Dog Daycare
in Chicago, IL
Where tails are wagging & pets are bragging.
A Chicago, Illinois Dog Daycare with a Real Chicago Story
What started as one woman’s dream to bring safe, joyful dog services to Chicago, IL, neighborhoods is now two fully equipped, climate-controlled facilities serving families across the city.
Happy Tails & Trails was founded in 2001 by Angelica “Angie” Iga, a former veterinary assistant who began as a solo dog walker in the West Loop. Over 24 years, our family-owned and operated business has grown into a trusted neighborhood hub for dog daycare, boarding, grooming, and training—without ever becoming a franchise.
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.
We’re proud to be:
- BBB Accredited with an A+ rating
- Locally owned and family-run since 2001
- Deeply rooted in Chicago’s West Loop, Fulton Market, South Loop, Lincoln Park, and Streeterville communities
At Happy Tails & Trails, tails are wagging and tongues are bragging—every day.
Why Chicago, IL Dog Parents Choose Our Doggy Daycare
Busy workday? Client meetings? Flight out of O’Hare? City life moves fast, and your dog deserves care that keeps up. Our doggy daycare Chicago program is built specifically for urban dogs and their people.
Here’s what sets our daycare apart:
Structured, Small Group Play (Organized by Behavior Specialists)
We don’t just open the door and let the dogs run. Our canine behavior specialists carefully organize small playgroups based on temperament, not size. That means your gentle senior Golden and your social Cavapoo are both set up to succeed, even if they’re different sizes.
- Supervised group play throughout the day
- Positive socialization with well-matched playmates
- Behavior-driven groupings to reduce stress and prevent conflict
- Aggression-free policy with constant staff supervision
Rest, Recovery, and Climate-Controlled Comfort
Chicago, IL winters are no joke—and neither are our summers. Both of our daycare facilities are fully climate-controlled with purpose-built play areas and cozy rest spaces.
- Midday nap and rest periods to prevent overstimulation
- Comfortable, calm areas for decompression
- Weather-responsive indoor/outdoor play when conditions allow
Your dog will come home pleasantly tired, not overwhelmed.
Individual Attention for Every Pup
Every dog is different. Some are senior snoozers, some are social butterflies, and some need a little extra reassurance. We build room for all of them.
- One-on-one attention for shy, anxious, or aging dogs
- Extra human support for dogs needing confidence building
- Staff who know your dog by name, personality, and quirks
We truly treat your pup like part of our family.
Infant Puppy Play for Chicago’s Tiniest Tails
New puppy in a high-rise? We’ve got you.
Our Infant Puppy Play program is designed for puppies 8–20 weeks who haven’t completed their full vaccination schedule yet—but still need that critical early socialization.
In a soft, safe puppy-only space, your little one will:
- Learn basic manners and focus games
- Be gently introduced to crate and potty training routines
- Build positive associations with people, sounds, and other pups
- Experience early versions of sit, focus, and leash basics
Many of our longtime clients started “in the puppy room” at 3 months old and are still with us years later.
Two Convenient Chicago, IL Locations for Dog Daycare
We’ve built our locations around how Chicagoans actually live and commute:
- 1613 W. Walnut St. – West Loop / Fulton Market
- Full-service daycare for dogs of all sizes
- Transportation service available for select areas
- Easy access from West Loop, Fulton Market, South Loop, Lincoln Park
- 1 W. Superior St. – River North / Streeterville
- Daycare exclusively for dogs under 35 lbs
- Perfect for building residents and nearby high-rises
- Walkable from Streeterville, River North, and Lakeshore East
We’re conveniently located near Union Park, Ashland/Lake Station, and Lakeshore East Dog Park, making drop-off and pick-up part of your normal city routine.
What a Day at Happy Tails & Trails Looks Like
Our dog daycare services Chicago, IL schedule is structured but flexible enough to respond to each dog’s age, energy level, and the day’s weather:
We maintain a minimum 2-days-per-week daycare requirement at our Walnut location to keep dogs in a consistent routine and help them build real relationships—with both our team and their playmates.
You’ll stay connected through:
Safety, Cleanliness, and Professional Care
When you trust us with your dog, safety comes first—always.
Health & Safety Standards
- Strict four-vaccine requirement: DHPP, Bordetella, Rabies, Leptospirosis
- Facilities sanitized daily using vet-approved products
- Safety-focused design: secured gates, rounded corners, raised bowls
Expert Team You Can Rely On
- Staff includes former vet techs and canine behaviorists
- All team members trained in pet CPR and emergency response
- Over 20 years serving Chicago, IL families with the same founder, Angie, still actively training dogs and leading programs
This isn’t a rotating cast of strangers—it’s a stable, passionate team that knows your pup.
Loved by Chicago, IL Dog Families for Over 20 Years
Our community speaks for us. Many of our clients have been with us for a decade or more, through multiple dogs and many stages of life.
One long-time Golden Retriever owner shares:
“I have been a client of Happy Tails and Trails for over 20 years, starting with Angie when she was a dog walker all on her own and their daycare wasn’t even opened yet… 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 during the day while at daycare as well as when he boards overnight, which is very often… I trust her implicitly.”
Karen, a client since 2001, writes:
“I am delighted to admit that I have been using Happy Tails and Trails for 21+ years. I’ve had 5 dogs during those years who were happily ensconced in the Happy Tails agenda during the day… I would never use anyone else.”
And from a Bernedoodle family:
“We have been bringing our bernedoodle here since she was 3 months old (she started in the puppy room). She absolutely loves it and gets so excited when we pull up! The staff is always so welcoming and you can tell they truly love all the pups.”
Dogs know our van. They know our voices. And they’re genuinely excited to spend the day with us—that’s the best review we could ask for.
Customer Reviews
Ready to Make Your Dog’s Tail Wag?
Choosing the right dog daycare services Chicago, IL shouldn’t be stressful—and with Happy Tails & Trails, it isn’t. We’d love to meet you and your pup.
📅 Schedule a trial evaluation day to see if we’re the right fit
📞 Call us at (312) 388-9077
📧 Email happytails2@comcast.net
📲 Book online 24/7 through our mobile app and client portal
🐾 Request a tour by appointment and see our play spaces in person
Let’s make tails wag—together.
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