Categories: Pets

The Best Dog Kennels in Chicago

When going out of town choosing a dog kennel that will take good care of your dog can be a very stressful decision. Luckily, in Chicago we have a few very good kennels to choose from.

Pooch Chicago is my favorite. Pooch has two convenient locations. The original is in Lincoln Park at 2228 N Clyborn. Their second location is in the West Loop at 1214 W. Monroe. I take my dog to the Lincoln Park location, but the West Loop kennel has almost identical amenities.

When you enter Pooch Chicago it is like entering an upscale boutique hotel. There are granite countertops and modern lighting plus an always friendly and helpful receptionist. After checking in your dog will be taken upstairs to his own private room. Each room has a glass door so your dog will be able to see out and watch one of the TV’s. During the day your dog will be in a large open play room with other dogs. There are actually two different play rooms at Pooch and the dogs are separated based on their size. The floors of the play rooms are made out of a non-porous rubber that is cleaned and disinfected regularly. At night the dogs are taken back to their private rooms and provided with a plush bed with clean linens.

Pooch Chicago also offers doggie day care as well as grooming and spa treatments. The Lincoln Park location has a pool that your dog can use for an additional charge. Besides taking great care of your dog Pooch Chicago makes dropping off and picking up your dog very convenient. They are open 24 hours per day and you can pick your dog up any time.

Another great kennel option is Urban Outsitters which has two locations in the West Loop (3241 N. Dayton) and in Lakeview (729 W. Randolph). Urban Outsitters is one of the most popular kennels in Chicago and their clean, well controlled environment and friendly staff are the reasons why. Although this kennel is a great choice and provides excellent care they have very specific hours in which you can pick up your dog. For those of us who have busy schedules this can be a problem.

Besides overnight stays, Urban Outsitters also offers doggie day care as well as a dog walking service. Their dog walking service is great because if your particular dog walker is out sick they will send a replacement, so your dog will never miss his walk.

A final dog boarding option in Chicago is Unleashed. Unleashed is located in Lincoln Park at 1535 N. Dayton. It is a fairly new kennel but it has a growing following and a great reputation already. Like Pooch Chicago and Urban Outsitters, Unleashed offers private rooms for each dog as well as a lot of play time during the day. They also offer doggie day care, a dog walking service and dog training.

With the many choices of quality kennels available in Chicago you are sure to find one that suits your needs. Before booking your dog’s stay, be sure to take a tour of the facility. All of the above kennels are more than happy to give you a tour and answer any questions you have. After all, you are leaving an important member of your family in their hands.