We sent our little one here starting at 5 months and she loved it! I was always convinced she love the people more than the dogs most days because they loved her so much. Her socialization skills improved greatly and have gotten to the point that we don't worry about her being the problem child at the park. Fernando is great with communication (email, text, call) and always understanding. His team members would handle Penny so well and gently so I never had any concern. The facility isn't super big but it's located in a good place and they make good use of both the outside and inside spaces for the dogs year-round. They don't have cameras but they post to their Instagram page almost daily. Pricing is very fair compared to other daycares and there are flexible options in terms of days/drop-ins/transportation. We recommend Bark and Play, especially for the puppies out there that need socialization with other pups early on. read more

Absolutely incredible daycare for dogs!!! I recently started sending my 4 year old Australian Shepherd, Otis, to Bark and Play and he loves it!! Fernando and his team are the BEST and it is evident that they truly care about all their clients. I feel so comfortable knowing Otis is in good hands with people who truly care. A friend referred me to Bark and Play and I am so grateful that she did!! Best doggie daycare in the city hands down!! read more

We sent our ~4 year old half German Shepherd, half Husky pup, Wrigley, to Bark and Play for over a year! She went to daycare weekly + stayed with Fernando for boarding several times. Wrigley was also SO excited to see Fernando during pick up & always came home wagging her tail. Fernando was also super communicative with pickup & drop-off and absolutely saved us on a last minute boarding request during an emergency. We always knew she was safe and comfortable - we never had any worries leaving her with Fernando! The shuttle service is super convenient & the entire team was always so friendly. We spent quite a while trying to find a great place to send Wrigley and we're so glad we found Bark and Play! Highly recommend them & would say they're the best in Chicago! read more

Fernando is a great communicator, incredibly timely and reliable when picking up our golden shepherd Arya in the shuttle service 3 times a week, and is easy to get in touch with when we need to board her or have unexpected changes in our plans. Arya always has a pep in her step when she's back from daycare and her socialization skills have greatly improved. We also greatly enjoy the almost daily instagram posts to see how Arya is enjoying her day. We can't recommend Fernando and Bark and Play enough! read more

Look no further for the best doggy daycare around. Our pup Tyler has been going to Bark and Play for about a year now (he's a 1.5 year old golden retriever) and absolutely loves it! Fernando and his team take such amazing care of the pups and know each and every one so well. No daycare offers more personalized attention. Tyler comes home pooped and he starts charging towards Bark and Play any time we get near it because he wants to go so badly. They also offer boarding but restrict this only to dogs they know so you can be extra confident that your pup is safe and among friends. No crates and plenty of playtime ensure that they get lots of exercise. It's clean and we've never had an issue with Tyler coming home smelly (this has happened at a different daycare). Finally, prices are super reasonable and the location is great! We absolutely love Bark and Play and could not be more grateful that we found it. Highly recommend! read more

Highly recommend! Our dog Molly is 6 years old and we wanted more opportunities for her to social and exercise, so we started taking her to Bark and Play a few months ago. I'm so happy we did. She is the happiest girl whenever Fernando or his lovely team opens the gate to greet her upon drop-off, and clearly happy from a great day when she is picked up. I've noticed a clear improvement on her overall well-being since bringing her here. Thank you Bark and Play for taking great care of our sweet Molly girl! read more

We've been sending our almost 1 year old pup to Bark and Play for about 6 months now and we've had a great experience! Her socialization skills and confidence have improved so much since getting quality time with her "pack" at daycare. We love using the shuttle service- super convenient! And our pup gets so excited every time they pull up to get her and is happily exhausted every time she comes home. Fernando is very flexible and reliable, highly recommend entrusting him with your pup! read more

If you are looking for an excellent dog care provider, look no further. Bark and play is the best. Hugo the Great Dane loves Bark and Play! He comes home happy and tired after his time there. Fernando and the team are amazing and treat Hugo as a part of the family. All of the services they provide, and we've tried them all, are excellent. I know I can depend on the team to watch over Hugo while he plays with his pals. read more

