Doggy Daycare in River North, Chicago, IL
Boutique dog care in the heart of River North
In a neighborhood known for gallery openings, riverfront strolls, and luxury high-rises, Happy Tails & Trails brings small-dog-focused, city-smart care to your doorstep at 1 W Superior St. Designed exclusively for dogs under 35 lbs, our River North facility fits the way this community lives—elevator rides, concierge desks, art walks, and quick commutes to Loop offices. Since 2001, our family-owned team has helped downtown dogs thrive with structure, warmth, and wagging tails. When the Chicago Riverwalk is crowded or Ohio Street is buzzing, your pup still gets safe, climate-controlled play and attentive supervision right in the neighborhood.
Our River North story
Founder Angelica “Angie” Iga, a former veterinary assistant, opened Happy Tails & Trails in 2001 with a simple mission: elevate the quality of dog care in Chicago. As River North grew into a hub for the Gallery District and Merchandise Mart design community, we expanded with a second location at 1 W Superior—purpose-built for the neighborhood’s concentration of smaller breeds. We’re BBB A+ accredited, locally owned (not a franchise), and staffed by behavior specialists, former vet techs, and pet CPR–trained handlers who understand River North living—from valet zones and loading docks to doorman coordination and walkable commutes.
Services tailored to River North
Doggy Daycare
Choose what fits your routine: our 1 W Superior St. boutique space (under 35 lbs) for walk-up convenience, or our full-service 1613 W Walnut St. facility (all sizes) with transportation from River North. Small, temperament-based playgroups (never by size alone), mid-day rest, and climate-controlled comfort keep your dog balanced when Riverwalk paths or Ohio Street sidewalks get busy.
Puppy Daycare
Our Infant Puppy Play (8–20 weeks) program gives River North puppies safe early socialization before they’re fully vaccinated. We prep little city dogs for Huron Street gallery foot traffic, convention activity near Merchandise Mart, and elevator etiquette for high-rise living—plus gentle potty-routine support for condo schedules.
Dog Boarding
For travel, art fairs, or show weeks, boarding is exclusive to enrolled daycare dogs so your pup rests among familiar friends. Choose our climate-controlled facility with 24/7 overnight handler or limited-availability “Boarding at Angie’s House” on a 3-acre property for home-style comfort away from downtown energy. Enjoy a free bath with 4+ nights.
Dog Training
City-ready manners for gallery nights and Riverwalk days. Private 1:1 sessions can run during daycare to save time, and AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy and CGC-aligned group classes are offered right at 1 W Superior—walk from your building. We use positive reinforcement to build calm focus around Gallery District crowds, Chicago Avenue traffic, and lobby greetings.
Puppy Training
From Puppy Manners to Basic and Intermediate Obedience, we teach recall, polite greetings, curb “wait,” elevator etiquette, and relaxed leash skills for State Street and the Ohio Street corridor. Progress reports, photos, and short videos keep you in the loop.
Local connection and community presence
Our River North presence is more than service—it’s neighborhood partnership. The 1 W Superior location welcomes building residents and their under-35-lb companions; doormen know our team and our pickup rhythm. We understand the cadence of Gallery Walk evenings, Merchandise Mart shows, and downtown conventions, and we schedule accordingly. For larger dogs, our dedicated River North transport route gets them to and from Walnut St. smoothly, even with LaSalle or Clark congestion.
Service area coverage
Complete River North coverage from the Chicago River to Chicago Avenue, LaSalle to Lake Shore Drive.
- River North facility: 1 W Superior St. (under 35 lbs; neighborhood walk-up)
- West Loop facility: 1613 W Walnut St. (all sizes; transportation available from River North)
Typical response times: immediate walk-in convenience for Superior St. clients; 12–15 minutes for Walnut St. transportation pickups. We serve Marina City, the Streeterville border, Gallery District, and Merchandise Mart vicinity.
What sets us apart in River North
Why River North pet parents choose Happy Tails & Trails
- Right in your neighborhood: Walk to 1 W Superior for daycare, training, and small-breed socialization.
