New day care, boarding facility for dogs opens in Lisle

The owners of a new boarding facility and day care for dogs developed the business to resemble an atmosphere for children.

Nap time, playgrounds, games and even swimming are included in the routine for "guests" at Lucky Dog Daycare & Boarding, 1992 Ohio St. in Lisle.

Husband and wife team Jack and Colleen Collins, avid dog lovers, opened the business June 1. With the help of their children, the owners run the facility so that boarding dogs are able to take part in day care activities.

Jack explained that they believe in keeping the dogs busy to help relieve stress. "It's the play hard, sleep hard theory," Jack said.

He added that dogs boarded at the facility are so tired and stimulated that when it's lights out, there isn't a peep.

There are separate areas for active and nonactive dogs. Cots and beds are set up in an area, while an agility course with areas to play and climb in is set up in another part of the 5,000-square-foot air-conditioned facility.

An outdoor play area with a children's pool is another highlight.

The cost for boarding is $40, which includes a full day of activities. The price for day care is $15 for five hours or $25 for a full day from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The idea for the business originated about three years ago. Jack, who has owned an ad agency in Clarendon Hills for about 25 years, noticed an increase in ads for dog day care. "This piqued my interest," he said.

Jack and Colleen, who works in customer service at Edward Health & Fitness, researched the idea. Jack found that similar facilities they monitored in other areas had shown growth and flourished. So, the couple determined that this area is in need of a facility like this.

"Location is key," Jack said.

And while the economy is down, the owners say consumers continue to spend money on their pets. "People in these times lean toward their dogs even more. They (pets) provide stress relief," Jack said.

The business owners have spent years adopting dogs and working with behavior therapists to train the animals. This has created a love for animals within the family, they said.

Their oldest daughter, who is studying animal science with plans to become a veterinarian, assists at the business.

For more information, check out luckydoglisle.com.