A look inside Chicago’s luxury dog businesses: Five-star doggy hotels & canine couture

From five-star doggy hotels to luxury fashion for pups, Chicago’s dog scene isn’t just wagging, it’s thriving. Forbes ranked Chicago in the top ten of its Best Cities for Dogs 2025 list, stating that 56% of apartments in the Windy City consider themselves “pet-friendly” with only 26% of those buildings charging pet rent. Additionally, as another deciding factor in Chicago’s high ranking, Forbes highlighted that there are over 30 dog-friendly parks in the city and more than 16,000 square feet of space. 

In a city known for deep-dish and skyscrapers, a growing number of small businesses are making tails wag even more with top-tier dog services, such as high-end grooming, canine couture, and around-the-clock pet hospitality. Meet the people behind three standout ventures redefining what it means to spoil your four-legged friend.

Temple of the Dog: Where grooming meets heart

Inside Logan Square’s Temple of the Dog, owner Tara Evangelist has been giving Chicago’s pups the red carpet treatment since 2012. After being laid off from her job in online education, Evangelist made a career pivot to dog grooming, motivated in part by a desire to bring her beloved Labrador, Mickey, to her place of work.

“I decided to become a dog groomer so I could bring my Labrador to work with me,” Evangelist said. “His legacy lives on through the temple—he’s actually part of our signage and website.”

Far from your average wash-and-trim shop, Temple of the Dog employs a team of 10 rigorously trained groomers who are required to have certifications and experience across breeds and temperaments. Evangelist takes pride in upholding higher standards in an industry that surprisingly lacks regulation.

“There’s no license required to be a dog groomer in Illinois, but that’s not good enough for us,” she said. “We want our groomers to have formal training and experience to keep dogs safe and healthy.”

In addition to stylish cuts, Temple of the Dog offers personalized skin treatments using specialty shampoos and medicated baths, which are especially important for allergy-prone breeds. The salon also acts as a frontline observer of pet health, often catching issues like skin infections or dental needs before owners do.

Evangelist believes Chicago is a great place for dog lovers but sees room for improvement. “I wish more patios were dog-friendly during the summer,” she said. “But I think overall, compared to other cities, Chicago is pretty welcoming.”

DOG. Hotel | Daycare: The Gucci of pet hospitality

While Temple of the Dog is the top dog salon of choice, DOG. Hotel | Daycare is making a name for itself as the top luxury dog resort in Chicago. With its newest location in Lakeshore East, DOG. offers 24/7 care, in-suite webcams, air purification systems, and a customer-first philosophy that borders on concierge-level service.

“This is not a Walmart, we are a Neiman Marcus,” said the owner Bridget Lyons, who built the brand after departing from a corporate pet care chain. “We know our clients, their needs, and we do the work to make their lives easier.”

The decision to open a second location was spurred by high demand and a two-year courtship from developers who saw value in having a boutique, privately owned daycare in the neighborhood. Sustainability is also a focus DOG. uses energy-efficient systems and biodegradable materials throughout its 11,000-square-foot facility.

DOG. stands out from corporate competitors by offering personalized accommodations, competitive pricing, and transparency. Daycare is included in boarding fees, and there are no hidden costs for early drop-offs or late pick-ups. The staff is on-site 24/7, not just monitoring cameras but actively engaging with pets.

“If you wanted your pets to be left alone, you could save money and keep them at home,” Lyons said. “It’s our job to be there to love and support the babies in our care.”

The company’s additional ventures, Luxe Pet Transportation and Yard Bark Social, extend its brand of excellence. And with clients returning again and again, DOG. seems to have found the sweet spot between pet care and pampering.

Tails in the City: Fashion, treats, and wag-worthy style

For 21 years, Tales in the City has brought canine chic to the streets of Chicago. Co-founded by former fashion retail executives Philip and Bruce Haas, the boutique offers everything from cashmere sweaters to Swarovski-studded collars plus a treat table that looks straight out of a French patisserie.

“We absolutely follow fashion trends,” Haas said. “Our customers want the latest, and we’re always looking for the next great thing, whether that’s a Chewy Vuiton squeaky toy or a handmade Italian snow suit.”

Inspired by their own dog, Sasha, the founders opened the store after realizing their neighborhood lacked upscale pet retail. What sets Tails in the City apart is its global sourcing: luxury items from New York, California, Italy, and even the UK stock the shelves.

The store’s buying philosophy, “good, better, best,” means there’s something for every dog lover, from starter treats to high-end apparel. And they’ve built a loyal following not just with locals but with tourists who return annually to see what’s new.

“Our treat table is probably the most unexpected thing,” Haas said. “They’re all freshly baked, beautifully decorated, and updated for every holiday.”

Whether you’re celebrating your pup’s birthday or just indulging in retail therapy, Tails in the City proves that in Chicago, dogs really do have their day and their wardrobe.