Wicker Pet 2029 West North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647

"Having worked here and at other daycares, the dogs' behavior at Wicker Pet is clearly kept in check with brute dominance and fear as opposed to building a trusting relationship and communicating with the animals. I don't know about the other workers but their manager, Fabian, lacks the compassion and sensitivity necessary to take care of dogs. They were clearly afraid of him and avoided wherever he was. He told me outright that I was supposed to "correct" the dogs even when they weren't displaying an incorrect behavior, saying "it's not correction, it's settling them down." Settling down implies actual comforting, but he was just disciplining them into submission when they showed any activity. When they whined, instead of comforting them like you would for a child you're taking care of, he startled them into stopping. Dogs were stuck in crates for hours if they continued to act out. Crating is understandable for a 5-15 minute "time-out," but several dogs were crated for more than two hours, and about half the dogs were locked up at any given time. They were never rewarded for good behavior so the dogs seemed confused as to what they were supposed to do. They did nothing but lay around, afraid to play because they'd be snapped at if they were even slightly rough. The dogs were also reprimanded constantly for seeking attention or being curious, when they could've simply been ignored or attended to. Wicker Pet doesn't deserve the title of "daycare," I saw no care given. On top of that, management has the audacity to pay minimum wage, despite having only 4 dog handlers. This is not only discounting the labor they put in, but begging for neglect and conflict given that the job requires constant attention and sensitivity. Wicker Pet was easily the worst daycare I've worked at. I encourage anyone considering it to prioritize other options."

"Such a great place ! I bring my pup for daycare and the staff are very attentive and kind. Small space but they make up for it by being amazing to the pups."

"Not sure how it’s legal for them to pay their staff SO LITTLE. Below minimum wage in this economy is INSANE. You are a dog daycare in one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Chicago yet you’re paying your staff wages a 16 your old would be paid at their first job in the SUBURBS. The space is extremely small as well."

"Strongly DO NOT RECOMMEND! Beware — under new management — the ratings & positive reviews are for the OLD wonderful owners & staff! I had my 1yo GSD puppy here for daycare for multiple days before ownership changed and they were great! My dog can easily get overly excited, but the previous staff was able to manage his excitement appropriately and said he got on great with other dogs while playing, and even made a couple friends among the other dogs in the group. When he used to come home from daycare he was happy and tired out from all the playing. Now we went back a few months later under new the management & staff and they tell me my dog wouldn’t calm down while playing with other dogs so they put him on a treadmill (which they later told me is electric, not manual — meaning the dog is trapped and has no choice but to run or get dragged) FOR AN HOUR to burn off his energy. My dog has NEVER been on a treadmill before and he gets tired and wants to lay down after 10 minutes of playing fetch or tug at home. They also said that the treadmill didn’t help calm him down so they had to keep him crated. When I picked him up in the evening I noticed the bag of kibble/treats I gave them to give to him throughout the day was still full and untouched in the basket at the reception area were I dropped him off — so it would seem he hasn’t been given any food all day. When we left he was very skittish and immediately went to the bathroom multiple times which makes me wonder how often or even if they let him out to use the bathroom during the day. When we got home he immediately raced to his water dish and guzzled it continuously. My dog has never been a big/frequent water drinker which makes me question if they gave him access to water during the day. If you love your dog, avoid this place at all costs and thoroughly interview your doggy daycares! I miss the old owners & staff of Wicker Pet who were wonderful and communicative and responsive to their clients, and wish I had been made aware of the change in management and the quality of care before taking my pup back there. Posting this so other pup parents can have that awareness before regretting their choice, like I do now"

"Beware!! We boarded our pugs at Wicker Pet for years. The place was wonderful before the current owners took over. We booked our our summer vacation and then we booked the dogs for their week at Wicker Pet. I was advised at booking they have an all new systems and needed updated vaccine records. No problem! The DAY BEFORE we were to leave for vacation Wicker Pet EMAILED my husband, not even a phone call, and said they would not be able to accommodate our pugs. The email stated the dogs would need another observation day given that they had not been boarded in the last 3 months. I was sure this was an error. 3 months? They have been going there for years. And why was I not told about this the day I made the reservation? I called, panicked, begging, near tears. The response from the rude indifferent Bo "I know this must be frustrating, sorry, no exceptions." They did nothing to remedy this situation. I offered to leave late on vacation and let them "observe" the pugs they have known for years. "Sorry, no exceptions." As all dog lovers know, these are our babies. This is the most shameful and shady way to practice business. The owner Alec was extremely condescending and did not do one thing to fix HIS error. Needless to say, our pugs will never be back to Wicker Pet. The owner's response told me everything I needed to know about how little they care for the animals. I would strongly reconsider trusting this owner and this business with your fur babies. We miss you Brie!"