Dog Boarding
in Chicago, IL
Where tails are wagging & pets are bragging.
A Chicago, IL Dog Boarding Experience Built on 24 Years of Trust
Leaving your dog overnight can feel stressful—we understand. For more than 24 years, Happy Tails & Trails has been the “your dog’s second home” for Chicago families who want boarding that feels safe, familiar, and genuinely caring.
Founded in 2001 by Angelica “Angie” Iga, a former veterinary assistant, our family-owned, non-franchise business has grown from one woman walking dogs in the West Loop into a trusted local hub for dog boarding chicago, daycare, grooming, and training.
Our mission is simple: to elevate the quality of dog care in Chicago, IL by creating an environment where dogs thrive physically and emotionally. We’re more than just dog care providers—we’re your pet’s second family.
You’ll see that commitment in our:
- BBB Accreditation with an A+ rating
- 24 years in business serving Chicago, IL neighborhoods
- Passionate team of trained handlers, former vet techs, and canine behaviorists
- Long-term relationships with families who have boarded multiple dogs with us over decades
Two Dog Boarding Options in Chicago, IL for Every Pup’s Comfort
Every dog—and every family—has different needs. That’s why we offer two distinct boarding options in the city:
Climate-Controlled Facility Boarding – 1613 W. Walnut St.
Our West Loop location is a purpose-built, climate-controlled boarding and daycare facility designed for urban dogs:
- Comfortable sleeping areas with familiar smells and routines
- Open-sleep environment with dogs grouped by age and temperament
- Daily enrichment, group play, and rest in the same spaces they enjoy for daycare
- Close to West Loop, Fulton Market, South Loop, and Lincoln Park
“Boarding at Angie’s House” – 3-Acre Home-Style Care
For dogs who’d do best in a quieter, home-style setting, we offer limited, premium boarding at Angie’s 3-acre private property:
- Personalized care from the founder herself
- Spacious outdoor areas for safe exploring and sniffing
- Cozy indoor spaces that feel like staying with extended family
- $150/night, extremely limited availability
Both options are designed with Chicago in mind—from our understanding of Chicago, IL winters to the needs of busy professionals in neighborhoods like Streeterville and River North.
Why Our Boarding Is Different from a Typical Dog Kennel
in Chicago, IL
We’re often told, “This doesn’t feel like a kennel”—and that’s exactly the point.
Unlike a typical dog kennel in Chicago, IL, our boarding program is intentionally designed around familiarity, safety, and continuity of care.
Boarding Exclusively for Daycare Dogs
Our exclusive policy:
We only board dogs who are already part of our daycare program.
That means when your dog stays overnight, they:
- Already know the staff, smells, and routine
- Sleep in an environment that feels familiar, not frightening
- Spend the day playing with the same friends they see during daycare
This dramatically reduces stress and helps dogs settle in quickly—especially for longer stays or frequent travel.
24/7 Nighttime Handler Onsite
One of our key differentiators is simple but powerful:
- There is always a trained handler onsite overnight at our facility.
Dogs are never left alone in the building. Our team is trained in:
- Pet CPR and emergency response
- Monitoring group dynamics and comfort
- Supporting anxious, senior, or special needs pups
Safety-First Boarding Environment
Every detail is designed with safety in mind:
- Strict vaccination requirements: DHPP, Bordetella, Rabies, Leptospirosis
- Daily sanitization with vet-approved products
- Secured gates, rounded corners, raised bowls and climate-controlled spaces
- Dogs grouped by temperament and age in an open-sleep environment
This is dog boarding services in Chicago, IL built for peace of mind.
Daily Life During Your Dog’s Boarding Stay
A boarding stay at Happy Tails & Trails looks a lot like a very fun, very safe dog vacation.
During the day, your pup joins our structured daycare program with:
- Small-group play organized by behavior specialists
- Rest and nap times to prevent overstimulation
- Weather-responsive indoor and outdoor time when conditions allow
In the evening, we transition into calm, cozy routines:
- Dinner, clean water, and comfortable sleeping setups
- Soft lighting and settled groups for the night
- Handler present 24/7 to reassure and monitor the dogs
You stay connected with:
- Photo updates and clear communication during their stay
- Notes on how they’re eating, playing, and resting
And for longer stays, we add a little extra:
Free bath with 4+ nights of boarding so your dog comes home fresh and clean
Trusted Dog Boarding Services in Chicago, IL Families Rely On
Many of our boarding clients have been with us across multiple dogs, life changes, and countless trips.
Karen, a client of 21+ years, shares:
“I’ve had 5 dogs during those years who were happily ensconced in the Happy Tails agenda during the day and also use them when I have to travel and vacations. I would never use anyone else… It takes an enormous amount of stress out my life to know that my pups are properly cared for when at day care and boarded.”
Another long-time Golden Retriever owner tells us:
“I travel extensively for work and have said many times that I don’t know how I could have a dog if I didn’t have Angie and her team. I never doubt that my golden is safe and cared for… when he boards overnight, which is very often.”
And then there’s Coco the Cavapoo, a 9-year-old anxious, clingy dog who needed frequent boarding while her owner managed health challenges. We created a customized plan that rotated between the facility and Angie’s home, added extra cuddle time and gentle supervision, and matched her with appropriate senior dog friends.
The result?
“She adjusted beautifully. She’s more relaxed, social, and doing wonderfully with her senior dog friends.”
Coco may be anxious—but she’s in the right place. We know her, love her, and make sure she always feels at home.
How Our Dog Boarding Works
Because we prioritize familiarity and safety, there’s a clear process for boarding with us.
Boarding rates and promotions
- $80/night – 1 dog, facility boarding
- $145/night – 2 dogs from the same household, facility boarding
- $150/night – “Boarding at Angie’s house,” home-style on 3-acre property (limited availability)
- Free bath with 4+ nights of boarding
- Holiday surcharge may apply on select dates
Simple booking and requirements
To book:
- Enroll in daycare first
- Boarding is exclusively for existing daycare clients.
- Schedule a trial evaluation day
- Helps your dog become comfortable with our space, staff, and routine.
- Reserve boarding through our online client portal (Gingr)
- 24/7 access to request dates and manage your account.
Key policies:
- Drop-off: 3:00–7:00 PM (early drop-offs may incur daycare charges)
- Pick-up: Before 11:00 AM to avoid additional daycare fees
- Vaccinations: DHPP, Bordetella, Rabies, and Leptospirosis required
- Late and cancellation fees: Clear, transparent policies to keep things fair for everyone
If you’re looking for dog boarding in Chicago, IL that feels like a true home away from home, this structure is what keeps dogs safe, happy, and relaxed.
Ready to Give Your Dog a Home Away From Home?
If you’re a Chicago dog parent looking for more than just a dog kennel in Chicago, IL, we’d love to welcome you into the Happy Tails & Trails family.
🐾 Step 1: Enroll your pup in daycare (boarding is for daycare dogs only)
📅 Step 2: Submit your boarding reservation via our online client portal (Gingr)
📞 Have questions? Call us at (312) 388-9077
📧 Or email happytails2@comcast.net
🏡 Ask about limited “Boarding at Angie’s house” availability
Your dog’s second home is ready when you are.
