Spike’s Boutique Hotel for Dogs

Spike’s takes excellent care of my two bulldogs! I travel for work worry-​free knowing my babies are vacationing at Spike’s. They come home happy and tired and smelling really good. And I don’t get nickled and dimed to death — other places we’ve tried charged for administering medication — $ 9 a pill! — and early pick ups, etc. Not here — Spike’s is just what it claims to be — top notch quality service where dog welfare rules! Love ya, Spike’s!

The owners of the facility never respond back to inquiries for dog walking or boarding. I have left emails, phone messages and even showed up in person.

We love Spikes and have been customers for over ten years. Our newest pup has a lot of energy and has a great time playing with her friends at Spikes. My husband and I both work and it is nice to know that Uschi has a home away from home or a trusted friend to stop by for a midday walk. She definitely considers Janet (the owner) her second mom… as I often have to chase Uschi around the Spike’s lobby when it is time to go home. Added bonus that Janet lives upstairs from the hotel which is reassuring for those overnight stays. Thank you Janet. Phil, Allison, Bonnie and all of our other friends at Spikes!

Janet fostered a phenomenal pit bull I adopted in August 2012, and has generously worked with me to support the transition. Charlie lived with Janet and spent his days at Spikes, the best of all worlds. Janet’s role in dog rescue, placement and adoption, personally and through Spikes, saves dogs’ lives and then increases, beyond measure, the quality of their lives and our own. Everything about Spikes has exceeded my expectations. Thank you!

We tried Spikes a couple times for convenience of location. I won’t be going back as we dropped our dog off Saturday late morning and picked him up Sunday late afternoon (per their request since they wouldn’t have anyone there for us to pick him up in the morning) & they ended up charging us for 2 nights of boarding because we picked him up in the afternoon. All we were told was «this is the policy.» Here I thought I was helping them out by coming in later… Maybe make your customers aware of your policy so you can take your loved ones somewhere great like Tucker Pups.

Spike’s has provided doggie daycare for our pet for over 3 years. They have also groomed our pet while at daycare. When we go out of town, we kennel our pet at Spike’s. When our schedule does not allow us to take our dog to the daycare, they offer dog-​walking services. As a new client, they will meet you at your house if you are taking advantage of the dog-​walking services. If you are interested in the daycare, they will give you a tour of the facility – it’s great facility designed specifically for dogs!
Everyone at Spike’s treat the dogs like their own pets. The owner truly loves animals and loves her job. That sets the standard for outstanding care. Spike’s has an excellent staff that play with the animals and give them affection – lots of affection. We never worry about our dog in their care. Spike’s has 100% of our confidence.

After adopting what turned out to be an energetic, young dog from PAWS, we were concerned about leaving her home for extended periods and wanted to make sure she stayed well socialized. Spikes is the perfect place. Our doggy is very shy with people she doesn’t know (potentially due to mistreatment in her previous home). She immediately warmed to everyone at Spikes. Huge relief! They absolutely know how to handle all types of dogs and seem very cautious about keeping dogs apart who may be threatening to each other. Molly pulls to get inside Spikes and doesn’t want to leave even after 11 or more hours of playing. We have used the boarding and our gal was just as happy. She always comes home clean and exhausted. No small feat for a rambunctious terrier.

I’ve never used the hotel/​boarding, but had a very good experience with in-​home care. The owner came out a few days ahead of time to meet with us, get instructions, and meet our 2 dogs. They came 3 times a day over the Thanksgiving weekend. Prices are a bit expensive, but I’m not sure they’re higher than the going rate for this type of service. Plus, you want to be able to trust people who are coming in your home! We’ll be checking out their boarding as an alternative to the place we usually use.

Pros: The hours, open till 8pm so I can pick my dog up after my shift. They have a pick up and drop off service. They will come and walk my dog at my house and then some days he will go to Spike’s for daycare. Spike’s is clean and smells clean. Prices aren’t outrageous. They are flexible. I can cancel daycare or a walk that morning if I get called off of work. That is a big plus! Everyone is very friendly. They gave me a tour of their facility inside and outside. I like that the dogs can go outside and play too.
Wishes: Wish someone could answer the phone when I call. I leave messages and they do get back to me. When I was looking at Spike’s on the web, I had wished the prices of services were on the website.
My pug loves it there. He comes home tired and I feel he is taken care of at Spikes. I recommend Spikes to all dog owners.

