We've been taking our dog Piper to Julie for 10 years, both for daycare and boarding. Piper loves it at Julie's and we are happy to know that she is safe and well cared for, especially when we go out of town for extended periods of time. Julie has always readily accommodated any of Piper's special food or medicine needs, which is important as she has aged. You can't go wrong with The Village Dog! read more

The Village Dog - Piper! - Pet Boarding Near Me - Wilmette, Illinois

Our beagle Lucy has been visiting the Village Dog for years, usually for boarding when we go out of town on vacation. She loves it and we consider it a "home away from home". Julie and staff are so caring for the dogs and treat them like their own. We are so lucky to have the Village Dog nearby and it's nice when we're 1,000 miles away to know that Lucy is in great hands! We wouldn't consider leaving Lucy with anyone else. read more

I have a 170 pound St Bernard and Ruby is a frequent boarder at the Village Dog staying for a week plus at a time, as well as often just for the day for day care. The facilities are amazing and Ruby has been well-cared for, and she loves playing with all the dogs-large and small. We will continue to use the Village Dog and highly recommend it to others. read more

Julie has created a loving environment for the dogs under her care. My 4-legged nephew's mommy swears by The Village Dog and when I am in town sitting him, I see how much he has enjoyed his day with his schoolmates! The first time taking my doggie nephew to daycare, we stopped for a light on Green Bay Road and turning to check on him in the back seat, he was standing up and smiling, tongue out and wagging his tail as he apparently recognized where we were and where we were going! :) Nephew's mommy reported a great first experience with boarding a couple of weeks ago, when I was unable to fly to Chicago for a few days to sit. During drop-offs or pick-ups, other pet parents tell us of how pleased they are to have Julie in charge of their cherished dogs. Fantastic job, Julie! :) P.S.: A look at Google Maps will show that The Village Dog is in the middle of commercial properties and a Lutheran Church on three sides, and the public library across the street. I once lived on the SE corner of Park & Wilmette (545), and it would be really hard to hear anything from The Village Dog in that location! read more

I have two furry friends, a Corgi named Jack and a Doodle named Luna. We've been taking both of them to spend time with Julie at the Village Dog for years now, ever since Luna was a young pup and Jack as a rescue a few years later. They both get so excited when we pull up to the front door - they know they're about to have a blast with all their furry friends. Julie and her team are absolutely amazing with all the dogs, making sure they all have a great time and are well-cared for. The cage-free care and attention provided by the Village Dog is just fantastic. It's like one big play time for all the friendly K9 guests. I love that my dogs can enjoy such a tremendously fun and safe place to stay when we're out of town or when they just need a fun day out with their buds. We feel lucky to have such a special place in our community that takes such great care of our beloved furry family members. Thank you, Julie and the Village Dog team! read more

The Village Dog - Backyard play space with our pups having fun! - Pet Boarding Near Me - Wilmette, Illinois

I actually don't know how to rate The Village Dog since I was never able to see inside the facility to ascertain the quality of their services. I used them a few times when I wasn't able to take my dog to our regular place and I was very uncomfortable with the situation. I understand (maybe more than most) that COVID is still a factor and the owner doesn't want people in the building. But they have no cameras or any other way to see what/how the dogs are doing. Had I read these reviews and known that the policy of not allowing people inside pre-dated the pandemic, I probably would have passed. read more

This is the only place that we take our two chocolate labs, Lucy and Naini. It's like going to summer camp for them, and after a visit at the Village Dog not only are they sad to go but they are pooped for days afterward as a child coming back from summer camp would be. We love how warm and accommodating the owner Julie is. She sends photos and videos while we're out of town of the dogs playing in her mini-football field sized backyard, and in general she's terrific about updating us on how our dogs are doing. Julie is the best, and the Village Dog truly is the most nurturing and safe place to leave your dog! read more

The Village Dog - our two love muffins, Lucy and Naini! - Pet Boarding Near Me - Wilmette, Illinois

Village Dog is wonderful! We've been taking our dog there for a couple months and he absolutely loves it. Julie is very kind, accommodating, and you can tell she truly loves dogs. I strongly recommend Village Dog to everyone! read more

My dog loves this place!! Laura and company are fantastic. Dogs play 'naked.' No crates used which is awesome. Sooooo much better than the chain doggie daycare in Evanston read more

We have had many great visits to the village dog and would recommend. If your one of those dog owners who wants to ask 1000 questions... this aint the place. The customer service is fine but short and sweet. Enjoy! read more

