Upscale doggy day care center opens in Elgin
Suburban dogs now have an upscale day care and boarding facility --complete with a patio and play area with rubber flooring -- at which to hangout.
Avid dog lover and trainer Robin Massey recently launched F.Y.D.O.land at 1999 Larkin Ave., Elgin.
"We're trying to promote a home away from home atmosphere," said Massey, who owns the business with her fiancee, Richard Zelek.
The mission of the new business is to remain small so they can offer safe, sanitary fun. Only 14 dogs are permitted to stay overnight for boarding. The cost is $35 per night, which includes a stay in the doggy day care. Pets stay in a 4-foot by 6-foot suite at night.
Various packages are available at the day care where the cost ranges from $23 to $30 a day. The 4,000 square foot facility has two doggy playrooms and a Webcam is located in the playroom for owners to view their dog playing, Massey said.
The facility also features recycled rubber flooring in all play areas to help absorb the impact on the dog's joints while they play, and there is also a large outdoor patio for dogs to play, she said.
All dogs have to go through a behavior evaluation to make sure they are able to get along with other dogs, Massey said.
Puppy parties, complete with ice cream and cake for dogs take place at the business as well.
In-home pet sitting and training are other services offered through the new business. Massey, 42, explained that it was these services that prompted her to start her first business, The Pet Squad, five years ago.
Before launching the business focusing on pets, she worked in corporate world. Zelek, 46, works as a financial software developer and resides in Park Ridge. The couple is getting married Oct. 3.
Massey developed a love for dogs at a young age. When she ws 12 years old, her parents were forced to put their family dog to sleep after it bit a neighbor because the dog was not trained properly. Massey believes that nearly every dog can be trained. It was at that point that she knew she would someday want to train dogs.
She has now worked as a trainer for more than 12 years, and the staff at her new business is certified in pet First Aid from the American Red Cross. She is a member of Pet Care Services Association, Pet Sitters International and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.
The day care is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Boarding pick ups run from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sundays.
For more information, call (847) 695-5058 or check out fydoland.com.
• Kim Mikus covers business and retail. She welcomes comments at (847) 427-4567 or kmikus@dailyherald.com.