I could write a novel about the way this location treated my dog and me, but what it comes down to is as follows: 1. These are not dog people 2. They have a hard time staffing, even at the low level of service they do provide - the rotating door of staff makes it so you don't really know what's going on with your pet or if the person you're working with understands how to work with dogs 3. The staff they do have will not always give you updates on the correct dog (long story short, I was on vacation and on the phone with Dogtopia at 1am only to find out my dog was NOT actually in a fight, something they had misreported on) 4. Picking up your dog and asking how they were that day will be met with blank stares and open mouths from the front desk workers, who seem shocked you may want to know if your dog is doing well or not 5. If your dog is not an "easy" dog (high energy, jumps, etc.) then they have no place at Dogtopia, where it's about cramming as many dogs as you can into one room with the lowest amount of effort required. 6. If you ask to view any video tapes of incidents that they claim your dog was a part of, they will tell you to get an attorney. I was also told that I was the only one who had ever asked to view a tape, "everyone else just trusts us" is what the GM said. If you read more reviews on Yelp, you'll see this track record of miscommunication and mistrust is prevalent with management here, no matter how many times they try to dismiss you because you're just not trusting them enough... It wasn't until my dog was dismissed after a year that I really took a step back to look at what the competition in the area offers! There are so many wonderful places that don't treat you and your dog like a dollar sign! It was a blessing that we were forced to expand our horizons, my dog who is high energy is already well loved and attended for at his new daycare. I get daily updates, a report card, and I can tell I'm working with dog people when I drop him off. If you left Dogtopia feeling like your dog is too much, I'm sorry they made you feel that way - there are places that will show your pet the effort they deserve WHILE communicating to you. If you read this far, cheers! *Additional: The lady who bathed my dog was great to him, that is the one bright note from my experience there!* read more

At first Dogtopia seemed great, but as time went on, it was ultimately so disappointing. First and foremost, the workers are NOT dog lovers, not by any stretch of the imagination. Watching the webcam, I will frequently see the 'caregiver' actually push the dogs away from them!! There is absolutely NO interaction with them at all, so the poor dogs just follow the person around the room hoping for at least some petting which unfortunately never happens. In fact, at least one caregiver acts like she's just waiting for her shift to be over. The dogs all have their heads hanging low and look completely and utterly bored. Not surprisingly, the staff frequently go out of view of the camera, doing what I have no clue. On their phones?? The caregivers literally clean up pee and poo and that's it. Furthermore, we had both of our dogs boarded there for several days and after I picked them up, one of them was obviously sick, vomiting all over my house, which he has NEVER done. I called Dogtopia to ask if he was vomiting while he was there, and it was ONLY THEN that they told me he had puked during the night and had to sleep in it. ZERO communication. They NEVER give report cards or even verbally tell me how/what they did all day, even though the website claims they do. I'd be surprised if they even know my dogs' names. And lastly, it's very curious to me that pet owners are not able to post a review on their website. Hmmmm.... is that because they're only recruiting parents who they know ahead of time will give good reviews? No wonder they have a nearly five star rating. Very deceptive. So sad. read more

Dogtopia Downers Grove used to be an excellent establishment. After an apparent a change in ownership, there are new rules and hoops to jump through (even if you have been a customer before), they do not honor passes that were previously sold, and the treatment of "returning" customers who had been loyal patrons but missed a few months due to maternity/paternity leave and some other extenuating circumstances is poor. We are highly disappointed, and now recommend looking elsewhere for doggie daycare and boarding services. read more

I worked at Dogtopia for about a month or so, at first I thought this place was amazing, until time went by and I started to realize that there was/is favoritism within the employees & with the dogs. If whoever is shift lead has a favorite dog, that one will basically be put on a pedestal & the others would get ignored. Whenever there is a fight or a scuffle, the FOH barely ever checks the videos and never, NEVER do the pet parents see it. Why, you might ask? Because the shit they tell you about the incident, half isn't true, and they don't want to bite the bullet and tell you that they were in the wrong. They will put blame on you and your dogs, but never will they put blame on themselves. I'd highly advise you to find a different establishment for your furry family members. read more

The staff is so-so, neither great/not so great although there was one young man who was awesome and understood my dog - her own personality and her breed characteristics. He did work with her when he was there and made recommendations that benefited her. For that, I greatly appreciated his efforts. Dogtopia certainly don't have a lot of info on website about extras you could get or general info unless you asked. I did not see alot of playing and interacting, positive reinforcement - petting, etc that is so heavily advertised. Watching on webcam, it was dogs in a room walking around, occasionally playing with one another, others laying or sleeping on floor, climbing up on some plastic platforms. The canine coaches pretty much walk around and the dogs follow them around. They mop up urine and clean poop accidents and pretty much not much else can be seen for someone taking care of my dog and paying good money. If someone is happy with that for their dog, well then good for you. To me, and my high energy pup, it's pretty boring. The canine coaches do not get paid well (do your research it's all online) and are they truly trained (? It's all online too) while the new owners have since jacked up their prices from $33 to $38 for all day care. All was well until the other day when an "incident" occurred that truly is not normal behavior at all for my dog and we were called to remove her immediately and told she cannot come back there for 6 months (maybe) and needs training. She's been going there since February and there had been absolutely no problems. They immediately blocked my access and cancelled my boarding appt! I was not able to speak directly to the person who made the complaint. When I went to pick up my dog, he did not want to talk to me! Why not? I want to know what exactly happened! the story varied through 2nd and 3rd parties to me about what supposedly happened. Something is definitely not right here. My dog was crying in the car on the way home. She never does this. She slept most of the day and she never does that. She wouldnt eat and she's a big eater. Something happened here and we will never find out what. Was my dog was provoked in some way? Dogtopia won't show me the video at the time of incident saying it belongs to them. The manager I spoke to was pretty weak and useless to me in trying to find out what had exactly happened. It was a big mistake to take my dog here to think we were actually getting quality care. You definitely do not get what you pay for. I expected more, so much more. Do your homework, follow your gut instinct and watch the webcameras for the care and exercise your dog is REALLY going to be getting from the people who work there. I put my trust in them to take kind, concerned and professional care of my dog and in the end, failed us miserably. read more

