Travelling with a pet requires extra planning when Brookfield Zoo Chicago is part of the itinerary. The zoo does not permit pets inside and does not allow animals to be left in vehicles. Before booking accommodation, visitors need a safe and confirmed care plan for their pet during the zoo visit.

William Tell Hotel MOD Collection by Sonesta publishes a pet-friendly stay policy for one pet per room, subject to fees and hotel conditions. However, guests should confirm whether their pet may remain unattended, which room types are available and what additional rules apply before making a reservation.

This guide explains the currently published policies and the questions travellers should ask before arriving.

For current admission, parking and free-day details, see our Brookfield Zoo tickets and parking guide.

Can You Bring a Pet to Brookfield Zoo?

Zoo policies can change. Review Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s official rules before every visit, particularly when travelling with a service animal.

Make a Care Plan Before Visiting the Zoo

A pet-friendly hotel room does not automatically mean a pet may remain there alone. Hotels can require supervision, a crate, contact details or specific housekeeping arrangements.

Before purchasing zoo tickets, confirm how your pet will be cared for during the visit. Depending on the hotel’s policy and your own arrangements, options may include travelling with another adult who remains with the pet, using a verified local boarding or daycare provider, or following an unattended-pet arrangement expressly approved by the hotel.

Do not leave a pet inside a parked vehicle while visiting the zoo.

Consider Your Arrival and Check-In Time

William Tell Hotel currently publishes a standard check-in time of 4 p.m., with check-out at 11 a.m. Early check-in is subject to availability.

Guests arriving in the morning should not assume they can check their pet into a room before visiting the zoo. Confirm early-arrival arrangements directly with the hotel or plan the zoo visit for a different day.

William Tell Hotel’s Published Pet Policy

William Tell Hotel currently publishes the following pet-stay terms on its Amenities page:

• One pet is permitted per room.
• The pet fee is $75 for stays of one to four nights.
• The pet fee is $125 for stays of five nights or more.
• Unauthorized or unregistered pets may incur a $250 penalty.
• Guests are responsible for damage caused during the stay.

Additional restrictions are not currently published. Contact the hotel before booking to confirm the accepted animal type, room availability, unattended-pet rules and any housekeeping requirements. Pet policies and fees can change, so confirm the terms that apply to your stay before completing the reservation.

Service Animals Are Not Covered by Pet Fees

Service animals are not treated as pets under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Hotels may not impose a pet fee or restrict guests with service animals only to designated pet-friendly rooms. A guest may still be charged for damage when the hotel applies the same damage policy to other guests.

Contact the hotel if you need accessibility information for your stay. For current legal guidance, refer to the U.S. Department of Justice’s ADA service-animal guidance.

Where to Walk Your Pet

Ask the hotel whether it has a designated pet-relief area and where guests should dispose of waste. Do not assume that lawns, gardens or event areas are available for pets.

For a longer walk, some Forest Preserves of Cook County trails permit dogs on leash. Rules differ by location, and dogs are prohibited from certain nature preserves, buildings and sensitive areas.

Bemis Woods permits leashed dogs on its trails and is open sunrise to sunset. Check current directions, closures and trail conditions before travelling.

Restaurant patios in nearby La Grange are not confirmed as dog-friendly. Check with individual restaurants for their current pet policy, seasonal patio dates and any size or service-period restrictions before visiting. See our La Grange dining guide for restaurant options.

What to Confirm Before Booking a Pet-Friendly Stay

• Is my type of pet permitted?
• Is there a weight or breed restriction?
• Is only one pet allowed?
• Is the fee per stay, per night or per room?
• Is tax added to the fee?
• Which room types accept pets?
• May the pet remain unattended?
• Is a crate required?
• Is there a maximum unattended period?
• Must I provide a mobile number while away?
• How does housekeeping work when a pet is present?
• Where is the designated pet-relief area?
• Are food and water bowls provided?
• Is proof of vaccination required?
• What damage or cleaning charges can apply?
• What arrangements are available before the 4 p.m. check-in time?

Preparing Your Pet for the Stay

Bring the pet’s food, medication, leash or carrier, waste bags, bedding and current identification information. A familiar blanket or bed may help the animal settle in an unfamiliar room.

Keep the hotel’s telephone number and your veterinarian’s details available. Locate an emergency veterinary clinic before travelling, but verify its current opening hours directly rather than relying on an undated directory listing.

Follow all hotel rules and avoid leaving an animal in a situation that could cause distress, noise or property damage.

Considering William Tell Hotel for Your Stay

William Tell Hotel MOD Collection by Sonesta is located at 6201 Joliet Road in Countryside, Illinois. The hotel publishes a one-pet-per-room policy with fees based on stay length.

Before booking a zoo trip, contact the hotel to confirm that the available room and current pet rules suit your plans. You will also need a separate, confirmed care arrangement for any period when your pet cannot accompany you.

Review Hotel Amenities · Explore Rooms & Suites · Check Availability · Contact the Hotel · Review Brookfield Zoo’s Pet Rules

Related reading: Plan your Brookfield Zoo stay and Holiday Magic visitor information.