Pooch Hotel

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.

Posted 04/10/07

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.

Pros: Experience, Dependable, Facility, Staff, SO CLEAN, Parking

Cons: none I can think of...

Posted 04/03/07

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!

Pros: Clean, Safe, Staff!

Posted 04/02/07

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

Pros: staff is excellent, very very clean, safe location

Posted 04/02/07

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!

Pros: care, staff, customer service, accommodations, parking, CLEAN!

Posted 04/01/07

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!

Pros: location, friendly, my dog comes home happy and tired

Posted 04/01/07

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.

TW

Pros: care first about my dogs - very regimented. very, very clean. professional staff

Posted 04/01/07

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!

Pros: Pool, Outside Yard, Staff

Cons: Nada!

Posted 03/31/07

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.

Pros: Care, Experience, Staff, Facility, Training

Posted 03/31/07

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.

Pros: none buyers beware

Cons: Bad Service, Rude Staff

Posted 03/30/07

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!

Pros: Facility, Location, Staff

Posted 03/29/07

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.

Posted 03/27/07

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!)

Pros: Excellent service, Highly professional staff, Wonderful facility with lots to offer all clientele!

Posted 02/24/07

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.

Posted 01/18/07

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!

Pros: accommodations, care, staff, parking

Posted 01/08/07

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.

Pros: Facility, Location, Clean, Services, Staff

Posted 01/08/07

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.

Posted 01/05/07

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!

Pros: Staff, Care, Affordability, Facility

Posted 01/03/07

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.

Posted 01/01/07

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.

Pros: Amazing facility, friendly staff

Cons: Parking

Posted 12/30/06

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!

Pros: Service, Facility, Care, Staff, Clean

Cons: none

Posted 11/24/06

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.

Pros: None

Cons: Bad cancellation policy

Posted 11/20/06

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!

Pros: Friendly Staff and Wonderful Service

Posted 10/30/06

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!

Pros: staff/location

Posted 10/17/06

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!

Pros: Friendly people, dogs have FUN, safe

Posted 09/11/06

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.

Pros: Small "non-corporate" business, Owner, Service

Cons: none that I can think of!

Posted 08/28/06

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!

Pros: Owner, Staff, Services

Cons: None

Posted 08/27/06

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!

Posted 07/25/06

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.

Posted 06/21/06

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!!!

Pros: THE STAFF!!!!

Posted 06/08/06

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

Pros: very clean, lg/sm dog separation

Cons: no loading zone

Posted 05/30/06

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!

Posted 05/05/06

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.

Pros: flexibility, reliable, transportation

Posted 04/21/06

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.

Pros: products, spa, staff

Posted 04/21/06

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.

Posted 04/01/06

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.

Pros: Employees, Care of my dog, pool

Posted 03/30/06

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.

Pros: Caring, Reliable

Posted 03/22/06

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!

Pros: Staff, Customer Service , Hours

Posted 03/21/06

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

Pros: customer service, location, staff

Posted 03/20/06

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!

Pros: staff, services, trustworthy, reliable and dependable

Cons: absolutely none!

Posted 03/14/06

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.

Cons: service, hours, charges

Posted 03/04/06

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!

Posted 03/01/06

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.

Pros: Owner/Staff, Pool, Transportation

Posted 02/26/06

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!

Pros: Friendly, Convienent

Posted 02/24/06

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!

Pros: Friendly Staff, Clean Facility , Helpful

Cons: None

Posted 02/21/06

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.

Pros: Good location

Cons: Too small, Too many dogs, Sterile

Posted 02/20/06

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!!

Pros: friendly, safe, clean

Cons: no parking

Posted 02/09/06

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

Pros: Transportation

Posted 01/16/06

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!

Posted 01/11/06

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!

Pros: customer service, attentive, trustworthy

Posted 01/11/06