Trusted Pet Businesses in Chicago I Recommend to My Clients

photograph of a Pomeranian with bubbles by Chicago Pet Photographer Candice Cusic

As a Chicago pet and family photographer based in West Town, I’ve spent decades immersed in the local pet community — working closely with dogs, their families, trainers, veterinarians, and rescue organizations throughout the city.

Over the years, I’ve built trusted relationships with professionals whose standards, compassion, and expertise reflect my own. When clients ask, “Who do you trust with your own animals?” — these are the businesses I confidently recommend.

Because surrounding your pet with the right support system matters.


Professional Dog Training in Chicago

A successful portrait session begins with a calm, confident dog — and we take that seriously.

At Candice C. Cusic Photography, we hire a professional trainer for every pet photography session. We believe dogs deserve guidance, structure, and support while they’re in the studio — and our clients deserve complete peace of mind.

We are proud to work with and recommend:

See Spot Run – West Town, Chicago
A trusted training team known for positive reinforcement and thoughtful, relationship-based guidance.

Anything Is Pawzable – Chicago
A respected training business focused on behavior, confidence, and strengthening the bond between dogs and their families.

Working alongside professional trainers ensures that every session is calm, safe, and enjoyable — for both dogs and their people.


Veterinary Care I Trust in Chicago

Your pet’s health and wellbeing always come first. These Chicago veterinary practices reflect the same compassion and professionalism I bring into my studio.

North Avenue Animal Hospital – Wicker Park Veterinarian
A longstanding Wicker Park veterinary practice serving West Town and surrounding Chicago neighborhoods with thoughtful, attentive care.

You can view my artwork displayed inside North Avenue Animal Hospital — a partnership I’m incredibly proud of. I’ve also personally been a client there for over twenty years, trusting them with the health and care of my own animals.

Wicker Park Animal Hospital – Chicago Vet Care
A modern, compassionate veterinary team focused on preventive care and long-term wellness for Chicago pets.


Dog Boarding & Daycare in Chicago

When families travel, knowing your dog is safe, structured, and well cared for makes all the difference. I always encourage clients to choose facilities that prioritize safety, enrichment, and experienced staff.

Canine Crews – Chicago Dog Boarding & Daycare
A long-standing Chicago dog daycare and boarding facility known for structured group play, professional supervision, and a strong reputation within the local pet community.

Pupstars Pet Care – Chicago Dog Boarding & Daycare
A trusted Chicago pet care company offering boarding, daycare, and walking services with a strong reputation for professionalism and reliability.


Pet Food & Nutrition in Chicago

Nutrition impacts everything — coat quality, energy, longevity, and overall wellbeing. As a Chicago pet photographer, I see firsthand how proper nutrition shows up in a dog’s confidence and physical presence.

Paw Naturals – Chicago Pet Nutrition & Wellness Boutique

Paw Naturals is a thoughtfully curated Chicago pet boutique specializing in high-quality dog and cat food, raw and gently cooked diets, supplements, and holistic wellness products. Their team is knowledgeable and focused on helping pet families make informed, health-centered choices.

Healthy dogs feel better — and confident, well-nourished dogs photograph beautifully.


Looking for a Chicago pet photographer who partners with trusted trainers and veterinarians — and offers professional animal communication sessions to help your pet be truly seen and heard? Schedule a consultation here.

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    Chicago Pet Photographer

    **YOUR DOG DOESN’T HAVE TO KNOW HOW TO MODEL. 🐾**

We’re the only Chicago portrait studio with a professional animal trainer at every session.

Your dog gets to be a dog. We take care of the rest.

#ChicagoPetPhotographer #ChicagoDogPhotographer #ChicagoDogs #PetPhotography #CusicPhotography
    “Does she need a ribbon or a string? Because that cheers me up.” ❤️
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During his animal communication session, Wasabi told me he would give Gabriella all of his toys to make her smile. Then he wondered if she needed a ribbon or a string—because those are the things that cheer him up.
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Wasabi came to the studio with his mom, Nori, for The See Hear Love Project™, where animals participate in telling their own stories through animal communication, portraiture and film.
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Nori and Wasabi are available for adoption through SAYv Animal Organization. If their story speaks to you, maybe their forever home is with you. ❤️
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Sometimes love sounds like something enormous.
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And sometimes it sounds like:
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“I would give you all of my toys.”
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Seen. Heard. Loved.

