Who Are We?
Our Mission
Chicago Urban Pet’s mission is to be the expert in the field of pet-care and customer service in order to offer modern day solutions that positively impact our community.
Our Values
We believe that through open communication, and a focus on emotional well-being, we can maximize your peace of mind and bring joy to your day.
Meet the Team
Scroll down to read the bio of our amazing team of cat and dog lovers.
Our team is thoroughly vetted and trained.
Stephanie Surjan
Founder
Hi, my name is Stephanie and I founded Chicago Urban Pets in 2013. I am a Mom, teacher and small business owner. Building this service from the ground up has been a real labor of love, and allows me freedom of time which is important to me.
My formal education is in Architecture and Design but animals have always been a big part of my life (I grew up with horses). So when I’m not loving on pets and chatting with their hoomans, you can find me teaching at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC).
Can’t wait to meet you!
Emma Lamke
Office manager
I am a current student at Loyola University studying social work! I grew up in Kansas City but I am now in the great city of Chicago to study and explore.
I have a two rescue pets that are my whole world. My dog is named Indira and she loves to go on long walks on the beach. My cats name is Ernestine and she enjoys to sunbathe all day long!
In my free time I enjoy being outside, creating art, or reading a good book. I also enjoy spending time fostering animals and finding their forever homes!
I’ve been with Chicago Urban Pets since May 2022.
Kimberly Cox
Dog walker / Cat sitter
I am so glad to be working with Chicago Urban Pets. I have been a Feline Foster parent with the Oak Park Animal Care League for many years prior to fostering, I was a volunteer dog walker for the shelter.
My passion for animals motivates me to provide them with the highest level of care and companionship. Having owned many pets over the years I understand the importance of trusting someone with your beloved furry friend.
I am committed to giving the best care to both you and your furry friend. My goal is to make your day easier by ensuring that your pet enjoys a great time of exercise and loving companionship. It would be my pleasure to help you by caring for your beloved pet while you are away. I will love and care for them as if they were my own.
I’ve been with Chicago Urban Pets since February 2022.
Victor Elting
Dog Walker / Cat Sitter
Hi. My name is Victor Elting. I’ve been a realtor for the last 25 years. I love this city and the dogs in it. Animals have always played a major part in my life.
My parents raised Shelties for a while and I had a constant stream of Sheltie companions growing up. My mother was a biology teacher so all the stray or injured animals in town were dropped off at our house. I grew up with snakes, turtles, birds, and a squirrel named Squirt.
My wife and I are empty-nesters which allows us to devote all our time and attention to our 15 year-old Lowchen named Lollipop. The highlight of my day is walking Lollipop and hanging out with her. Our family has had a variety of pets over the years, including a ball python, a leopard gecko, and even a blind squirrel named Stevie the Wonder Squirrel.
I’ve been with Chicago Urban Pets since November 2023
Abbi Coldron
dog walker / cat Sitter
Hello! I’m Abbi! I’m a performance artist new to Chicago, originally from a small town in North Carolina. I received my BFA in Acting from Shenandoah Conservatory in 2022, and moved to Chicago this past June. Some of my hobbies include crocheting, yoga, and teaching myself guitar and ukulele.
Juliet, my cat, is the light of my life. Caring for her has taught me so much about being a better human. I also grew up with a Great Dane for a family dog, so I’m comfortable with animals of all shapes, sizes, and temperaments. Can’t wait to get to know you and your pet(s)!!!
I’ve been with Chicago Urban Pets since November 2023
Alison Maierle
dog walker / cat Sitter
I am currently a student at Loyola University of Chicago studying Psychology and Music. I am from originally from Milwaukee, WI but have been in Chicago for 3 years.
My passion for animals started at a young age. My house was always filled with furry friends and I can’t imagine it any other way! I currently have one cat named Boris and he definitely keeps me on my toes. Caring for pets has brought me so much joy, comfort, and has greatly increased my patience. I look forward to getting to know your animals!
I’ve been with Chicago Urban Pets Since June 2024
Kylee Verez
Dog Walker / Cat Sitter
Hello! My name is Kylee and I was born and raised here in Chicago. Currently, I am pursuing my AFA as an undergraduate at Harold Washington College. When I am not studying or caring for my two cats and ferrets; I enjoy creating, whether that be art, music, or recipes.
Animals have always been a huge part of my life as my household has always been full of a variety of pets, ranging from birds and frogs to cats and dogs. Having the opportunity to care for so many pets has taught me responsibility, patience, and compassion. And brought an endless amount of happiness and comfort into my life, so I can’t wait to get the opportunity to meet you and your furry companion(s)!
I’ve been with Chicago Urban Pets since September 2024
Kimberly Brown
dog walker / cat Sitter
I’m a long-time Chicagoan and Lakeview East parent (2 elementary kids) currently working as a part-time adjunct professor and marketing consultant.
I started life on a farm near Corvallis Oregon with cats, bunnies, dogs, and horses. When we moved to the Chicago western suburbs, we simplified to a golden retriever. My husband had a sweet Rottweiler when we met. We currently don’t have pets as we get our own kids trained 😉 so it’s an honor and joy to get my doggie fix taking care of yours!
I’ve been with Chicago Urban Pets since October 2024
Oliver Kuhn
dog walker / cat Sitter
I am a recent college graduate from Depaul University with a degree in Marketing and a Minor in Music Business. I’m from the Chicago suburbs and have had animals in my life ever since I could remember.
I grew up with three dogs in my family along with lots of other pets. We had three shih tzu’s and some of my best memories growing up are playing with all of them in our front yard. Over the past few years I have had experience being a pet sitter as well as a dog walker. Getting to meet new pets and spend some time with them is always fun and fulfilling.
I’ve been with Chicago Urban Pets Since January 2025