For pet owners, leaving a dog in someone else’s care requires confidence that their companion will be safe and treated like family. Paw-a-Day Inn K9 Suites has spent more than 15 years earning pet owners’ confidence. Founded in 2010 in Tilton, Illinois, the locally owned facility offers premium dog boarding, interactive daycare, and professional training in an environment designed to support canine welfare.
Paw-a-Day Inn K9 Suites’ commitment to consistency and fostering client relationships is why the company was recognized as a 2025 CO—100 Honoree in the Enduring Businesses category. With luxury accommodations, structured play, and personalized care, the business has built a strong client base of families, professionals, retirees, and travelers.
Developing a purpose-built environment
Unlike many traditional kennels, Paw-a-Day Inn K9 Suites was designed as a health-centered pet care facility. Dogs stay in private, climate-controlled suites for peaceful overnight stays. Spacious indoor and outdoor play areas promote exercise, structure, and socialization throughout the day, supervised by trained staff who understand canine behavior.
“We are not a high-volume operation,” explained Founder Tony Piatt. “Instead, we focus on quality over quantity, ensuring each dog receives the attention they deserve.”
This prioritization of individualized care enforces high standards for cleanliness, supervision, and comfort at Paw-A-Day. For clients, that gives them a reason to return to the facility year after year.
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Delivering customer service that creates lifelong relationships
At Paw-a-Day Inn, customer service is built on relationships. Staff are trained not only in pet care but also in communication and client engagement. This ensures that every client visit feels personal rather than transactional.
“Our goal is to create meaningful relationships that make every client feel like part of our extended family,” Piatt shared.
By staying flexible and focused on community needs, we not only survived—we strengthened our role as a trusted pet care provider.Tony Piatt, Founder of Paw-a-Day Inn K9 Suites
Small gestures—birthday photos, personalized greetings, and follow-up messages after boarding stays—help create lasting connections with clients and their pets.
The company’s emphasis on nourishing client relationships was clearly demonstrated when a patron arranged for Paw-a-Day to care for his Rottweiler if anything happened to him. When the client passed away, the team stepped in to temporarily care for the dog before placing her with a former employee who already loved her.
That level of commitment illustrates the trust clients place in the business.
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Facing challenges head-on with steadfast resilience
Over its 15-year history, Paw-a-Day Inn K9 Suites has had many challenges. One of the most difficult came in 2018, when Piatt was diagnosed with Stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma.
Despite his illness, Piatt continued greeting clients and interacting with dogs, reassuring his patrons and team through perseverance. As of 2026, Piatt has been in remission for over six years.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020 and hindered people from traveling, overnight boarding demands dropped sharply. Paw-a-Day adapted to this trial by shifting its focus to doggy daycare, providing reliable pet care for frontline and remote workers.
“By staying flexible and focused on community needs, we not only survived—we strengthened our role as a trusted pet care provider,” Piatt told CO—. “These experiences shaped who we are and helped us continue serving families for over 15 years.”
Evolving the system, preserving the heart
Longevity in the pet care industry requires both consistency and adaptability. Paw-a-Day has remained relevant by listening closely to customers and adjusting its services.
At one point, the business made the strategic decision to discontinue grooming services due to staffing challenges and limited profitability. The space was repurposed into an enrichment area for the boarding experience, allowing the team to concentrate on its core strengths.
“Our ability to evolve without losing the personal touch is a major reason we’ve remained a trusted resource for over 15 years,” said Piatt.
As a CO—100 Enduring Businesses Honoree, Paw-a-Day Inn K9 Suites stands as proof that long-term success comes from consistency, compassion, and adaptability. By treating every dog and client like family, the Inn has created a lasting bond with its community.
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