Business Details
34 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Dog Daycare, Boarding & Training in Chicago | K9 University Chicago
K9 University Chicago has been dedicated to providing exceptional dog care since 1992. Founded by Ruby Madrigal, our mission is to create a welcoming 'home away from home' where dogs receive personalized attention, safety, and opportunities for growth. Our team of experienced professionals specializes in daycare, boarding, training, and grooming services tailored to meet the unique needs of every dog, regardless of breed or temperament.With over 30 years of combined expertise, we prioritize safety through 24/7 supervision, climate-controlled facilities, and specialized programs for senior dogs and those requiring behavioral support. Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through our 29,000 sq. ft. facility featuring K9Grass play areas, customized playgroups, and transportation services that make pet care accessible across Chicago. We maintain rigorous health standards with vaccination requirements and fecal testing to ensure a clean environment for all dogs in our care.
Services
Dog Daycare
Dog Boarding
Dog Training
Dog Grooming
Dog Shuttle
Senior Dog Care
Agility Training
Puppy Training
Behavior Modification
Pet Transportation
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 combined years of experience in professional dog care
- Our 24/7 staff supervision ensures constant monitoring of all dogs
- We accept all breeds and temperaments with specialized care programs
- Our facility features 15,000 sq. ft. of K9Grass outdoor play areas
- We offer customized care plans for senior dogs and special needs pets
What people say
Friendly staff
Effective training
Clean facilities
Special needs care
Reliable service
Services
Dog Daycare
Our dog daycare provides structured socialization and exercise in a safe environment. Dogs enjoy 29,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor play areas with climate control and 24/7 supervision. We group dogs by size and temperament for optimal interaction while monitoring behavior to ensure safety. The program includes scheduled playtimes, rest periods, and individualized attention for special needs pets.
Dog Boarding
Our boarding service offers comfortable accommodations with daily playtime and personalized care. Choose from standard or deluxe 4x6 ft kennels with soft bedding and elevated cots. Boarded dogs receive mid-day rest periods, scheduled meals, and medication administration. The facility maintains security cameras and 24/7 staff presence while providing access to outdoor play areas and special bedtime treats.
Dog Training
We offer comprehensive training programs from basic obedience to advanced agility work. Certified trainers use positive reinforcement methods in group classes and private sessions. Specialized programs address leash reactivity, separation anxiety, and socialization needs while boarding-and-training packages provide intensive skill development. All programs emphasize owner education and communication techniques.
Dog Grooming
Professional grooming services include bathing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and coat maintenance. Our groomers handle all breeds with de-shedding treatments and sanitary trims. Additional services like teeth brushing and anal gland expression promote overall wellness. We use quality shampoos and conditioning treatments while providing brushing guidance for at-home care.
Dog Shuttle
Our transportation service provides convenient pick-up and drop-off for daycare and boarding clients. The shuttle operates on scheduled times with additional fees for early/late service. Drivers coordinate with clients to ensure smooth transitions while maintaining safety protocols during transport. This service accommodates busy schedules with flexible timing options.
People
Ruby Madrigal
Owner
Founder with over 30 years in dog care, established K9 University Chicago in 1992. Developed specialized programs for all dog temperaments while maintaining high safety standards. Recognized with Illinois Rising Star Award in 2019 for business excellence.
Pablo Maldonado
Dog Trainer
Specializes in obedience training and behavior modification with focus on high-energy breeds. Offers Spanish-language training programs and develops customized approaches for individual dogs. Leads group classes and boarding training camps with emphasis on positive reinforcement techniques.
Jonathan Polich
Lead Dog Trainer
Certified trainer with 10 years of Chicago dog training experience. Focuses on communication techniques and behavior modification using positive reinforcement. Addresses puppy training, obedience issues, and socialization challenges while emphasizing humane training methods.
Questions
What services does K9 University Chicago offer?
We provide dog daycare, boarding, training, grooming, and transportation services in a 29,000 sq. ft. facility with 24/7 supervision.
Are all dogs welcome at your facility?
Yes, we accept all breeds and temperaments with specialized programs for reactive dogs and special needs pets.
