Chicago is a big city with many different neighborhoods, so it can be tough to know where to start when looking for a reputable dog walking business. Deciding on dog walking services may seem like an easy task, but with all of the seemingly great companies out there, it can be hard to choose one.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! This guide will give you all the information you need to find a great dog walking company in Chicago il.
Are all dog walking companies the same?
Just like anything else in life, not all dog walking companies are created equal.
Different companies offer slight variations of the same services, (and some different services altogether) so it is important to do your research in order to find the right fit for you and your pup.
What type of pet care services are you in search of?
Some pet care and dog walking companies have amazing websites and reviews, but that doesn’t necessarily mean their pet care is the right fit for you.
It’s important to find a dog walker that offers the services you’re looking for at a price you’re comfortable with.
What are some of the differences?
Some prefer to always have the same dog walker daily, while other’s are more concerned with the level of training from the pet care services like pet first aid. Here are some of the different needs of dog families in Chicago:
- Consistent Schedule vs Flexible Schedule
- Dog walking only vs occasional pet sitting
- Puppy care vs senior care
- families with dogs and cats
- GPS tracking of dog walks vs simple note left at home
There is a dog walker for every need
Everyone’s dog walking needs are different and luckily there are a ton of pet sitting companies servicing Chicago for you to pick from.
Take the time to read reviews, compare prices, and ask around for recommendations. With a little effort, you’re sure to find the perfect dog walking company for you and your furry friend.
Where can I find good Chicago dog walkers?
Moving to the Chicago area can be both exciting and daunting, especially when it comes to finding the right resources to care for your furry family members.
If you’re looking for reputable dog walkers in Chicago, there are a few steps you should take when shopping around:
- Identify your neighborhood – Neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, West Town, South Loop, and Logan Square are all popular residential areas, but they all have their own set of pet sitters that service the area.
- Start local – Once you know which neighborhood you live in, you can start your search locally for dog walkers. Ask at dog parks, vets, and groomers. They will know who is most popular in your area.
- Look at reviews – Almost all dog walking companies have online reviews on either google, facebook or yelp. That is a great way to learn more about the company you are interested in having to walk your dog.
Do all neighborhoods offer good pet care service?
There are so many pet sitting services in the city that all neighborhoods will have a handful of pet care providers that are excellent.
It can be tough once you move out to the surrounding suburbs, but still very possible.
Some of the common neighborhoods for dog walking is lincoln park, wicker park, south loop, river north and streeterville (but of course many more).
–>LEARN MORE ABOUT DOG WALKING SERVICES<–
Why is it important to find a good dog walking company ?
When you have a furry friend at home, the thought of leaving them behind when you go to work or run errands can be tough.
You want to make sure they’re being well cared for in your absence, and that’s where a reputable dog walking company is important.
How do pet care companies differ?
These services can provide peace of mind, knowing that your pup will be taken on regular walks, given plenty of potty breaks, and will generally be kept happy and occupied until you return. (ps. they offer cat sitting services as well!)
In addition, a reputable pet care company is always licensed, bonded, and fully insured, meaning that your home and belongings will be safe in their hands.
So if you’re looking for someone to entrust with the care of your furry friend, be sure to find a reputable dog walking company. Your puppy will thank you.
How to find the best dog walking company in Chicago il [for you]
It can be tough to find good dog walkers, especially if you’re new in town. But never fear – referrals are always a great way to go! Continue reading to learn different ways in which you can find who are the best dog walking companies near you.
Post on local Facebook group
Posting in your neighborhood Facebook group (most neighborhoods in Chicago il have one) is a great way to get first hand referrals from neighbors in your area.
Ask at brick and mortar pet businesses
Stop at your local pet store, vet or groomer as they will be familiar with the pet care providers in that area. They will be happy to give you a list of dog walkers to contact.
Check on Yelp
The best part of yelp is that its a common platform for customers to leave reviews. Here you will get a sense of which companies have the most engaged customers.
->Check out Chicago Urban Pets’ Yelp Page<-
Get a reference from your front desk
If you live in a highrise your building’s front desk attendants will know all the service providers coming in and out of that building. They can tell you which companies are already dog walking at your address.
3 Considerations when shopping for the perfect dog walker:
- Do you like their dog walker’s bio’s? This is a great way to get a sense of what people might enter your home. (CUP’s Bio)
- What are their rates? If rates are very cheap (under $25/30min visit) I would question their professionalism..
- What services are provided? Will you need flexible scheduling, maybe have senior dogs or a dog with special needs, then you will want to ensure the dog walking business you pick offers those types of services too. (CUP’s services)
What should you look for when vetting potential candidates?
