Dog Daycare Services in Chicago
Experience the Difference at K9U Chicago. A Place Your Dog Loves
Dog daycare in Chicago at K9 University gives your dog safe, supervised play in 34,000+ sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor space every day. We welcome all breeds, ages, and temperaments, including reactive dogs, and have served Chicago dog owners since 1992.
As dog owners, we all lead busy lives. Between work, family, and friends, our dogs will inevitably be left at home alone.
- Concerned he’s being left alone too long?
- Is she not getting enough socialization or play time?
- Is he showing destructive behavior when you’re away?
Dogs are social beings, and it is common for dogs that are left alone for long periods of time to develop problems such as separation anxiety, excessive barking, and destructive behavior. This is why K9 University (K9U) provides dog daycare in Chicago for dogs.
The Perfect Place for Your Dogs
Welcome to K9 University Chicago, your neighborhood dog daycare that treats every pup like family. Our caring team provides a fun, safe, and nurturing space where your dog can play, learn, and relax. We’re proud to be Chicago’s trusted choice for doggy daycare, boarding, and training.
Do You Work Long Hours and Your Dog Is Home Alone?
Dog daycare is a great way to ensure your dogs are safe, stimulated, and cared for during the hours or days you are away from home. K9U has the largest and nicest outdoor and indoor play areas in Chicago, complete with playground equipment and a controlled environment. All Dogs are welcome. Our personalized programs, experienced professional caregivers, and trainers cater to dogs of all breeds, ages, temperaments, and behaviors, including dogs with special needs and aggressive behavior patterns.
Why Our Chicago Dog Daycare Works for Your Dog
- 34,000+ sq. ft. indoor & outdoor play areas
- 20,000+ sq. ft. of K9Grass® outside play area
- 24-hour staff
- Supervised play time
- Learning key social skills
- Individualized and special needs care
- Transportation Services
- Indoor Climate Controlled
- Different play areas based on your dog’s needs
K9U Chicago Dog Daycare Pricing
Our daycare packages are designed to fit your schedule and give your dog the care they deserve. Whether you need a single day or a multi-day plan, our pricing is straightforward with no hidden fees.
Daycare & Packages For Daycare Page
Daycare With Transportation
- 10 pack Daycare Walk-in and Daycare with Transportation: 6 weeks expiration (great for daycare twice per week)
- 20 pack of daycare Walk-in and Daycare with Transportation: 8 weeks expiration (great for daycare 3 times per week)
- The expiration period starts from the first day the package is used.
Additional Services & Fees - Daycare & Boarding
| Additional Services | Cost | Description | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Boarding & Daycare Standard Additional Services | ||||
| Special Handling Fee for Individual Dogs | $5.00 | This fee is for reactive dogs or dogs that need special attention and cannot be in groups | ||
| Boarding After 12pm Checkout Fee | $45 | Daycare fee will be added to all boarding reservations checked out after 12pm on the departure date | ||
| Group Social Rehab - as a Drop-in Service | $40 | Reservations required in advance. Confirm availability and drop off between 11:00 am-12:00 am and pick up by 2:30 pm) | ||
| Group Social Rehab - as an Added Service with daycare/ boarding | $30 | Reservations required in advance | ||
| Last Minute Reservation (up to midnight) | $5 | Reservations need to be booked 24 hours in advance. Our goal is to provide you with the most flexibility that you need for unusual situations. We will do our best to accommodate late reservations for an additional $5 up to midnight the night before. | ||
| Attempted Pick-up or Drop-off Fee | $20 | When the driver tries to pick up the dog and can't due to reasons that are not in K9U Chicago's control (e.g., the door person does not have the key) or in case of cancellation when the driver is already on the way to get the dog. | ||
| Early Drop Off Fee Before Business Hours (for Walk-in customers) | $5 | We will accommodate your schedule from 6:30 AM on. Please contact us during office hours to book it. | ||
| Late Pick-up from K9U After Business Hours (For Walk-in Customers) | $10 | Please contact us during office hours to book it. We will do our very best to accommodate your schedule up to 9:00 PM. If the dog is not picked up by then, boarding charges will apply for the night. | ||
| Individual Activities/Play My Way | $15 | Individual play, ball toss or treadmill, quiet time, group socialization | ||
Holiday Fees | ||||
| $5 extra per boarding night on the following special Holidays | Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, and the 4th of July. | |||
