Frequently Asked Questions About Dogtopia of South Elgin

Located at 580 Randall Road, between Target and Caputo’s near Silver Glen Road, Dogtopia of South Elgin offers award-winning dog daycare, boarding, grooming, and spa services for families throughout the Fox Valley.

Getting Started & Meet & Greets

Does my dog need a Meet & Greet?

A complimentary Meet & Greet is required before attending daycare or boarding. It helps us get to know your dog and determine whether our supervised open-play environment is a good fit.

Meet & Greets are not required for grooming or spa appointments.

What happens during a Meet & Greet?

We’ll learn about your dog’s personality, routine, and needs, then guide them through three steps:

1. Getting to know our team. We observe your dog’s comfort with gentle handling, response to basic commands, and comfort in a crate for rest breaks. This helps us understand how to support them during their visits.
2. Meeting a few dogs. In our evaluation room, your dog meets three dogs with different characteristics, including a similar dog, one of the opposite sex, and one with a higher energy level. We watch their body language, comfort, and interactions.
3. Joining a playroom. If those introductions go well, your dog joins the most suitable of our three playrooms. Our Canine Coaches supervise and observe how they adjust to a larger group.

After passing, your dog receives a complimentary day of daycare. We encourage you to use it that day so your dog has more time to settle in. If that isn’t possible, please use it within seven days.

Some dogs jump right into play, while others prefer to watch, explore, or spend time with our team first. We recognize that every dog adjusts at their own pace.

What should I bring, and how long does a Meet & Greet take?

Allow approximately 20 minutes for the evaluation.

If you’ve completed your online registration and uploaded current vaccination records, no additional paperwork is needed. Otherwise, bring your dog’s vaccination records and complete the registration and Pet Parent Agreement in our lobby.

What vaccinations are required?

Dogs must be current on Rabies, Distemper (DHPP), and Bordetella for daycare, boarding, grooming, and spa services.

We prefer vaccinations to be completed at least seven days before a visit, with a minimum of 48 hours required. Upload records during registration or email them to [email protected] before your appointment.

Does my dog need to be spayed or neutered?

Dogs seven months and older must be spayed or neutered to attend daycare or boarding. Puppies under seven months may attend with the required vaccinations and a successful Meet & Greet. Spaying or neutering is not required for grooming or spa services.

What breeds and sizes do you welcome?

We welcome dogs of all breeds and sizes who meet our health requirements and pass their Meet & Greet. Playgroups are selected according to size, temperament, and play style.

Daycare & Enrollment

How can regular daycare benefit my dog?

Regular daycare provides exercise, socialization, mental stimulation, and a consistent routine. Familiar visits help dogs build relationships with our Canine Coaches and their canine friends while becoming more comfortable in the playroom. Our days include supervised play, enrichment activities, and rest.

What are your daycare hours? Do you offer half days?

Daycare is available:

• Monday–Friday: 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Sunday: No daycare.

Weekday half-day sessions are 7:00 a.m.–noon or 2:00–7:00 p.m. Saturdays are also considered a half-day.

How do enrollment plans work?

We offer weekly and monthly enrollment plans for different schedules and budgets. A regular daycare routine helps your dog build familiarity and friendships while giving you predictable pricing. Enrollment days are designed to be used during the week or month purchased. We also work with our pet parents to help them receive the full value of their enrollment and carry over unused days as needed. See our pricing page or speak with our team about the best option for your schedule.

Can senior dogs attend daycare?

Yes, provided they are comfortable in our group environment and pass their Meet & Greet. We consider their energy level and social preferences when choosing a playgroup and can provide additional rest breaks. When boarding, we encourage pet parents of senior dogs to reserve a suite so their dog has a comfortable spot for extra naps.

Can I watch my dog on the webcams?

Yes. After your dog passes their Meet & Greet, you’ll have access to our playroom webcams during daycare and boarding visits. Webcam access is available only while your dog is checked in.

Boarding

What does a boarding stay include?

Boarding dogs enjoy 8–10 hours of supervised play and socialization each day, with rest breaks, before settling into home-style crates or suites for the evening.

Meals are served at:

• Weekdays: 6:00 a.m., noon, and 7:00 p.m.
• Weekends: 7:00 a.m., noon, and 7:00 p.m.

We serve your dog’s meals at these scheduled times unless a medical need requires a different feeding time. We also have a menu available if you elect to use Dogtopia provided food.

Does my dog need daycare before boarding?

Yes. New boarding dogs must pass a Meet & Greet and complete at least one day of daycare before their stay. The complimentary daycare day counts toward this requirement. We recommend three days of play before a stay to help your dog become familiar with our team, playrooms, and routine. Boarding-only customers can receive three days of daycare for $44 total during their first visit period. Contact our team to arrange those visits before boarding.

Can I make a same-day boarding reservation?

Existing customers whose dogs have already passed their Meet & Greet may make same-day boarding reservations when space is available. New customers must complete the Meet & Greet and required daycare day before their boarding stay. Advance booking is especially helpful during holidays and other busy periods.

What should I bring for boarding?

Bring your dog’s regular food, with all food clearly labeled. You may also bring a blanket or bed and a durable, non-stuffed toy. Keep bedding to a reasonable amount.

Please do not bring:

• Food or water bowls—we provide them.
• Stuffed toys.
• Water—we provide fresh water.
• Excessive bedding.
• Rawhides or bully sticks.

Please discuss any medications or special care needs with our team before or at arrival.

What time is boarding checkout?

Boarding checkout is by noon. A half-day daycare charge applies to pickups after noon (except for Sunday’s pick-ups).

Is someone onsite overnight?

