About us
Professional Trainers, Experienced Hosts, Passionate Dog Lovers
We didn’t just stumble into hosting—we built our properties around a lifestyle we live every single day.
Since 2017, we have owned and operated Dog Training Now, a premier obedience studio in Hoffman Estates, Illinois where we work daily alongside dogs of every size, breed, and temperament. Over the years, we learned a glaring truth that every dog owner faces: finding a truly stress-free, luxury vacation spot with your pack is nearly impossible. Most rentals treat dogs as an afterthought or worse, a nuisance, hiding restrictive weight limits, endless lists of chores, and hefty pet fees in the fine print.
We decided to change that.
Having been short-term rental hosts since 2020, we combined our hospitality experience with our professional background in canine behavior to curate a collection of premium, waterfront retreats where dogs aren’t just "allowed"—they are celebrated. In fact, every property in our collection is named in honor of one of our dogs!
High-Performance Hospitality
Our approach to building and maintaining our properties is rooted in precision and attention to detail. Before stepping full-time into entrepreneurship, Dan spent his career as an engineer working in high-stakes motorsports, including IndyCar and NASCAR. That engineering mindset—where everything must be built to the highest standard, run seamlessly, and focus on absolute reliability—is exactly how we approach our homes. From structural layouts and secure, expansive outdoor freedom to pristine cleanliness, everything is designed to function perfectly.
Our Philosophy
We believe you shouldn't have to sacrifice luxury to travel with your best friends. When you stay at one of our properties, you get an elevated, fully renovated lakeside escape paired with the ultimate peace of mind. We don't charge pet fees, we don't have breed restrictions, and we want your dogs to feel just as at home on the furniture as they do splashing in the water.
We’ve designed the ultimate retreats for you and your co-pilots. Pack the bags, bring the dogs, and come unwind on the water.
Meet Dan and Melissa
Write, call, or text us
info@pawandpillowstays.com
765-412-3330