Insider Pages Reviews for Pooch Hotel

5 Stars: Pooch Hotel is worth 5 stars!!! (by Mark j.)

Mark j. — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:48:00 GMT

THIS PLACE ROCKS! My dog Maddie stayed with them over the Thanksgiving Holiday and came home tired and happy. The customer sevice was outstanding and I would recommend this place to anyone. They might charge a bit more than other place but they are worth it! THANK YOU POOCH HOTEL!!! We will be back!

1 Stars: DO NOT!!! go there! (by adsk)

adsk — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:00:00 GMT

I left my dog there for the weekend and besides of getting charged more than the told me I would, my dog came back with TICKS!!! N I don't know what they did to him but he spent a WEEK under the couch crying!. PLUS, he got home starving like crazy! Neverr ever leave your pet there. EVER!

1 Stars: Look elsewhere (by chris l.)

chris l. — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 23:05:00 GMT

We left 2 healthy dogs there and got 2 severly sick dogs back. After we got rear ended with a nearly 500 dollar bill from pooch for 4 days of boarding 2 dogs that weigh 10 lbs. together we had a vet bill over 1000 dollars. Read the negative reviews, they far outweigh the good ones written by pooch themselves. Anyone with a brain can see this. If you love your dog look elsewhere.

1 Stars: Go somewhere else (by christopher l)

christopher l — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 02:00:00 GMT

After 4 days of boarding ,our dogs were very sick and had to go to the vet. After a nearly 500 dollar bill from pooch, the vet bills were over 1000 dollars. Would never recommend this facility to anyone. Read the negative reviews, they far out weigh the positive ones written by pooch themselves. Anyone with a brain can see this.

5 Stars: My dog LOVES Pooch Hotel (by discochick2001)

discochick2001 — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:00:00 GMT

Rex loves Pooch Hotel. We started using Pooch for daycare services with transportation a few months ago. The convenience of having a responsible company come to my home to get Rex every day of the week is so wonderful. I no longer have to worry about him during the day. When I get home from work he is usually passed out on my kitchen floor waiting for me to get home to feed him dinner. After he eats we usually go for a quick stroll to Wiggley field and then its' off to bed for the night. Another great feature of Pooch Hotel is that they are open 24 hrs a day! I board Rex with Pooch about once every few months and I love,love, love that I can pick him up late (1AM) on Sunday night. The management are always very accommodating to my every changing schedule. Even if I call at 7:30AM to tell them that Rex doesn't need to get picked up today they are always understanding and they don't charge me for the last minute cancellation like my old dog walker used too. Honestly, I don't know why anyone uses dog walking services anymore. I used to pay $15 for a 20 minute walk. Now I pay $23 for 8 hours of playtime and round trip service to and from my house! It is so much better for my Rex! I am really lucky that we found Pooch Hotel.

5 Stars: There is NO better place than Pooch Hotel (by TBernstein123)

TBernstein123 — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 02:00:00 GMT

I have been a customer of Pooch Hotel for about 4 months. I am actually a customer of the West Loop location on Monroe Street but I didn't see a page to review that location so I am using their Lincoln Park page.

I really cannot say enough great things about Pooch. I use them for both boarding and daycare and my dog, Mika, just loves it! She literally drags me through the door and she is depressed on the days I work from home and don't take her there. I can tell that the staff loves Mika and that makes me feel so comfortable. They even have a facebook page and upload pictures and updates about the dogs every day. I have never encountered anything negative about Pooch when I use them. Their management is super nice and very customer service focused. One time I picked Mika up and she wasn't completely dry from her bath. I didn't care but Margaret gave me a 50% discount on the service! She certainly did not need to do that but I was impressed!! To me, that is awesome customer service.
Their facility is so clean and orderly....I LOVE IT! What more can Mike and I say...There's NO better place than Pooch Hotel for me and Mika!

1 Stars: West Loop Location -- Dishonest and Rude (by 6623)

6623 — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 02:00:00 GMT

This is for the West Loop location. They advertise one price, charge another and do not tell you until you arrive to get your dog. I have one dog that is 43 lbs. They advertise $40 for him and $50 for my dog who is 52 lbs. When I came to pick them up the bill was $100.00. When I complained the desk girl insisted that it was 50 each because of the brush out. My dogs are Shar-peis. The are short-haired. Had they asked me for an extra $10 in advance because my bigger dog is shedding, I would have gone elsewhere. The smaller dog is a horsecoat and not currently shedding. Margaret,the manager, is condescending and very difficult to deal with. Amanda is great and we love her, but the rest of the staff are gestapo girly girls.

I am sending my documentation to the Illinois Attorney General, as it is
illegal to advertise one price and charge another in this state. While I am at it I am going to file a Better Bureau complaint.

5 Stars: The Only Place To Take Your Dog! (by mshomberg)

mshomberg — Mon, 11 May 2009 02:00:00 GMT

As the parent of a rescue dog, I have always been apprehensive about leaving my dog anywhere when I go away. Pooch came highly recommended to me from a friend when I moved to Chicago from New York. Everyone at Pooch is always so friendly and kind. Dexter and I are greeted at the door and addressed by our names, which is very important to me. I like that the staff is always excited to see my dog, it is clear he is just as excited to see them! Pooch remains the ONLY place I would entrust my dog to. It is second to none and although the price may appear a bit high, I can't put a price on the fact that I know my dog is in a safe, clean, and loving facility when I am out of town!!! Once you try it, you will be hooked, and so will your POOCH!

5 Stars: The Absolute greatest Experience for Callie (by bryan82)

bryan82 — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 02:00:00 GMT

Callie had the greatest experience at Pooch Hotel. I had been taking her to another boarding place for a few years but when I received a coupon in the mail for 50% off my first stay I couldn't pass up the opportunity to save a few pennies. WOW! I was really impressed and didn't know what we had been missing out by not checking out Pooch sooner. The facility is ridiculously nice...much nicer than the places I stay at. The staff was very warm and you could tell that they really value each and every client that walks through their doors. I was able to call several times over Callie's stay to check on her and they always gave me a positive update and were very nice to me on the phone. Callie came back a tired and happy puppy. I was just really impressed by Pooch Hotel's professionalism. I am really glad we tried them out because now I am a Pooch convert. I am looking forward to taking Callie back when my travel needs arise in the future.

1 Stars: DO NOT BOARD YOUR DOGS AT POOCH HOTEL/POOCH CHICAGO!!! (by glorialang7)

glorialang7 — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 02:00:00 GMT

I have attempted to post a negative review on City Search twice and both times the review was removed so, instead of posting a review here, I urge you ALL to read the accurate reviews of Pooch Chicago/Pooch Hotel at YELP!

I don't know who the owner is related to, or knows, at City Search but the fact that I have been unable to post a negative review here and the fact that the reviews are far different on Yelp!, tells me that she is related to, or knows, someone at City Search.

UPDATE: Within hours of recommending Yelp as a more accurate site, my review on Yelp was removed due to a Yelp community complaint and then someone posted a 5 star recommendation referring to the negative reviews by other "customers" as "ignorance".

1 Stars: 3 nights for the price of 4?!?!? (by mtrappe)

mtrappe — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 02:00:00 GMT

My dog Bauer really enjoys this place but the pricing is just ridiculous. Their website says $47/night but they steal an additional night from you if you stay for a weekend. If you pick up after 12pm Sunday you get charged an additional $25 and if you pick up after 7pm Sunday you get charged an additional $22. So, all in all, Bauer stayed from 8pm Thursday night until 8pm Sunday night and it cost me $188 which is equivalent to 4 nights. Highway robbery. When I called to discuss all they said was "sorry sir". Bauer loves everyone wherever he goes so we'll be going elsewhere from now on.

5 Stars: Chilled Bouvier (by RobH09)

RobH09 — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 01:00:00 GMT

We let our precious family pet Bouvier, Celia, stay at Pooch Hotel whilst we went off for a much needed vacation over new year. Ever since we moved to Chicago 9 months ago our dog has been anxious after the trip over from the UK and we were really keen to find a place that would really look after her. Her return from a different kennel in Chicago left her stressed and anxious when she got home. This time she seems very relaxed, happy - she pulled to get into the Hotel after two successful day care trips the weeks before and Im very pleased with the service, attention and their obvious love of dogs. Thank you Pooch Hotel.

5 Stars: I am not nervous anymore! (by Tammy1967)

Tammy1967 — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 01:00:00 GMT

I boarded my puppy over the Christmas Holiday at the Pooch Hotel West Loop location. My puppy was a first time boarder so I was a bit nervous about leaving her for the first time. Pooch's Manager Tracey made me feel so comfortable and welcome. I called every day to check on her and Tracey and the other staff members didn't seem a bit bothered that I called to check-in. I love the fact that I could see her playing on their webcam - - she was definitely having a great time and making lots of new puppy friends. When I picked her up last Sunday she was clean, happy, and tired. I am so happy that I have found a safe, reliable place for her boarding needs.

5 Stars: Me and Big Baby Dog would give 10 stars! (by Kimandbabydog)

Kimandbabydog — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 01:00:00 GMT

Yes, if we could give 10 stars we certainly would! Pooch has been a godsend for me and my Big Baby Dog. We had a very unpleasant experience at another pet care place and both of us were quite reluctant to try out another one. My vet recommended Pooch Hotel so I though I would go check it out. We were welcomed by very attentive, friendly front desk staff and they immediately fell in love with my Big Baby Dog. They took us on a tour and we both decided to set up a boarding appointment to try it out for 1 night before commiting to a week long trip. Big Baby Dog did really well and when we got home he just passed out on my bed for a few hours. It was then that I knew he had received a good amount of attention and exercise and I then felt comfortable going on an extended vacation. Big Baby Dog did great the week he stayed there and the staff was very friendly and welcoming when I called to check in on BBD over the week.
I think Pooch is fantastic and I have already referred a few of my boarding-hesitant friends. They have since had very good experiences as well.

5 Stars: Peace of Mind, Caring Staff (by AnneMajor)

AnneMajor — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I just picked up my little maltipoo from boarding this morning and I am so pleased with how her stay was. She looked and terrific and appeared very happy when I picked her up. This was the first time I have ever left her with ANYONE so I was really, really, REALLY nervous. The worst part about it was that it was for 11 days! I reluctantly dropped her off on a Friday morning and quickly called them a few hours later to see how she was doing with the other dogs at playtime. A nice woman answered the phone and told me not to worry and that everything was going well and that Addison was doing very well and had already made a few friends. I called a few other times and they promptly got back to me with a full report. I can say that the fact that they let me call and check in on her really made the 11 days more bearable. The service I received from Pooch Hotel was really first class and I am really happy that I made the decision to use them for boarding. The staff is very, very nice and truly cared about me and Addison. I have already booked her for Christmas so we will be visiting Pooch again soon.

5 Stars: Great experience time after time... (by KimCamptane)

KimCamptane — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I have only had great experiences at Pooch Hotel. I use them often for overnight boarding and about once a week for daycare. Their staff (Amanda, Jesse, and Margaret in particular) are so nice and they really love Cooper. He gets so excited when I pack my bags because he knows he gets to go play with his friends at the hotel. It makes me feel really comfortable knowing that he is happy and well cared for.

I also love the fact they they are now open 24 hours!!! I wasn't really sure if I trusted the fact that an employee would really come to the door at 3AM, but when my flight was severely delayed and didn't get in until 3AM I decided I would at least try to get him because I missed him so much. Sure enough, I rang the buzzer and a nice gentleman greeted me within a few minutes. I just love that they added this great feature.

I know it is difficult to find a dog-care facility that you can trust and feel comfortable with, but I can tell you that Pooch Hotel really is a phenomenol place to leave your pet. I have been using them for approx. 14 months and have time and time been impressed at how they treat me as a valued client and just how much they love Coop.

I really have nothing but great things to say about Pooch. They are top-notch and Cooper gives them 5 PAWS up too!

1 Stars: Avoid at all costs (by BogieDog)

BogieDog — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 02:00:00 GMT

What I thought was going to be a lovely experience for my sweet 4lb, 4 mnth yorkie was a nightmare. I had to leave him at Pooch for 2 nights while I was away and in that time my dog was so badly injured he required orthopedic surgery to the tune of $3000, 8 sutures, 1 screw and 1 pin inserted into his front arm to replace the elbow that was blown apart during his stay. Worst part, he is lame forever, requires pain medication on a daily basis and is often crying under the bed he is still in so much pain. They have taken out the screw only to find that during his injury the bone died and therefore could not heal.
I was given a story about my dog playing with another dog and oops he started crying. My orthopedic surgeon said that is not possible. My dog had a force fracture which my dr says a dog does not get from playing on the ground but rather being dropped from up high onto a hard surface. When I explained this to the owner of Pooch, she liken my experience to that of a gym, her exact words, "If you sprain your ankle while working out at the gym, do you hold the gym responsible?" She apparently holds no insurance for accidents and did not offer to assist in our costs.
Response, based on your Response:
You only helped out with $487 because I found out you used my credit card number, which you had on file, without my knowledge to pay family pets and did not have the courtesty to tell me or provide me a receipt when I picked up my dogs belongings. I found out only by looking at my bank statement. Since I did not authorize payment, I stopped payment. Clearly, Family Pet came after you for the money which is the only reason you paid the bill.
I agree fractures happen in small dogs, however a specialist can tell the difference between a fracture that occured while playing on the ground and one that occured due to a drop. Since my baby shattered his elbow completely, my Dr (specialist) concluded this would not have occured in a padded room or on the ground.

3 Stars: We found our place! (by onenever)

onenever — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 02:00:00 GMT

We have nothing but wonderful things to say about Pooch Chicago, we have been sending our Maltese Jill there for over a year and she loves it! The staff has been extremely flexible with our schedule and any last minute changes, which we greatly appreciate. We have also used to Doggie Hotel and felt at ease that Jill was well taken care and probably having more fun playing with the other dogs than she would be at home. Thanks, and keep up the good work!

1 Stars: review removed (by pennyandrockysmom)

pennyandrockysmom — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 02:00:00 GMT

no comment.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

5 Stars: Best Doggie Daycare!! (by SSW3)

SSW3 — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 02:00:00 GMT

We have nothing but wonderful things to say about Pooch Chicago, we have been sending our Shih Tzu Jack there for over a year and he loves it! The staff has been extremely flexible with our schedule and any last minute changes, which we greatly appreciate. We have also used to Doggie Hotel and felt at ease that Jack was well taken care and probably having more fun playing with the other dogs than he would be at home. Thanks, and keep up the good work!