Bark and Play - Hugo the Great Dane. - Dog Walkers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We love Bark and Play! Our Tux has been going for about a year and a half now and he absolutely LOVES it. He is just a crazy ball of energy and we needed a sustainable solution to help get all that excess energy out when we're at work - thank goodness we found Bark and Play! Convenient - The fact that they do pickup and drop-off is really clutch. We both have busy mornings and it's great to not have to worry about getting Tux to daycare. He's so happy and excited every time they come to pick him up! Plus, he has a few other doggie friends in our building who go to Bark and Play as well so it's an extra bonus that he gets to play with them during the day! Seamless - Fernando and his team are really communicative and responsive. If we needed them to keep an extra eye out on Tux during the day for whatever reason, they made sure to do that and reported back in a timely fashion. If we needed to reschedule or to add an extra day, the team always made sure to respond right away! Effective! - Whenever Tux comes home from Bark and Play, he is exhausted from running around all day which is awesome :). And we trust Fernando and his team completely with Tux - it's obvious how much they love dogs and how much care they give to them which is reflected in how comfortable and excited Tux is whenever they come to pick him up. We've tried a number of different doggie daycare options before Bark and Play but always had some issues here and there. With Bark and Play, it's been so amazing and we're so grateful for what they do. I'm sure Tux would agree! Would highly recommend!! P.S. follow them on IG @barkandplaychicago for endless cuteness read more

Before we moved out of state I would send my blue heeler here to blow off some of her energy. She would come home happy and tired! The staff was super friendly to her and the shuttle service is super convenient! read more

The best day care for dogs! We adopted our furry baby in September and we quickly learned that he's extremely energetic and needs a lot of exercise. Someone in our building recommended us bark and play and we gave it a try. Fernando and his team have been amazing to say the least! They pick up and bring back our dog every day at the same.time. Our dog always come back súper happy and very exhausted. His behavior has also gotten a lot better and it's easier to train him now. We have also used other services that B&P offer like showers and hotel. B&P is everything you need! They are very responsive, trustworthy and fun! Both my husband and I work full time, having a reliable daycare that makes our lives so much easier is amazing. read more

I love Bark and Play! More importantly, my pup LOVES Bark and Play! We have two dogs, one is 9 years old and comfortable with lounging, a few ball tosses in the park and a leisurely walk around the neighborhood. The other - a one year old Pointer / Lab / Husky mix - is HIGH ENERGY! I work from home, and enjoy taking breaks with the pups, but it became apparent that she needed more exercise than I could give her during the day... and that her dog brother could tolerate. ;) I looked around for doggie daycares, but since I am home, it felt like it didn't make sense to take her somewhere where she would be in a crate during the day. And my objective was to get her socialization AND exercise! I came across Bark and Play and it seemed like exactly what we needed... really good reviews and LOTS of play time! All that said I couldn't be happier with our experience at Bark and Play! Given she is always with me, she was a bit hesitant on her first couple visits. Now, she can't wait to go to Bark and Play! And better yet, she comes home exhausted each night. Also, she was always okay with most dogs we met, but now she is 'Miss Congeniality', wanting to say 'hi' to every dog we meet on the street. On top of it, the entire team at Bark and Play is outstanding... they are thoughtful, friendly and it is evident that they really care about the dogs and love what they do! read more

Bark & Play and Fernando are beyond what I ever could have expected out of a dog daycare service. They are the absolute best and are SO loving to each and every dog that comes through their doors. I was referred to Bark & Play by a co-worker after discussing my long work hours and my super hyper 1 1/2 yr old pup sitting at home by himself. I contacted Fernando and he came by and met my pup, Swayze. Fernando instantly "clicked" with Swayze and I felt very comfortable setting up his daycare routine. The pick-up and drop-off service is awesome. You always know what to expect - the same driver (JD - she's great, too!), and the same time of day. My dog is pretty anxious in the car but he has calmed down a lot recently and I think it is because of his trips to daycare. A few weeks ago, I asked to see Bark & Play and get a little tour of the facility. Fernando met me at a time that was convenient with my schedule which I appreciated. The daycare is organized, spotless, and has indoor and outdoor areas. There are a few different sections and dogs are placed based on their size/temperament. It was also great to see Fernando interact with the dogs. He has definitely taught my pup a few things. I could not ask for a better dog daycare. They go above and beyond to make sure my dog is happy and healthy & each day I come home to an exhausted pooch which makes me happy, too. They also are active on Facebook and Instagram which is fun for me to see throughout my day. They have other services like dog baths, walks, etc. that I haven't used yet but I'm sure I will soon! read more

