Healthy Dog Chicago - Chicago, Illinois

Ale G.

The absolute best decision we could have made for our 15yr old 4lb chihuahua, Luna, over a year ago was enrolling her in doggy day care at Healthy Dog Chicago.

We moved to the Logan Square / Palmer Square area during Covid and decided it was time to enroll Luna in doggy daycare again. She had been at Pups Pet Club before the lockdown and Luna didn't enjoy her time there, so we knew we had to find something different.

We researched extensively and Wendy Bertsch's Healthy Dog Chicago was the only small group, small dog-focused doggy day care in our area. And that the price includes pick-ups and drop-offs was a HUGE draw for us. With our unpredictable schedules, dropping off and picking up within specific windows had been historically challenging.

During our research into doggy day cares, we had an opportunity to visit Wendy’s apartment – where the dogs in her care spend part of their day – and we were very impressed with the custom set-up she has for each dog. Unlike all other doggy day cares we visited (and let’s not talk about the ones that wouldn’t allow us to visit…) it was not a huge non-descript room that smelled of urine and disinfectant. Wendy explained to us how she only accepts a small number of animals and supervises the play time so that each dog feels comfortable. This was another green flag – as Luna is an old lady who is very particular about how and who she engages in active play with. It gave us a lot of comfort to know Wendy would be supervising at all times to make sure Luna was happy.

Before she accepted Luna into Healthy Dog Chicago, Wendy came to our home to meet her to ensure that her temperament would be compatible with the dogs already enrolled. Another green flag as most other doggy day cares accept dogs with just a few vaccine requirements.

When Wendy comes to pick-up Luna, we get to see how excited Luna is - she runs into her carrier and you can tell she is willing us to close it so they can leave! When Wendy drops her off, Luna is exhausted from all of the adventures of the day – including multiple walks and field trips. Wendy sends us pictures of Luna enjoying the different activities because she knows how much we love them.

Luna has a special diet and she apparently isn’t the only dog at Healthy Dog Chicago with one… Wendy makes sure that each dog follows whatever their humans prefer. Another huge benefit over the large businesses that don't let the dogs eat lunch, much less accommodate special diets.

We have loved the mental and emotional stimulation that going to Healthy Dog Chicago has provided for out dog and are very thankful for the care and love that Wendy has shown Luna. We can't wait to see what other adventures Wendy has in store!

We could not more highly recommend Healthy Dog Chicago to anyone in the Palmer Square / Logan Square area. Make sure you tell Wendy that Luna bean sent you 😉

Franzi L.

Wendy is absolutely amazing! She takes phenomenal care of our pup, Tucker. When we first got him, Wendy helped us with training that made a world of difference. Now Tucker attends her daycare, and we fully trust her with him. She is so kind, knowledgeable, and truly wonderful to our dog.

Cheryl S.

Where to even begin?! I adopted a beagle mix puppy 1.5 years ago. Well, She is FULL of energy! After bringing her home, I immediately knew I needed a professional trainer to help train Lottie. After extensive research, We found Wendy! Not only does she train, but also offers daycare which includes pick up and drop off! So helpful for a single-working dog mom! This is not your normal daycare. She limits it to a small group of dogs so all the dogs are getting undivided attention! Our experience working with Wendy has been nothing short of wonderful. She has helped train and calm our rambunctious pup! She is really helpful for leash training, social behavior and of course, all of your basic commands. Our pup goes to day care with her 3x a week and it is so helpful as lottie can get her energy out, all while still getting trained. Not too sure where we’d be without Wendy! She is now one of our dog’s best friends and we are so grateful for all Of her hard work! Highly recommend!

Lauren E.

When we moved from a huge yard in the suburbs back to the city, we knew it would take our 10 year old dog some getting used to. Sage went from hardly ever having been walked on a leash to living in a busy urban area and we needed help managing this transition. Not to mention he’s a stubborn, 100 lb dog with dog reactivity.

We have worked with several trainers in the past, and by far Wendy was the most effective for many reasons. First of all, Wendy truly loves dogs and understands dog behavior. Second she will give it to you straight! She is always direct in her communication and expectations in a way that encourages results. Third, she held us accountable and to a high standard so we could make real progress against our goals.

Sage has his quirks but I am amazed every day by how far he has come. After working with Wendy we both truly have the tools for a healthy, happy relationship and we are so grateful!

Shana S.

Our dog Cooper is incredibly anxious and has a beautifully unique personality. We are hesitant to leave him with people because of this. Wendy has done an amazing job caring for Cooper and loves him as her own. She is great at sending pictures and updates. She also keeps up with his training, informing us of his progress. We would highly recommend Healthy Dog Chicago to dog owners!

Zach C.

Wendy helped me with my puppy Hank who was a wild child. She helped me focus my training/rules and now I’m able to take Hank for long walks and invite people into my home without it being a big deal. I recommend using Wendy for training. She is great.

Jennifer F.

Healthy Dog Chicago is my first choice for clients who want the very best personalized one on one care for their dog. Wendy provides individual attention and addresses your dog’s specific needs, whether they are attending daycare or in training. She has decades of experience working with and training dogs.

Rachel S.

I found Healthy Dog Chicago when my labradoodle pup was 6 months old and there is nobody better.

Wendy has always cared for Finn like he was her own. I get text messages with photos (usually better than the ones I take) and notes about what a blast he is having. I guess if someone was taking me for multiple walks a day and giving me massages I’d also have a blast.

Heathy Dog was especially wonderful caring for my puppy and teaching him basic good citizen behavior (stay, sit at crosswalks).

Finn is nearly 6 and it gives me piece of mind to know he can be so well cared for on quick overnight work trips. Huge bonus that Wendy picks him up and drops him off. You come home and it’s like you were never gone except for the extra doggy kisses.