5 Stars: We wouldn't trust Annabelle with anyone else! (by Jeanine6281)

Jeanine6281 — Mon, 05 May 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Our Boxer, Annabelle, has been going to Pooch for about two years. We visited at least ten other doggie day care facilities before we made the decision to send her to Pooch Chicago. We chose Pooch based on the professionalism of the staff, the overwhelmingly beautiful (and clean) facility, and the interaction we saw between other dogs and the staff while we were visiting. To say that we are lucky to have found Pooch is an understatement. When the staff member arrives in the morning to pick her up, Anna jumps out of bed and hurries to greet her. Anna comes home from "school" exhausted and relaxed. More than just a day care, Pooch also grooms Anna and I can say with certainty that an animal has never smelled so amazing as after Anna gets a bath at Pooch! I have referred and will continue to refer anyone looking for high-quality day care, grooming, and boarding to Pooch. Thank you for your commitment to taking excellent care of our pup. She, and we, thank you!!

5 Stars: I love Pooch! (by eking7)

eking7 — Sat, 03 May 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I can't say enough good things about Pooch Chicago ... Robin (the owner) and the staff are wonderful and the facility is extraordinary. My westie, Tucker, has been in daycare 5 days a week at Pooch since we moved to Chicago from Los Angeles over a year ago. It's been a difficult transition for Tucker, and for me ... and the people at Pooch have been a godsend. I work quite a bit and travel frequently, and to have peace of mind that my little guy is happy has made things much easier. I honestly don't know what this past year and half would have been like without them.

They keep a close eye on him if he doesn't seem to be feeling well, they always keep me informed if there are issues, and they have a very close relationship with Tucker's vet (who they've called before on my behalf when I've been out of town on business). When James picks him up in the morning, Tucker hops three feet into the air 'til he manages to get out the door. And to me, thatt's a clear indication of how happy he is, how well they treat him and how excited he is to go to his 'home away from home' every day. I've been home a couple of times at the end of the day when James is dropping him off, and have found them playing in the halls of my building just before coming inside. That is a perfect example of the extra effort they go to on a daily basis to make him happy. The people at Pooch know Tucker isn't just my pet, he's a member of my family ... I couldn't be more grateful for the love and attention they give to him every single day. Thanks, Pooch!

5 Stars: great care/friendly (by AJBenny)

AJBenny — Fri, 02 May 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Just wanted to send a shout out to Pooch Chicago on the great care and friendly atmosphere they have created at their place. Living in the burbs and working downtown leaves little time for anythig else at the end of the day - let alone a couple of hours of play-time for my 3yr. old energetic boxer-Benny. A co-worker recommended Pooch Chicago - with Pooch having a drop off time of 6:30am & an evening pick-up by 7pm - Benny gets his play-time & workout & allows me to get mine in before going to work. Makes both for a happy mom & four legged son. Thank you Robin & crew - you guys take great care of Benny and that gives me peace of mind. Appreciate all you do - many thanks. - AJ

5 Stars: My dog and I both love Pooch Chicago (by 1pmc)

1pmc — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

When I adopted a stray Shepherd/Huskey mix last August I knew I would need to find good daycare for him. Being a mix of 2 working breeds he's smart and easily bored. He was also an energetic 1 year-old. I visited 5 facilities in the city and Pooch was the only place that didn't smell like urine. The odor in one place was so overwhelming we cut short our tour. They also had dogs in shelter style metal cages. No way. Another place had dogs outside in the humid August heat, sitting on black asphalt, some with no access to shade. Another alarm. I liked Pooch immediately after the tour and my friend pointed out that the dogs in one group were fanned out around the handler as if knowing that something good was about to happen. That sold me and I know I made the right choice for both Rex and me. As I sometimes have to work long hours, being able to drop him at 6:30am and pick him up at 7pm is a lifesaver. They've even let me bring him on Sundays when I had to work. He loves his time there. "Want to go play?" sends him running to the car. He's happy to see whichever handler collects him in the morning so I know they're all treating him well. When I pick him up he's smiley and waggy and he's tired in the evenings, so I know he's getting plenty of exercise. The staff is friendly and were patient with my misgivings when he first started going. I constantly wanted to know how his day was, how he behaved. I even called on his first day to see how he was and they called me back and spoke with me.

I've recommended Pooch Chicago to several people at the dog park, and a coworker now brings her dog there on my recommendation.

We're very happy with Pooch Chicago and grateful for the excellent care and busy fun days they give Rex. I know they're taking good care of him because Rex shows me through his demeanor. They're friendly, conscientious and their tag line isn't just marketing. They really do love dogs.

5 Stars: Best Daycare Facility! (by beckymg)

beckymg — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

One of our biggest concerns around moving from New York to Chicago was would we be able to find a daycare facility that Cozmo loved as much as he did the place he'd been going to since he was a puppy. 9 months later and New York is a distant memory for Cozmo who now adores his new daycare and his pickup/drop off service. In fact when he bounds to the door to greet his pickup we sometimes worry that he likes it better than home. We have used daycare, overnight and the pickup/drop off service and have been extremely happy with all of them. The facility itself is amazing and the staff are very professional and really seem to care about our dog.
Thank you for taking such good care of him...and for taking the time to tell us what Cozmo gets up to when we can't be with him!

5 Stars: Daycare at Pooch Chicago is the Cure for Separation Anxiety (by ksorenso)

ksorenso — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

My dog Ollie lived in a shelter for 4 years before I adopted him and he does not like to be left alone. For the first year, we struggled with what he could do while I was at work. We tried several crates, a dog walker twice a day, training, etc. Things got better, but Ollie still had days where he was miserable and my home and furniture paid the price.

Ollie stayed at Pooch Chicago a number of times when I had to travel for work and he seemed to really like it. I decided to sign him up for daycare to see if it would help with his remaining anxiety and he loves it. He is picked up every morning and dropped off every evening in the daycare van. He loves riding in the front seat with James. When I come home from work he is happy and exhausted. I can go to work without worrying about him feeling anxious and causing damage. I know he is treated well and has the fun of playing with people and other dogs all day long.

If your dog has separation anxiety, daycare at Pooch Chicago is the cure.

5 Stars: My boys love this place! (by gilson76)

gilson76 — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I can't say enough about Pooch! My two little boys (Charlie and Louie) have been enjoying this place since 2004! They get picked up and dropped off by the van service 2 days a week and stay in the hotel quite frequently when I am out of town. The staff is VERY friendly and VERY flexible with my hectic/ever changing schedule. Robin (the owner) is very attentive to our every need and goes above and beyond the call of duty (they even took my maltese to the vet when he wasn't feeling well). Go check this place out. You and your dog will love it!

5 Stars: Best Doggie Daycare (by SEPF)

SEPF — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

We just adopted a dog and opted to try daycare for the times that we gone for the day. We wanted Buddy to socialize with other dogs and get some good exercise through play time. We went for a tour of the facility and really liked what we saw. Our dog, Buddy doesn't even look back at me when I drop him off in the morning, he's so excited about starting his day at Pooch. The people that greet you and bring your dog out to you at the end of the day are very friendly and tolerant of excited dogs and their behaviors. The facility is very clean and secure. We are very comfortable bringing Buddy for daycare at Pooch. We trust that he is at a really good place. We are completely at ease when he is there.

5 Stars: Reliable day care service and more...! (by fay225)

fay225 — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

My JRT Fay has been going to the daycare for a little over a year now since I moved to River North area. I did have a bit of resistance of giving my home key for pick-up and drop-off service (fees are next to nothing), but I soon realized there was no need to worry. Staffs are VERY professional, on-time and attentive. It's such a pleasure to have a place like Pooch that my dog LOVES going and I know that she's in good hands. And the trust comes from their reliability. I recommend Pooch to everyone who's reading this review. I know I'm one of MANY happy customers.

5 Stars: My dog loves it! (by Cubsfan89)

Cubsfan89 — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

My dog, Wrigley, has been going to Pooch two days a week since January of 2006 (back when Pooch was on Belmont). She uses the taxi service and loves being picked up in the morning. I have also used the hotel service numerous times and have had no complaints. Robin, Margaret, and other staff members have always been helpful and enthusiastic (they even arranged for my keys to be brought to me when I locked myself out of my condo once)! If you're looking for a quality day care for your dog, or if you're looking for a place to leave your dog for a few nights, I would highly recommend you check out Pooch.--Scott W.

5 Stars: Very happy with Pooch (by jaymemo)

jaymemo — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Our Westie, Polly, has been going to daycare at Pooch several days a week since we adopted her about seven months ago. I was not comfortable with the idea of sending Polly anywhere for daycare, but we have felt very comfortable with Pooch. Her bus drivers (Jillian and Ann) are fantastic - they treat Polly so nicely and she loves them (which is rare because Polly tends to be indifferent to anyone but us). Since she takes the bus, we are unable to stop in the facility very often, but she comes home happy and healthy. She is very calm and mild-mannered at home but she apparently has a double life and is wild and plays hard at Pooch. We also board her at Pooch when we travel and she seems very comfortable there and comes home healthy and in good spirits. I would definitely recommend Pooch and feel that I have found that best place for Polly's daycare.

5 Stars: Lyndon loves Pooch Chicago! (by ehmeloy)

ehmeloy — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Lyndon has been attending Pooch since he was 3 months old. He goes 5 days a week and loves it! I use the bus service which is amazing. Lyndon gets picked up and dropped off everyday. He gets so excited when he hears the door open in the morning and it is time for "school".

5 Stars: Fantastic "Home Away from Home" for Your Dog (by MonroeLang)

MonroeLang — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

We have been taking our Shetland Sheepdog Kona to Pooch Chicago for over a year now after a great recommendation from a close family friend. Our dog absolutely LOVES it! And so do we. She cannot wait to get out of the car and race immediately for the front door several mornings a week--where she is greeted by name by Robin and her staff. My husband and I have received nothing but superb service from Pooch....from doggy daycare for Kona a few days a week and periodic grooming to weekend stays at the hotel. We feel confident that she is well taken care of each and every time she is there. We love the personal service we receive from Pooch Chicago and wouldn't think of taking her anywhere else in the city. --Heather & Kona

5 Stars: Thanks for taking care of the love of our life! (by WrigleyRaad)

WrigleyRaad — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Wrigley started at Pooch when she was only a few months old. After spending all week at daycare, I still have vivid images of Wrigley sitting by the door on the weekends waiting . . . waiting . . . and being oh so disappointed when it was just her mom and dad, no Pooch.

When we moved away for a year, we tried our best to find another Pooch. But, nothing can replace the warmth, service, and comfort that only Pooch offers. Pooch was one of our first calls on our way back to Chicago. Robin answered the phone, immediately remembering Wrigley and congratulating my husband and I on our recent marriage. Pooch is like family to us. We can't thank them enough for their continuous support and great care. Wrigley love you guys! And, we will never try anywhere else.

Amanda, Shaun, and Wrigley

5 Stars: Wesley loves it! (by gilbert16)

gilbert16 — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

My puppy, Wesley, has been going to Pooch for daycare and boarding since he was 14 weeks old. It's clear by his apoplectic response when his handler shows up every morning that he loves it there. The facility couldn't be any nicer and the staff clearly shares a passion and love of dogs. On top of that, Pooch's boarding services couldn't be more reliable--it's a great source of comfort to know my dog is so well taken care of given how much I travel. You couldn't find a better home-away-from-home for your dog than Pooch.

5 Stars: Walter's favorite place! (by Walter34)

Walter34 — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

My husband and I adopted a Saint Bernard mix from a PAWs event about a year ago, and as first time dog owners and frequent travelers, we knew that we needed to find somewhere that Walter would be happy and well taken care of. We expected to have to try several places, but when we took him to Pooch for the first time we were hooked. I have seen that one reviewer says that Pooch is all about the exterior, lobby,etc. but that is not even close to the reason that we are drawn to this hotel. First of all, we can literally not restrain Walter when he sees Pooch...He gets excited when we drive by! When we have left him for extended periods of time (our wedding, honeymoon, etc.) we know that we have nothing to worry about...All of the employees know Walter's habits, etc. and you really feel like they know each dog's unique personality, and treat them accordingly. We could not be happier with the comfort and security that we know Pooch offers to our puppy...Can't imagine taking him anywhere else! Best dog hotel/day care in the city...I would highly recommend it!

5 Stars: finn loves pooch! (by eklytle)

eklytle — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Finn has been riding the bus to and from pooch for a few days a week for about two years now and I don't know what I would without them. She is wild and hyper--but I feel confident she is getting her energy out in a safe and comfortable environment. She has boarded there too--my only complaint is that I don't get to play with her!

5 Stars: Joey LOVES Pooch Chicago! (by ColletteAndJoey)

ColletteAndJoey — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

My little shih tzu, Joey, goes to day care every day. He started when he was just a puppy because he is full of energy! He is still a puppy and I don't know what I would do if he didn't go to Pooch Chicago all day. They wear him out and return a calm little puppy back to me each day.

On Saturday and Sunday, he waits near the door to go to Pooch Chicago. He doesn't understand why he can't go seven days a week!

5 Stars: NOTHING TOPS POOCH CHICAGO FOR MY BUDDY!! (by irasalter)

irasalter — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I've been to a few doggy day care facilities but nothing tops Pooch Chicago. As soon as I tell my dog Buddy we're going to camp..he goes crazy. He loves this place so much he ends up there 5 days a week. The funny thing is when I pick him up at 5 or 6PM he really wants to stay there. The staff and the owner Robin are a real pleasure to see every morning. They are all real friendly towards Buddy and he loves them. What am I missing? Anyways, before I tried Pooch I went to a few other places and was really disappointed. Nothing tops Pooch Chicago and its facilities. Keep up the excellent work! If you are looking for a top notch day care place from top notch people...THIS IS IT!!!!! From Buddy and Ira.We Thank You!

5 Stars: Lily's Favorite Place (by TCMerritt)

TCMerritt — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

We love Pooch. Our dog Lily loves Pooch. Lily goes to doggie daycare five days a week, and we're pretty convinced if she could go seven she would. Like most dog owners, we are very protective parents and have extremely high standards when it comes to service. We are constantly impressed with Pooch. Robin's staff is so accommodating and we feel like they take care of her like she was one of their own personal dogs. Lily has also stayed at the Pooch Hotel before. As a high maintenance dog, we were a little worried how she would take the experience. Based on her happy demeanor when we picked her up we knew they had taken the absolute best care of her. We HIGHLY recommend Robin and Pooch Chicago.