Bark and Play - Love checking their Instagram and seeing what my pup is up to while I'm at work! - Dog Walkers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Bark and Play in amazing! We have been sending our 3 year old Australian Shepard there for about a year now. All of the staff are very friendly, professional and experienced with all types of dogs. Fernando (the owner) is incredibly nice, accommodating and helpful. Our dog knows and trusts him, which says a lot! We couldn't be happier with our experience and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for daycare services for their dog. read more

LOVE. THIS. PLACE. My pup is treated with such love and kindness here. He comes home so happy and tired from playing so happily all day long. And I love how they post throughout the day on Instagram of the pups playing. And pick-up and drop-off included??? AMAZING. By now my pup recognizes the van when it pulls up and he RUNS to the door with excitement. I'm so happy to have found such a great daycare for my baby. read more

Definitely recommend Bark and Play. I started taking my now 6-month puppy about a month ago, unsure how it would work out as she hadn't had much exposure to other dogs. She now goes twice a week and is wagging her tail each time she goes in. Super flexible, convenient and reasonably priced. read more

We absolutely love Bark & Play for our mini goldendoodle! She goes there for daycare a few times a week and has been going for over a year. She gets so excited to spend time with her friends (human and four-legged friends) and she is always tuckered out after a full day of play. Fernando and his team are all so caring and I trust she is in great hands. It's also fun to see pictures of her playing with her friends on Instagram during the day! Thank you Bark & Play for taking great care of our Hazelnut!!! You are the best! read more

Bark and Play is a great daycare for dogs. I use the drop-in option rather than their transportation service. Their service is terrific and Fernando and his team are all good people. My Australian Shepherd is very high energy and always comes home (thankfully) tired. They take great care of him. Highly recommended! read more

I have only the best things to say about Bark and Play! My dog Theo has been going to daycare for a year and he always comes home happy and tired. Getting on-boarded was so easy. Fernando and team are great to work with for scheduling and payment, and communication is so quick. I never worry about sending my dog off to play for the day. I also love seeing pics of him having fun on their Instagram! read more

If you are looking for a dog day care or boarding contact Bark and Play! Milo and I met Fernando in July 2013. I could tell from the beginning that Fernando genuinely cared about Milo and his well being. Fernando is the best! If I am having a bad day and I know Milo is at Bark and Play I'll ask for a picture update and seeing my boy so happy puts me in a better mood. A while back Milo wasn't eating his food regularly and Fernando noticed and asked me if he was doing okay because he noticed he wasn't eating. They also let me know when he's shaking his head, with his hound ears he gets a lot of ear infections, the genuine care they have for Milo is beyond what I would have ever expected. I couldn't ask for a better place to watch him. They pick him up from my apartment and drop him off. He is always so excited to go to day care, I think he knows which days are daycare days too. He is always jumping at the door ready to go! I know while he is there he is well taken care of. Unlike many other doggy day cares Milo spends the entire day running around, not in a crate! In the summer the doggy pools and hoses come out to keep the dogs cool. Knowing I will have a sleepy tired dog dropped off makes me happy. Fernando is always accommodating to us. With my crazy schedule with enough notice I'm able to make sure Milo is at Bark and Play on a day where I'm gone longer than usual. There is a chance Milo loves the Bark and Play team more than me, but I refuse to believe it. :) I am more than grateful for Fernando and his family. I cannot say enough good things about them and I would recommend Fernando and Bark and Play to anyone looking for a safe, clean and fun place for their dog! read more

