… Some important benefits of socialization:   Educates your dog about appropriate social interaction and how to inhibit aggression towards people and other dogs. Enables your dog to more easily accept change, new people, challenges and promote appropriate interactions with other dogs. Shapes your dog's future temperament, character and behavior habits. Reduces barking, object guarding, chewing, …

Our gatherings serve to network those individuals or organizations that help to save the lives of animals. Networking helps to strengthen and encourage working relationships among rescue groups, animal shelters, animal control organizations, veterinarians, potential volunteers (such as foster home care givers, fundraisers, website designers, transporters, photographers, etc.) If you have a specialty and would love to serve animals we would love to meet you!

Best Friends Pet Care started this FREE puppy playgroup to encourage socialization in a group setting. Bring your puppy to play with others every Saturday from 10am to 11am. Parents are required to supervise along with trained staff.

Group enjoys hiking on Saturdays and Sundays, and occasionally on a Federal holiday. We are leisurely hikers. Most hikes are 1 to 6 miles. Some hikes are over 6 miles.  You are encouraged to hike the distance that you can handle physically.   Children and friendly dogs are welcome! Hikes will be scheduled in Cook County, DuPage County, North Chicago and Wisconsin, Northwest Indiana and Environs, South Chicagoland and the Illinois River Valley.