After moving, I wanted to find a new day care/boarding place for my two dogs and wanted to learn more about The Village Dog. I called to ask some questions and ended up scheduling a "meet and greet" with who I assume was the owner. I arrived a bit early and was told to wait in my car which I kind of expected based on their website. After 30 minutes of being ignored, I called again to ask if we should re-schedule. My call got ignored even though I could clearly see someone inside. I left with a clear understanding that they didn't want or need my business. I wouldn't recommend this terribly managed business to anyone. read more

I was looking for a place to take my dogs daily for day care and for out of town care. The owner was extremely rude and dismissive. As I was asking her questions, she was busy looking out the window with her hand on door knob, looking at her watch and made it clear I was interrupting her while she was waiting for a customer to pull up. I wasn't offered an explanation for the lack of interest in getting my business or even a brochure as I was dismissed. Not the treatment I would've expected especially from the owner. And please don't claim my review is false as you have done with another. I would offer to meet you again so you could remember the encounter but I was swept out so quickly, I doubt you would remember me. read more

I don't know why there are so few reviews for The Village Dog, and negative ones to boot! I've always had great experiences with Julie at TVD. She has taken our pup Willow for years now and Willow loves it there. It's a good, clean space, with a great dog run in the back. Each dog receives Julie's attention and Willow always comes back to us wiped out from all the activity! Her prices are fair and Julie has made accomodations to take Willow in, even at the last minute during the holidays. I wouldn't entrust our dog to anyone other than Julie. read more

I'm astonished at the reviews I see for Village Dog on Yelp. I don't write reviews normally, but felt I must today. I brought my elderly lab, Scout to Julie a few years ago and couldn't have been happier. The best indication of the level of service she received is that she was always excited to go back. I now bring my year old puppy to Village Dog when I travel and he simply loves being there. Julie is totally committed to her dog guests and I'd trust her with my pets anytime. read more

My puppy has been going to Village dog for about 3 months now. He is a 7 month old Goldendoodle and we love Julie and village dog. Julie is great with dogs and take utmost care. My puppy is super excited to go to Village dog. He can't wait to get in when I park my car. I know I will be a regular here. Julie provides some great tips and always goes the extra mile. I am lucky to have found this gem close to me. read more

I am glad to see I am not the only one posting about the negative experiences they have had here. Julie has been incredibly inflexible, unpleasant and rude. I decided to attempt giving village dog a second try after being rudely treated the first time because her location is unmatched compared to other services. However, I stopped by (after 4 failed phone call attempts and emails) to ask if I could arrange a time for an evaluation. She tried to speak to me through a closed and locked door, eventually opened it, but would not let me in AND asked me to check back in 3 weeks. I WILL NOT be trying Village Dog. If she can't treat people with common decency, how well can she treat animals who can't even communicate with her. Why would anyone run their business this way. read more

I wasn't sure about the place because, !. I couldn't see the place but didn't want to up set the other dogs 2. my dog was Scared to go after the 3rd time but let that go again. 3.then while I was giving my dog a bath he had several bit marks around his neck and That was a concern I called Julie and we talked she was apologetic and would pay the bill, was nice. But I decided not to return and she did say she would send me my money but never did, So in the end I will not be returning....... read more

My dog loved boarding at The Village Dog until... I tried to book her for spring break. Julie told me she couldn't come because of what happened last time. I was shocked, as there hadn't been any problems reported to me. Julie said my dog got in a fight with another dog 2 months earlier- I couldn't believe it! My dog had been going for extended stays about 5 or 6 times a year for years and has never had a fight with any other animal, ever. When I pressed her for more details, she told me she hadn't actually been there, but that's what she had been told by her staff. When questioned further, she said they weren't sure which dogs had gotten into a fight. A day later she called and said my dog could now be brought back on a probationary basis. So many issues with this! We, of course, never went back. read more

Village Dog has been wonderful for and with my lab mix. In fact, because of a full day of running and fun, my vet feels it has been instrumental in helping keep his 14 1/2 year old body in good shape, rather than sitting at home like a senior citizen, resting all day. I feel very comfortable with the care he gets from Julie and her staff. I also appreciate the security and have no problems waiting outside. read more

