4 Paws Playhouse, Cage Free Boarding/Doggie Daycare at its Finest

Dogs are very important to many people. They consider their dogs part of the family, often calling them fur babies and considered them like one of the kids. Their position in the family is plainly seen by the lives that these lucky dogs lead. They are loved, cared for and treated like the darlings that they are. So when owners are faced with the dilemma of leaving their dogs home all day while they go to work, they are torn, to say the least. On one hand, they have to go to work, but they feel horrible leaving their fur babies at home all day by themselves. There is an answer, and that is 4 Paws Playhouse!

4 Paws Playhouse, located at 15711 S Cicero Ave in Oak Forest, provides doggies daycare , over night boarding and play groups for all shapes and sizes of dogs. Most importantly and what sets them apart from every other similiar business, is that they are CAGE FREE. Yes, I said completely CAGE FREE. The dogs that are lucky enough to be part of this wonderful business, run, play, and romp all day long with the company of other dogs and loving workers. Your dog will look forward to you going to work. Owned by Oak Forester, Dave King, this is possibly the happiest place on Earth.

Dave King is the owner of 4 Paws Playhouse and is a resident of Oak Forest. He was working in a 9-5 stressful corporate job when the opportunity to buy the business presented itself. He did not blink twice. This dog lover and all around entrepreneur, took a 50% pay cut, quit his corporate job and took a leap of faith. He eventually moved from his Naperville home and became an Oak Forester, and has never looked back. "It is great to come to work and be greeted by a group of dogs that just want to love you," he told me when I asked about the long hours that he works.

As I entered the facility, I was immediately impressed with the organization. Just inside the entrance is the store. They sell all brands and types of dog food, dog treats and dog accessories. They carry most brands including Fromm and specialty food and what they don't have, they will order for you. If you love to shop local, you should check them out.

I meet Dave who is a friendly guy with a good handshake. He introduced me to two young ladies in matching 4 Paws Playhouse T-shirts and big smiles. They are young and energetic and quick to tell me about the dogs. Kayla James and Allie Miller are both shift pack leaders. Ashley Bernatowicz, a shift pack leader and Danny Andrich, a long time manager, both employees who have worked for Dave over 5 years, were also there but were organizing play activities outside at the time. Altogether 4 Paws Playhouse has 17 employees who run the 24/7 business and I feel that they are a big family, not just co-workers.

Kayla and Allie have both worked at 4 Paws Playhouse for about 2 years and they love it. Kayla explains that is not all fun and games though. It is hard work taking care of about 40 dogs every day but she loves it, because she loves the dogs. I can see the feeling is mutual when a little Pug, tired from playing, wanders into the office and jumps up to greet Kayla. She explains that as a care taker for these dogs, you develop relationships with them. "Some dogs just bond to one of us," she says as Macy Rose the Pug, licks her face.

Allie starts telling me about all the games and activities they plan for the dogs each day. "They love the bubbles," she tells me. "They are hilarious when they chase the bubbles," she says half laughing and petting Macy Rose. As they tell me about all the toys and games that the dogs love, I can't help but compare this doggie daycare to child daycare. In many ways it is the same. The dogs have a set schedule everyday. They have playtime with planned activities, they have lunch, which is brought by their owners, and they have open play so the dogs get to really bond with each other.

They also celebrate birthdays and special events. If the dogs are being boarded, there is a set bedtime only after playtime so everyone is nice and tired. Many of the dogs are quirky with their own personalities that they entertain because that is part of the experience for these dogs. Some have specific medical needs that need to be tended to. They are treated here like they are treated at home, as individual dogs. The employees become more than just workers, they because friends to these dogs. They get to know them and have a connection with them.

At 4 Paws Playhouse, dogs are separated by energy level instead of size. I thought this was ingenious. I think we all know that small dog that has the energy to run with the big dogs, and at 4 Paws Playhouse they can. Dave explained that all the dogs are much happier being with dogs in their same energy level. The high energy group just goes and goes, they will chase balls until they drop. Then there are dogs that are lower energy, because of their breed, their temperament or their age, they are happier with low energy activities. Sometimes they just want to lay on one of the cots and chill out.

At 4 Paws Playhouse, all dogs, are allowed to be who they are and get to have the comfort they are used to at home. They have the company of humans at all times. They are never ever put in cages or left by themselves in any areas. Dave explains that they want all the dogs to be happy and this policy, makes dogs happy. Of course, happy dogs, make for happy pet owners. Speaking of happy owners, Dave and the crew, posts hundred of pictures and many videos of the dogs everyday for their owners to view. They love seeing their doggies playing and busy having fun.

How 4 Paws Playhouse works is quite simple. First step is you call and make an appointment for your dog to come in for an interview, and yes, your dog needs to be interviewed. Your dog will be assessed for two hours to make sure they are a good fit for 4 Paws. They do not let aggressive dogs sign up for the safety of other dogs and all the employees.You must give proof of all shots and vaccination to ensure the health of your dog. Again, this is for the safety of everyone.I was very impressed with the safety protocol implemented at 4 Paws Playhouse. Dave really emphasized the importance of keeping everyone, human and canine, safe at all times.

Once all of this is done, your doggies is ready to join the fun. They have many packages and different price structures for every dog's individual needs. I found it to be quite affordable considering it is cage free and your dog is cared for every moment they are there. You can bring your dog in just for a few hours, a regular weekly schedule or long term boarding. Please look at the picture I have included with basic prices so you can get an idea but call Dave for individual needs. You can also look at their website, 4PawsPlayhouse.com for more information or go to their Facebook page where you will find a ton of pictures .

4 Paws Playhouse has been in business for 10 years, this year being it's anniversary. Dave is very involved with the community also, regularly involved with the city's events and specifically supporting the Friends of Oak Forest Animal Control. He is planning an event right now where half of the proceeds will go to support the Friends of the Oak Forest Animal Control. He will be hosting Dog Lure Coursing & 50 Yard Dash Event coming up on July 22nd Noon-2 pm and you don't want to miss it.

This should be a fun and exciting event where the dogs compete in a Lure Course. Lure Coursing is the sport of having dogs chase a mechanized lure. Modern lure courses use an artificial lure attached to a pulley for dogs to chase. They will also have a 50 yard dash contest and will clock your dogs speed and see who is the fastest dog of the day! They will also have several doggie pools and drinking water for all dogs. Please go to their Facebook page at 4 Paws Playhouse Events for all information. Dave also rents out huge dart boards for parties to Oak Foresters. You can go to Dave's Dart Boards for more information.

Finally, I got to meet the dogs. They let a hand full of the high energy dogs into the big indoor play area so I could take some pictures and see them in action. I loved it as the energetic dogs filed into the room. They played with each other and greeted me, wagging their tails. Both Allie and Kayla called them by name and made sure everyone was where they were supposed to be. Dave was busy throwing tennis balls for a Rottweiler and a Golden Retriever. A weiner dog stood on a table and seems to be coordinating a German Shepard and a big fuzzy dog whose breed I was not sure. It was busy, and noisy and absolutely wonderful. I can tell you one thing for sure. This group of dogs was well cared for, they were engaged and they were definitely happy.