@sayvanimalorg 
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#SeeHearLove #TheSeeHearLoveProject #SAYvAnimalOrganization #AdoptDontShop #AnimalCommunication #AnimalCommunicator #CatAdoption #ChicagoCats #ChicagoPetPhotographer
    This is pretty exciting.

**Bored Panda just featured The See Hear Love Project.**

The See Hear Love Project is the world’s only documentary storytelling project told from the animal’s perspective. 

Through animal communication, shelter and rescue animals share their own stories, and we create fine-art portraits and documentary films to help them be seen, heard, and adopted.

I’m incredibly grateful to the rescues who trusted us with their animals and their stories:

@onetailatatime
@sayvanimalorg 
@reddoorshelter 
@hinsdalehumanesociety 
@chicagolandpigrescue 

**Read the Bored Panda feature:**
https://www.boredpanda.com/see-hear-love-animal-project.../

**Watch The See Hear Love Project:**
https://youtube.com/shorts/18yGgXeEX-0?si=xp8lSbNR8OkKkSX8

https://www.boredpanda.com/see-hear-love-animal-project.../ See less
    The See Hear Love Project™ is the world’s only documentary project told from the animal’s perspective—combining animal communication, portrait photography and film to help animals be seen, heard and loved.
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George wandered into Owen’s backyard one winter.
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And stayed. ❤️
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During George’s animal communication session, I asked him about his life with Owen.
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Then George told me something wonderfully specific:
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“Cookies in bed make Owen happy.”
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Owen’s reaction says everything. 😂
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These are some of my favorite moments in animal communication. Sometimes what an animal shares is profound. Sometimes it’s heartbreaking.
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And sometimes a cat who wandered into your backyard knows exactly what makes you happy.
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Seen. Heard. Loved.
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The See Hear Love Project™
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#SeeHearLoveProject #AnimalCommunication #CatCommunication #RescueCat #AnimalStories #PetStories #AnimalCommunicator #ChicagoPets
    The See Hear Love Project™ wouldn't exist without the incredible rescue organizations that trusted me with the stories of the animals in their care.

Thank you for believing in an idea that was a little different, for opening your doors, and for introducing me to some truly unforgettable animals.

I'm so excited to share the latest sizzle reel for The See Hear Love Project™.

Every featured animal received a documentary film, fine-art portraiture, and an animal communication session designed to help people connect with the individual behind the adoption profile.

My hope has always been simple: to tell stories that help more animals find forever homes.

Thank you to every rescue, foster, volunteer, adopter, and supporter who has been part of this journey. This is only the beginning.
    Avalanche wasn't interested in being the center of attention.
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He just wanted to be close.
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Please visit my page to see Avalanche's full story.
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"I don't want
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to be alone."
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— Avalanche
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Seen. Heard. Loved.
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#TheSeeHearLoveProject #SeenHeardLoved #RescueRabbit @reddoorshelter
    Dama arrived at the studio in a wheelchair.
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That was the first thing I noticed.
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It was also the least interesting thing about her.
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What I remember is her determination.
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Her curiosity.
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Her joy.
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Please visit my page to see Dama's full story.
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"Maybe I'm not a misfit.
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I just have more to love."
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— Dama
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Seen. Heard. Loved.
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#TheSeeHearLoveProject #SeenHeardLoved #RescueDog
    I created The See Hear Love Project to help animals like Blanca.
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Painfully shy. Dumped on a road before the rain came. Nervous around strangers. Ears down. Tail tucked.
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For those new to the project, these are not carefree, well-adjusted animals. Many have experienced neglect, abandonment, fear, or loss.
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Sometimes we only get one photograph when they truly relax.
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Thankfully, we only need one.
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Please visit my page to see Blanca's full story.
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Special thanks to @sayvanimalorg for bringing Blanca to The See Hear Love Project.
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"All I want
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is to feel loved and safe."
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— Blanca
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Seen. Heard. Loved.
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#TheSeeHearLoveProject #SeenHeardLoved #RescueDog

    Our location

    Located in downtown Chicago.

    1821 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60622

    By appointment only

    info@cusicphoto.com

     

    Available for travel internationally, for pets & family photography, and education for photographers. Send us a note for details or reach us by phone at 312-248-2939.

     

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