5 Stars: Our dog Cash loves to go to Pooch (by smockcsz)

smockcsz — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I only know from my dog Cash's reaction when it's time to go to Pooch, that he is always really excited and ready to go. He gets picked up and dropped off at usually the same time every day. He enjoys the people that come and get him and they seem to enjoy him as well. He is a very energetic dog that comes back from Pooch happy and ready for a nap. It's a great relief knowing he gets to go to a place that he enjoys so much.

5 Stars: Pooch Rocks!!! (by sharikjohnson)

sharikjohnson — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I just picked up my little girl, Chelsea, from Pooch this morning after a long weekend stay. And as usually, she was glad to see me but she didn't quite want to leave. She was still playing with the dogs in the lobby! I love Pooch and I know that Chelsea does too. When I first needed to find a place for Chelsea to stay while we vacationed I looked at several daycare and puppy hotels. None of them have the warmth, professionalism, and quality of care that Pooch offers. I've been taking Chelsea to Pooch before they even opened their new facility! She's always excited to go and I'm always comfortable leaving her in their care. I take her to daycare once a week and she comes home tired and happy. When we go on vacation, I always feel secure that she'll have great care and fun. And of course I have to load up on the spa treatments! Only the best for my princess! I'm grateful that Pooch exists, I honestly don't think I could travel in they didn't.

5 Stars: Shocked At The Negative Comments (by olive789)

olive789 — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

We have been boarding our dog Olive at Pooch since they first opened on Belmont. We have boarded her at EVERY facility in Chicago until we found Robin and her amazing staff. We have NEVER had a problem and Olive always comes home happy and exhausted. I am definitely a crazy dog mom and always ask a ton of questions. Robin and her staff are always more than happy to answer any and all of my questions. If you are debating using Pooch please ask Robin for our phone number, we would be more than happy to share our amazing experiences.

5 Stars: Be Lost Without It (by Naismith)

Naismith — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

We began taking our dog, Naismith, when she was just a puppy. I have the highest confidence that she is well cared for at POOCH. Futhermore, I know that Robin and her staff love Naismith almost as much as we do. My husband and I had never raised a puppy or even had a dog before and without the staff at POOCH we would have been lost. They helped us know what was normal, what to expect, and to help us problem solve. Naismith had terrible GI issues and it was Robin who helped us find the answer. Bottom line for me is that POOCH is about my dog, and I know that she loves going, that they love her, and that we consider them part of our family.

5 Stars: Great daycare (by robindusek)

robindusek — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

My dog Max, an energetic golden retriever, has been going to Pooch for years and he just loves it! They pick him up and drop him off 3 days a week (and are always flexible if he isn't going for some reason). From about 7am until he gets picked up, he waits near the door, excited for his day. I started with Pooch to have a way to wear him out because he had so much energy. Now I think all the exercise is keeping him fit and healthy. Its a great daycare and everyone there is great in working with some of Max's quirks and my sometimes erratic travel schedule. I highly recommend Pooch Chicago.

5 Stars: Are we talking about the same place? (by cpass)

cpass — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

After reading some of the reviews below, I am asking myself ? are we talking about the same place here? We started taking our 2 boys to Pooch for overnight stays when we were traveling, but after having some trouble with a former dog walker and knowing how much they loved being at Pooch we decided to start taking them there every day. When we drop them off in the morning that can?t get inside quick enough, because they are so excited! We recently got a new puppy about a month ago and were really nervous about sending her right away, so one of the staff members made special trips to our house every day for the first two weeks to take care of her until she got used to her new home. Now she goes to daycare with her big brothers and knowing that she is there and getting the best attention possible eases our nerves. They cater to every dog to make sure they are getting the attention THEY specifically need. For the puppy, they keep her with the small dogs, makes sure she gets a good mix of play time and rest, and are so patient with the whole potty training issue. When one of our boys got sick while at daycare, they rushed him to the vet, called us right away to notify us, and made a special trip to take him home so we wouldn?t have to go out of our way to pick him up ? we could just hurry out of work and meet him at home. The staff there has bent over backwards for us, being accommodating in so many ways. A former employee lived right near us and if we were traveling and weren?t able to pick the boys up during the pick up/drop off time, she would always volunteer to bring them home on her way back so we didn?t have to come home to an empty house :( Although the facilities are incredible, that is not why we send our babies there. We started taking them to Pooch when they were in their old, less assuming location on Belmont. We chose it not b/c of a building, but b/c of the staff and the care they give - we wouldn?t take them anywhere else!

5 Stars: Best dog business in the city (by JLFo)

JLFo — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Pooch Chicago is an amazing place. I was impressed during our first tour and have only been more and more pleased with their care and service over the past year. Robin and her entire staff are professional and clearly love animals. I bring my dog Glenn to Pooch for both day care and boarding. He literally races in their front door every morning and comes home exhausted and happy. Glenn suffers from epilepsey and needs daily medicine and a little extra attention. Pooch has been diligent in their care and genuinely concerned for his well-being. I no longer have any guilt traveling because I know how safe and happy he is at Pooch. The cleanliness, attention to detail, loving care, and safe environment are second to none. Thank you Pooch for providing such a great place to bring my dog!

5 Stars: Our pooch loves Pooch Chicago! (by sm2them)

sm2them — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

We've been taking our dog, Lola, to Pooch Chicago for about a year and a half.....since she was a puppy. Lola is a Lab/Border Collie mix so she has a lot of energy to expend. Three days per week at Pooch's doggie daycare does the trick!
We don't have kids, so Lola is our "baby" and we want the best for her. We feel we get that at Pooch. The staff greets Lola by name, showing me that they take a genuine interest their clients. She really seems to love it there...exhibited by her excitement to get through the door in the morning. When I pick her up at night, she is happily exhausted.
I feel comfortable leaving Lola in their care, mostly because I know they put an emphasis on safey. Some friends of ours used to take their bulldog to Pooch until one day the bulldog became aggressive and snapped at another dog in daycare. Although, I'm sure Pooch hated to turn a customer away, they had no choice because they couldn't compromise the safety of all the other dogs. I appreciate knowing that they aren't willing to take any chances.
I've recommended Pooch to several friends in the past and I will continue to do so.

5 Stars: Best Daycare and Boarding in the City (by cscibor)

cscibor — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

We started taking our puppy Duncan to daycare at the Pooch Hotel when he was only 16 weeks old. From the first day he steped foot in there, he loved it. I can tell he plays his heart out and has a great time! He comes home happy and tired. The mornings we put his collar on, his tail wags and he shadows us, until he is in the car on the way to the Pooch Hotel. This place focuses EVERYTHING on the dogs and takes the BEST care of them.

Not too long ago he was boarded for the first time. I was a little nervous leaving him, wondering if he would do ok- given he is SO spoiled at home. Well I worry no more! He had the time of his life! He clearly had so much fun and was spoiled just like he is at home. I arraged for him to have a bath before I picked him up. He was smelling great and smiling when we arrived.

I highly reccomend this place! If you want your dog well cared for and happy when you pick him up, come to this place.

5 Stars: They treat my dog as if he were their own (by RayMo630)

RayMo630 — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

My black Labrador retriever Cooper has been going to Pooch for about 2 years now and although he is unable to speak, I think it's safe to say he loves going there. Cooper goes to daycare 5 days a week which has been beneficial for both of us. Cooper has an unrelenting amount of energy and he would not be okay stuck in a house (or cage) by himself all day. Pooch Chicago has been the perfect place for him because he gets to be active and social, while being well supervised. James typically drops off and picks up Cooper and he does a wonderful job. Not only is he considerate (i.e. he always knocks and announces when he's coming in) but he also clearly treats Cooper as if he were his own dog. James and Robin have been very accommodating to special requests which shows me that they value my business and always have Cooper's best interests in mind.

5 Stars: good and dependable (by ktchicago)

ktchicago — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I've taken my dog Ralph to Pooch since I got him almost a year ago. The staff has always been responsive and addresses all of my questions. They pick up and deliver as promised. Ralph comes home rested and happy. I can't think of a single problem I've had.

5 Stars: Pooch Has Provided EXCELLENT Service to Us! (by alexiaksmith)

alexiaksmith — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

We have been trusting Pooch Chicago with our puppy, Mika for the last 8 months. Our pup has a ton of energy so we take her to Pooch 3 to 5 times a week. Our experience with Pooch has consistently been fun and friendly service. The Pooch Staff is ALWAYS willing to help and go the extra mile to accommodate our needs. It certainly makes it easier to go out of town for a few days knowing Mika is in such nice, capable hands.
We repeatedly thank Pooch Chicago for making us feel so comfortable with their beautiful facility and warm staff.

Thanks Pooch you guys are with out question the BEST in Chicago!!

Mika thanks you all too!!

5 Stars: Savior for new mom (by roscoesmom)

roscoesmom — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

We have been using Pooch for two years now to keep our very special GoldenDoodle busy, but in the last year it has been crucial because we had twins last August. Roscoe is very spoiled - in fact we consider him "a human a dog suit" and once the babies got here he felt very neglected. But Pooch filled that void. My husband travels a lot and they pick him up and drop him off and are always responsive to my last minute pick up needs.

We ask Roscoe every morning if he wants to go to "school" and he goes crazy and can't wait to get in the car to go to Pooch. I could not survive the first year of motherhood without Pooch and nor could Roscoe. We love them!

5 Stars: Nothing even compares to Pooch! (by Grant926)

Grant926 — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

We have been taking our labs Tyson & Cooper (better known at pooch as ?The Gentlemen?), for almost 4 years. Our youngest, Grace, just started there last week and even as a puppy, we don?t worry about her during the day one bit. We started with Robin when Pooch was still on Belmont years ago, and have never had anything but an overwhelmingly positive experience. In fact, I would say that Robin and her staff literally improve our quality of life; knowing our dogs (that really are more like our children) are being even more spoiled during the day than they are at home & being able to rely on the staff to get them home and fed if we need to work late is absolutely priceless. The only concern I have is that they seem far happier at Pooch than they are at home! The facility is THE most impressive thing I have ever seen. Because our boys spent so much time at Pooch I have been through the facility a number of times (both before and after the grand opening) and it boggles the mind! Sleeping arrangements with flat screen TV?s, the grooming area, indoor and outdoor play area?s, and of course the pool . . . .they usually have nicer accommodations than we do when they are boarded and we are traveling. MOST importantly the staff at pooch is absolutely, beyond a doubt, the best I have ever encountered. I drop our boys off every morning, so the staff at Pooch are usually are the first experience I have every day . . and every day I walk back to the car with a smile. I don?t know what we would do without Pooch, and if you?re taking your dogs anywhere else in the city, you?re crazy!

5 Stars: Our dog's home away from home :) (by elcmpc)

elcmpc — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

We LOVE Pooch!!! I can't express that enough, truly! We've been taking our Ruby, a bullmastiff, here since she was 3 months old, and now she's 1 yr, and still loving it, and so are we! Not only is the facility very clean and the staff very warm, but Robin is just amazing! Her knowledge, and love for dogs is apparent to anyone who comes in the door. Ruby is our first dog, and we researched a lot of other Chicago doggie day cares, and decided to go with Pooch, and haven't moved since. All dogs have one issue or another, and our lil' Ruby, has some tummy issues, so needless to say, finding the right food/diet, etc. has been an ongoing project for us. Robin really helped us weigh different options, and even spoke w/ the owner of "For Dog's Sake", a pet nutrition/organic/raw food store, to find out what was best for Ruby, which meant so much to my husband and I! The Pooch staff always takes great care of our puppy, and we can see how much they love Ruby, and I think she senses that too! Pooch has been phenomenal for our dog and us both daily, and when we travel too. We know she's getting the best possible care, play, and love both at home and at Pooch! Thanks POOCH! We love you!!! (and, we all know the negative reviews are illegite!!!)

5 Stars: Our dog's second home! (by serota)

serota — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Pooch Chicago has been a true life saver for my husband and i since we started bringing our boxer Stella there over a year ago. I really don't know what we would do without Pooch's daycare services and we bring her there often for boarding. The facilities are immaculate and their customer service is friendly and accommodating. The owners and employees are very caring and helpful. I have felt that my dog is very well taken care of at Pooch and I plan to continue to make use of their fabulous services. Pooch is truly my dog's home away from home.

5 Stars: My Dog's Home Away From Home (by KUS)

KUS — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I have been bringing my dog Cosmo to Pooch Chicago for about a year now. He is a Beagle with a lot of energy and Pooch has done wonders for him, as well as for me. He goes there three days a week and he always comes home smelling great and very tired. I had taken him to a few other places around the city before I found Pooch. I never felt that they were clean enough, nor did I think they took care of him as I would like. When Cosmo is at Pooch I never worry because I know that they love him as much as I do. There staff is always corteous and very well informed as to what he has been doing all day. They even have report cards on extended stays to tell you his mood and his eating habits. I think that Pooch Chicago is honestly the best place in the city of chicago to bring your dog. I have read some of the negative reviews of Robin's staff as well as Pooch in general and I just shake my head. I, like a lot of other people treat my dog as if he were my child, and I really don't allow him to be watched by just anyone. I know that I can count on Robin, and everyone on her staff to treat him better than even I would. He loves them all and it shows when I open the car door and he sprints for the entrance. Sometimes I get sad because I think he might prefer it there to our house. We love Pooch Chicago!

5 Stars: Great Place for your Dog!!! (by RMSpalding)

RMSpalding — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Great place for my dog, Talan. She loves it! The Team is very focused on the dogs in their care but always take time to talk with me regarding Talan's day. I often see her on the video montior either playing with the other dogs or sleeping - which she does a lot. Robin and her team have even made special arrangements for us to pick up Talan after hours because we were late coming back from a trip. GREAT PLACE and they take really great care of Talan.

I'm not a huge fan of bording Talan or being away from her but when we have to go out of town, I have no worries leaving her with Robin's team. I know that she will be safe and they ensure she eats along with plenty of playtime. Being a 75 lb Akita - if she did not want to go to daycare - she would let us know pretty quickly. Talan is very excited to go to daycare each day and loves the team that plays with her! We even get Talan a few swims each month and while she does not like the life jackets - she loves the water and spending time with the Pooch Team!!

