Last winter, after visiting more than 3 different dog-boarding facilities in Chicago (none of which fit the bill) we found Urban reTreat on Yelp based on the fantastic reviews. We were looking for a smaller, personal & cozy environment for our 11 month-old pit/shepard pup Mason to stay during a two-week trip overseas. Our #1 priority was for Mason to have plenty of love and QT time in our absence. We reached out to Molly Marino (owner) directly, and from the start, she was nothing but professional, accommodating and genuinely excited to meet Mason. As new dog owners, it was our first time leaving him in someone else's care for a significant period of time. We had a preliminary visit with Molly at her (beautiful) house, where Mason had the pleasure of meeting Molly's own lovely pups and exploring her yard, play areas and never-ending toy collection. After chatting with Molly and meeting her lovely assistant Deborah - we knew we had found a great fit. My mind was completely at ease because I knew Mason would be in such great care. While we were gone, Molly sent us frequent, unsolicited updates on Mason and even created a Flickr account for him that she'd update with pictures of him and his playmates throughout his stay. When we returned from the trip, Mason couldn't have been happier. Molly and her team not only met, but far exceeded our expectations in taking wonderful care of Mason. We got a full report and it was clear Mason had plenty of play time - both inside and in Molly's yard and was taken on multiple long walks every day. Since then, Mason has stayed with Molly multiple times and always returns happy, with a great bill of health. We would HIGHLY recommend Molly & Urban reTreat as a 5-star experience for those looking for the best in dog boarding. You can tell how much pride Molly takes in providing the very best for those in her care and the fact that she's truly an animal lover doesn't hurt either. We will 100% use Urban reTreat to board Mason again and will be recommending to all of our dog-owning friends! read more

We have been using Urban reTreat walking/visiting services since January when we adopted our little lab mix, Mack, and have been nothing but thrilled with their services. They are extremely professional and have a very well-run business (for example, clients can pay online, via check, or set up auto payments), and they also become friends to the family in such a short time. Jackie is our primary Urban rep, and she's been phenomenal. When we see her in the neighborhood, Mack gets very excited and almost seems jealous of any other dog she is with at the time. :) She leaves a detailed note about the visit and the walk each time she's here. Oftentimes our schedule changes at the last minute, and Jackie has always been easy to reach (via text, email, or phone) and extremely accommodating (and didn't even seem frustrated with us!). With Urban reTreat, we are confident that Mack is getting so much love when we're away for the day. We can't thank Jackie, Jayme, and Molly enough for that peace of mind! read more

We used urban reTreat recently for a week-long trip. It was our first time leaving our dog behind for a trip and we wanted to be sure we left him in the best hands possible; and we certainly did! It's not your typical dog facility with dogs in individual cages or rooms. My husband and I were both shocked what a warm and welcoming environment urban reTreat had to offer. Molly emailed us with updates of how our dog was doing (written from his point of view, very cute) and photos of him playing. When Molly dropped him back to us after the trip, he continued to play with her while Molly and I chatted. I could tell he really took a liking to her. Since then I've joked with my husband that I think the week at urban reTreat is one of the best Oscar's had in his life :O) We've already set up his next stay! Thanks again Molly! read more

Molly Marino is, quite possibly, the most amazing animal lover and caretaker that my husband and I have ever worked with. She boarded our English Bulldog that became very ill (due to unforeseen organ complications that had nothing to do with Molly's care) during her stay. Molly took her to the vet several times, provided us with text, email and phone updates and eventually took her to the ER. Molly's attentiveness, genuine care and dog expertise saved our dog's life. Our baby Bully ended up needing to have organs removed and without Molly's care and dedication, our Bully would not have survived our time away. Peace of mind is invaluable and Molly provides exactly that--and more. I wouldn't consider boarding my animal anywhere else. read more

We recently had our bully George stay over night at Urban Retreat...his first time stay there, although being a CEBR alumni, he knew Molly. That said he had a great time! George is a somewhat high maintanence guy with some quirky habits, but Molly and Urban Retreat gave him plenty of love and attention during his brief stay there. We so enjoyed getting pics of him, even a video, while he was at Urban. What a great added touch of a true "home away from home" experience for our beloved Georgie! We highly recommend anyone needing a safe, fun, kennel-less stay for their pooch to check out Urban Retreat! PS...we also use Urban Retreat for their dog walking services. We, and more importantly, George LOVE Courtney! read more

