No one loves or cares for dogs as much as Valarie. As everyone knows, pets are family. After doing our research, when we had to go out of town, we chose to leave our two dogs, Bella and VonHellsing with Valarie. She has shown nothing but compassion and kindness to our dogs and to us! If a dog gets sick on her watch, she immediately takes them to the vet and communicates with you. Recently, Bella got cancer and I leaned on Valarie to help me handle this very sad situation! The dogs get more exercise at Valarie's than with us. When they come home, they sleep most of the first day. I have always felt confident that my dogs were in good, capable hands when they were with Valarie! read more

Valerie is a delight to work with. While it seems a tiny bit pricey (I pay $18 per visit with my two cats--pretty standard in this area), it's not when you consider what you're getting. She is considerate and caring, and I feel 100% comfortable leaving my kitties with her (as much as I hate leaving them!). The best part is Valerie doesn't bat an eyelash at whatever preposterous instructions you leave with her. One of my cats is a finicky eater, so I have a comical song-and-dance routine that I have to go through every morning to get both boys fed before I leave. I left instructions after explaining over the phone, and she was happy to do it! I know if I had a friend try to do it, I couldn't trust them to give that level of care, and I'd feel weird even asking. Long story short, if you want the best care, I'd trust Valerie. As with many things, I'm sure you could find cheaper somewhere (Craigslist), but you'll get what you pay for. read more

Love love love Valerie and the profesional service she provides for my babies. My Chinese Crested Hairless is no easy pooch. He is high maintainence and a cry baby. Valerie knows exactly how to handle him. My little Rat Terrier mix is a dream boat and I wouldnt trust anyone else but Valerie with my little girl. Valerie, never never never retire. I would never be able to travel again if you do! Sandi B. Chicago, Ill read more

After multiple other daycare and boarding facilities left me concerned about the level of care and competence, I was recommended to Valerie's - - that was 4 years ago and I would not even consider leaving my dog any where else! Valerie simply knows how to handle dogs better than anyone I have seen, understands their needs and runs her business accordingly. I travel frequently for business and I am grateful I found what is truly a second home for my dog. I trust her completely - - and she has given me excellent guidance that improved my skills and knowledge as a dog owner. It just doesn't get better than Valerie. read more

Whoever wrote the negative review of Valerie's must have some personal issue with her, Valerie's is great. She took great care of my three cats while I was vacation, and that is no easy task. One of my cats is on a special diet, I have had problems in the past with making sure he gets fed correctly,and he did great. The last time I had a friend feed my baby boy he ended up sick for weeks, ( he has bladder and tummy problems). She also made sure their litter boxes stayed fresh and watered my plants. My brother's dog stayed at Valerie's in the past and had a wonderful time. I know that if Valerie is caring for my pets I don't need to worry. I would and have recommend her to everyone I know that needs dog walking, cat care and doggie daycare. Everyone I know who uses her loves her and so do their pets! read more

Valerie and Nick are awesome! I bring all four of my angels here and they love her. One of my dogs is special needs( Hi Cuba!) and they go out of their way to take great care of him. I am always worried about my babies when I go out of town but knowing they are with Valerie, I can sleep at night. read more

My son recently told me I should post a review so people know how great Valerie is with pets. Our dog Maggie has gone to Valerie for years and always comes home happy and healthy. Valerie is accommodating and loving with our "senior" dog. We highly recommend this pet service! read more

If you don't want to come back from a trip and find a sick dog rather than the happy healthy puppy you left at Valerie's, I recommend that you find another board service for your dog. While under her care, my dog was victim of "dietary indiscretion". The medical records indicate that when he was finally taken to the vet he was a "very sick" dog. This was reflected in the vet's bill. read more

I would not take your dog here! I left my lab over a three day weekend and she came back dirty, stressed and had to drink three bowls of water when she got home. Valerie is a flake who will not answer any texts and has really weird drop off and pick up policies. She also ripped me off. Her normal rate went up mysteriously 25 bucks per day. $195 for a 3 days..! Pick somewhere else guys, not good... read more

Let me say, I just joined Yelp to post this review because I think it is important. I work out of my house, which is directly across from Valerie's Boarding Service. She has a great lot next to her house/business for the dogs to play. About a year ago, I was going to take a biz trip and called Valerie for info. She was very pleasant and knowledgeable. She said that during nice weather days, the dogs are out in the yard almost all day. That sounded great to me because I know when the dogs aren't outside, they are in cages inside her place. There is no room inside her place for dogs to play so if they aren't outside, they are stuck in their cages. Long story short, my biz trip got canceled so I didn't need to board my dog. What I did though was start watching her yard to see how often the dogs are really out. No exaggeration, I have probably been watching for about a year as my desk faces her yard. I have checked in good weather and crappy. The dogs ONLY go out twice a day to use the bathroom.What a joke! I have watched beautiful 60-70 degree sunny days come and go and the dogs are NEVER out. I don't care about the money but I would NEVER send my dog to a place where they are stuck in cages all day. I have talked to many other neighbors in my building and they all same thing. The dogs are never outside. read more

Valerie is a real pro. My two dogs - Cavalier King Charles - absolutely adore her. It is there home away from home. She has taken care of them since they were puppies and I totally rely on her to take excellent care of them. We have been going to her for 10 years and would never change! Mary R, Chicago IL read more

I love Valerie and Valerie's Pet Service! She is an exceedingly kind and trustworthy person and I know my pets get the best of care with her. I can go on vacation and not have to worry about my dogs, knowing that she will treat them as her own. There are always happy to see her so I know that they give her a ringing endorsement as well! I appreciate that she understands my dogs' individual personalities and quirks and I love hearing stories about their stays at Hotel Valerie. ;) read more