| $5 extra per daycare on the following Holidays | Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, and the 4th of July. | |||
Health & Grooming Services | ||||
| Bath / Grooming | $45 and up | Shampoo, Condition & Blow Dry | ||
| Nail Clip | $20 | $25 Dremel | ||
| Medication Administration | $2 per administration | Administering your pet's medication during their stay when requested | ||
| Fecal Testing | $70 | Ensure the health of your pet and our community with our convenient fecal testing service. We offer on-site collection during daycare or boarding, or you can bring a sample to us. We’ll submit it to Antech, a trusted lab used by local veterinarians, with results available the next day. We handle everything from collection to sharing the results, providing a hassle-free experience for busy pet parents. | ||
Treats & Extras | ||||
| Frozen Peanut Butter Kong Before Bed Time | $7.50 | A soothing, tasty frozen peanut butter-filled treat to keep your dog happy and relaxed before bedtime. | ||
| Milk-Bone Cookie Before Bedtime | $4.50 | A classic, crunchy treat to end your dog’s day on a delightful note. | ||
| Peanut Butter Lick Mat Before Bedtime | $7.50 | A calming, peanut butter-coated mat that entertains and comforts your dog before sleep. | ||
| Report Card | free | Video or Picture of your dog with a description of how your pooch is doing. | ||
Unique Dog Daycare Services at K9U Chicago
We offer doggy daycare that no other dog daycare service in Chicago offers, including:
- All doggy types are welcome. Does your dog need special attention? Is he or she temperamental? Does he or she have a tendency to be reactive? Do not worry. We will take care of him.
- We accept unspayed dogs and unneutered dogs as well, and offer them a chance to socialize.
- If you can’t drop off your dog, we can pick him up. Our dog shuttle services in Chicago offer pick-up and drop-off facilities for dog daycare and boarding.
- With our group classes or customized training programs, your dog can learn everything from obedience and interesting tricks to behavior modification.
- We have an experienced staff who handles all kinds of dogs, big or small, shy or aggressive, and gives them the attention and care they need.
Specialized Senior Dog Care
Your golden-year companion deserves a pace that fits. We place senior dogs in the right group or recommend individual daycare when full playgroups aren’t ideal. Gentle, age-appropriate activities and medication support are available; for boarding, Deluxe kennels add privacy and help reduce noise. Ages 7+ welcome with individualized care plans.
Our Staff Is the Heartbeat of K9U
At K9U, caring for dogs in our Chicago dog daycare isn’t just about following routines, it’s about connecting with every pet. Our team lives and breathes dog care. We take the time to learn each dog’s personality, ensuring that every pup is grouped with friends who suit their energy and temperament.
What we do:
- Observe and Understand: We actively learn your dog’s unique behaviors to tailor their day.
- Group Strategically: We offer different play groups and divide dogs based on the group they best fit into for balanced socialization.
- Engage Personally: Each dog receives individual attention, so they feel both safe and valued.
Here’s why our staff stands out:
- Our staff is trained, experienced, and genuinely passionate about dog care—they truly care about your pet.
- Safety is our top priority. With diverse dogs in our care, our team follows strict safety protocols, giving you peace of mind.
- More than just employees, our team is like family—dedicated to making every day exceptional for your dog.
At K9U, our staff isn’t just our strength; they’re our family, dedicated to making your dog’s experience exceptional.
A Day at K9U Dog Daycare: Schedule at a Glance
Picture dropping off your dog at K9 University Chicago and knowing they’re beginning a well-organized, enjoyable day. Once at our facility, your pet joins a play group of friendly pups in our secure indoor and outdoor play areas, where they have fun throughout the entire day. When it’s time for pick-up, you’ll see a content and relaxed dog, a clear sign that they’ve had a balanced day of activity and care.
For detailed information about the schedule of dogs at K9U, please click here.
What Do We Need to Get Started with Daycare
The following are the required Vaccinations for any K9U service: Distemper, Up to Date Fecal Test, Parvo, Rabies, Bordatella, and Lepto. Please be sure to fax or email us a current record of these for our files.
>> CLICK TO DOWNLOAD K9U CHICAGO WAIVER FORM
Please review the Waiver Form here. You will sign the form electronically when you register online.Be sure to review our Daycare FQAs for helpful information for you and your dog
- Be sure we have a profile for you and your pouch in our system by registering online.
