Care • Connection • Community
The Dojo Lifestyle
At The Doggy Dojo, we believe dogs thrive when they feel safe, understood, and respected. Our lifestyle-centered approach creates an environment where pups and people can grow together in balance, trust, and joyful connection.
A Mindful Approach to Care, Connection, and Community
The Dojo Lifestyle is rooted in kindness, compassion, and love. It’s the foundation of how we care for dogs, support our team, and build relationships with our community. Every interaction—whether during play, rest, grooming, or overnight care—is guided by patience, empathy, and intention.
6,000 sq ft of spacious indoor & outdoor play areas,
giving pups plenty of room to move, explore, and socialize
Fully climate-controlled indoor space
with safe, secure outdoor access for year-round comfort in any weather
Immaculately cleaned play surfaces
with dedicated rest & enrichment zones to support both fun and relaxation
Care That Goes Beyond the Basics
The Dojo Lifestyle isn’t just about services—it’s about how those services are delivered. We focus on:
Gentle handling and calm communication
Thoughtful structure without rigidity
Respect for each dog’s personality and pace
Emotional well-being alongside physical care
This mindful approach helps dogs feel confident, settled, and supported throughout their day.
What Crate-Free Daycare Means at the Dojo
Instead of spending time locked in kennels, dogs at the Dojo move naturally between play, enrichment, and calm recovery—supporting both mental and physical well-being.
Open, Supervised Play
Your dog enjoys guided social time in a fully supervised environment, ensuring safe, positive interactions with every session.
Freedom of Movement
Crate-free means your pup can move naturally between play and rest—never confined, always comfortable and engaged.
Structured Rest & Balanced Energy
Through intentional rest periods and calm recovery time, we help maintain healthy energy levels and emotional balance throughout the day.
Important Note.
To maintain a safe and healthy environment for all pups in our care, the following requirements apply to daycare, boarding, and grooming services at The Doggy Dojo.
Vaccinations
All dogs must be current on the following vaccinations:
Rabies
Distemper / DHPP
Bordetella
Canine Influenza (H3N2/H3N8)
Fecal Testing
A negative fecal test is required every 12 months. Results must be provided by a licensed veterinarian.
Spay / Neuter
All dogs must be spayed or neutered.
Temperament
Dogs must be comfortable in a group play environment and display friendly, social behavior toward both people and other dogs. A temperament evaluation is required prior to enrollment.
Age & Health
Dogs must be at least 4 months old
Puppies must be current on age-appropriate vaccinations
Dogs must be free of contagious illness and parasites
Dogs showing signs of illness may be sent home.
Enrollment
Completed enrollment paperwork, signed waivers, and current vaccination and fecal records are required before participation.
We’re always here
To make sure your pup receives the same love, care, and attention from our family as it does from yours.
FAQ
What is The Doggy Dojo?
Dojo is our signature crate-free dog daycare in Chicago, designed for dogs who thrive on movement, connection, and structured social interaction. Your dog enjoys a fun, clean, safe, and loving environment where they can play, relax, and socialize freely—without ever being confined to a crate.
How large is your daycare space and is it climate controlled?
Our facility features 6,000 square feet of combined indoor and outdoor play space, with fully climate-controlled indoor areas and safe, secure outdoor access—so your dog stays comfortable and active in every season.
How do you group dogs during daycare?
Dogs are carefully grouped by size, temperament, energy level, and play style, and we always try to place pups with their besties. This thoughtful approach creates safer interactions, reduces stress, and supports healthy socialization.
What does “crate-free daycare” mean at Dojo?
Crate-free daycare means your dog enjoys open, supervised play, freedom of movement, and structured rest without confinement, creating balanced energy and supporting both mental and physical well-being.
What are the requirements to join Dojo?
All dogs must complete a meet & greet temperament evaluation and be up to date on Rabies, DHPP, Bordetella, and Canine Influenza (H3N2/H3N8), spayed and/or neutered. We proudly serve dog parents throughout Chicago and surrounding neighborhoods, with Daycare + Transport available in select areas.