FAQ
Got questions? We’ve Got answers!
If you have additional questions that aren’t covered here, send us an email at renegadedogservices@gmail.com.
It’s both! We live in a commercial property with zoning that allows us to live here full-time.
Yes! We are licensed and in good standing with the City of Chicago, and are inspected and regulated by Chicago Animal Care and Control.
Yes! We are fully insured by Pet Care Affiliates through Business Insurers of the Carolinas.
We only take one NEW dog at a time. The dogs that come here are repeat clients and have all met and formed relationships with my dogs.
The number of dogs we take depends on a lot of different factors, and varies on any given day. There will usually be a full house around the holidays – the more the merrier!
Sometimes! Its important to remember that dogs are animals, and they communicate differently than humans do. Dogs communicate with their mouths – through barking, licking, nipping, biting, etc. A lot of times this totally natural animal behavior gets mischaracterized as aggression, and not all of it should be considered fighting.
I will always be open and honest about your dog’s behavior as well as any negative interactions that happen while in my care.
Most of the time, injuries are superficial. Nicks, scratches, punctures – they are all different and have varying degrees of severity. But technically, they are all acceptable forms of communication in the dog world. I will use my experience and judgement to assess each situation.
I use hydrogen peroxide and neosporin to clean and disinfect wounds. If your dog needs emergency veterinary care, you and I will communicate and decide together on the best way forward.
They are very rare, but in times like these I set my ego aside and remember one of my mantras: I only ever want to do what is best for the dogs.
For preventatives we use VIP Petcare and our vet is Dr. Sarah at Paws and Feathers.
The only MUSTS are a leash, collar with ID/tags, and food. Please do not feel the need to send individually packaged meals unless you’re into that sort of thing. I encourage you to send a reusable container, a scoop, and instructions, and I’ll take it from there.
Treats and topper will be shared, and chews/toys/blankets or bedding will be immediately claimed/destroyed/peed on so leave VIP stuff at home.
Oh! And I would love a roll of poop bags to add to my stash if you can spare it.
Wherever they want! We have plenty of room and lots of dog beds and blankets and couches where the dogs can make themselves comfortable.
if your dog prefers a kennel, or if you are reinforcing kennel training, we have plenty of kennels of various sizes that we can set up for your pup.
It started out of necessity! When I first started boarding dogs we did not have a yard. So our first walk in the morning was the “go potty for the first time since last night” walk, and there was no way I was going to bring SOME dogs and leave the others at home, miserably waiting their turns. So I clipped all the leashes to the same handle, clicked my heels together, and now pack walks are my favorite thing and secret weapon!
We are here 24/7. We are flexible, and more than happy to accommodate your schedule. If you need to stop by unusually early and/or late, I just ask that you please notify me in advance. That way, I can add it to my calendar and it doesn’t sneak up on me.
Pack walks, special treats, meal topper, cuddle time – these are standard features of pupcation, provided at no additional cost.
It also means we actively welcome and support historically marginalized and vulnerable groups, including but not limited to LGBTQIA humans, survivors of trauma and SA, undocumented immigrants, as well as other under-served populations in the city of Chicago.
That’s no problem at all! Medication(s) administration is also included in the cost of a booking, available at no additional charge. Please send clearly labeled packaging with instructions and I’ll take it from there!
We do have cameras, in a few different spots throughout the building. Because this is our home and I value my privacy (read: walking around without pants on), you will not have access to the cameras.
I send lots of photo and video updates throughout the stay. I want to make sure you feel like you’re not missing a thing!
The first time a pup comes over is always the toughest, which is why we do trial runs. We only host one new dog at a time so I can focus on getting them settled in and feeling comfortable. I like to keep the new dog the full day, which gives everyone plenty of time to feel out the vibes and make sure it’s a good fit.
You’ll drop off your dog at an agreed upon time. If you have time and are interested, you both will come inside and experience intros. If you’re in a rush, you can drop and go no problem! I’ll handle the intros while sending video updates accompanied by live commentary in my patented shrieking baby voice.
We’ll hang out, get some sniffs in, go on a pack walk. I will want your pup to experience at least one group mealtime during the trial run, so please send them with food and they can have breakfast or dinner with us, depending on timing.
I will be in communication with you the whole time so you feel like you’re not missing a thing! Once we’ve determined whether or not it is a good fit, you can pick up your pup at your convenience. We do not have restrictions on pick up and drop off times and are happy to accommodate your schedule.
Trial runs are billed at half price, and are required before booking an extended overnight stay.
We do! Please keep in mind that it’s just me and Matt and we share a car. If you are flexible with timing, it is absolutely no problem to add transport to a booking.
Nope, nope, nope.
Shit happens, life is a mess, the world is on fire. I get it. I will always be understanding and meet you where you’re at, in the hopes you will do the same for me.
Last-minute bookings are my jam! We are always here, and we usually have room. Just give me a shout, and we’ll see what we can do!
Other places have to add surcharges for holiday bookings because legally they are required to pay their staff time and a half. We do not have staff, so our prices stay the same no matter the day.
You can book as far in advance as you like! We take bookings on a first come first served basis – so please keep that in mind when planning your holiday travel as those are the busiest times of the year for us.
I send invoices via email on the Tuesday after your stay has ended. There is a link in the email that will take you to a Quickbooks payment processing screen where you can choose to pay however you like.
ALL OF THEM.
Yes. My dogs are an essential component of the way this business functions. They will always be up to date with all necessary vaccinations, records available upon request.
There is an amusement park in Minnesota called Valley Fair. The Renegade is a giant wooden roller coaster that goes just a liiiiiiiiiitle bit too fast. It appears to be slapped together and janky AF, but it’s the best MFing ride in the whole park, babyyyyy!