Great Place and Great Team!

Thank YOU!

5 Stars: Best doggie daycare in the city (by zabes)

zabes — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

We have been taking our dogs to Pooch since they were on Belmont. Robin has always taken great care of our dogs. They adore her and they are very happy to be at Pooch. I never think twice about leaving them for vacation as communication is an email away and to my embrassment I have the story that proves it. We were in Honduras and my daugther (age 10) missed the dog. She started a daily email correspondence with Robin to find out how Scrappy was. The only reason I found out about the conversations was my daugther started requesting spa treatments and swimming lessons for Scrappy. Robin suggested that Madi get my permission. I agreed to a swimming lesson and the next day, Robin emailed pictures of Scrappy swimming and I took the computer away from my daugther.

5 Stars: "We Love Dogs" ... That says it all..!!! (by askoop)

askoop — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I just got home from picking up Pogo my pup, at Pooch Chicago. I have to say I LOVE this place! I just moved to Chicago and I was really trying to find a place that would love my pup as much as I do. With their motto: "We love dogs" they really stood out to me when I was searching for a place over the web. The place was so clean, the girls at the counter were friendly and overall it just gave me a good vibe. When I picked Pogo up he was so happy and even stopped to play with the dogs in the lobby. He just didn't want to leave! I guess the only con of this place is that my dog probably liked it better there than at home!

1 Stars: Don't believe the hype! (by bscanl2)

bscanl2 — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Read the negative reviews and be wary of this place. Unless the management finally decided to change their poor business practices, which I doubt, then I would definitly suggest looking else where. Unfortunately, they seem to spend most of their time writing their own great reviews than actually taking care of their dogs and customers!

5 Stars: Loving Care! (by mcbreen)

mcbreen — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I board my dog often at Pooch Chi and am always very satisfied! The staff is repeatedly very friendly and I love it that they know me and my dogs name when we walk through the door. My dog can be a bit of a handful as well and it is nice that they know just what to do.

It is nice to know that I can count on them to be their for me in a pinch and I do not have to worry about my kid while I am away at work. If you want a service provided you can count on call Pooch!

5 Stars: Ten stars wouldn't be enough!! (by GRohl)

GRohl — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 01:00:00 GMT

I have been taking my dog to Pooch for almost a year now. In the last year I have had nothing but the best of service from Pooch and their entire staff. My dog doesn't like people to hold him, but when anyone on staff at Pooch puts their arms out he will go to them. He doesn't like any of my friends or family to hold him but loves everyone there.

Everytime I go there they know who I am and who my dog is. They make him part of their family and I couldn't be any happier. If I could give them 10 stars I would. The owner is fabulous. She always is smiling even if she's been there from 6:30am to 7pm around 50 barking dogs all day long. I don't know how she does it! She always has something nice to say. All of the employees there are amazing. I would NEVER consider taking my dog anywhere else.

Before I found Pooch I had visited a couple of other daycares and they were scarey. Not all of them had security. Anyone could just walk in at any time. They had dirty furniture and dirty floors. They were cold and impersonal. From the moment I walked into Pooch I knew it was the place for my dog. He is everything to me, and it means the world to me that he loves everyone there so much. I know him and I know his personality and if he was unhappy there he would let me know. He screams to get out of the car as soon as we pull up in front. He can't wait to play with all of his friends. He is a better dog for it, and I am a happier person. I thank everyone at Pooch from the bottom of my heart for being the best there is out there. They are what all doggie daycares should aspire to!

5 Stars: Best daycare around (by rfandrei)

rfandrei — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 01:00:00 GMT

I take my dog to Pooch 2-3 times a week and I would take her more if I could! The friendly staff has welcomed us into their family since the first day we went. They even recognize my car when I pull up and sometimes have her ready to go home before I even walk in the door. They keep their facilities extrememly clean and it is quite obvious the entire staff is there because of their love of dogs. I take my dog to Pooch because I am confident that they treat her with as much care as I do.

5 Stars: Great for daycare! (by BP876)

BP876 — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 01:00:00 GMT

I send my dog to Pooch for daycare 2 times per week and love it! Great staff (friendly, helpful) and my doggy loves going to spend her days there. If I could afford it I would send her more often. There was one occasion when I got stuck in traffic and I could not get there on time. I called them and the manager told me it was no problem and that she would have the night person let me in after hours. Now that is what I call great customer service! When this happened I think I had only been a customer for a couple of weeks and it just meant a lot to me that they went the extra mile. They also have a great referral program....I have been telling everyone I know how happy we are with Pooch.

5 Stars: A long time customer weighing in on GREAT SERVICE! (by jamesy1978)

jamesy1978 — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 01:00:00 GMT

I am long time customer of Pooch. I went there even in their humble beginnings on Belmont Ave. before they moved into their fab new location on Clybourn. I bring my girl to them everyday for daycare and have been a loyal customer for over 3 years! Well on Friday morning I witnessed something that I found quite interesting. Another client that came in before me was having a discussion with the owner. Apparently this person had written a review about Pooch (throwing away items) a .25cent GLAD container to be exact...you will see it a few reviews below. This person goes on to call the staff stupid, etc., etc. I cannot help but laugh...lady you are upset over a .25cent GLAD container being thrown away! Give me a break. So she writes a negative review about this business but has the NERVE to come back anyway?? The Owner of Pooch politely tells her that her business isn't welcome because of the review she wrote. This person then turns white and trys to first deny it and then blame it on her sister! Rididculous! Now she writes another negative review about the fact that she cannot use the service anymore. I mean come on! Who publically slams a business and then expects to be greeted with open arms? I was cheering on the Owner and appalauding her for not letting this woman back in her business. Pooch Chicago is a first-class business and I and thousands of others are very, very satisfied. This is my 2 cents andit is worth much more than this cheap womans .25cent GLAD container!

5 Stars: Pooch went above and beyond! (by heather45)

heather45 — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 01:00:00 GMT

My dogs stayed with Pooch for almost 2 weeks last month (12 days). He is a special needs boy and I was not happy about having to leave him in a strange place for so long but I had no choice (all friends and family were busy and couln't watch him). Well, I am so happy that I left with with caring staff at Pooch. I called several tiems to check up on him and I got a detailed report on how he was doing. I also received a detailed report card on his stay when I picked him up. All I can say is that their staff is so helpful and so nice and that my boy came home happy and healthy. He has such a crazy diet and med schedule and Pooch followed my instructions to the T! Thanks so much ladies at Pooch. I will be bringing big "B" back to see you again soon. You have really made going on vacation a pleasant experience for me from now on. Your great services really man the world to me.

1 Stars: No longer welcome due to their bad customer service (by Youknow2008)

Youknow2008 — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 01:00:00 GMT

Be warned that if you write a bad review for Pooch Chicago, your business will no longer be welcome there. With most businesses, some of their main goals include customer satisfaction, prompt service recovery, and customer retention. Not the case here. There was a comment about my dog's previous stay at Pooch Chicago, and despite the negative experience (was given no apology, no follow up call to try to resolve the matter, rude staff), I decided to take my dog there again. Well this morning I was told that due to the negative comment my business was no longer welcome. I was told that my comment has "ruined some of their business after they've been so good to me". I've seen some of the negative comments written about this place (rude staff, dogs not administered medications properly, dogs smelling of urine when returned to the owner), and from what I can see, the people working there are what is "ruining their business". I'm not one to sweep things under the rug, I like to deal with them and resolve them. If someone has a negative experience (here or elsewhere), I would think that most people look to the manager/owner to try to resolve the issue to reatin the business and then try to find the root cause of the problem and deal with it so that the problem does not arise again. As far as them being "good to me"...I PAY them to do a job, no one there is going above and beyond or giving away free items. I tried giving them another chance, most businesses would love second chances, but not this place. If you give them your honest feedback to their face, they act as if they don't care, if you write a comment on a website to inform others of your experience there, you can't go back. If you write a bad comment, don't bother making the trip down there to drop your dog off because you business will no longer be welcome.

5 Stars: Friendly, thorough staff, and my dog loves it! (by buffy1980)

buffy1980 — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 01:00:00 GMT

I and several of my coworkers have been taking our dogs to Pooch for awhile now for boarding. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. They always return my calls promptly when I call to check on my dog and I feel very comfortable taking my dog there. The previous reviewer says that they didn't get a tour of feedback??? I find this completely unbelieveable. I and all of my coworkers have been given a tour and they always give a detailed report card when we pick our dogs up. So, I would leary of that review and just go see for yourself.

My dog absolutely loves going there and in fact starts barking and scratching to get out of the car when we are about a block away. As soon as he jumps out of the car he practically pulls me through the door! They always take just fantastic care of him and I trust them completely.

Overall this place gets an A+++ from me, and I know all my coworkers are thrilled as well.

1 Stars: Avoid Unfriendly service and questionable practices (by sm1981)

sm1981 — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 01:00:00 GMT

I would not recommend taking your pet to this 'hotel.' The staff is cold, inpersonable and behave asthough you owe them something although you are paying to have your pet stay there. They were reluctant to provide me with any information about my pets stay there and he was not ready when I came to pick him up. He was still wet from his grooming service and had to go urinate very badly - although pick up time was arranged a head of time. They also refused to let me look at the premise and provided me with a pic of the suite and the website address rather than showing it to me for themselves. Would not use again.

5 Stars: Finally a daycare I can count on! (by sarahturner)

sarahturner — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 01:00:00 GMT

I recently stopped going to my current daycare because their transport service, lack of customer service, and poor communication just drove me away. A coworker recommened I contact Pooch Chicago because they have been sending their puppy their for nearly a year and half and have had no problems and they are always raving about the place. I went and took a tour and met with the staff and knew right away that this was heads and tails above my current daycare. I have been sending my dog to them now for a little over a month and we (me and my pup) just love it. Their transport service is very reliable and they always contact me if their is a problem. Their staff is really, really nice and I can tell that they genuinely care about dogs and customer satisfaction. They did have to cancel daycare a few times this month due to the snow and ice on the roads but truthfully I was thankful that they did. Safety should be of utmost importance to them and clearly they understand that. So far me and the pup couldn't be happier!

3 Stars: They throw away your belongings (by ctb813)

ctb813 — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 01:00:00 GMT

I've been taking my dog to Pooch Chicago for about 3 months now, and for the most part, it's been good. However, something happened today that left a sour taste in my mouth. This morning when I took my dog in for daycare, I gave the employee some dog food that was in a Glad container. When I picked up my dog this evening, I asked to have the container back, the person at the desk didn't know where it was, but didn't really look fot it. The person who retrived my dog for me went back upstairs to look for the container, and couldn't find it. The receptionist then told me that the girls who feed the dogs throw away all containers that the food comes in. I asked if this was the case even with reuseable containers like the Glad one I had, and she replied yes and told me that in the future, I should bring her food in a plastic baggie. I told her that I wish I knew that they threw away people's belongings because I wouldn't have gave them a Glad container. It's not even about the vlaue of the container, but the fact that someone would be stupid enough to throw something like that away is beyond me. When I handed them the Glad container in the morning, they didn't say "oh, when we're done with this, we're going to throw it away" or "just to let you know, we generally throw away containers". That simple gesture would have been a little too kind. I think if they do have people working there who are stupid enough to throw away reuseable containers, they should at least warn the customers when they drop off food, have a sign in the lobby, or have something on their website instead of just throwing things in the trash.

5 Stars: Best place to take your pooch! (by sallytorno)

sallytorno — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 01:00:00 GMT

Ok, I am a very nervous mom...haven't been on vacation for over 2 years because I will not leave my dog with just anyone. I finally broke down and bought a ticket to Florida New Years to go see some of my old sorority sisters. I set out on my quest to find an adequate place to leave my little cavalier. I toured 3 different well known places and decided on Pooch. Here are the reasons why I chose them over Stay, Urban Outsitters, and Dogs Day Inn.:

1. They gave me a full tour of their facility and it was very clean, organized, and the staff was so accommodationg in answering all of my MIILION questions! I got to the see the playgroups in session and there was adequate staff in each area and the dogs seemed well mannered and happy.

2. I really like that they have seperate hotel areas for small and large dogs as I think my little cavalier would be really nervous if he had to stay next to a large barking dog.

3. My pup takes medication and they do not charge extra for this. They let me bring his bed and his own food.

Overall, the staff was just really, really nice! I called them several times when I was away and they always called me back with a report on how he was doing. Their facility is just insanely beautiful...I want to move in! I really want to thank Pooch for taking such good care of my pup when I was away and I now feel confident that I can take more vacations knowing that I now have a really good place to leave him.

Pooch is a lifesaver...THANK YOU!

5 Stars: Pooch is wonderful! (by stevetooker)

stevetooker — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 01:00:00 GMT

Pooch is quite simply a revelation - we wouldn't choose another dog hotel in the city. Our Bernese Mountain Dog, Bernie, who is now 20 months old has been going to Pooch when we take vacations for well over a year now. As we spend most of our vacations overseas, in Europe, we need to know that Bernie is being well taken care of and is in an environment that he enjoys. This is certainly the case - every time I take him, he almost pulls me over to get in through the door! The staff are great, and truly understand what it means to care for your (furry) loved ones - they take a few seconds to email me with updates on Bernie, which is so little but means so much and shows how much they care.

Keep up the great work, Pooch, and Bernie will see you soon.

5 Stars: Best place for Pooches - period! (by tewshoes26)

tewshoes26 — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:00:00 GMT

My dog, Rudy, recently had major surgery... 7 mass cell tumors removed and ACL surgery to boot. Needless to say - he was a canine catastrophe after leaving the vet. I couldn't take him home because I live on the top floor of my building and Rudy was not allowed to walk up any stairs. As soon as I walked in the door at Pooch - I was greeted by an extremely attentive and friendly staff member. I told her my situation and explained that Rudy would need full time care, a place to stay, no stairs or play time... but lots of TLC. They promised all of the above and let me tell you... the staff at Pooch more than delivered. They let me come by every single day to visit Rudy and have alone time with him. They gave him all of his meds... called me daily with updates if needed and they basically treated him like he was one of their own. I was a wreck the day I took Rudy there after his surgery. I was so upset that I wouldn't be able to nurse him back to health. The staff at Pooch did a better job than I could have! I cannot say enough great things about this place or the staff here. The owner is extremely hands on... she knows every owner and dog by name and she did whatever she could to make Rudy and even me comfortable. As soon as Rudy completely recovers - I can't wait to take him back for play time. Because I spent so much time visiting there - I really got to see a 'behind the scenes' view of how they operate. The place is clean, organized and run like a five star hotel. Rudy had a nice suite all to himself and every time I would stop by - it was clean, he had fresh water, treats and an update on when he had eaten. I am just amazed at how they have everything down to a science and are able to care for so many pooches!! If you need a place for your dog to stay while they recover or just a place to stay while you are gone - you should take them to Pooch and tell them Rudy the white boxer sent you!