My 10 year old dog Bitsy absolutely loves Fernando and his team. She's kind of a brat to new people sometimes but whenever I see her get near Fernando she lights up and runs to him - she barely does that when I come home from vacation! We've taken advantage of their Friday baths which is a great service - always nice to come home to a fresh smelling dog after a long week. Also, getting regular cute photo updates while I'm at work is the best. She always looks super happy and plays with other dogs. I would recommend this service to anyone with a dog best friend who has to leave during the day for work. Especially not owning a car to be able to take her to daycare myself, Bark & Play has been wonderful! read more

Blanton, our one year old boxador mix, loves coming to Bark and Play to hang out with his friends! Fernando, Steph and the rest of the staff have been so great with Blanton and he loves going. All the pictures that he is tagged in at daycare show that he has the biggest smile on his face and comes home so happy. Bark and Play has really worked for our schedule and pick up/drop off has gone very smoothly. We know that @blantontheboxador is always in good hands when he is there. read more

I was referred to Bark and Play by a fellow new rescue dog owner and I have to say, it was the most natural fit ever! The owner, Fernando, is very considerate; he takes time to answer any sort of questions a neurotic first time dog mommy may have :) and even posts pictures to Instagram multiple times a day of all of the dogs having the time of their lives in their indoor/outdoor space! BEST PERK EVER: complimentary pick-up and drop-off service. It's amazing. The dogs have non-stop play from 10-3PM, so by the time I leave work, absolutely exhausted, I come home to find my dog feeling the same way. Fernando and his staff are truly passionate and connected with dogs, and Fernando is very tuned in to the personalities of each of his furry clients. I fully trust him with my dog's well-being, and that's coming from a pretty discerning dog mom! read more

Bark and Play has been the best money I've spent. My 2 year old lab Winston is a very social guy and this offers the socialization he loves and needs. The building is so clean and very secure so I never worry about him while he's there. Everyone on the Bark and Play team is extremely friendly and clearly love all of the dogs that go there! read more

Bark and Play is AMAZING! Our boxer mix pup, Theo, has been going there 4 days a week since we moved to the Bucktown area 6 months ago. He absolutely loves it and it allows him to get all of his puppy energy out. I previously used another daycare in our old neighborhood and while we loved the trainer there, he got kennel cough/flu twice within a few months and came home over-exhausted every day. When we were initially trying to choose between the 20+ options in the area - Fernando responded immediately and set up a time to come by and meet Theo that weekend. Bark and Play offers a complimentary pick up/drop off service which is one of my favorite parts. I don't have to worry about dropping him off somewhere and then rushing to get him after work. They pick him up around 9am and they drop him off in the afternoon. I come home to a sleepy puppy every day! Also, they are extremely professional. They lock all the doors and handle the dogs with great care. Theo's tail starts going crazy when he sees his "school bus" pull up. Fernando also posts tons of pics on Instagram and Facebook which is great! Bonus: when we go out of town - Fernando will actually take Theo to his home and keep him while we are gone. This is a huge weight off my shoulders as I don't have to worry about my baby while I am on vacation. I know he is in great hands and having a blast with all of his friends. If you live in the area and are looking for a Doggie Daycare - you should absolutely check out Bark And Play! read more

The staff at Bark and Play are amazing!!! They watch my dog 5 days a week and take such good care of her. They understand that she is a part of my family and treat her very well!!!! She loves going and is always exhausted afterwards. I wouldn't trust her with anyone else! They are amazing! read more

Bark and Play - Emma - Dog Walkers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have nothing but amazing things to say about Fernando and the Bark and Play team. Our puppy Franklin has been going to daycare with Bark and Play since he was 5 months old and it's so clear that he loves it. He gets so excited when he sees the van! The pick up and drop off is extremely convenient and we love stalking their Instagram account to see pics of all the dogs including Franklin, daily. Fernando is extremely easy to reach and great to work with, he really cares about all of the dogs, as if they were his own. We'd trust no one else to take care of care of our spunky, high energy, little guy. Their boarding services are wonderful was well! Thanks Bark and Play! read more