My dog has been a frequent guest at the Village Dog for over 6 months. I recently took him to a different daycare to try it out. I liked the fact that they took credit cards, offered package deals, had curbside pickup.... Very user friendly and customer service focused. Each day he came back smelling awful. On the third day of his visit, he wouldn't get out of the car. (very unusual). When I did get him out he jumped up on me almost hanging on for dear life. He whimpered as well (never heard him do that before). He also pawed at the car door (also new behavior). Clearly, he was telling me something. They took him in, but I didn't feel good about it. I called the owner and she agreed to put him in a special small group with more oversight which was $20 more (total cost of $60). When I picked up my dog, he smelled so bad that I had to roll down all the windows in the car. Each of the three days, I had to take him right to the shower. The next day, he was back at Village Dog, and he was so happy to see Julie and all his buddies. My dog, in no uncertain terms, told me who he prefers. Julie is a dog person and my dog loves her. We will never go anywhere else! read more

this place is short on details. hours of operation, boarding requirements, check-in times, actual reservation confirmation. you name it - the village dog is short on it. Don't bother checking their website - they have none. This place was recommended by a friend - and the correspondence leading up to the actual boarding was fine (emails and phone calls). I wanted to check out the place beforehand, and in turn, the owner wanted to meet my dog. I considered this a mere formality - actually, a nice consideration. But when I went for the meeting with my dog - things went terribly wrong. My 6am check in time denied. My early evening pick up time upon my return, denied. I was given a 1pm drop off time the day before my departure as my only option. Inconvenient to be sure, but ok I guess. Then, I asked to see the facilities where my dog would actually be staying - the very point of the meeting. You guessed it - denied. Excuse me? My dog might disturb the other dogs. Seriously? Ok, can I just go in. Denied. Wait - can I just peek behind the door for a second? NOPE. Denied. Um, something is a little sketchy here. I was in shock - as a dog owner, boarding a dog while on vacation is often not an easy thing to do, emotionally speaking. The truly professional facilities are sensitive to this, and do everything in their power to make the transition smooth. really, just basic customer service. And customer service is what this review is based on. To be clear, it is not based on actual care of my dog - because, as you might have guessed - that did not take place. I just could not leave my dog at a place that would not let me see the facility. Thanks Village Dog for making me scramble the day before my vacation. If the proprietor acknowledges this review, it is likely she will say that I procrastinated, and that I should have come earlier. But whether it is 2 months or 2 days before my dog's first boarding is of little consequence - as a customer, and as my dog's only advocate, it is my responsibility and frankly, it is my right. read more

Last summer I stopped by The Village Dog, my husband and I were going out of town and my parents were going to watch our 2 dogs but I wanted a backup in case they were unable (my father is in poor health). The owner was there and I asked for a tour. She said that she had a full house and didn't want to get the dogs riled up. I asked if I could schedule a tour for later. She said that dogs come there to "relax" and didn't tell me when a good time would be to stop by. I had brought copies of my dogs' vet and shot records and asked for forms to fill out to register them. She said that she would email them to me. She did email them to me, 2 weeks later, while I was already on my trip. My dogs are members of my family. I would never leave them in a facility if I had never seen the inside. I'm not sure why the owner was so unfriendly but her attitude has convinced me to never leave my dogs there. read more

We used The Village Dog earlier this year during spring break. Julie was great! Answered all my questions, explained the check in check out procedures. Our Wheaten Terrier loved it!!!! We are traveling again this Christmas and The Village Dog was our first call. I know he'll have a great time and will be treated like a member of the family! read more

I recently started boarding at Village Dog after having a very bad experience at another facility called Loving Care. Julie is kind, loves the dogs, creates a calm environment and you can count on her to do what she says she is going to do ( no crates). I love being able to go away and know that my little Harry is safe and sound. I highly recommend Julie and the Village Dog! read more

The owner is highly unorganized, even just for booking. I can't imagine how she tends to the animals. And since she won't let anyone see that, it truly worries me! I tried repeatedly to make a reservation (2 phone calls + 1 visit to the location). She never returned the calls and when we visited she said she would charge me to meet the dogs to see if it was possible to boadr them!! I went somewhere else!! update to original post. Julie from Village dog called me to try to explain after seeing this negative review. That I appreciated. What I do not appreciate is the blatant fabrications below. You did not call back for days after I left repeated messages. I only received a phone call after someone went to the address. My husband did visit you facility, was treated rudely at the door and was NOT allowed to see the facility where the dogs would be kept. I was treated with similar rudeness on the phone. And while I do appreciate the need to see the temperament of the dogs before dropping them off, I was told I would be charged for that. evaluation. It is clear from the reviews below the behavior indicates a pattern. The response to the critiques are similar. Provide good care for the dogs and also good customer service and perhaps you wouldn't have to go on the attack here. read more

We love village dog! Our german short hair pointer has been going to Julie and her wonderful day care and over night since he was 7 months and loves it! We love Julie too! Perfect fit and our dog always comes home tired from playing! We have been customers almost a year and use her at least every vacation and a few times a month for extra playtime! read more

Julie kept our son's dog recently for a one day visit. She was very accommodating, giving him special treatment since he's a senior small breed, even though he will not be a repeat visitor. We had a very pleasant phone conversation making arrangements for the day. My son felt confident that his little dog would be well cared for on this occasion and was not disappointed when he picked him up just before her closing time. I highly recommend The Village Dog for your pet needs. read more

Everytime I need help with my animals, they are there for me. Easy, comfortable and stress free.