2 Stars: Boarded at Pooch...NEVER AGAIN GOOD-BYE POOCH (by tciceccent)

tciceccent — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 01:00:00 GMT

Claims to be a leading dog hotels and facilities in the Chicago area. I really wanted to tour this facility given its nice lobby appearance but was given several excuses why i couldn't...Everything seemed fine for a short time period, but my dog kept being returned to me smelling like urine, This holiday season was very busy for us, and we asked if we could pick our dog up early, but no special consideration was given to us, and really for all i know my dog could have been laying is his glass cage all day long unsupervised. Over time i started to ask questions how my dog was doing what he diid that day, how long are his playtimes...all i could get from the manager or owner was a fine, fine answer, everything is fine?...Then my dog came home with PINK-EYE ! and still smelled like urine! It seems these dog caring/loving people that they claim to be, are either overcrowded or possibly under staffed or a combination of both. In the mean time i have found another daycare and boarding facility, where they seem genuinely seems happy to have my business....Thank you and Good-Bye Pooch !!!!!!!

5 Stars: my experience was very positive (by jerrykap)

jerrykap — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 01:00:00 GMT

I have used the services of Pooch now for the last year for boarding. Every stay for my 2 bichonpoos has been an excellent experience. I truely feel that the staff really cares about the well being of Jack and Stella. This is the 3rd place I have used in the past 3 years and I finally found a place I feel great about. Place is not cheap but I like that the price basically is all inclusive and I feel comfortable they are at the best place in Chicago. Staff was very warm and listened - one of my dogs has special needs.

5 Stars: Caring Staff, Clean, and My Dog Loves it there! (by jenneb)

jenneb — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 01:00:00 GMT

I use Pooch for daycare and my dog loves it! We started going to Pooch last Summer and so far we couldn't be happier. I have a small dog and I really like that they separate small and larger dogs. He gets so excited when I ask him if wants to go to Pooch to play with the puppies! He pulls me through the door and at night when I get him in the car he sleeps the entire car ride home...I love it!

I have also been happy with the staff and the facility. The girls that work at Pooch are always so nice to me and if my dog ever is not feeling well they always call me ahead of time to let me know. Their facility is always SO CLEAN and my pup has never come home smelling poorly. I was at another daycare place prior to finding Pooch and he would often come home smelling of dirty dog and urine. This has NEVER happened at Pooch! Thanks ladies for simplifying our lives.

5 Stars: Dependable, reliable, and professional (by jetsettermaui)

jetsettermaui — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 01:00:00 GMT

When you walk into Pooch you will be amazed at the cleanliness and decor. It is truly nicer than most human hotels and it is as clean as a human hotel. I have no idea how they do it! There are so many dogs that come through their doors on a daily basis that I just don't know how they find the time to keep the place that clean! I mean I can't even keep my condo clean with just one short haired little dog! I degress...

The real reason I am taking the time to write this review is that I have been so impressed with their reliability and professionalism. Pooch is a real business and they have gone the extra mile to make every amenity the best for the dogs! I wish my dog knew how good she has it! I travel a lot for business so it is great that I can make last minute reservations without a problem. The staff is very sweet, and I know they give my little girl lots of attention when I am away. I used to use another facility that is near downtown and thank God I switched last year. I don't have to worry anymore and I know that my dog is happy and well taken care of.

I also use their transportation service for daycare and it is wonderful! They pick her up bring her to play at Pooch and then return her home safe and tired! I use the vet that is right near their place (Family Pet) and if I have a vet appt., I just ask Pooch to take her there for me and they do! it is so convenient and it is so nice of them to do this for me without and additional charge!

5 Stars: Thorough and Experienced Staff! (by sammybo)

sammybo — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 01:00:00 GMT

I have a dog that requires insulin 2 times per day. Pooch is one of the only places I could find that I felt at ease with leaving my dog knowing that they would be responsible enought to make sure she got her insulin at the right time 2 times per day. Most facilities that I visited prior to finding Pooch wouldn't even board her saying that they didn't want the liabiity. I understand that it is not easy look after a dog with severe medical needs such as mine, but Pooch takes great care of her and I feel very comfortable leaving her. They have done whatever it takes to get her to eat the required amount prior to her shot, and they put up with my nerosies and extensive notes every time I drop her off. I know they are not vets or vet techs there, but they really do a great job and I TRUST them! I can FINALLY go on vacation and not have to worry about my little pup! They are really busy all of the time, so you can be sure that if they taking the time to look after my dog and her medical needs, they are sure to be taking great care of the others as well. Oh, and one more thing...if you call them when you are away and ask for an update they are always really great about getting back in touch with me.

1 Stars: Inattentive staff led to injury (by jmw52)

jmw52 — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 01:00:00 GMT

I thought this luxury hotel would be a great plae to board my dog while traveling. I placed him there for daycare for a week or so before trying the boarding and all seemd good. When I left him in their care, he had a lightweight bandage on his foot to prevent him from chewing on a small skin tag.. All they had to do was change the bandage if it got wet. When I returned after 4 days, my dog's foot was swollen 3 times the normal size. He was limping terribly & couldn't even walk on it! A new bandage had been placed on his foot and it was too tight,cutting off his circulation. As a result he began chewing and licking his toes and a secondary infection set in. When i got him home, he wouldn't even let me touch his foot. I took him to the vet they said that he came close to losing his foot due to lack of circulation and self induced trauma. Yet no one noticed it or told me about it. How could they not have observed this behavior or noticed the foot swelling? This may appear luxury but the staff is clearly not paying attention to the dogs.

5 Stars: Amazing place for your pup! (by gilbert02)

gilbert02 — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 02:00:00 GMT

My cockapoo Charlie has been going to Pooch for the past year and we couldn't be happier. We use their pickup and dropoff service so we don't have to drive, which is the best, and he is always so happy when they come to get him and so tired when they bring him home! It's so obvious that all of the staff love dogs and care so much about giving each dog care and attention while they are away from their parents. The facility itself is spotless and they split small and large dogs. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

5 Stars: Tobey-Approved - Pooch is the best (by chicitygal)

chicitygal — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 02:00:00 GMT

I can't say enough good things about Pooch. My two dogs, Sammy and Tobey, go to Pooch a few times a week. Tobey is shy and has a difficult time with new people, but when we get to Pooch, he wags his tail when he sees the staff. They are so attentive and work with the special needs of each dog in their care. I have boarded Tobey and Sammy here a few times, and I have complete peace of mind while I am away, knowing that they are truly being well-cared for, given tons of play time and lots of personal attention. Thank you, Robin and all the staff at Pooch for everything!
L. Moser, Sammy & Tobey

5 Stars: Pooch loves your dog as much as you do! (by maconnol)

maconnol — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Hate leaving your dog with strangers? Can't stand to think of being away from your best friend? Then Pooch is for you! I have boarded my dogs at a few different places in Chicago and Pooch is hands-down the best. Superior cleanliness. Excellent service. Amazing amenities. Phenomenal staff. THEY LOVE DOGS!

5 Stars: Great care for Charlie 5 days a week! (by stevey19887)

stevey19887 — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 02:00:00 GMT

I send Charlie to Pooch for daycare Monday-Friday. He LOVES going and cannot wait for the driver to pick him up everyday. I used another downtown service last year and had to make a change due to reliability issues. Pooch is super reliable and I love the fact that he comes home on time and is tired and happy. He's been playing in their pool all summer. Charlie is bummed when Sat and Sun are here...no Pooch on the weekends...he's just stuck at home with boring mom and dad!

5 Stars: Best Doggy Hotel in Chicago (by cowanj)

cowanj — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 02:00:00 GMT

We boarded our two pomeranians over the Labor day weekend at Pooch Chicago. We were so impressed by how well cared for they were! Pooch is super clean, and more luxurious than the hotel me and my boyrfriend stayed in. They also allowed us to call in to check on the dogs and we always got an update on how they were. We were really happy with the service Jimmy and Johnny received.

1 Stars: smoking mirrors! (by valerie20050)

valerie20050 — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 02:00:00 GMT

First of all on the web site there are plush cushions for my dog to sleep on, however it was just a big empty glass kennel. I had the "Jr. suite" and paid for it. I asked to see what it looked like and they showed me a picture that definately did not resemble the web site picture. The girl at the front desk was very cold and it did'nt seem like they even wanted to explain how he behaved, if he played with the other dogs, nothing! On top of it after we got our dog home he had a very bad cold! For an exclusive place like this you would not expect that. The motto "WE LOVE DOGS" I think it should be "WE LOVE MONEY"! I was not impressed and would not take my dog there again.

5 Stars: Pooch goes above and beyond! (by gb26)

gb26 — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 02:00:00 GMT

I have been really impressed with Pooch's "how can I help you" attitude. They have bailed me and my dog out in a pinch several times. For example, last week I was stuck out of town due to the "big storm' and they want to my house to get my dog so that he didn' t have to go hungry and stay at home alone. Thank God for their kindness! Everyone their is very knowlegeable and they just love dogs!

5 Stars: Nice People, Excellent Care (by persejamie)

persejamie — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 02:00:00 GMT

I boarded my dog for the first time last weekend and was so nervous! The staff made me feel very welcome and spent lots of time answering all of my questions. I was nervous all weekend but when I arrived back to find my pup happy and healthy I felt so much better. My dog didn't even want to leave she had so much fun. I want to thank you ladies for taking such excellent care of my little princess. It is a little pricey but worth the peace of mind.

1 Stars: Hip decor doesn't equal quality care (by mgraha2)

mgraha2 — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 02:00:00 GMT

I boarded my dog at Pooch Chicago and my dog was not well cared for. When I picked her up at the appointed time she was wet and and stunk of urine. One of the staff said I "might want to give her a bath". My poor pup was obviously sitting in her own urine for some time. I will NEVER, NEVER take my dog to Pooch Chicago again. Forget the hip/upscale image, its just a marketing ploy. Quality care is the most important thing, not a fancy lobby.

5 Stars: Best Doggy Daycare (by cchamb67)

cchamb67 — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 02:00:00 GMT

I have found the best doggy daycare for my sheep dog. Max just loves going and comes home happy and best of all tired. I have always had great treatment from the staff and they cater to all my needs (noon time feedings, special meds, etc) If you are looking for a great doggy daycare check them out!

5 Stars: Exceptional Canine Care! (by pwiegartz)

pwiegartz — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 02:00:00 GMT

We've been taking our dog, Mike, to Pooch since they opened their doors and we couldn't be happier! Although he is a big German Shepherd, he is an even bigger baby and we've had trouble in the past finding a place to board where his unique sensitivities (e.g, separation anxiety, sensitive stomach) were appreciated. Now, he comes home from his "vacations" at Pooch happy, well-rested, and well-groomed and with none of the side-effects we've experienced elsewhere. When we must be away, it is comforting to know that our "baby" is in such good hands. I doubt that you could find a more state-of-the-art facility or a more accomodating staff anywhere in Chicago. Thanks Pooch!

1 Stars: Rude,Rude,Rude (by dogluvr26)

dogluvr26 — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 02:00:00 GMT

What a horrible experience I had at this facility. When I walked through the door and asked for information a very tall blonde women who I assume is the owner or manager simply threw me a pamphlet and rolled her eyes! Thats it! She simply rolled her eyes and never said a word to me, not to mention there were FOUR people just standing there going about their gossip not giving a care that I needed help.

5 Stars: Polly thanks you - We thank you! (by chrisegilbert)

chrisegilbert — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Thank you Pooch making the lives of both Polly and her owners that much better! Seriously, every time we can't get home right after work - or, if the dog has just been acting really squirrelly - we take her to Pooch. She always comes home happy and tired! It's so funny - once she gets in the car she "talks" and wags her tail for a few minutes and then passes out for a few hours. Before we go to Pooch in the morning, we let the dog know where she's going and she gets equally as excited. And, when we pull up to the building, we have to make sure the car windows are up so she doesn't try to jump. I'm not joking! The building is awesome, the staff friendly, and when we get her bathed/groomed/massaged she always comes out looking/smelling unbelievable. Lastly, as the last reviewer noted, we believe Pooch was instrumental in making our dog so sociable as we have taken her to Pooch since she was a pup. Thank you again and see you soon!

5 Stars: LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them... (by bethkcantose)

bethkcantose — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 02:00:00 GMT

My husband and I can't say enough great things about this place! Our dog used to be so shy and uscocialized and now he is outgoing and great around other dogs and people. Robin and her staff have really gone the extra mile to make our experience a great one! We now have a happy, normal dog that we can confidently take to the dog park. We are so happy to have you all spend the day with our pup why we are at work all day.

1 Stars: Shame on this owner (by ktkillian)

ktkillian — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 02:00:00 GMT

They lost my dogs collar and tags.....and blamed it on me. Spent 2 days running around replacing everything and called to set up daycare and she informed me coldly I should take my business elsewhere. I will darling, and so will everybody else if you don't get your head around the fact that your custoners matter. I had been a customer for 2 years. Shame on you for being so ungracious and so ignorant. She had a wonderful opportunity to turn around a glitch in your service. A brighter business person would have thought it most appropriate to thank me for having come back and I would have appreciated it. She however, managed to elevate what was a simple mistake into so much negativity. Shame on her for behaving this way to your good customers. . FYI I have gone elsewhere and am very happy to give my money to people who love dogs and their customers.

5 Stars: worth every penny - thx Judy (by johnss)

johnss — Tue, 15 May 2007 02:00:00 GMT

I am very particular because my 2 dogs are my kids. I have now used Pooch 7 times and have had been very pleased with everything. Compared to my experiences eleswhere this place is the real deal - very focused on providing the best care possible. Very professional. Exceptionally clean. Worth the try - I thank my neighbor Judy for the recommendation. A+

5 Stars: Nicer than the hotels I stay in (by wag0322)

wag0322 — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 02:00:00 GMT

My Silky Terrier has stayed at Pooch a few times now, and he always seems to have a great time! He's very social, and gets so excited when he sees the people or the dogs at Pooch.