When vetting a potential dog walking service in the windy city, it is important to consider a few key factors. Knowing what to look for is not always obvious, so take a pen and paper or bookmark this post for reference.
Service Agreement
One of the most important vetting criteria is whether or not the company has a service agreement. This document should outline the policies that apply and how they conduct business when walking dogs.
Licensed, Bonded, and Insured
It is also important to verify that the company is licensed, bonded, and insured ( Kennel Pro is a common dog business insurance). This will ensure that you are protected in the event that something goes wrong.
Associated organizations (plus)
It can be a plus if they are associated with larger organizations like pet sitters international or the national association of professional pet sitters.
Ethical Management
Additionally, you will want to make sure that the company’s staff members are employees, rather than independent contractors.
This is important because it is illegal to hire ICs as employees, but many companies get away with it thus saving money on payroll and other requirements.
Rates
Finally, you will want to make sure that the rates are within your budget. Ask if they have any discounts for regularly scheduled dog walking.
Service Areas
Larger companies will serve more of the city, but they might feel less personable. Smaller companies might only service specific neighborhoods, but they’ll have a human touch.
For example, Chicago Urban Pets services: South Loop, Loop, River North, Streeterville, Lakeshore East, Gold Coast and Lakeview East. However, we are not in other common areas such as Wicker Park, River West, West Loop, Lincoln Square, Logan Square or Roscoe Village.
How much should you expect to pay for quality dog walking services?
If you’re looking for a professional dog walker in Chicago, you can expect to pay at least $25-$35 per walk. If it’s a solo entrepreneur with no employees, it might be a little cheaper. But generally, you’ll get what you pay for when it comes to dog walking services.
What if I find a cheaper service?
If you find a dog walking company in Chicago il you really want to use that is cheaper, thread cautiously as a few things might be going on:
- company employs IC’s and is therefore avoiding employee-based taxes.
- company is underpaying their staff (even below minimum wage).
- company is not spending money training their staff.
- company’s values could be questionable.
What if I can’t afford a dog walker?
A great alternative to professional dog walkers is to set your dog up with a doggy day care program. There are many in the windy city so you might even have a place you can walk to!
Many doggie daycares will come to pick your dog up and drop them off. Due to the volume of dogs they care for at the same time, they can afford to price their service at a lower rate.
What are the benefits of using Chicago Urban Pets for Dog Walking?
There are many benefits to using Chicago Urban Pets as your pet care provider. our services intergrate nicely with Your Existing life. You will receive a customized pet care Experience that ensures your dog maintains his usual and preferred schedule. Our services are backed up by seemless communication with office and staff, great reports with pictures which easy scheduling on your our top of the art pet care app.
Here are a few other reasons why Chicago urban pets is so popular in your area
We operate legally
First and foremost, we are licensed, bonded, and insured, meaning that you are protected in the event that something goes wrong.
Chicago Urban Pets is a legitimate company which means we are kept to the same high standards of other operating businesses in windy city.
Staff Members are trained
Additionally, all of our staff is trained and follow very strict protocols when in your home and walking your dog. We also use a training platform called Fetchfind Training.
Out staff all provide the same quality of detailed reports after every visit which pictures, check-in and check-out data as well as full GPS tracking when out with your dog.
Front runners in the industry
Chicago Urban Pets prides itself on being among the front runners for dog walking and pet sitting in the city of Chicago il.
We were ahead of the game with email and text reports when many were still leaving notes at the home. The company has been using the latest technology to running the business since 2013 and we collaborate regularly with other dog walking companies serving Chicago to ensure we are always up to speed!
Chicago Urban Pets is a great choice
In a city with so many dog walking companies, it is important to choose one that is professional, reliable and trustworthy. When it comes to your beloved pet, you should never have to worry or stress. Relax and let us do the work for you!
–>LEARN MORE ABOUT DOG WALKING SERVICES<–
Schedule Dog Walking in the Windy City!
If you’re like most pet owners, you probably feel guilty leaving your furry friend at home all day long while you’re at work. Maybe you live on the north side, but work in Albany park. A dog walker can relieve your anxiety when away for most of the day.
Maybe you even have tried to train them to use the bathroom indoors on a potty pad or hired a neighbor kid to stop by and take them for a walk, but that’s not always feasible.
Reach out for more info about walks
That’s where Chicago Urban Pets comes in – we are experts in providing dog walking services in Chicago il. We know the importance of exercise for dogs (and their owners) and can help make sure your pup gets the daily walks they need.
Plus, our team is bonded and insured so you can rest assured knowing your dog is in good hands. Ready to schedule a free consultation? Visit our website or give us a call today!
->Get Started with Dog Walking in Chicago HERE!<-