I hardly ever leave reviews, but please do NOT bring your dog here. My dog is so loving and sweet and never had any aggressive tendencies towards other dogs until an "incident" at Dogtopia where a dog allegedly kept prodding him to play and led to my dog biting him. The staff refused to show me the video and the manager I spoke to was apathetic about the whole situation. They also never called me when it happened -- I called THEM because it had been hours since my dog had been seen on the cameras. Please consider another option -- I wish I would've opted to just get a dog sitter/walker and avoided what might be now difficult behavior to correct. read more

We love Dogtopia! They take such great care of our pup and love being able to check on him myself via the webcams. Sometimes I have long days at the office and it's very reassuring to know that someone is playing with and watching over my pup while I'm preoccupied at work. read more

Suzy, the best dog groomer in the world is here now! She is patient, caring, and very good at her job. My Coton doesn't like many places or groomers and he loves Suzy! We come here all the way from downtown each month. Tried many places but she is the best. Plain and simple. read more

Hi! I heard there was new owners here that aren't being the best, but I just wanted to point out there is a mailbox there for Walt. He was an Original worker from when it was still called the dog spot. He is my family, and I appreciate Kathy and all the workers for still keeping his mailbox there as a memory after his passing. Yet with the new owners I've been told his mailbox is close to being gone without permission, all I asked is no matter what that mailbox stays there! He loved that place, and if the last thing we have of his is gone it will be the most heart breaking thing we his family will experience next to his passing. Thank you read more

This is the best doggie daycare I have been too! They offer swimming, doggie massage, daycare, boarding, and taxi service! The facility is over 13,000 square feet! They are in the middle of renovations and it is going to look fantastic when completed! Puppy playtime is free on Saturdays from 12-1! The staff is attentive to your pups needs! 5 stars definitely!! read more

This was my dog's first time and last. He was completely filthy upon picking him up and his tail was tucked and walking abnormal with twist in his body I never noticed before. Their cameras were down all day and I was unable to check up on him. I did call during the day to check on why I couldn't see him and the girl was so unbothered by my concern and now I wonder what happened while he was in their care. read more

For grooming - Trisha is the best! I have a special needs dog and she is patient and loving toward him. He always comes out looking great. For daycare - the updates and improvements from the former Dog Spot are noticeable and major. I feel the dogs are physically safer now. There is an outdoor play area too so when the weather cooperates the dogs get some fresh air time too. I have no hesitation bringing any of our dogs to Dogtopia! read more

We took our dog of 18 years here. They're great. They took such great care of our boy for so long. Kathy is so kind and caring and Trisha was so patient when grooming our old boy. We were lucky to find a business like them! There are multiple groomers who are all great. Sometimes they are busy and you have to leave a message for an appointment but they always call back to schedule one. Leaving your pup here is leaving them in good hands! read more

Carrie is the best groomer ever! She moved from another dog salon and we took time to find her! She is my golden doodle's best friend. Lola is very attached to me and usually upset to separate...she runs to Carrie and just leaves me behind. Carrie not only grooms the dogs but also gives love and keeps an eye on any health problems. A True loving spirit with good energy to share, a dog lover and master in her craft! Every dog should have The Carrie in his/ her life. read more

Ludwig the swim teacher is no longer at dogtopia. I was not impressed with the new teacher as she barely interacted with my dog and did not help him get in and out of the pool. After 2 sessions with her I felt my dog was going to get hurt so I had to stop going. Currently looking for other dog pools in the area. Disappointed is an understatement. read more

I've been a customer at Downers Grove Dogtopia for nearly nine years, back from the days when it was the Dog Spot. I have never been disappointed by the staff or more importantly, the treatment of my pup. I have never had a negative experience with grooming, but Trisha is absolutely the best groomer I've ever seen. Not only does she do a great job, but it's clear she loves animals and my shy little Chow Chow trusts her completely. It's a great place with great people. read more

I don't normally take the time to write reviews but I was so turned off by this place I had to post one. They require a "pre visit" interview with your pup. I'm fine with this. No problem at all. I scheduled the appointment and they sent an email back with some forms to fill out. They also noted that she must be up to date on vaccinations. Also all fine. The problem I have is the email did NOT say this was required in order for my pup to be "interviewed". I planned on just filling out the paperwork there and having the vet email over her info later. When we arrived, the woman at the front desk was very rude about the whole thing and instead of trying to help me she was more focused on "proving" that I had been told this was all needed prior to us coming in. This may have been forgivable but the real thing that sealed the deal for me was her total LACK OF INTEREST in my dog. This is really something I have never experienced before at any pet related place - store, vet, boarding facility. She literally didn't even acknowledge my dog at all. My comfort level was less than zero in terms of leaving my dog there for a day, let alone 10 which is what we had requested. There are so many other options out there that I would recommend looking elsewhere.... read more