Dog day care facility holding open house Saturday in Crystal Lake

There’s a new place to take dogs for training, day camps and grooming in Crystal Lake.

The 4 Paws Activity Center – a dog day care facility at 825-B Munshaw Lane in Crystal Lake – will be hosting an open house from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Co-owners Kim Young and Gretchen Hansen, who have a combined 60 years of experience handling dogs, said they have worked in kennels across the country but are happy to finally be in a position to run their own operation.

Young said 4 Paws takes in between six to eight dogs each week.

“People enjoy taking their dogs to have fun and they’re finding an alternative to keeping their dogs crated at home,” Hansen said.

Hansen said she began dealing with dogs professionally as a groomer but switched to training with a focus on behavior. With this background, she said she knows how dogs will respond in certain situations.

“We respect the dogs as dogs and they respect us in teaching them that way,” Hansen said.

Amenities of the facility include premium and deluxe boarding rooms, a swimming pool and outdoor space.

Luxury boarding rooms feature raised plush bedding, a TV, group or solo play and treats.

Private or group swims can be scheduled for the dogs.

The facility opened in January. A list of available programs and costs is available on the 4 Paws Facebook page.