About Us
Our Mission
Founded in 2010 by lifelong friends Oscar Cruz and Carlos Zambrano, the Doggy Dojo is built on a simple belief: be better than we were yesterday. We’re always improving—not to compete with others, but to give our pups, customers, and team the best experience possible.
Every day at the Dojo is full of care, connection, and creativity. Whether it’s fun new ideas, better communication, or small thoughtful touches, we’re always working to bring more joy to our community.
Success to us isn’t just business—it’s the well-being of every dog, owner, and team member who walks through our doors. When you choose the Dojo, you’re supporting passionate people who love what they do: offering exceptional, personalized care.
Crate-Free, Thoughtful Care
We believe dogs thrive with freedom, structure, and trust—not confinement. Our crate-free approach allows pups to move naturally, rest comfortably, and socialize safely in an environment designed around their well-being.
Always Improving, Always Caring
Founded on the belief of being better than we were yesterday, we’re constantly refining how we care—for dogs, clients, and our team. From small thoughtful touches to better communication, growth is part of everything we do.
A Team That Truly Loves What They Do
When you choose The Doggy Dojo, you’re choosing passionate people who treat every dog like their own. Our team leads with kindness, patience, and creativity, delivering personalized care that supports happier dogs and confident pet parents.
The Dojo Way
At The Doggy Dojo, we believe great dog care goes beyond routines and services. It’s about showing up each day with patience, compassion, and a genuine love for what we do. Our approach is rooted in kindness and respect—for dogs, people, and the community we serve.
Every interaction reflects this philosophy, whether it’s during daycare, overnights, grooming, play sessions, or transport. We focus on creating an environment where dogs feel safe and understood, and where pet parents feel confident and supported.
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Founded in 2010
Serving Chicago dogs and their people for over a decade.
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Crate-Free Care
Daycare and overnights designed around freedom, comfort, and balance.
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Sq Ft Indoor & Outdoor Space
Room to play, rest, and recharge year-round.
Human-Supervised Overnights
A team member stays on-site for calm, safe sleepovers.
We’re always here
To make sure your pet receives the same love, care, and attention from our family as it does from yours.
- Testimonials
Real stories from satisfied dogs.
Beans Mom
Oscar and the crew at Doggy Dojo are as good as it gets! We recently adopted a rescue dog and we were a little nervous about how she'd do at doggy day care. SHE LOVES IT and we love it. The DD team is flexible, considerate, professional and super knowledgeable on dog-related matters. DD is always willing to accommodate our erratic schedule and pick up/drop off our pup every time!
Oshie's Mom
If we could give Doggy Dojo 10/10 stars, we would. Our dog Oshie was been going to daycare with them for over two years. He is always happy when we turn onto Belmont and he knows where he is going. Everyone at Doggy Dojo really cares about the pups. At Dojo, you can tell the employees know the dogs personalities and they facilitate a day with them where the pups who want to play get to play...
Levi's Mom
The staff is amazing and everyone I talk to is informative, friendly and caring. Oscar goes above and beyond to make you and your dog feel comfortable, safe and ensure they are having fun. It's the best when you see pictures online of your dog and their new dog bff. This company truly cares about dogs I can't imagine getting through life with a super playful lab puppy without Dojo.