- 24 years of trust: Established 2001; documented 20+ year client relationships; not a franchise.
- Urban training mastery: Real-world manners for Gallery District crowds, Riverwalk cyclists, State Street shopping, and elevator lobbies.
- Proven quality: Dozens of 5-star reviews, therapy-dog success stories, former veterinary assistant founder, and pet CPR–trained team.
- Premium convenience: AKC classes in River North, grooming by appointment, and training integrated into daycare.
Policies and helpful standards
Customer Reviews
Angela and the team are terrific! Max enjoys his days there and we find them to be very accommodating.
via 
My dog runs to the front door and can’t wait to get in. He really likes it there! Easy parking for pick up and drop off. Very friendly and accommodating staff. Highly recommended!
via
This place is like family to us. Tinkoo is so happy each time he comes here. His tail looks like it’s about to fall off from wagging anytime he sees Angie lol. You can tell she loves what she does and it shows
via
Louie had a great day at his new daycare! Everyone I came in contact with was very attentive and helpful. Based on my experience I would recommend their daycare services!
“Thank you so much for bringing Louie to spend the day with us! We’re thrilled to hear he had a great first visit. Our team loved having him, and we appreciate your kind words about their care and attentiveness. We look forward to seeing Louie again and being part of his daycare routine.”
via
I have been bringing my dog here since 2018, the staff has always been exceptional. They take care of my dog like she was one of theirs.
“Thank you so much for sharing this. Layla has been part of our family since 2018, and we adore every moment we get with her. She brings such a sweet energy to our days, and caring for her like one of our own has always come naturally to us.”
Angie
via
We are SO grateful for Happy Tails and Trails 2.0! Polee LOVES playing with his friends, and Brady & Luis are so good to him. He literally drags me there and is so excited to get there every day!!
"This absolutely makes our day! Polee is such a joy to have here, and we love seeing how excited he is to come play. Brady and Luis adore him, and it means so much to know he feels at home with us. Thank you for trusting Happy Tails & Trails 2.0 with your pup — we’re so grateful to be part of his daily happiness!"
via
Our dog had a great time, the employees were very helpful and caring for the dogs. Great value, service, and care
Thank you so much for your kind words! Sundance was absolutely wonderful—he had a great time playing and relaxing with the other pups, and was truly a pleasure to have with us. We’re so glad you felt supported by our team and appreciated the care we provide. Looking forward to seeing Sundance again soon for more tail-wagging fun!
Angie
via
Gerald has gone to both Happy Tails & Trails locations starting at just a few months old! He always comes home tuckered out from a full day of playing. He LOVES it! The team takes great care of him and I am always met with a smile at drop …
Thank you so much for the kind words and for trusting us with Gerald since he was just a pup! 🐾 Watching him grow into the playful, sweet boy he is today has been such a joy for our entire team. We’re thrilled to hear he comes home happy and tuckered out—mission accomplished! 😊 Celebrating his first birthday with treats and love was our pleasure, and we’re honored to be part of his journey. Your recommendation means the world to us. We’ll keep doing our very best to make every visit tail-waggingly wonderful!
via
Call to action for River North residents
Visit our River North location: 1 W Superior St. — under-35-lb dogs welcome.
Call (312) 388-9077 to discuss River North enrollment and small-breed options.
Schedule a tour at 1 W Superior—many residents can walk from their building.
Enroll in AKC classes at Superior Street—train where you live.
Book boarding for gallery trips, art fairs, or business travel (daycare clients only).
Contact and locations
Phone: (312) 388-9077
River North: 1 W Superior St., Chicago, IL (Under 35 lbs; neighborhood walk-up)
West Loop: 1613 W. Walnut St., Chicago, IL (All sizes; transportation from River North available)
Hours: Monday–Friday 7am–7pm; Saturday–Sunday 9am–5pm
Email: happytails2@comcast.net
Trust and credentials
Family-Owned Since 2001 • BBB A+ Accredited • AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy & CGC-Aligned Programs • Former Vet Techs & Behavior Specialists • Pet CPR & Emergency Trained • Chicago Local, Not a Franchise
