Business Details
27 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Dog Walking Service in Chicago Since 1999
Chicago Dog Walkers has been providing trusted, one-on-one dog walking services in Chicago since 1999. Our philosophy centers on responsible, affectionate companionship, ensuring every pet receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs. We serve neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and Wicker Park with a team of dedicated employees who undergo rigorous background checks and training. Our walkers are bonded, insured, and committed to consistency, forming lasting bonds with pets while offering real-time updates to owners.We prioritize safety with double security measures and maintain transparency through detailed post-walk reports. As a non-gig company, we focus on steady employment for our staff and collaborate with local pet care providers to ensure every client finds the right fit. Founded by Marc Matlin, our grassroots approach emphasizes pet welfare, client peace of mind, and community-driven service.
Services
Dog Walking
Emergency Visits
Virtual Meet and Greet
Key Holding
Real-Time Updates
Consistency Guarantees
Training Reinforcement
Neighborhood Expansion
Pet Care Collaboration
Safety Protocols
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer bonded and insured dog walking services since 1999.
- Each dog receives individualized attention from the same dedicated walker daily.
- Our employees undergo criminal background checks and supervised training.
- Real-time updates with photos and walk reports after every visit.
- We prioritize double security measures and consistent training routines.
What people say
Dependable
Caring
Consistent
Stress-free
Prompt communication
Services
Dog Walking
Our one-on-one dog walking service ensures personalized attention for your pet. Each 25-minute session includes 20 minutes of active walking and 5 minutes for hydration, treats, and notes. Walkers provide real-time updates with photos and detailed reports after every visit. Consistency is guaranteed with the same dedicated walker daily, fostering trust and reducing pet anxiety.
Emergency Visits
We accommodate last-minute or emergency visits whenever possible. Our team ensures prompt assistance for unexpected schedule changes or urgent pet care needs. Clients receive after-hours contact information for critical situations, maintaining reliability beyond standard office hours. This service prioritizes flexibility without compromising safety or quality.
Virtual Meet and Greet
A mandatory virtual meeting introduces our services and policies to new clients. This session discusses your pets specific needs, training routines, and care preferences. It allows us to create a personalized profile in our system and assign a dedicated walker. The consultation ensures alignment between our services and your pets requirements before starting regular visits.
Key Holding
We request two sets of keys for secure and timely access to your home. This protocol ensures continuity if your regular walker is unavailable for emergencies or weekends. Keys are stored securely, and access is limited to authorized personnel only. The system guarantees uninterrupted service while maintaining client security and privacy.
Training Reinforcement
Our walkers reinforce existing training commands and routines provided by pet owners. This service maintains consistency in behavioral expectations and house rules during walks. We avoid punitive measures, focusing on positive reinforcement techniques. Clients receive updates on progress and any adjustments needed to support their pets learning and comfort.
People
Marc Matlin
Founder
Marc founded Chicago Dog Walkers in 1999 with a mission to prioritize pet welfare and client peace of mind. He established rigorous hiring standards and community-focused service protocols that define the companys grassroots approach.
Shawn C
Lead Walker
Shawn brings 17 years of professional experience and Cesar Millan training to his role. He emphasizes trust-building with pets and balances dog walking with Instacart work, music, and gaming while maintaining a deep connection with animals.
April A
Dog Walker
April combines a lifetime of animal care experience with volunteer work at shelters. She specializes in animal behavior insights and trap-neuter-return efforts, offering pet parents valuable support beyond standard walking services.
Erik A
Dog Walker
Eriks passion for dogs began in childhood, leading to a career focused on rescues and senior pets. He balances dog walking with security work, emphasizing joy and serenity in every interaction with pets.
Molly W
Dog Walker
With over a decade of experience, Molly cares for diverse animals while documenting pet adventures. She combines medieval history interests with dog walking, prioritizing neighborhood exploration and personalized care for each pet.
Questions
Why is there a virtual meet and greet?
The virtual meet-and-greet ensures we understand your pet’s needs, review policies, and set up their profile in our system before starting service.
Will my dog receive individualized attention?
Yes. Your dog gets a full 25-minute one-on-one session with the same dedicated walker daily, adjusted to their specific needs and energy levels.
How long have you been in business?
We’ve provided dog walking services in Chicago since 1999, prioritizing consistent, loving care for pets.
Are your walkers employees or contractors?
All our walkers are employees, ensuring accountability, training, and coverage under workers’ compensation insurance for your pet’s safety.
What if my dog has aggression issues?
We conduct an in-person evaluation with our owner or manager to determine if we can safely accommodate your pet’s needs before service begins.
Do you offer boarding services?
No, we focus on in-home care but can provide a list of trusted pet care providers for extended absences.
