Business Details
10 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Pet Care in Chicago
Founded in 2016, Sparky Steps is a Chicago-based pet care service dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate care for pets while fostering a community of trust and reliability. Our trained, licensed, and insured team treats every pet like family, offering services including dog walking, cat sitting, and small animal care across Chicago neighborhoods. We prioritize fair pay for our walkers, positive reinforcement for pets, and a network of support for both clients and caregivers. Our commitment to quality is reinforced through real-time updates via the DoTimely app, including GPS tracking and photo documentation.Recognized by the American Red Cross for first aid training and bonded through NGM Insurance, we adhere to high standards set by Pet Sitters International and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. Our mission remains rooted in the legacy of Sparky, the founder's dog, whose joy inspired a business built on love, safety, and professionalism.
Services
Dog Walking
Cat Sitting
Bird Sitting
Fish Care
Rabbit Sitting
Guinea Pig Sitting
Hamster Sitting
Ferret Care
Lizard Care
Plant Care
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- We assign the same trained walker for consistent, trusting relationships with pets.
- Real-time updates via the DoTimely app include GPS tracking and photo documentation.
- Licensed, bonded, and insured team with American Red Cross first aid certifications.
- Competitive pricing with transparent fees and flexible scheduling options.
- Community-focused approach supporting pet adoption and local shelters.
Associations and certifications
- American Red Cross
- City of Chicago
- Pet Care Business Insurance
- NGM Insurance Company
- Pet Sitters International
- National Association of Professional Pet Sitters
What people say
Reliable, safe, great with pets
Competitive prices
Responsive
Thorough & responsive
Services
Dog Walking
Personalized walks tailored to your dog's energy level and routine. Our trained walkers provide exercise, playtime, and attention while following safety protocols. Clients receive real-time updates with photos and GPS tracking for peace of mind.
Cat Sitting
Dedicated care for cats, including feeding, playtime, litter maintenance, and companionship. Our sitters follow specific routines to minimize stress, ensuring cats remain comfortable in their home environment during owner absences.
Small Animal Care
Specialized attention for rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and reptiles. Services include feeding, habitat maintenance, and species-specific enrichment to promote health and well-being in small animals.
Overnight Sitting
In-home overnight care with three scheduled visits. This service maintains pets' routines while providing continuous companionship, ideal for owners traveling overnight or on extended trips.
Plant Care
Reliable plant watering, light adjustment, and basic home checks during owner absences. Our caretakers ensure indoor plants thrive and homes appear occupied for security purposes.
People
Michael Jaurigue
Founder & Pet Sitter
Founded Sparky Steps in 2016 after his dog Sparky inspired a career dedicated to pet care. Ensures consistent, compassionate service while managing operations and client relationships.
Norma Garcia
Pet Sitter
Provides compassionate care with outdoor time focus. Treats every client's pet as her own family while maintaining professional standards for reliability and safety.
Amir Ball
Pet Sitter
Brings energetic enthusiasm to pet visits. Specializes in positive reinforcement techniques and quickly builds trusting bonds with dogs through consistent, patient interaction.
Maaya Yamauchi
Pet Sitter
Provides visionary support to the team while maintaining focus on the company's mission. Builds strong relationships between pets, owners, and caregivers through attentive service.
Ailyn Villarin
Assistant Manager
Manages scheduling and client communications to ensure smooth operations. Coordinates walker assignments and service logistics while maintaining high client satisfaction standards.
Questions
What services does Sparky Steps offer?
We provide dog walking, cat sitting, small animal care, plant maintenance, and home check-ins across Chicago with flexible scheduling options.
How are visits scheduled?
Clients use the DoTimely app to schedule visits 24/7, with real-time confirmation and instant updates on all pet care activities.
Are services available on holidays?
Yes, we work on holidays with double standard rates applied for these special days.
What happens during inclement weather?
We make every effort to provide care during bad weather but may cancel visits if conditions become unsafe for our team.
How does the Meet & Greet process work?
A free 15-30 minute consultation where you and your pets meet the caregiver, review documentation, and exchange keys before service begins.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept Visa and MasterCard through automatic weekly billing, with cash tips available for exceptional service.
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