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

    “I have a bed and a blanket now.”
She didn’t always.
This is Tootsie.
Available for adoption at @hinsdalehumanesociety 
The See Hear Love Project™
    Level up.
The See Hear Love Project on WGN’s Spotlight Chicago. Check back soon for the full interview!
    Meet Tootsie 💛
⠀
Surrendered by her owner, Tootsie arrived at Hinsdale Humane Society with little to no information about her past. That’s where we stepped in.
⠀
Nicole, Administrative Manager at Hinsdale Humane Society, brought Tootsie to us and is part of this moment you’re seeing—helping us begin to understand who Tootsie really is.
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The See Hear Love Project is the only project that combines animal communication and professional photography—helping uncover each dog’s story and showing who they truly are.
⠀
Now it’s Tootsie’s turn to be seen for exactly who she is 💫
⠀
Seen. Heard. Loved.
⠀
#SeeHearLove #SeeHearLoveProject #RescueStory #AdoptDontShop
    Avalanche didn’t start life this way.
⠀
Rescued from a hoarding situation through @reddoorshelter, his world was once crowded, uncertain, and far from safe.
⠀
But something beautiful happened—
his foster saw him… and never let him go.
⠀
Avalanche is now home.
⠀
⠀
Seen. Heard. Loved.
    Meet Blanca.
Rescued, but still learning how to feel safe again.
During her animal communication session, Blanca shared a feeling of being abandoned in the rain—until Michelle, her foster mom, found her and brought her to safety.
“I’m scared… but I’m trying.”
She’s waiting for someone to show her she’s finally home.
Blanca and other incredible animals are available for adoption at SAYv Animal Organization (@sayvanimalorg).
—
The See Hear Love Project is the only project of its kind, combining animal communication and portrait photography to help rescue animals be seen, heard, and adopted.
    This is Part 2 of Ramona’s story from The See Hear Love Project™ — a Chicago-based initiative combining animal communication and fine-art photography to help foster animals be seen, heard, and adopted.
Each session begins with an on-camera communication reading followed by a professional portrait session, allowing foster animals to connect with potential adopters through emotion and storytelling.
Ramona’s message is part of a larger mission to bring visibility to animals waiting for homes and to highlight the life-saving power of fostering.
Follow the project:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cusicphoto
Website: https://www.cusicphoto.com/
Adopt a friend like Ramona! https://www.chicagolandpigrescue.com/
    Your best friend at home deserves to be celebrated.
Not just in your camera roll — but in fine art that lives on your wall.
That’s why I hire a professional trainer for every session.
Because your best friend deserves to feel safe, calm, and supported while we create something beautiful.
And because women celebrate everyone else in their lives…
Why not the one who waits for you at home?
    For the women who love fiercely — and the dogs who love them right back. 🖤
⠀
That kind of connection deserves to be remembered as art.

    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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