Pet Expo Vendors
Adopt A Husky
BAARK Dog Rescue
Common Ground Community Rescue Network
Floofins & Co.
Hinsdale Humane Society
Invisible Fence of Chicagoland
KIKA USA, LLC
Love, Hope, Believe Galgo Adoption, Inc.
Mac’s Mighty Paws
Midwest Labrador Retriever Rescue, Inc.
Naperville Area Humane Society
Our Purposeful Pet Project
pawTree
Pet Wants Naperville
PetSuites of America
Spay Illinois Pet Well Clinics, Inc.
The Beggar’s Kitchen
Two Bostons
A complete list of participating vendors will be available soon.
Rules for a Smooth Visit
Dog admission is $5 per dog for both visitors and members and is available only on designated Dog Admission Days and Tails on the Trails events. Arboretum general admission is required for visitors who are not members and must be purchased online before arriving at the Arboretum. 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 guest ticket, as well as dog admission tickets, ready when approaching the gatehouse.
Please adhere to the following rules while visiting The Morton Arboretum with your dog on Dog Admission Days:
- 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.
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
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 members and 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 visitors disregard this rule, staff or visitors 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 the Accessibility Guide.