Bark and Play - Waiting for the Bark and Play van! - Dog Walkers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We love Bark and Play! Fernando and his team are the best. My dog goes to daycare and we are out of town a lot so she also does boarding. She loves Fernando so much, it's really cute to see her get excited when he comes to pick her up. Bark and Play is her second family. My husband and I have only had our dog for a little over 8 months, and so we've had a lot of questions, and Fernando has been incredibly helpful in answering all of the questions we've had. I would recommend Bark and Play to anyone (and I do). They are truly awesome. read more

Bark and Play is GREAT! Our golden retriever, Clare, has been going here since she was a pup (almost 2 years now). She gets picked up and dropped off around the same time everyday, which is fantastic for planning purposes. She comes home happy, exercised and tired after her days at Bark and Play. Not only is Bark and Play affordable for daycare (which includes pick up and drop off), but they are also affordable for boarding. I had no worries while Clare stayed with them for a long weekend. She actually jumped out of the car and was excited to go with Fernando when she saw him (I was amazed as she ALWAYS wants to stay with me)! I felt good knowing she was excited to be there if she could not be with us. Fernando is responsive and very understanding about any changes or questions you may have about your pup or the schedule. I can't say enough about how great this place is and how good it is to know that your dog is well taken care of while you are gone- for an afternoon or a weekend. Also, they post pics of the dogs playing, which is always a fun thing to look at during the day! read more

Our little Wrigley has been going to Bark and Play since we brought him home. Wrigley was so scared of other dogs, but after a few weeks at Bark and Play, he became socialized quickly. He is so eager to play with all different types of dogs now. Fernando is easy to get in touch with, and is always happy to board Wrigley if we are going out of town. We are so happy our Wrigley has a fun and safe place to play while we are at work. We definitely recommended Bark and Play, especially to new dog owners like ourselves. read more

We can not recommend Bark and Play enough. Our rescue pup Ellie has been going to Bark and Play for the past 6 months and loves every single day. When the team comes to pick her up in the morning, she runs to the door and is excited to see both her human and dog friends. When she comes home she is happy and tired. Having recently turned 1 year old, Bark and Play has been a big part of our dogs development. She has gotten calmer at home, better at meeting dogs on walks, and listening to us. This is in large part to the supervised play and socializing at Bark and Play. Fernando, the owner, and his whole team are terrific, easy to contact, helpful, and most of all caring. Can't imagine having a dog in the city without the team at Bark and Play. read more

Bark and Play has been our Golden Retriever, Ripley's favorite weekly activity for the last six months. He impatiently waits to be picked up in their sleek vans to meet his fellow dog friends for a day of fun and play. When the day is over, he comes home with the biggest smile and wagging tail. Fernando, Bark and Play's wonderful owner, took the time to come to our home and meet with us before Ripley's first day, answered all our questions and also provided a tour of their impressive facilities. We immediately felt at ease knowing our dog would be spending time with such a caring and attentive team. Fernando also provides an excellent dog sitting service where Ripely feels entirely comfortable which puts us at ease when we have to leave him overnight or longer. They are flexible, extremely responsive and responsible. We have been so lucky to find such a terrific place at Bark and Play. We couldn't be happier, neither could Ripley! read more

Can't say enough good things about this place. My pup has been going here for 3+ years. They are FAMILY. Really. I wouldn't trust anyone else. Any time the have expanded they have added a great team member. Fernando, the owner, he is so good he--puts caesar Milan to shame! I'm still hoping he can give me some pointers as he's able to get my dog to be more obedient than I. ;) my dog does daycare here and what I love is that they do indoor/outdoor. Was especially important to me when he was young as he was so stubborn to potty train--very helpful! They are also my go To For boarding--again. Family. Can't say enough good things and they post pics occasionally to Instagram (or on demand when boarding). Makes traveling for fun or work way less stressful. read more

If we could give Bark and Play 10 stars we would! Our dog Molly loves going to day care and even though she's a highly energetic dog, she comes home tired. Fernando and his staff are caring, generous people who obviously love dogs and their work. Molly has also boarded with Fernando several times and again, comes home happy and relaxed. This not a doggie day care factory! Bark and Play knows and cares for each dog and its owner on a personal basis -- much more service oriented than other places we've tried. You can't go wrong leaving your pup here. Also love the Instagram photos. read more