Our employees are onsite from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Dogs settle into home-style crates or suites overnight; employees are not onsite during those overnight hours. Our facility has a security system, fire alarm system, fire sprinkler system, and temperature sensors that monitor the facility 24/7.

Can my dog get a bath or nail trim during their stay?

Yes. You can arrange a bath, nail trim, or grooming service during your dog’s stay, subject to appointment availability. Let us know when booking so we can schedule the service before pickup.

Grooming & Spa

What grooming and spa services do you offer?

Our services include baths, full grooming, deshedding treatments, nail trims and grinding, ear cleaning, teeth brushing, anal gland expression, and face, feet, and fanny trims. Call 630-538-3155 to discuss your dog’s needs and schedule an appointment.

Does my dog need to attend daycare to use grooming or spa services?

No. Grooming and spa appointments are available without daycare enrollment or a Meet & Greet. Dogs must have the required current vaccinations. We do not offer grooming or spa appointments on Sundays.

Health, Safety & Our Facility

How do you keep dogs safe during play?

Safety begins with the Meet & Greet and selecting an appropriate playgroup based on size, temperament, and play style. Trained Canine Coaches supervise play, observe body language, guide interactions, and provide breaks when needed. Secure entry procedures, regular cleaning and sanitizing, and climate-controlled playrooms support a comfortable environment.

Are your staff trained in pet first aid and CPR?

Several team members have formal training in pet CPR and first aid. Our Canine Coaches also complete Dogtopia’s Canine Coach 1–2–3 training program, which focuses on dog behavior, safe group play, cleaning and care procedures.

What happens if my dog becomes ill or needs veterinary care?

We remove your dog from group play, contact you, and begin arranging veterinary care when needed. We first try your dog’s regular veterinarian. If they are unavailable, we can contact local veterinarians who have agreed to care for our dogs or seek care at a 24-hour veterinary hospital.

Can you administer medications?

Yes. We administer oral and topical medications. We do not administer injectable medications. Please discuss your dog’s medication needs and instructions with our team before their visit.

What are your playrooms like?

We have three indoor, climate-controlled playrooms with dogs grouped by size, temperament, and play style. Rubber flooring provides cushioning and traction, and each room includes play equipment. Our Canine Coaches lead enrichment activities and supervise interactions throughout the day.

What makes Dogtopia of South Elgin different?

We combine daycare, boarding, grooming, and spa services with three supervised playrooms, webcams, trained Canine Coaches, and routines that balance activity with rest. Our location has earned multiple local Kane County Chronicle Best of the Fox and Daily Herald Reader’s Choice awards and has repeatedly achieved Dogtopia’s Top Dog distinction, recognizing our commitment to Dogtopia’s standards for safety, cleanliness, and care.

Hours, Reservations & Location

What are your lobby hours?

• Monday–Friday: 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Sunday: 3:00–5:00 p.m., for boarding drop-off and pickup only.

Holiday hours may differ. Please check our posted holiday schedule or contact us before planning your visit.

Can I arrange early drop-off?

Early drop-off may be available as early as 6:30 a.m. at no additional charge, by request and subject to availability. It is not an everyday offering. You must reserve it at least the day before and receive confirmation from our team.

What happens if I’m late picking up my dog?

Please arrange pickup within our regular lobby hours and contact us if you expect a delay. A $15 late pickup fee applies when a dog is picked up more than 15 minutes after closing, whether the delay is planned or unplanned. This means after 7:15 p.m. on weekdays or 5:15 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Do I need a reservation, or can I walk in?

Reservations are recommended. We accept daycare walk-ins and same-day daycare, boarding, and spa reservations when space and appointment availability allow. Dogs attending daycare or boarding must meet our Meet & Greet requirements. New boarding dogs must also complete a daycare day before their stay. Special reservation requirements may apply during holidays and busy periods.

Does Dogtopia have an app?

Yes! The Dogtopia app is a convenient way to request daycare, boarding, and spa reservations and manage your dog’s visits to Dogtopia of South Elgin. Search for Dogtopia in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. If you need help connecting the app to your existing account, our front desk team is happy to assist. Reservation requests are subject to availability and confirmation.

Where are you located, and is parking available?

We’re at 580 Randall Road, South Elgin, IL 60177, between Target and Caputo’s near the intersection of Randall Road and Silver Glen Road. Free parking is available directly outside, including designated Dogtopia spaces near our entrance. Our facility has ground-level access and is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Do you offer curbside drop-off and pickup?

Yes. Park in a designated Dogtopia parking space and call 630-538-3155. A team member will assist you.

Which communities do you serve?

We welcome families throughout the Fox Valley, including South Elgin, Elgin, St. Charles, Bartlett, Wayne, Streamwood, Campton Hills, West Dundee, Hanover Park, and Pingree Grove.

Discounts & Referral Rewards

Do you offer discounts?

Yes. We offer:

• 5% off daycare and boarding expenses for families with two or more dogs.
• 10% off all services for veterans, veterinarians, and veterinary staff.

Discounts cannot be combined.

Do you offer referral rewards?

Yes! Refer a new daycare customer and receive a free daycare day when their dog completes a Meet & Greet. Refer a new grooming customer, and both families receive 20% off grooming services. Discounts cannot be combined. Ask our team how to make sure your referral is recorded.

Community Involvement

Do you support charities and local organizations?

Yes. Through the Dogtopia Foundation and its partnership with K9s For Warriors, our location has sponsored six service dogs, all now placed with veterans. We’re currently raising funds for our seventh service dog.

You can contribute through our GiveSmart page or text DOGTOPIA179 to 71777. Learn more about our sponsored service dogs.

We also support local organizations, including Anderson Humane and Second City Canine Rescue.