About K9 University Chicago

In business since 1992, our goal has always been to create a welcoming “home away from home” for your dog. A safe place where your dog can feel secure, learn valuable skills and can have fun too. Owner Ruby Madrigal began this business based on her passion to help animals find safe and loving homes. She has always maintained that every dog in Chicago deserves a safe place to play, learn and grow.

What started as a home-based business assisting friends evolved into founding a non-profit rescue to help dogs find forever homes that transitioned into a successful small business providing career paths and jobs for over 40 people.

The K9U Chicago Timeline

• 2000: Pet sitter for friends and family from home
• 2001: Founding member of volunteer based Chicago Canine Rescue, a 501 (c) 3 rescue for dogs
• 2003: Leased 7,000 sf of indoor and 10,000 sf outdoor warehouse space at 2944 West Lake Street in East Garfield Park to expand home business now called Pet-n-Play
• 2004: Merged Pet-n-Play with K9 University Chicago that was focused on dog training since 1992
• 2008: Ruby became the sole owner of K9 University Chicago
• 2016: Ruby purchased the K9 University Chicago facility and property
• 2017: Significant capital improvements were made to the facility including remodeling the outdoor play areas by installing K9 Grass, adding new playground equipment and expanding the boarding and grooming areas
• 2018: The new west training center was opened to provide a dedicated space for training classes and private sessions
• 2019: Construction began to remodel the daycare entrance and front office
• 2019:  On May 16, Ruby Madrigal was awarded the Illinois Rising Star Award, 2019, from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The Illinois Rising Star Award is given to only two business leaders out of the thousands nominated each year by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

If your dog requires special care or training, including addressing issues such as leash control, jumping, excessive barking, sit-down-stay, we have the experience to meet your needs. Our trainers will work with you and your dog to develop the best solution based exclusively on your situation.

Located at: 2945 West Lake Street, Chicago, we provide a safe, clean, climate-controlled environment for dogs to board under careful 24-hour supervision.

You will need to login to schedule your daycare or boarding reservations. If you’re new to K9U, you will need to register first.