We were amazed at the facility. It looks like a swanky human hotel - not a doggie one! I was very impressed by how clean the facility is, and found the front desk people and Robin to be very friendly and nice. They were willing to give us email updates about how our baby was doing, and this peace of mind was worth the extra money.

3 Stars: Dog was happy, I was not (by j935)

j935 — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 02:00:00 GMT

My dog stayed at the Pooch Hotel for the second time over spring break. He seemed happy when I picked him up, however there were a few things that just didn't sit well with me. First, I had called and left a message during our vacation asking how our dog was doing. Got a call back from the owner. I had to then repeat that I was calling to find out how my dog was doing, and she said "Fine". That's it. Nothing more than "fine". At least give me a little something! Does he seem happy? Is he enjoying playing with the other dogs? Learn the fine art of conversation!! Secondly, when I picked him up I asked the manager at the front desk if she could have someone take him out before they brought him down, since it was a Friday nite and we had a long drive home in traffic. She assured me that he probably had just gone out. When we got home 35 minutes later, my little dog peed for about two minutes straight. He obviously had not been out in hours. Lastly, and the thing that bothered me the most, was that when the owner brought my dog down, we met her in the vestibule and she handed me the leash without saying a word. Not a "thank you" or a "see you next time" - NOTHING. My dog seemed very happy, and I would have been too, all I needed was a little friendliness from the owner and I would have left with a very positive feeling instead of the negative one that I felt on the way home.

5 Stars: wonderful experience (by robej)

robej — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 02:00:00 GMT

I recommend Pooch to anyone who is looking for a terrific facility to board their dog.

Our experience at the location on Clybourn has been perfect each time we have boarded our lab. We have used a number of different places both in Chicago and Cleveland and this is by far the best.

2 of my neighbors in my building also board their dogs at Pooch and love it as well.

5 Stars: This is THE place!!! (by megs60558)

megs60558 — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 02:00:00 GMT

For those of us without kids, our dogs get to reap the benefits. Doggie daycare is not a new concept; however, what you get varies a lot here in Chicago. I always tell friends to do some heavy-duty research before committing and to go to each facility, talk to the staff, take your dogs, and WATCH and LISTEN to what happens. I did just that and ended up at Pooch Chicago about a year ago. My two pups love it there -- the play areas, both outside and inside, are not to be beat, but they especially like the people. And there are plenty of wonderful folks there who are well qualified to handle your dogs. Each dog -- and I mean EACH dog -- is special and is recognized as such. There are no crates - only suites, which is a relief since my guys hate crates! There's plenty of space for down-time and play-time where big and small dogs are separated. I am extremely pleased with how clean the place is, which is a huge item on my list. So, why take my dogs anywhere else? If I did, I'd hear about it since I am out-numbered. I surely don't want a doggie mutiny on my hands! Thanks to everyone at Pooch Chicago-- so glad you are here.

5 Stars: There's no place like Pooch! (by sgoldstein55)

sgoldstein55 — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 02:00:00 GMT

WOW! Is all I can say. It is hard to believe that someone actually spent the money and time to build a world-class facility just for DOGS! I was at Pooch when they were on Belmont and anxiously awaited the completion of their new facility on Clybourn. You have to come tour this place...they have spared no detail and all is for the safety, heatlh, and well being of the dogs. Best of all, they pick-up my dog for daycare 5 times per week and return him happy and TIRED! The staff and owner are always so nice and helpful, and I take great comfort in knowing that Wrigley is in the BEST hands. Try them out and experience the difference.

5 Stars: THANKS POOCH! (by mrkhrtman)

mrkhrtman — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 02:00:00 GMT

I have a 2 year-old, very high energy Boxer-mix named Martin. We've tried several different kennels and were rarely satisfied with the quality of care for the money we paid. Pooch Chicago seems different - when our dog comes home from staying there for several days he acts like himself. In the past he's always either slept for days (which suggested to us that he wasn't sleeping well at the kennel) or else he's been super high strung and energetic (suggesting he wasn't properly exercised while there). But when Martin comes home from Pooch, he acts the same as if he just spent the weekend at a friend's house. The staff are very friendly, and the rates, though a little on the high side, seem proportional to the quality of care received. We feel confident that our dog is in good hands when he's there. THANKS POOCH!

5 Stars: leroy would recommend Pooch to anyone (by leroyj)

leroyj — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 02:00:00 GMT

My experience has been great at Pooch

After about 6 months Leroy is now very social with other dogs. He also sleeps through the night and doesn't destroy my house. Triple bonus!

I find that the employees at Pooch really care about Leroy as if he were part of their family. I really like the fact that the owner is there almost every day and is always willing to talk about Leroy - she seems like she really knows about dogs and cares.

Pooch is the cleanest facility I have seen and seems to be all about doing everything at the best.

regards
Jenn

5 Stars: We love Pooch! We love Pooch! We love Pooch! We love Pooch! We love Pooch! We love Pooch! (by sydneyparker)

sydneyparker — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 02:00:00 GMT

We love Pooch! I take my chihuahua's to Pooch for daycare and boarding and they have so much fun there! I also travel frequently and I take great comfort in knowing that they are very well taken care of. I have been going to Pooch for almost 2.5 years now and I really, really love the staff. Everyone is so nice to me and my pups. Their new facility is truly amazing, and it is so clean and well managed. I would never think of going anywhere else, and I recommend you gals to all my friends. Thank you for taking such great, great care of my babies!

5 Stars: Pooch Rocks! (by daisylexi)

daisylexi — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 02:00:00 GMT

We;ve been going to Pooch since October and we love it. She has so much fun and comes home tired and happy. The staff is always really nice and they have helped me out when I am in a bind many times. I toured lots of place and this is most certainly the nicest place in town! Great location, too!

5 Stars: saved me again - thanks Pooch (by tw05)

tw05 — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Pooch continues to amaze me in their professionalism. We just had another wonderful experience this weekend.

If you see this Pooch people - please know that you have made a huge difference in our lives! After many trials we finally found the place that gives us true comfort when we travel.

5 Stars: 5 Barks for Pooch Chicago (by billgjack)

billgjack — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 02:00:00 GMT

OK, now I have seen everything! I took my pup Duke to Pooch Chicago for boarding over Spring Break. Well, forget get him, I want to stay there! First of all it's cleaner than some human hotels where I have stayed. Second, the Owner and Staff are nicer than most at human hotels. Third, the place is beautiful! Swimming Pool?! Facials?! Private Suites?! Outdoor Enclosed Yard?!! This place has it all and it for my DOG!!! I actually feel good about leaving him there, and wish I could stay there with him. The only thing Duke and I can say is, 5 Barks for Pooch Chicago! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

5 Stars: Compassionate Care - Spectacular Staff (by kateb516)

kateb516 — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 02:00:00 GMT

I want everyone to know how much we love Pooch Chicago! We were at another daycare and we recently switched to Pooch and we are so happy about the decision. First of all, Pooch's facility is like no other in Chicago. Not only is it brand new and designed specifically for dogs, it is uber clean and sanitary.

The staff is also amazing and very, very friendly. Anytime I have questions they are readily available to answer them. If you need to call after-hours you can call their emergency line and someone will also answer to help in any way that I can.

My dog takes insulin, so I was so nervous to board her. Pooch assured me that they were trained to take care of the insulin and that I had no need to worry. I boarded her for the first time this past week, and she came home happy and healthy!

I really want to thank my vet for recommending Pooch! I am so happy now.

1 Stars: Pooch Hotel Writes Their Own Reviews The Front Desk Person sits on the site. (by rickrez)

rickrez — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 02:00:00 GMT

I took my dogs to pooch hotel because of the so called ratings on here. I even paid for the pedicure and swimming lessons because my pom had a knee problem. When I went to pick him up he was not ready although it was pick up time, his nails were bleeding from the pedicure and he was soaking wet. The front desk person Robin was extremely rude and unapologetic. This place does not require vet records despite claiming that they do (i was never asked for them) and refuse to show where they keep the dogs. Look at all the positive comments they completely refute the negative ones and are written the same day. This place should spend less money on their advertising on gimmicks and more time on meeting the needs of pets. This will probably be deleted but I hope a loving pet owner can help prevent the unnecessary abuse of their dog.

5 Stars: The Absolute Best Care in Chicago! (by mroin3)

mroin3 — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 02:00:00 GMT

We have been taking Tucker to Pooch for daycare and boarding for over a year. He, and we, could not be happier! Their staff is so nice and welcoming, and they always take great care of him. The prior reviewer is so off base! Yes, they clean their play areas EVERYDAY from 3:00-4:00PM, then dogs then come back out to play. Pooch is very conscious about cleanliness and this is very important to us. Visit most dog facilities and they smell and look like they have not been cleaned in weeks. You will never find those conditions at Pooch. If you want a place that loves dogs and takes great care of them then Pooch is the place for you!

1 Stars: Terrible... Terrible... T errible... but at least it looks nice (by lablover6)

lablover6 — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 02:00:00 GMT

I recently went on a tour of Pooch's facility. I noticed initially that all there were no dogs in either of the play areas. When I asked about it, i was informed that they were doing their daily cleaning...at 3:30! What do the dogs do from 3:30 on? Stay in crates? I was then shown the boarding area of the facility. Although it was extreamly nice looking, I wondered why all the barking was coming from the room they called the "isolation room" and there were very few dogs in the main boarding room. further, the isolation room's windows were covered...whats the purpose of this? I decided very quickly pooch was not the place for us. Max will be much happier in a place that is open and honest about their facility.

5 Stars: Best Dog Daycare and Boarding Facility! (by hollybeth98)

hollybeth98 — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 01:00:00 GMT

My husband and I who are relatively new to Chicago, needed to find a place to board our 8-month old puppy, Clyde while we went on vacation for 12 days and Pooch Chicago came highly recommended by some of our neighbors and fellow dog walkers as well as clients at our vet's office. At first, we were a little hesitant to leave Clyde for so long since we had never left him since we got him, but after all the wonderful things we heard and after really liking the facility after we took the tour, I felt more at ease about leaving Clyde for 12 days.

I just picked up Clyde this morning and I have to say that he was just so happy and looked great! I was told that he spent most of his days playing with other dogs and he had a ball! Just knowing that he was out and playing with other dogs made the visit worth it because I never wanted to leave him anywhere where they keep the dogs confined in cages all day and luckily, Pooch Chicago is NOT one of those places! They told me that Clyde got to play about 6 hours a day with other dogs and from the looks of Clyde when we picked him up, he was happy!!!!

I also requested that Clyde be given a bath (which costs extras) before we picked him up and they did a great job! He looked and smelled fabulous and it is evident that they take the utmost care of all their clients and I am definitely going to be a repeat customer!

I highly recommend Pooch Chicago to anyone who is looking for a GREAT place to board their dogs while they are away or for a place that provides daycare while you are working (Pooch has a daycare program that is great from what I have been told by everyone I meet who sends their dogs there!)

5 Stars: Do you want to go see the dogs??? (by mebowler)

mebowler — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 01:00:00 GMT

I have been taking my pug Sushi to Pooch Chicago for almost two years. To say he enjoys the experience is an understatement. My "couch potato" goes into full gear as soon as I ask -- "Sushi, do you want to go see the dogs?". He LOVES this place. I have to say he loves the new Clybourn digs (who wouldn't??) even more. I don't even get a kiss goodbye when I walk my guy through that door. He is welcomed by Robin, Margaret, or Danielle, and I know he is secure and enjoying every minute of his playtime. I've also left him for extended vacations of 2 weeks and he is one buff pug when I pick him up! Robin even showed me the treadmill and got Sushi to get on it for a demonstration. I can't say enough good things about this group. I know that Sushi is in the very best care and enjoys every minute of his time at Pooch Chicago. Can I sign up please?
Sushi's owner Mary.

5 Stars: Great place, great care (by jkramer23)

jkramer23 — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 01:00:00 GMT

I have been sending my 2 pups to pooch for over 3 months now. They get so excited to go to Pooch and they love it. I have always been very happy with their service level and their accommodations. I did a lot of research before choosing Pooch and I am confident I made the right decision for them and for me. Thanks to Robin and her staff!

5 Stars: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED (by poochlp)

poochlp — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Thanks to Pooch for taking great care of my dog over the Holidays. I love all of the various services you have to offer...especially the doggy treadmill. Sushi needs a good work-out and I know that he got one at your place. Your facility is so amazing beautiful! It's like a true HOTEL. Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, and Sushi can't wait to come and see you gals over President's weeend.

2 Stars: Not worth it (by shock617)

shock617 — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 01:00:00 GMT

We take our dog to pooch and are increasingly becoming discouraged by the rude and unfriendly demeanor of the staff/ owner. We don't feel welcomed there, and when we asked for a tour we were walked down a hallway to see one room and returned to the front door. We know our pup loves playtime, but if you are going to charge that much take time to actually be friendly with the owners/ make them comfortable with their pups environment.

5 Stars: Great Care, Welcoming Staff, Beautiful Facility (by sallysmitts)

sallysmitts — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 01:00:00 GMT

We took our 2 dogs to Pooch for the first time over the Christmas Holiday. We are very nervous parents and were reluctant to leave our pups for the first time. However, we came home from our vacation to find 2 very happy pups! We could tell that they had a great time and were taken very good care of. The Owner and her staff were super sweet and made us feel comfortable. Their facility is like nothing we have ever seen...so nice, clean, and immaculate. Literally it is nicer than most people hotels!

Thanks for taking such good care of our girls, and thank you for your hospitality. We will be back and will recommend you to all of our friends and famliy. Stella and Lucy say thanks too!

