Chi-Town Dog House

Chi-Town Dog House

A daycare and boarding house at 2231 W Belmont Ave in Roscoe Village. One of the more transparent operators in the city about how it actually runs.

Hours — note the midday closure

• Monday–Friday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM, then 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, then 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, then 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Closed 12:00–2:00 PM daily, and closed most major holidays

That 12–2 closure is the thing to plan around. It is a rest period for the dogs, which is good practice, but it means you cannot collect your dog over your lunch hour. Work out your pickup window before the first booking.

Small and large breeds play separately. Worth looking for. A 12-pound dog in a room with a pack of labradors is how small dogs learn to be frightened of other dogs, and plenty of facilities run one mixed group because it is cheaper to staff.

Overnight staffing. Boarding is staffed around the clock rather than left unattended after closing. Ask any boarding facility this directly — a surprising number lock up at 7 PM and come back at 6 AM, which is a long time for a dog that panics or gets sick.

Requirements, all published on their own site — unusually clear, and a good sign:

• Registration through their online portal
• Up to date on Bordetella, distemper and rabies
• Spayed or neutered after six months
• Minimum age three months, with the first vaccination rounds done
• A temperament check, via a free daycare trial day

The free trial day is worth taking up whether or not you intend to use them regularly — it is the cheapest way to find out how your dog handles a group setting.

Baths are offered, but only to existing daycare and boarding clients.

Pricing is not published, though the site notes discounts for extended boarding stays. Ask about the holiday surcharge as well.

Getting there: Belmont at Oakley, on the #77 Belmont bus.

Hours, address, requirements and services verified from chitowndoghouse.com.