FAQs
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We’ve gathered the most common inquiries about Dogs Day Inn, offering you quick, clear answers to
ensure the best experience for you and your furry friend.
From facility tours to dog daycare specifics, we’ve got your questions covered!
General
Can I do a walk-through/tour of your facility?
Yes, but we do require that you create a Kennel Connection account, including your dog’s information and vaccination records, so we can ensure that your dog is up to date on all city and state requirements. We schedule walk-throughs/tours of the facility. Please call us at (773) 868-4001 to schedule your tour.
I just want to do the walkthrough of your facility without my dog, do I still need to create an account?
Yes, we do our scheduling through Kennel Connection and in order to get you scheduled for a walkthrough we need an account set up with vaccination/fecal records on file. We want to make sure that your dog is up-to-date on all require vaccination to help minimize the spread the of any communicable diseases and keep our current guests as safe as possible.
How long will the walk-through/tour take?
Most take only about 10-15 minutes, but we will spend as much time with you as needed to answer any questions you may have about Dogs Day Inn and the services we provide!
Do I need to do a walk-through/tour?
No walk-throughs/tours are not mandatory, but we want all parents/guardians to feel comfortable with where their dogs will be playing and staying.
What forms of payment do you take?
(Update) We accept all major credit cards, but our credit card merchant service provider charges a 3.55% fee for all credit card transactions. We no longer keep cash on hand, so if you decide to pay with cash, your account will be credited with any excess amount paid.
Do you have a yard area?
Yes, we have a large yard where dogs can get some fresh air and stretch their legs!
How frequently are dogs allowed outside?
Starting at 8 am and until 8 pm, dogs are taken outside every few hours, weather permitting.
Can I still bring my dog if he/she has expired vaccinations or fecal tests?
Unfortunately, we will not be able to accept your dog if any vaccinations or fecal tests have expired according to our records. Under Illinois State Laws and Chicago City Ordinances, we must have proof that every dog in our care is up to date. Not only is this a legal issue, but also a health and safety issue for both dogs and staff.
Currently, Dogs Day Inn has partnered with Canine Lab Testing to send fecal samples out for testing. Please contact us for more information on this service.
I do not have a collar for my dog, do I need one?
As of 08/01/24 we remove collars during daycare playtime for safety reason, but we do recommend that you have a collar with your dog’s name, your number and rabies tag, and we will put it back on them when picked up.
What if I am running late? Can I still pick up my dog from daycare?
Yes, but we require that you call us before 7 pm Monday through Friday and before 5 pm on weekends to notify us that you are running late and still coming for your dog. You are then able to pick up until 7:15 pm Monday through Friday and 5:15 pm on Saturday and Sunday, but there will be a late fee assessed.
My dog takes medication, are you able to administer it?
Please contact us, as we only do medication on a case-by-case basis.
Dog Daycare
What are your daycare hours?
Our hours are Monday through Friday, 7 am to 11 am and 2 pm – 7 pm, Saturday 9 am to 11 am and 2 pm to 5 pm, and Sunday 10 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm.
Do you charge for your discovery day?
Yes, we now charge for the discovery day a nominal fee. Please contact us for the current fee.
What if I show up and do not have a reservation?
Starting January 2026 reservations are required to help us ensure we are staffed properly to make your dogs’ daycare a fantastic one. Walk-ins will be accepted providing we have the availability. Walk-ins may be turned away.
Do I have to do the discovery day? My dog has done cageless daycare before.
Yes, we still require the discovery day as every facility is set up differently. At times, we also require more than one discovery day to make sure your dog feels comfortable in our care.
When can I do the discovery day?
Discovery day visits are by appointment, Monday through Friday, and require dogs to be dropped off at 6:30 am.
What if I show up for the discovery day after 6:45 am?
Unfortunately, we will be unable to accept your dog that day. You will be required to reschedule the discovery day, as the goal is to give your dog a chance to acclimate to the facility and staff before our other daycare dogs start to arrive. This way they ease into the day and are not overwhelmed.
What time do I need to drop my dog off for daycare?
You can drop off when it is convenient for you during our normal business hours after your dog has passed his/her initial discovery day.
Are you able to feed my dog lunch?
Yes. Bring your dog’s lunch meal inside a resealable container and we will try to feed them at lunchtime. Any food not eaten will be returned so you can monitor your dog’s food intake.
How long are daycare packages valid for after purchase?
Starting January 2, 2025, all packages will have a 90-day expiration date from the date of purchase.
Dog Boarding
Can I visit your facility?
Yes, just set up a Kennel Connection account with you and your dog’s information and upload their vaccination record so we can get them in the system for a walk-through of the facility.
What are the drop-off times for boarding?
Starting January 2, 2025, we will require all dogs to be dropped off before 11am.
What time do I need to pick up my dog?
During our normal business hours. However, to avoid incurring an additional daycare charge of $38.00 (per dog), you should aim to pick up your dog by 11am.
What do I need to bring with me for boarding?
All we need is your dog and their food. Food must be pre-bagged into individual meals to avoid any non-bagged charges. If necessary, any medications and any special feeder bowls should also be packed.
Can I bring beds, toys, or a blanket?
We do not recommend bringing anything other than your dog, their food, and any medications. We will provide these items to prevent your personal belongings from becoming lost or damaged.
Do I need a reservation for boarding?
Reservations are required for all boarding stays.
I am looking to start boarding immediately, can you take my dog?
We do require all new dogs do at least 2 daycare days, in addition to the discovery day, to get the comfortable in our environment and with our staff. Please contact us for more information on last minute boarding to see if we can help you.
What happens if my dog becomes ill during their stay?
Their health and safety are our priority, and we will take them to their vet or the emergency vet A.S.A.P. We will also try to contact you and/or your emergency contact immediately, as well.
Do you charge more for holidays boarding?
Yes, the following dates will incur an additional upcharge of $10.00 in addition to our standard rate: Please see our boarding page pricing section for the most current holiday dates.
Do you require a deposit/booking for boarding?
Yes, to secure your pet’s reservation, we kindly request a booking fee of 50% of the total boarding stay at the time of booking through the Kennel Connection online system. This applies to both regular and holiday periods, effective January 2, 2025. For full details on cancellations and refund timelines, please refer to our cancellation policy. We’re here to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for you and your pet—feel free to reach out with any questions!
Illness
Below is some information on Giardia. Please read this article from the AKC
and speak with your veterinarian to learn more about this infectious parasite.
What is Giardia?
It is a single-celled parasite that lives inside the intestines of mammals and other animals.
How does it spread?
Dogs must ingest the contaminated items (items contacted by fecal matter) for the parasite to take hold.
Is it communicable?
YES! It is highly contagious. You should keep your dog away from other dogs. Please speak with your vet about how to help prevent the spread of giardia.