3 Stars: Sorry, don't need the attitude. (by stray77)

stray77 — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 01:00:00 GMT

We were excited to bring our two dogs to this new facility for boarding while we were away- especially with the good reviews. We are two busy physicians and are looking for a solid place for boarding and daycare. Although the regular staff seemed friendly we were very discouraged by the owner's attitude who seemed to believe that we were so lucky for her to allow us to pay so much for her business. She seemed very inconvenienced by the fact that our puppies made a mess in their room although we had informed her before that they are trained to go in a litter box, which she told us not to bring. She initially said they made a mess several times; another staff member said just once (?). We don't mind if they didn't want to use the litter box, but don't be surprised if our puppies get confused. She seemed very disappointed that we declined aromatherapy baths- we were having them groomed the next day. She wouldn't give us a tour citing that it was too busy (although there were 3 people behind the desk and no other clients waiting) and unfinished renovations. In my opinion, if she is ready to take dogs, she should be willing to give tours. Although the facility seemed nice (from the outside) and the dogs seemed OK, we'll look elsewhere for regular services and will recommend our friends to do the same.

5 Stars: My pup has it better than I do! (by chitowngirl_reviews)

chitowngirl_reviews — Sat, 30 Dec 2006 01:00:00 GMT

I researched and visited several doggy daycares in Chicago and this place blew them away. If you're looking to spoil your pooch and want confidence in knowing that they are going to be well taken care of, this place is it. Don't be intimidated by the building, the staff is extremely attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly. And they knew my puppy's name after his first day! He also came back learning more commands (when I tried to teach him "drop" the ball he knew it right away, thanks girls). You can tell they all love dogs and are commited to them 110%. I know my pup has fun here and he's always exhuasted after his days there. He always sleeps with a smile on his face after his days at Pooch Chicago.

5 Stars: Absolutely Gorgeous New Facility! (by howem)

howem — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 01:00:00 GMT

I am a long time client of Pooch Chicago and have always been very satisfied with the level of service they have provided to me. I just checked my Magg's in to their new location in Lincoln Park and I was stunned by how incredible their new location is. The place is nicer than any hotel I have ever stayed in! Magg's as always was well taken care over Thanksgiving. Hats off to you gals...you facility, consideration, staff, and services are so top notch. Thanks a million for all you do for my litle lady!

1 Stars: Avoid- Inconsiderate Cancellation Policy & Bad service (by ivirs)

ivirs — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 01:00:00 GMT

For the thanksgiving weekend. Within 3 hrs of requesting reservation I called for cancellation before their email confirmation even reached me. They charged the entire amount on a card that was used previously at their establishment.

Please avoid this place. Their are other places with excellent service and care for our pets.

5 Stars: Wonderful Doogie Daycare and Boarding!! (by lhall79)

lhall79 — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 01:00:00 GMT

We have been taking our golden retriever, Murphy, to POOCH for about a year and he absolutely loves it! Their facilities are very clean and they take such wonderful care of the pets! The staff is also very friendly and extremely accommodating. We ran into a few times where we had to change our schedule for daycare or boarding at the last minute and they were very helpful with the arrangements. Thanks again for the wonderful service!

5 Stars: Thanks Pooch for taking great care of our dog. (by laurie_anne)

laurie_anne — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Our puggle Zoey has been going to Pooch the last year for daycare and boarding. She gets so excited to go to Pooch she walks us there. It makes our lives easier as our puppy loves playing all day with the other dogs and comes home happy and worn out. We don't worry when we travel that she is well taken care of. The staff is wonderful- they love dogs and understand the needs of dogs and their owners. Thanks Pooch!

5 Stars: Great place! Our dog loves it! (by abbie27)

abbie27 — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Max, our new little Yorkie, absolutely loves Pooch. The people are so caring and friendly, and Max has a fabulous time playing with other dogs all day. We checked out several other places for daycare, but Pooch was by far the best. We are absolutely thrilled with Pooch!

5 Stars: Peace of Mind (by kavinacres)

kavinacres — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 02:00:00 GMT

I took Samuel, my boxer, to Pooch this weekend. I usually go to PetSmart, but I was tired of always seeing different people working there, and the whole "corporate dog care philosophy" just didn't give me the warm fuzzies if you know what I mean. I toured Pooch a few weeks prior to boarding Samuel and their facility was really nice and the Owner and Staff really took the extra time to make me feel comfortable. I especially like the fact that it is a small business and that the Owner and her managers are there all the time! It is apparent that they really enjoy what they do, and that they really all love dogs. This gave me great peace of mind when I was on vacation. Samuel also seemed to enjoy his stay - I don't think he wanted to come home!

I will definitely be back, and I will refer all my friends.

5 Stars: Great Care for My 2 Dogs! (by skollarj)

skollarj — Sun, 27 Aug 2006 02:00:00 GMT

I am writing this review to share with all of you readers what a great place Pooch Chicago is, and how wonderful and caring the Owner is. I have been taking my 2 dogs to Pooch for the past 9 months and I am very satisfied with the care they give to them. The Owner and her staff are really sweet people, and I am so happy to have found them. If you are looking for a GREAT place to take care of your furry kids then go see the women at Pooch!

5 Stars: Totally Trusted Robin and the Crew while on vacation (by bneuhoff)

bneuhoff — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 02:00:00 GMT

I've meant to write this for a while... I have a three-year-old Portuguese Water Dog that is like a child to my husband and I. We've taken her to various boarding facilities over the years around town but Pooch is the best. Stella (the dog) actually is so excited to go there she pulls the lead as soon as we pull up. The staff calls back promptly if they are busy with the dogs to give reports and for once, Stella comes home exhausted from having enough play and attention. Robin and the team are so accomodating. I highly recommend this for any other neurotic pet owners! You can relax with your dog at Pooch!

5 Stars: They do love dogs! (by peterreag)

peterreag — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 02:00:00 GMT

I really love that the staff loves my dog as much as I do. She is a big gal with a lot of energy and it is so nice that she gets a lot of playtime and comes home tired and happy. Their facility is always spotless and they always greet me and Emma with a smile.

5 Stars: Best Care for my dog!!! (by nicoled1)

nicoled1 — Thu, 08 Jun 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Gus absolutly loves going to Pooch! He's not much of a "morning dog" but once he sees Pooch his tail doesn't stop wagging! He is so excited to see the morning crew, they are just great to him! I love that they always greet him by name and know when he hasn't been there for awhile. Robin and her employees have been SUPER with Gus from the very beginning. I really don't know what I would do without Pooch!
Pooch also has the best hours, I drop Gus off right at 7am and there is ALWAYS someone there. The staff really makes me feel safe and I know I don't have to worry about him, he is in great hands!
A SUPER DOGGIE DAYCARE!!!

5 Stars: Great for small dogs (by timsnyder)

timsnyder — Tue, 30 May 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Pooch has separate areas for large and small dogs, which is important for my cocker spaniel. The facility is VERY clean.

5 Stars: Best Serivice in Chicago (by pupsam)

pupsam — Fri, 05 May 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Pooch Chicago is the best service by far in Chicago. They understand that peoples dogs are their children and treat them will the same love as the owners give their dogs. My dogs have been going there for 2 years and love all of the time they spend at Pooch. I travel alot for business and I could not get through the schedule if it was not for Robin and her crew helping to always accommodate it. If you have a dogs in Chicago there is no where comprabable to the serivce and care that Pooch provides!

5 Stars: User review by skroll123 (by skroll123)

skroll123 — Fri, 21 Apr 2006 02:00:00 GMT

I always get great service from Pooch Chicago. My dog loves to get on the bus every morning when he's picked up for daycare, and he is always happy and tired when he gets home. They are always very flexible and ready to accommodate me at the last moment. I highy recommed everyone to you ladies.

5 Stars: Great Spa! (by jabot)

jabot — Fri, 21 Apr 2006 02:00:00 GMT

I took my puppy, Roscoe, to Pooch Chicago for a masage and aromatherapy bath and pawdicure. I must tell you that he has never smelled or looked so good. He smelled good for literally 2 weeks. Their staff was also so sweet! Thanks so much ladies.

5 Stars: bow WOW!!! (by shirleysher)

shirleysher — Sat, 01 Apr 2006 01:00:00 GMT

this was my first time leaving my toy pommie, tiny...he is w/ me all day, everyday and to say the least i was very anxious about leaving him...we went by "pooch" a few weeks before my trip...the place is spotless and it was super evident that the entire staff enjoyed the dogs...even better they have seperate play areas for big and small dogs, which the dogs frolic around in all day.
the minute i walked off the plane i got a call from robin to assure me that tiny was "doing great"...the staff also politely entertained my phone calls daily...they even sent me a pic!...it looked and sounded like tiny was having a ball!
i am so grateful to have a place like "pooch chicago" to care for my dog...robin and her staff run a first class operation...we are very happy costumers and highly reccomend "pooch"...we will be back.

5 Stars: We have never been happier! (by vseda)

vseda — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 01:00:00 GMT

Walking into Pooch just makes my day, to see my senior dog get a spark in her eyes when she see's them is all worth it. The patience they have for clients is remarkable but what is so great is seeing my old dogs eyes light up when she see's that new kennel worker (andy) come get her she may not be able to jump as high as she use to but you can see all the joy she puts into her little jump when she see's him. All the girls there too, so wonderfully gentle and loving to all the dogs. I love walking in and seeing all the care and joy that radiates from this place. The only regret is not knowing about this place sooner. I know when shakma passes on it will be at her most happiest time because of Pooch. Thanks Guys.

5 Stars: Worth the drive from the suburbs... (by hgilsen)

hgilsen — Wed, 22 Mar 2006 01:00:00 GMT

I first found out about Pooch Chicago when I saw them on ABC's 190North in December. I was so excited that finally Chicago had a NICE, FUN place for me to send my dog when I travel. I live in Hinsdale, so it is a bit of a drive to get there but it is so well worth it. My dog in on multiple medications and they administer them without charging me more. She is also 13 years old and they do a great job of keeping her stress level low. When I leave her, I always call to check-in and if they don't answer the phone right away, they always call me back ASAP even if it is at 11:00PM on a Saturday night! Pooch Chicago is so caring and responsive. You should check them out for yourself.

5 Stars: pooch hotel is the best! (by pduff)

pduff — Tue, 21 Mar 2006 01:00:00 GMT

I hae been going to pooch chicago for 2 years now and we love it! The staff is so friendly, and they have the best hours! I an drop my dog off for daycare at 6:30 in the morning, and pick him up as late as 7:30PM. I would never send Macie anywhere else!

5 Stars: I recommend! (by logansquarepoodle)

logansquarepoodle — Mon, 20 Mar 2006 01:00:00 GMT

I am very happy with the service that Pooch Chicago always delivers. My poodle, bebe, loves going there. I highly recommend!

5 Stars: Loving care (by midnightdoby)

midnightdoby — Tue, 14 Mar 2006 01:00:00 GMT

Midnight loves going to Pooch when I have to go out of town. The staff is so friendly and helpful and I always feel very comfortable leaving her there. I always request a bath before she comes home, and she smell so good for over a week! I recommend you gals to everyone. ** Just an update to the review I sent a few years back....you guys are more amazing than ever! You took such wonderful, loving care of her last week when my relative passed away and I needed to be out of town longer than expected. It really made this difficult time easier just knowing that Midnight was having fun and that I didn't need to worry about her. I cannot thank you all enough for your A+ service everytime!

1 Stars: Just keep driving (by errdu)

errdu — Sat, 04 Mar 2006 01:00:00 GMT

Look for somewhere else. They don't let the dogs out after 3pm. They stay all night in their crate. Went to get my dog and they were closed in the mid day. I was charged extra because they were closed. Never again my friend. Friends have even worse stories.

5 Stars: I love Pooch Chicago! (by scissor6)

scissor6 — Wed, 01 Mar 2006 01:00:00 GMT

I highly recommend Pooch for daycare and for boarding! My dogs are thrilled when they realize that they're going to Pooch for the day. As soon as we get out of the car they're pulling me toward the door and run in and greet whoever is working. Everyone there is great and very nice!

5 Stars: Canine Heaven (by amurp)

amurp — Sun, 26 Feb 2006 01:00:00 GMT

Robin and the amazing staff of Pooch are the best in the city; they go above and beyond what is expected of them to ensure the safety and well being of the dogs in their care. They have picked up medications for me when I have been in a bind, they have assisted in curbing Flynns mischievous ways and they have been so sweet to Ellie.
Sending the dogs to daycare at Pooch has helped me tremendously and more importantly Pooch has improved my dogs lives a hundredfold. I no longer need to worry about them during the day, but rather I come home to two relaxed dogs.

5 Stars: The BEST place for daycare (by carihall)

carihall — Fri, 24 Feb 2006 01:00:00 GMT

I looked at and tried several different places for my sometimes nervous Labrador and Pooch is far and away the best. Robin and all of the people who work there are so friendly and helpful, my dog is comfortable and I really trust them to take care of him. Everywhere else I took him he resisted going in and was sometimes afraid of the people. But, as soon as he realizes he is going to Pooch, he starts to pull me to the door :)

A big thank you to everyone at Pooch because now I don't worry about the dog while I'm at work!

5 Stars: Great Experience! (by millerjill)

millerjill — Tue, 21 Feb 2006 01:00:00 GMT

Ben, my pooch, and I were very happy at Pooch Chicago. The staff was very friendly and helpful, and Ben seems very happy staying there. I especially like the fact that they do not board a lot of dogs, and that is what makes the experience so pleasant. They know their customers by name and that means a lot to me that they know me and my dog so well. I would never leave Ben at a place that takes care of 100+ dogs!

1 Stars: Overcrowded (by chicityreviews)

chicityreviews — Mon, 20 Feb 2006 01:00:00 GMT

Too many dogs in too small a space. My apartment is bigger than the dog run areas! I was shocked by how many dogs there were on the Saturday when I picked mine up (do they really have that many private sleeping areas?). My pup and I will board elsewhere from now on...Some of the staff is extremely pleasant and helpful; one woman was thoroughly rude to me when I came for my (scheduled in advance) visit. Not worth the money and not good enough for my pup.

5 Stars: I'd never take Josie anywhere else (by jennyp2779)

jennyp2779 — Thu, 09 Feb 2006 01:00:00 GMT

My dog is like a child to me, and I would NEVER take her somewhere that wasn't the best. I visited 7 boarding places in the city and did extensive interviewing and nothing came close to Pooch. Most of the customers have been going there forever, and the owner knows every dogs name. It is nice, upscale, clean, and comfortable. They give the dogs beds to sleep on so they are comfortable, the floors are rubber so they stay warm, they have large runs to sleep in. What more could you want. I would recommend this place to anyone! Thanks Pooch for taking such great care of Josie!!