- Upload vaccination records to your online profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
As dogs mature, natural hormonal changes can impact their behavior and how they interact in group settings. To keep playgroups safe, balanced, and enjoyable for all dogs, we may limit participation for unneutered dogs over a certain age. We’re always happy to offer alternative options such as individual daycare or small, structured social groups tailored to your dog’s needs.
At K9 University, we welcome unneutered dogs up to 1 year of age. After 1 year, dogs that are still unneutered may need to be separated from the main group and attend our individual daycare program. Each dog is evaluated on an individual basis. Some dogs over 1 year of age may still be eligible to participate in the main daycare group, depending on their behavior, temperament, and ability to socialize safely.
Final placement is always determined based on each dog’s behavior and overall group dynamics, ensuring a safe and positive experience for everyone.
There’s no one answer to this question. Some dogs thrive in daycare while others need some work before they become socialized enough to enjoy dog daycare. A good daycare will work with your dog to make them more comfortable and develop their social skills.
Yes - daycare at K9U is available for dogs of all ages. Our staff works with puppies on socialization, confidence-building, and age-appropriate play. Puppy daycare in Chicago is a great way to establish healthy social habits from an early age. We also offer Puppy play where owners can participate in the group play with their puppies.
K9U is widely considered the best dog daycare Chicago has to offer because we accept all breeds and temperaments, operate 34,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor play space, and have served Chicago dog owners since 1992. Our Chicago doggy daycare programs include transportation, training, grooming, and specialized senior and reactive dog care.
Indoor & Outdoor Dog Oasis With Owner Peace of Mind
Our 20,000+ square foot outdoor space and 14,000 square feet of padded, climate-controlled indoor space are also monitored by our experienced dog handlers.
K9Grass® is specifically made for dogs, and our play area is the largest of its kind and quality in Chicago. Typical daycares outside play areas are likely to be on asphalt, gravel, concrete, or dirt. These surfaces absorb pee and odor, can get very hot in the summer, and can easily create puddles, which could lead to bacteria formation.
While dogs may occasionally go home a little dirty or with slightly matted coats after a full day of fun, we’ve carefully chosen surfaces that prioritize their comfort and well-being. Our play areas feature K9Grass®, a premium turf system that is soft, cushiony, and cool to the touch, helping reduce stress on paws compared to harder surfaces.
K9Grass® is designed with microbial blades that help resist bacteria, along with a highly durable construction that stands up to even the most active dogs. Its advanced drainage system and air grid technology promote proper airflow, prevent standing water, and help keep the surface dry and sanitary throughout the day.
To maintain the highest level of cleanliness, we regularly disinfect all indoor and outdoor areas using the Wysiwash Sanitizing System, ensuring a consistently hygienic environment for every dog in our care.
Our goal is simple: your dog stays comfortable, plays safely, and goes home happy and healthy.
We understand that every dog is special and that they deserve the best. You can rest assured that each pup receives experienced, personalized care to cater to their needs.
Individual Activities

From Treadmill Time for a little exercise, to Ball fetching to sharpen coordination and attention.
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Dog Boot Camp

For dogs with special behavioral issues, or for busy people who can’t make it to regular training sessions, ‘Boarding and Training’ offers a personalized solution for intensive personalized training while boarding.
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Leash Reactivity Management

In this specialized Leash Reactivity Management class, you will understand how to better communicate with your dog and gain new skills that will help navigate a busy environment with ease and confidence.
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Personalized Attention for Your Dog
At K9U, we understand that each client’s dog is unique. No one size fits all here. We offer personalized exercise and play conditioning. We have the expertise and amenities to accommodate each dog’s individual needs, regardless of age, size, temperament, or special circumstances. Please talk with us about your pet’s needs and let us customize a program for them. Here are a few of the things we topically specialize:
Live Worry-Free And Book Your Dogs Into Their Home Away From Home
Responsible pet ownership in Chicago has never been easier. You no longer have to worry about your dog being home alone while you are out. K9 University offers dog daycare and boarding in a safe, structured, and fun environment where dogs can socialize, stay active, and feel right at home. From puppy daycare to transportation and sleepovers in extra-large “deluxe kennels,” if you are going to be out all night, we are your pets’ home away from home.
Got a Question for Us?
Whether your dog needs to have safe, clean, climate-controlled dog daycare in Chicago, a temporary ‘home away from home’, or an open play area, we are Chicago’s best. We make it easy to drop off and pick up with our K9U Shuttle Service.










