Doggie Day Play,

1135 Chicago Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302

"New to the area and exploring doggy daycare and walker options for our dog. Do NOT bring your dogs here. Four young employees were hanging out in the front room, eating or on their phone, while dogs were screaming in the back. They were unable to answer most of my questions on pricing, length of dog walks, etc. I asked to be shown the facilities where my dog would be held - they are closet-sized rooms - no toys, water, or beds/blankets in most of the rooms. Larger dogs can barely take 2 steps without hitting a wall. Dogs were laying on bare concrete and many were shaking (from fear or cold - I can’t be sure). While multiple employees sat in the front entrance socializing, these dogs remained locked in these small prison cells. There are 2-3 large areas designed for dogs to get socialization and exercise - all empty except for one during my tour - one of the workers had her dogs in there while everyone else’s dog was locked in their cells (how great for HER dog). I’ve never smelled such a pungent smell of urine in my life. Do NOT bring your dogs here for daycare or overnights. This place is borderline neglect and abuse to your fur baby."

"Very disappointed with this place. I booked a boarding stay for my dog a month in advance. I was told to send over her shot records anytime before dropping her off for her stay. I emailed her records one week prior to drop off and received a call stating they don’t have an appointment for her and said they were completely booked and were giving me the run around. All of a sudden they knew what happened…another client’s dog was booked by accident with the same last name and I said oh so then you have those dates available. Oh no sorry ma’am you’d have to come for a meet and greet, so I said ok when can I come? She says we don’t have one available before that date. So to me that was just an excuse/lie. Very unorganized place and so unprofessional."

"We have been using DDP for overnight boarding for over a year and this was my last visit. There have been a handful of mishaps to include overcharging me (which was corrected), forgetting to give my dog his Bordetella shot, informing me my dog would need to be isolated due to not being updated on his shots (he is) things that I shrugged off as an immature staff. When I went to pick up my dog today, the total amount due was $20 more. When I asked why I was told there was a $15 late fee for pick-up after 3:00 and a fee to use the credit card. #1 they are open until 7pm and I was NEVER told that there would be a late fee for pick up after 3. #2 there is nothing noted on their rate card that a fee applies after 3pm. #3 there is no signage that there is a fee to use a credit card OR anywhere regarding a late pick up fee. When I asked the employee about this, her response was "I don't know." She was very rude and should NOT be in customer service. How can a business charge a late fee without informing their customers that there is one? I am done giving my hard earned money to an unethical business. My dog was also shaking when I picked him up and smelled horrible."

"My dogs have previously stayed here on numerous occasions and I have been pleased with care. The most recent stay was TERRIBLE. Besides the terrible smell and chaos, the staff informed me my dogs need updated vaccines to be with other dogs. The staff stated they would give the vaccinations, however have no record of it. Additionally a number of additional fees for services not provided were added to the bill. We will not be returning here ever again."

"I have used this day play for my dog for three years. My early experience was outstanding: the staff knew my dog; the facility was spotless; there was never an unpleasant odor. The last several times, my experience has been the opposite: staff evidence little concern for the dogs; the facility is unkempt; the facility smells of urine. When I picked up my dog today, five staff members were sitting at a table in the lobby of the facility, eating snacks and visiting. Dogs were barking loudly in the back rooms. My dog was removed from a holding room, not in the play area. He smelled of urine, requiring a bath when he returned home. I will not use this facility in the future."