3 Stars: Value (by wmcilwain)

wmcilwain — Mon, 16 Jan 2006 01:00:00 GMT

Pooch has the lowest price including transportation in Chicago - a good value.

5 Stars: Great Place - Great Service (by jtroon)

jtroon — Wed, 11 Jan 2006 01:00:00 GMT

This place is great! I have been boarding here for a few months and am now sending Tyson, my boxer, here for daycare 2 times per week. The staff is always friendly and Tyson is happier and healthier than ever. I have been to a lot of dog daycare's and this is by far the best. They even have an indoor heated pool and a spa!

5 Stars: Thank you - Thank you (by tpowers12)

tpowers12 — Wed, 11 Jan 2006 01:00:00 GMT

Thank you Pooch Chicago for taking such wonderful care of my labrador, Stella, over xmas. She was so happy with you, and I am so pleased that you took such great care of her! You gals are top-notch!

5 Stars: We love Pooch Chicago! (by daphnedylan)

daphnedylan — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 01:00:00 GMT

Dylan (my goofy Great Dane) and I love Pooch Chicago. I had to board him for the first time over xmas and NY and I was very nervous to leave him. The Owner and Staff at Pooch made me feel very comfortable about leaving him, and they even went out of their way to CALL ME after the first night to tell me that Dylan was doing just fine! I knew that they were really busy so it meant a lot to me that they would take the time to call me. Dylan came home happy and heathy, and therefore I am vey satisfied and will most certainly be back. After visiting many other places, I am glad I decided on Pooch!

5 Stars: Thank you Pooch! Just a quick update....I am still a very loyal customer now fo 3+ years! (by rtdog)

rtdog — Thu, 05 Jan 2006 01:00:00 GMT

I have been sending my 110lb labrador to pooch for 3+ years now. We use them for boarding and daycare. We could not be happier with the service and treatment we get from the Owner and her staff. I am at Pooch 5 days a week dropping of my dog and Margaret, Daniele, and Robin are always there with a smile on their face. Take a minute and read all of the reviews and you will see that real pooch clients are very happy. Their new facility is amazing and everything they do is for the love of dogs! Do not let someone who doesn't have their facts straight disuade your from visiting them. They really love what they do and they love my dog which makes me feel very comfortable sending him to his second home!

5 Stars: User review by lainy22 (by lainy22)

lainy22 — Wed, 14 Dec 2005 01:00:00 GMT

I found the staff to be very sweet. I felt like they sincerely cared for my puppy. She really seemed to enjoy her time there. I know some people did not like the no pit bull policy but after having a couple of very scary encounters with aggressive breeds and my tiny pup, I'm pretty comfortable with this policy. I really can't take her to any of the area dog parks because the large aggressive dogs tend to get rough with her so I'm happy knowing she's playing with dogs her own size. I recommend this place to anyone interested in doggie daycare or boarding, especially for small dogs.

5 Stars: Great Staff! (by mooshuandmax)

mooshuandmax — Thu, 08 Dec 2005 01:00:00 GMT

Thank you so much Pooch Chicago! My puppies Max and Mooshu love doggie daycare! Monday through Thursday my dogs get picked up and dropped off from my condo and when I come home at night they are so happy and exhausted from playing all day!

5 Stars: Pooch Hotel Rocks!! (by dj123456789)

dj123456789 — Thu, 01 Dec 2005 01:00:00 GMT

I wanted to take the time to Thank You and the women @ Pooch Hotel for
taking such good care of Bubba while I was in Mexico. He always looks so cute
when he comes home! I can tell that he had the time of his life. I would never trust anyone else to take care of him.
Thanks for providing such a great, loving and positive atmosphere.
I would recommend you to anyone.
You rock!!

5 Stars: Mugsy loves Robin and Pooch Chicago! (by angi1021)

angi1021 — Thu, 10 Nov 2005 01:00:00 GMT

We LOVE Pooch! We have been taking our pug, Mugsy, to Pooch Chicago for over a year now and we almost have to drag him out! Robin and the staff are great, and we feel very comfortable leaving our little family member there for days. Robin is so great to deal with, and the staff takes great care of Mugs... we always make sure he gets a grooming before picking him up, and he always looks and smells great. They take care in making sure the dogs are not exposed to extreme heat or cold, and knowing that my puggy can't swim, they've made sure to keep him away from the pool. I LOVE this place and wouldn't dream of taking our beloved pup anywhere else. THANK U Pooch, for providing such a great place to take our dogs for a "mini-vacation!"

5 Stars: A weight off of my shoulders... (by anniet0211)

anniet0211 — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 01:00:00 GMT

POOCH Chicago to the rescue!!! After extensive research and multiple doggy-day-care site visits, I found POOCH Chicago. Out of all of the day-care/boarding facilities in the city, POOCH proved to be the friendliest, most flexible, most cost effective and CLEANEST location around. The staff is always willing to pay attention to the special needs of your pup and you can really tell that they enjoy what they do. It is such a relief to know that my little guy is taken care of while I can't be there with him!

Thanks to POOCH for all of your help!

5 Stars: Wonderful! (by milee21)

milee21 — Fri, 28 Oct 2005 02:00:00 GMT

Most poeple would not call my dog sociable. She's skittish and scared of strangers (on two legs and four). So I was very worried when I had to board her. The staff at pooch hotel was amazing, and my dog warmed up to them quickly. They're the only place I would trust caring for my baby.

5 Stars: Very, Very, Satisfied (by rt1003)

rt1003 — Wed, 19 Oct 2005 02:00:00 GMT

Thank you Pooch for everything you do for me and Lilly. Our lives are so much easier now that we can count on you to work with us on our last minute boarding requests and daycare needs. Your transportation service is a life saver, and I am so happy that Lilly is safe and secure and is transported in style to your facility everyday. I cannot thank you enough for your care of my girl. I refer your services to everyone I meet!

5 Stars: Dasher and Kringle Love Pooch! (by poopolaka)

poopolaka — Wed, 14 Sep 2005 02:00:00 GMT

We've been going to Pooch since it opened... we love it there, and our dogs, esp. our nervous, other-dog weary whippet, do too... the crew at Pooch takes extra special care of her. Definitely the best daycare/boarding place in the city for small dogs.

5 Stars: Absolutely the BEST! (by c688132)

c688132 — Mon, 12 Sep 2005 02:00:00 GMT

During the Hurricane Katrina diaster Pooch Hotel kept our Boston Terrier several extra days while we were trapped in New Orleans. They even went to our vet's office to get him extra food because he is on a special diet. I can't say enough about this fabulous place!

5 Stars: Outstanding Customer Service... (by monkey626)

monkey626 — Tue, 16 Aug 2005 02:00:00 GMT

I've been taking Charley to Pooch now for over 10 months, and I must say that the staff as well as Robin the owner are some of the nicest and most caring group of people. I was shocked to see any negative reviews and it is clear to me that none of these people have taken the time to see the facility, take the tour, ask the proper questions and get to know the staff at Pooch. My dog and I are extremely happy and will continue to use Pooch for daycare and boarding and refer all my friends with no qualms at all. Highly recommended!

5 Stars: Very nice (by clodfetlerr)

clodfetlerr — Sun, 10 Jul 2005 02:00:00 GMT

A very nice place to board your dog. I looked long and hard to find a place as fantastic as this. Best of all, my dog Cleo seems very happy there.

5 Stars: Thank you, Pooch! (by cvasquez70)

cvasquez70 — Wed, 06 Jul 2005 02:00:00 GMT

Lucy loves her new daycare at Pooch Chicago! I recently moved Lucy to a new daycare program at Pooch Chiacago and we both love it! The staff is very accommodating, and their facility is very well maintained. It is nice that Lucy can play all summer in a cool air conditioned building. The aromatherapy baths they offer are out of this word! Lucy has never smelled or looked better! Thank you Robin and thank you to your wonderful staff.

5 Stars: Duke had a great 4th at Pooch (by jbklovesduke)

jbklovesduke — Tue, 05 Jul 2005 02:00:00 GMT

The staff at Pooch took fantastic care of Duke over the 4th of July Holoday weekend. I have never boarded him before so I was nervous. Pooch called me during his stay to let me know how much fun he was having and that made my trip so much more enjoyable. Thanks Pooch Chicago for taking such good care of my baby!

5 Stars: Want a happy dog? Pooch!!! (by barclaynessim)

barclaynessim — Thu, 28 Apr 2005 02:00:00 GMT

My dog Hoover wakes me up early on Tuesday and Thursday because he's so excited to go to Pooch. All the people I've met there have been really excellent. Hoover can't wait to see them in the morning. He comes home tired and happy at night. We've tried other places, he didn't want to go in the mornings and would come home scared and stinky. Pooch has the best facilities, best pick up and drop off hours, best staff, best rates. I would check myself in there for the weekend if I could stand the taste of dog food. They have a pool!

5 Stars: Superb! (by njones1989)

njones1989 — Fri, 15 Apr 2005 02:00:00 GMT

I love it, my dog Lexi loves it - Great staff, great facility. Pooch cared for Lexi as if she were their own. She came home healthy, clean, and happy. Thank you Pooch Chicago for taking such good care of my baby. We will be back!

5 Stars: My dog loves Pooch and it's owner ... (by skijcm)

skijcm — Wed, 30 Mar 2005 01:00:00 GMT

My dog loves it! The staff is warm and caring and they take care of Karma as if she was their own. It's a clean, safe environment and I'm very happy that they screen the dogs they accept.
I was surprised at the few negative comments, but it was clear from reading those that they were from people who, for what ever reason, don't take their dogs there.
Thanks, Pooch.

5 Stars: We love it! (by margaretp31)

margaretp31 — Wed, 02 Mar 2005 01:00:00 GMT

Molly, my lab mix, and I love Pooch Chicago and their staff. Molly goes to daycare and stays in the hotel frequently. Pooch and their staff are very knowledgeable and I know that Molly has the best of care. Pooch Chicago is a beautiful facility and their customer service is second to none. I did A LOT of researh before deciding on a care-taker for Molly and I found that Pooch Chicago was the perfect place for us!

5 Stars: Excellent Services (by sally89)

sally89 — Wed, 02 Mar 2005 01:00:00 GMT

My husband and I could not be happier with Pooch Chicago and their staff. Our puppy, Cooper, loves going to Pooch and we are so thankful that we have found a home away from home for him. Pooch is a safe haven for Cooper, and I am so happy that they take the time to screen all of the dogs that come in for positive temperment and good health. I know that Cooper is safe at Pooch, and that the Staff is 110% dedicated to making sure that the experience is safe, positvie, and fun. My husband and I highly recommend Pooch Chicago.

1 Stars: Pitbull Mixes Need Not Apply (by coffeebean93)

coffeebean93 — Fri, 25 Feb 2005 01:00:00 GMT

When the website boasts that they have something for all pooches, pitbulls need not apply. My viewing appointment was abruptly cut short when I was asked the breed of my dog: a pitbull/lab mix. "We don't take pitbulls." The owner stated unless I could give a 100% guarantee that my dog would get along with ALL the other dogs, they would not board her. (Can any owner guarantee that about their dog?) If all you need is an aromatherapy bath for your pooch, then maybe this is your place. But if you're looking for friendly, able, and knowledgable people to actually care for your dog, I'd think again. When I facetiously thanked them for their time, they offered to reconsider if I couldn't find any other place. Thanks, but no thanks. If my dog isn't good enough for your hotel, you're obviously not good enough for my dog.

5 Stars: Very Satisfied (by rubyridgeback)

rubyridgeback — Sat, 29 Jan 2005 01:00:00 GMT

Ruby drags me through the door everytime I take her to Pooch Chicago. Ruby loves it at Pooch, and I love it too. The facility is beautiful, safe, and clean - you would not even know it was a dog care facility when you walk through the door. Robin, the owner, and her staff are one-of-a-kind. Pooch Chicago is the W Hotel for dogs! Thank you, Pooch Chicago!

5 Stars: Excellent Service (by dlew789)

dlew789 — Fri, 14 Jan 2005 01:00:00 GMT

My wife and I could not be happier about the care our dog receives everyday at daycare while at Pooch Chicago. Pooch Chicago has made our lives better, and Wrigely is so much happier that he can spend his day with his doggy friends and the loving staff at Pooch! We highly recommend!

5 Stars: Home away from home (by nbergeron)

nbergeron — Tue, 21 Dec 2004 01:00:00 GMT

Pooch Chicago has changed my dog's life forever! Lalo is my 8-lb chihuahua that used to spend his days sleeping at home by himself, now he spends his days with his favorite pals and the fabulous staff at Pooch Chicago. I spent a lot of time researching places throughout Chicago for the past 2 years-I am telling you- there is not a more friendly, CLEAN, healthy environment to have your pets in than this place. They pick Lalo up every morning and drop him off at night-door to door service and they really treat him like their own. When Lalo was feeling under the weather at home this past week Robin (the owner of PC called to check on him!) Pooch Chicago really is a home away from home and I would not send Lalo anywhere else! Thanks to the team at Pooch Chicago! We love you guys!

5 Stars: First Class! (by comet1)

comet1 — Tue, 21 Dec 2004 01:00:00 GMT

By far the best in town! Pooch took excellent care of my Sophie over the Thanksgiving Holiday, and we feel much better about leaving her over Christmas knowing that she is in such good hands. I highly recommend Pooch Chicago!

5 Stars: The best in Chicago! (by cindi litter)

cindi litter — Sat, 27 Nov 2004 01:00:00 GMT

Pooch Chicago is by far the finest dog daycare and canine hotel in Chicago. It is an immaculately clean, upscale establishment. I have been to all the other daycare and kennels in Chicago and nothing compares to Pooch Chicago. Their staff are very knowledgeable and I feel very ccomforatable leaving my dog with them. Their hydrotherapy pool has done wonders for my dog, and because of the wonderful no-impact exercise my pooch has lost 15 pounds!

5 Stars: Pooch Chicago is fantastic! (by delaneyrose)

delaneyrose — Wed, 01 Sep 2004 02:00:00 GMT

This is by far the best facility in Chicago to leave your dog. I have been on a lengthy search to find a daycare and overnight care facility that I felt comfortable with and where my Stella would also be safe and comfotable. The facility is beautiful, and is extremely clean. When you walk in you feel like you are walking into a very upscale boutique - not a kennel! My Stella loves Pooch Chicago and so do I! I highly recommend it!