If you need a vacation or a day with friends, Fido does as well. This Naperville business offers both – Chicago Tribune

work: PetSuites of America

address: 540 E. Ogden Avenue, Naperville

Phone/Website: 630-389-8451, Naperville.PetSuitesOfAmerica.com

general manager: Rick Chlibovytsch, 56, from Bolingbrook

Years in business: Open in November

what does your business do? “Boarding (for pets). Overnight boarding. Then we have a day care day play. Many people who work bring their dogs in for the day. “Some dogs don’t like other dogs. They play individually one-on-one with team members. We don’t eliminate them,” Krivovic said.

What else do you offer? “Puppy preschool for dogs under 6 months. Socialization, learning how to get along with other dogs. Puppy kindergarten for 6 months to 1 year. Teach manners. … individual or group training. We have a full-time trainer for… we have a full-time groomer.”

how many people work here? “We have a resort manager and about 20 more employees. We need a big staff.

why are you working here “I’ve been a dog lover my whole life. I have four dogs at home. The nice thing about working here is that employees can bring their pets. … Most days here Have at least one dog.They get social….I recently sold my last business (home improvement supplies) and was looking for a new career opportunity.The recruiter called me When I was 14, I worked at Noah’s Ark, a pet shop in Stratford Square Mall.”

How are you doing? “It’s going very well. It’s only been a few months, so we’re still gaining momentum. We know it’s going to be a good year.”

Are there pet sweets nearby? “St. Charles, Lake in the Hills, Arlington Heights. There are about 60 PetSuites nationwide.”

What is your management philosophy? “Everything is done with the best interests of the dog in mind.

What is it that sets you apart? “We are a 14,000 square foot all indoor facility that is great for very cold or hot weather. We have a state of the art (air) filtration system so hopefully you won’t smell bad here. But they are sanitized from top to bottom twice a day.”

When are you busy? “Thanksgiving and Christmas were really busy for us. Spring break is going to be very busy.”

Do you have any highlights? “There’s a gorgeous townhome in the back. Raised beds. There’s a TV in the suite. Animal Planet (channel) is playing for them. They were sold out for spring break.”

Prices? “Full day play is $35, half day play is $24. Boarding fees are $43 for Classic and $51 for Luxury. Puppy preschool day is $42.” (All prices available online. can.)

how’s the cat? “We have cat townhomes, cat condos, and cat rooms.

what do you like most? “If I get stressed working here, I can go back and play with the dogs in a group for a while. It lifts my spirits.”

When are you open? “We charge a night rate from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., seven days a week, so technically you can drop your dog off at 6:30 p.m. on Monday and pick it up at 8:00 p.m. The price is for one day.”

Are dogs friendly? “Most of the time they do. Evaluate every dog ​​that comes in. If you want a dog to participate in group play, evaluate that dog with three different dogs. One is low.” Energy, 1 medium energy, 1 high energy and see how the dogs respond…. Today we have a 15 year old dog here.His first time.He’s in a group I am having a good time.”

Why should people bring their dogs here? “It keeps them busy. Dogs sitting at home all day? Sad. Dogs get bored. .”

What misconceptions do people have? “Dogs are in cages all the time. …We provide a ‘pawgress’ report with dog photos and daily updates. ”

What is your favorite story? “I love it when regular customers tell me that they know their dogs are coming out of their cars because they know they’re coming.”

Do you have any plans for the future? “We are working with the Naperville Humane Society. We would like to do a charity event as long as it raises awareness and fosters adoption. We are committed to dating.”

Any advice for people starting a business? The old saying goes, “If you find something you love, you won’t work a single day in your life.”

If you know a business you’d like to feature on Down to Business, please contact Steve Metsch. metschmsfl@yahoo.com.

Steve Metsch is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.