I just returned from Spike’s Hotel after an appalling experience with a groomer. I made an appointment 1 week ago for a grooming for my dog. In the conversation with Spike’s, I was told I had to drop off my dog and pick her up by noon, no exceptions.
I then made plans to drop off my dog at 9 am and then pick her up a little before noon. I dropped off my dog and the groomer said that he wouldn’t be able to have her done by noon because 2 other people had to have their dog done by noon. He said I would have to pick her up at 3 pm. I said I didn’t want my dog in a cage that long and I couldn’t leave at 3 to pick my dog up. He then told me I could come back Thursday. I asked him why he didn’t call and tell me before I arrived… and he got very defensive and said he just got there and couldn’t have called… my question would be why didn’t any other Spike’s staff call?
He then went and called the owner and came back out and I asked him if he could understand why I was disappointed (I already arranged my work schedule around thisbecause they said I HAD TO BE THERE AT NOON and he was being incredibly rude). He got very defensive and stated «it’s not my fault, the owner said if you don’t like it then you can go somewhere else.» I said «sometimes in these situations an apology goes a long way» and he then said «if you don’t like it you can leave.»
After I called and left a message for the owner, one of the managers called me to apologize for the rude groomer and gave me a gift certificate for a free bath… she was very nice and stated that his views did not reflect professionalism or how the owner/​manager felt.

Where do I begin? I should start by pointing out that this is my first review on Unilocal,as I’m rarely moved to the point of sitting down and putting in the time to post a review.
From the facility to the staff and owner, I can’t accurately articulate how pleased I was with my first few experiences. I’ve now used them on three separate occasions, both boarding and day care.
I’ve used many daycare/​boarding facilities over the years, many of them phenomenal. Spike’s, however, has been my best experience in the last 20 years.
If you’re looking for an operation that is clean, organized, etc, then look no further.
You will be happy you made the choice!

This place is great!
I just started taking my dog Maddie here to get groomed and they always do an excellent job. The owner is so friendly and attentive, and the groomer is great with my pup. Whenever we pull up to Spike’s, Maddie gets all excited and is always just as happy when I pick her up a few hours later. I would definitely recommend Spike’s and am looking forward to eventually boarding my dog there, too.

Our Rottweiler Raja loves Spike’s. She always seems very happy to go and very happy when we pick her up. The people there really know how to handle dogs. I would definitely recommend this place.

I have taken my dog here regularly over the past few years. He is a rescue and can be quite particular. I always feel good knowing that the people at Spikes are taking care of him. I have used their daycare and boarding services both of which are priced right and excellent.

Just wanted to mention that they take credit cards now, and my dogs absolutely love this place! All of the staff seem to have a gentleness about them and a love for animals rooted deep in their soul.

My dog Darby can’t write this review so I’ll do it for her. We love Spike’s! The staff is incredible. I know without worry that my dog is well taken care of whether it’s for a day or a week long stay. The space is exceptionally clean and well maintained. Unlike the warehouse type doggie daycares, I feel like Darby gets a ton of personal, one on one attention and play. Another added plus, is I can drop her off for daycare and request she be groomed within the day and not have to make a special trip for that service. Thanks to everyone at Spikes for the exceptional care you give to Darby and all of your guests!

Our puppy Oliver has been going to Spike’s for doggie daycare and has received many dog walks from Spike’s over the past 7 months.
Ollie’s review would likely be: I LOVE Spike’s. Whenever I hear the word «Spike’s» my ears perk up and I run to the door ready to go. I’ve made a lot of great friends there and think it’s pretty cool that they let me play with the big dogs even though I’m a little guy… They say I’m a bit much for the other pups my size (they know me so well).
Owner’s perspective: Spike’s is very dependable. They
have their scheduling system down to a T (I generally speak to Phil about scheduling dog walks and he has been GREAT). They take the time to get to know your dog. They are extremely clean. They are accommodating and even offer pick up and drop off for daycare or boarding.
The only complaint I can think of: Since there doesn’t seem to be much competition in the area, they may be a little more expensive than their big city (Northside Chicago) equivalents. However, I can tell you I am never nervous about boarding Ollie at Spike’s while asking a family member or friend to watch him makes me anxious. Perhaps that level of trust comes at a premium.

Whenever the staff at Spike’s is taking care of our beloved pup, I feel confident that she will be well cared for and loved. They are great about scheduling an extra walk here and there and always get back to me right away. Rose and Janet have a great staff who do a fantastic job.

I have been taking my dog Hamlet to Spikes for over 10 years and good not be more pleased with their services; the daycare, daily walking, grooming & boarding. Janet and her team are very flexible in meeting some of my last minute requests. Hamlet is soo happy when I come home at the end of the day or he comes back from boarding. I can’t tell you how pleased I have been with Spikes & would reccomend them to all dog owners.

After checking out a couple places in the area, Spike’s Hotel is the only choice for doggie daycare and kenneling in Oak Park /​Forest Park /​River Forest.
Janet and Nicky really seem to know what’s going on, and you can see how much they truly love dogs. They work to provide a safe, calm environment for dogs.
The outdoor doggie patio is a major plus, ensuring that the dogs get fresh air and exercise.
The need for an appointment that the other reviewers talk about is a plus in my book. By carefully screening dogs beforehand, Spike’s ensures a calm, safe environment for my dog.
I would never want to subject my dog to a chaotic, unsafe environment. I’ve worked so hard train my pal, I’d hate for him to pick up any bad habits while he’s out at school.