If there's anyone I trust with my dog Chachi, it's Molly! Chachi has stayed at urban reTreat and he is so happy and relaxed when I pick him up. As a rescue, Chachi has some abadonment issues, so it's important to me that he stays where he feels "at home." Molly is also Chachi's dog walker and Chachi loves to see Molly and hang out with her on their walks together. I would also trust Molly in any emergency -- if she showed up at my house and Chachi was sick or needed care, I know she would handle the situation until I could get home or to the vets. I highly recommend Molly's urban reTreat services. read more

Urban reTreat was great! We will definitely leave our beloved Lab in Urban Retreat's care anytime we leave town. Molly was so thoughtful about updating us with daily emails and photos while we were away. It really put us at ease knowing/seeing our dog was in good hands...and our young daughter especially enjoyed the photos! Molly was more than accommodating when we decided to extend our vacation an extra day. Most importantly....our dog came home clean, happy, and exercised! So much better than the impersonal kennel we use to leave our dog with.... Urban ReTreat is the way to go! read more

Amazing is the best word I can use for urban reTreat. Molly watched our three Bulldogs for five days. We always knew what they were up to. Receiving daily updates and pictures, make the separation not so hard on us. When you have three Bullies with three different personaliities you worry about at least one of them, But with Molly she learns their personities and she able to make them a part of her family, so you don't worry and are able to enjoy your vacation. In our family urban Retreat is the only way to go. read more

I use urban reTreat every time we need a place to hotel our dogs. We recently used Molly's urban reTreat over a long weekend in London. She took care of both of our English Bulldogs. We received daily journal updates written on behalf of our kiddos , along with photos. It really is great to have the peace of mind that your pets are being well taken care. Forget the kennel , give your loved ones what they deserve next time your on vacation. Consult urban reTreat and give them a "vacation" too! read more

we left our adorable barbie(she is a rescue) with urban retreat while we were out of town. barbie had never been boarded and we were worried how her experience would affect her. she didn't want to come home!!! we were so thrilled. molly made her feel like she lived there!! i can't say enough good things about urban retreat and have absolutely no problem with leaving town again. all dogs should have such an experience when boarded!! thanks so much urban retreat. glo rose read more

This is truly a home away from home for your dog! Molly was kind enough to send picture updates and emails of my dog's stay with her so that I knew how well cared for he was. She has a wealth of knowledge in caring for all types of dogs since she devotes much of her time to rescue and I really trust her while I am away. I would recommend her services to anyone who wants their favorite family member to have to have a stress- free environment while you are away. read more

Our two English bulldogs love their afternoon walks with Molly from urban reTreat. She is very reliable and knowledgeable about bullies, and leaves a great daily journal with helpful behavioral and health observations and tips. She even sends MMS photo updates! One of our bullies is a bit stubborn and sometimes does not want to walk, but Molly knows how to coax him along and get the job done! I highly recommend urban reTreat for your dog-walking needs. read more

I could not be happier with my choice for a dog walker than Molly. I have a 3 month old Mastweiler pup (Miko) who needed a walker and met Molly at the IKC dog show and after talking with her and seeing how much of a dog person/lover she is I knew immediately she was the one for Miko. Miko loves his walk time and Molly is so genuine and a perfect choice. If your looking for a experienced, and trustworthy dog walker I highly recommend her/Urban reTreat. read more

I love Urban ReTreat. I am usually home during the day, but when I have business trips or vacation, Urban ReTreat totally steps in to help take my Bulldog for a daily walk. My pet/house sitter works downtown during the day, so we need someone with the flexibility to step up when the need arises. We have detailed notes about each visit, and I love the convenience of paying online. My dog Bertha gives 2 paws up (and I give 2 thumbs up) to Urban ReTreat! read more

Molly and her team at Urban ReTreat are the absolute best in Chicago! I have had three other walking services prior to Urban ReTreat and could not be happier (and my four pawed friends can attest to this). My pups get walked, played with, fed, and lots of love. They also leave a detailed journal of what they did with the dogs that day. It seems silly, but it means the world to me. If you love your dog(s), consider the services of Urban ReTreat! read more

We have used Urban ReTreat for about a year now for dog walking and have used Molly for boarding as well. Couldn't be happier. We have both a Bulldog and a St. Bernard, which we recently adopted. The St. had some issues adjusting and our walker, Kyle, was always above and beyond in helping out with her transition. They also diary the activity each day about the walk which is nice to keep you in the loop. Would 100% recommend Urban ReTreat! read more

I adore Molly and Debra. Both ladies take such amazing care of my own mastiffs and those mastiff which I foster. Sometimes, they have to deal with as many as 4 mastiffs at a time. Now, Debra's doing twice daily puppy duties with my new mastiff puppy. There is now a puppy journal on my kitchen counter which gives me daily updates of what the crazy little girl has done that day. I highly recommend urban reTreat. read more