Do you require vaccinations for your services?
Yes, we require Distemper, Parvo, Rabies, Bordatella, H3N2, Lepto vaccinations and up-to-date fecal testing.
What are your operating hours?
Monday-Friday 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Saturday-Sunday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM with 24/7 staff supervision.
Do you offer transportation services?
Yes, we provide pick-up and drop-off services with additional fees for early/late transportation outside regular hours.
What makes your facility unique?
We feature 15,000 sq. ft. of K9Grass outdoor play areas, climate-controlled indoor spaces, and specialized programs for senior dogs.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Linda Maxwell
May 30, 2022
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I absolutely love this place. My dog is huge and has behavioral issues. The team here has managed him very well and progresses him at a good pace for his disposition. I appreciate the Report Cards letting me know how he is doing and I appreciate the continued efforts to give him a bath. They are just so great and I'm happy to have them caring for my beast baby.
Sandy O.
May 29, 2022
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I've been bringing all of my dogs to K9U for 10 years. I cannot say enough about the compassion and care they show my dogs, as well as the service they provide to their clients. They have always been accommodating of changes/last minute requests and go above and beyond to help whenever I need it. I highly recommend Ruby and her team - I wouldn't trust my "babies" to anyone else!
Patricia McMillen
May 26, 2022
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I just started a leash reactivity class and so far so good. No frills, in a not great part of the city, but the desk staff and instructor were helpful, friendly and kind, and my pup & I learned a lot in our first hour. It's a class of two and an excellent instructor, so I'm very happy with my decision so far! (Also exhausted, and a little dizzy after working on the "heel" command for most of the hour!)
Jason Prinzo
May 21, 2022
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I've been taking my dogs to K9 for close to 10 years now. I can't imagine taking my dogs anywhere else. The staff couldn't be friendlier or more helpful. You can tell that everyone truly love dogs and aren' t just there to work. As soon as my dogs recognize the area they get really excited and basically pull me inside the doors. That alone really puts me at ease knowing they love being there so much. Couldn't recommend K9 enough!
Lauren Green
May 12, 2022
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My dog Charlie has been here several times and he's always so excited as soon as he sees the building. The staff greet him by name which I think is sweet. I've used their daycare, boarding and grooming services. Though I think communication could be better in regards to grooming I always love how Charlie looks when he's done. The facility always seems clean which I like to see. Best of all Charlie is happy and sleepy when he comes home after a long day of play. Not every facility fits everyone but K9 University works for us.
Christine M.
Apr 29, 2022
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I sent my dog to daycare a few times before I knew I would have to board him. He came back a little shaky each time, mainly I chalked up to the barking in the ran and just being overwhelmed. I sent him to the 10 day board and train. When I went to pick him up, they told me he had 2 extra days since they lost power for 48 hours - but no one had alerted me during that time. They claimed he was the "model dog" for the other dogs during their sessions, yet it seems they worked on no issues we had previously discussed.
I later went back for a free private session that I was owed (6 months later because no one would get back to me) and my dog shuddered the whole time. I even watched another dog come in for boarding and immediately put in the back in the crate. To this day, if we see the K9 van when on a walk, my dog will curl up with tail between his legs and essentially try to go invisible and get as far away as possible. Bad vibes that I even saw for myself.
I later went back for a free private session that I was owed (6 months later because no one would get back to me) and my dog shuddered the whole time. I even watched another dog come in for boarding and immediately put in the back in the crate. To this day, if we see the K9 van when on a walk, my dog will curl up with tail between his legs and essentially try to go invisible and get as far away as possible. Bad vibes that I even saw for myself.
Paula Burba
Apr 24, 2022
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I send both my of my dogs for daycare 5 days a week. I also sent my younger one to overnight training for 14 nights. I have zero complaints about k9U. They are extremely accommodating and personable. They send me respond card frequently (here are some attached!). They are able to accommodate my dog who likes being alone as well as my dog who is social. They get in the car and nap the whole way home, one of my dogs even lost 14 pounds since starting daycare! Her health has improved immensely. Thank you all at K9U!