Julie provides top notch care for dogs. I'm picky. I've used Julie's dog care repeatedly and have always been happy - and from the look of my dogs, so have they! There are many people I won't trust with my dogs, and people who I've tried and said not again. Happily, with Julie I know they are in good hands. Steve read more

My Wheaton terrier loves this place and so do I. Unlikely a previous place that was hot, dirty and crowded and where my dog was in a crate for several hours while there this business is impeccable. The owner's focus is on the care and welfare of animals.Only those who have a sense of entitlement would be slightly inconvenienced by some of the rules which I find are pretty standard for this kind of establishment. John Evanston,Il. read more

After touring several doggy daycare places from Chicago to Northbrook, we were thrilled to find The Village Dog. Most of the places we toured were overcrowded, the dogs were crated during mandatory nap time and went outside in shifts. We called Julie, the owner of The Village Dog, and set up a tour and interview within a week. We were thrilled with the crate free environment and that the dogs could choose when to go outside. Julie knows her pack and is excellent with handling the dogs. Her set up of calling first and drop-off/pick up times is great at not disturbing the dogs with a doorbell or knock. Our rescue dog has been going there for almost a year 4-5 days/week and loves it. We were very lucky to find The Village Dog. read more

I would be very careful of this place. The owner is very unprofessional. I suspect there is a reason she won't let anyone past the front door to see the dogs playing. I would never leave my dog here again. read more

Before we moved out of state - our 2 labs boarded with julie on many occasions. Our dogs were cared for with love and attention - they always came home happy. Fast forward, we sadly lost both of our amazing dogs within one year of each other. We are returning to the NorthShore on occasions, and we will board our new love, our labordoodle , with julie, without hesitation. read more

The owner of The Village Dog, Julie, called yesterday to apologize for the way she handled the incident. I appreciate the apology.

I find the Village Dog to be a little inflexible and somewhat mysterious. I've asked to have a tour and Julie said she couldn't because she did not want to get the dogs riled up. I also find the pickup and drop off hours to be too restrictive. Lastly, scheduling is very difficult. I'm never sure if I should call, text or email. One time I called and texted but never got a response to my request. Another time I talked to Julie and she said to call back later to see if she had availability. She did not offer to call me back with availability details. A friend of mine says their dog always comes back smelly which suggests to me the sleeping quarters may not be clean. Too many restrictions, hassles and uncertainties for me. read more

I agree with the other individual who posted the review. I was also denied access to view the areas in which the dogs are kept. I found the lack of staff disconcerting. To pick up or drop off one needs to call the cell of the owner who then tells you to come by in 10 minutes or so - where upon you then stand at the front door (no bell or intercom) and wait for her to show up. I would not recommend, at all. read more

I have used The Village Dog for both daycare and boarding and only have good things to say. Our dog, Oscar, can be a challenge during transitions in and out-gets way excited- and she is so patient and good with him which isn't easy. Oscar needed socialization time and had never been in a cage free environment so I wasn't sure how he would respond. Julie was great getting him adjusted. He also had a bad experience at a kennel (not cage free) so I was looking for a place to change his reluctance to stay anywhere without us. Julie did the trick, he loves going there for both the day or extended stay overnight. We often get videos of him playing with other dogs which always puts us at ease. I highly recommend the Village Dog, Julie is great! read more

We moved up here recently from the city and screened many doggie daycare places. Our dog Buddy had a regular spot in the city for 2 years and were worried how he would transition. We met with Julie briefly for our screening and she said our dog was a good fit - that was 6 months ago and we have been going here since for doggie daycare. Last weekend we boarded our dog for the first time and it was a smooth transition and stay. Knowing her hours are key, but we have had no problems so far. read more

If I could give this place 0 stars, I would. We had a terrible experience as well. Our puppy went for a playdate and returned home with an injured leg. We brushed it off as a wild puppy injury. Then we boarded her for four nights and she returned home sick. $300 in vet bills later (the vet said puppy definitely contracted the infection at Village Dog). Owner didn't offer to contribute a penny. Stay away from this place! read more

I love the Village Dog! I can't say enough about Julie the owner. I have been taking my dog to Julie since she started her business in her previous location. Our dog has been a regular guest for 8 1/2 years, and he stays with Julie whenever we are out of town. I leave feeling my dog is loved and very well cared for. Julie takes wonderful care of the dogs in her care. The place is clean with lots of room for dogs to play and relax. I would highly recommend this wonderful cage free camp for dogs! read more