We have been using Bark and Play for the better part of a year and have loved it. Fernando is very responsive, and our pup always comes home tired from a good day of playing. read more

Bark and Play is Fantastic! My German Shepherd, Haru, has been with Fernando for about a year and half and she always looks forward to the mornings he comes to pick her up. Fernando and Bark and Play have been so great in helping Haru become a confident happy and well socialized dog. Every time she comes home she has a big grin on her face she prances around the house for a few minutes and then immediately falls asleep for her afternoon nap until we are ready to go out on our evening walk and play. A tired dog is a happy dog and that's a great gift that Bark and Play gives me every week! I would highly recommend this service to anyone who wants a trustworthy, reliable and caring group of people that they can trust their furry best friend with. PLUS the pick up and drop off is amazing!!!!!!!!! read more

Unfortunately I'm not impressed. Scheduled a 1/2 day of doggy daycare for my 3 1/2 month old puppy, "trial day". Fernando assured me that Bark n Play has plenty of young puppies attending and are kept in a separate play area from large/older dogs. I dropped my fur baby off at 815am..I didn't see any dogs at all, maybe they were hiding. The play room "former garage" is divided by a metal fence (small dogs vs big dogs". I would not have the dogs placed so close together as lots of large dogs(which were present at pick-up around 1pm) can be terribly frightening to small dogs and puppies - they should be in a separate room all together. When I dropped my fur baby off the handler said "we'll send lots of pictures during the day". Well, it's now 5pm and I haven't received anything. Plus at pick-up, a young man turned over a somewhat scared looking puppy then asked if I had any questions (blank f**kin stare). No report card, feedback ..nothing. Ugh read more

I love Bark and Play! Fernando and the gang are fantastic...Very responsive and responsible and you notice they take really good care of our dog....Can't recommend Bark and Play enough....! read more

I had the opportunity to visit Bark and Play today. Having experience with dog walkers as well as doggy day cares....this is the blue ribbon, first place, in all categories. The most apparent and transparent reasons are the owner (s) and staff on-site, addressing the dogs, (and there were a great number of them) by name, as they would a member of their family. Having been at large five star facilities as well as smaller, highly rated neighborhood, mom and pop, I haven't experienced/witnessed this most basic common sense...the dogs come first, and each one as an individual dog. It is as good as pre-school....the teacher knows your "child's" name, whether they have a sniffle, or weren't their usual personality. Plus?!?! Pick up and drop off!?!! Kudos to devoted owners who love what they do, and it shows. read more

We LOVE Bark and Play! Our family moved from Seattle to Chicago last winter, and while it was a big transition for all of us, our 5-ish year old rescue, Jazzie, had the hardest adjustment of all. Besides having severe separation anxiety, Jazzie is also extremely leash reactive (barking, lunging, etc.), which makes walks...ummm...interesting. We absolutely loved our doggy daycare in Seattle and needed to find a place that was comfortable and experienced in dealing with her issues. Enter Fernando and team. Within hours of sending an email to Bark & Play requesting more information, Fernando called me, and we talked through Jazzie's behavior challenges. He came over the next day to meet Jazzie and ensure it was a good fit on both sides, and the rest is history. Jazzie began attending 3 days a week for a couple months, but after seeing how much calmer and less stressed she was after coming home from daycare, we decided to increase to 5 days a week. She is now a happy, exhausted pup, and we couldn't be happier. The Bark and Play team has also been so accommodating with all of life's challenges - from us moving to a new neighborhood, to helping with medications, to offering daily walks when Jazzie was too under the weather to attend daycare. They are such caring, attentive, and responsible people, and I love that they treat Jazzie as one of their own. Finally, the pick-up/drop-off service is FANTASTIC!! What a time saver. Jazzie races to the door as soon as she hears the key in the lock, then happily trots out to the doggy van to meet her friends - while on leash. Unbelievable. Thank you, Bark and Play! read more