What Should I Look for in a Dog Walker in Chicago

The care required by pets often brings out the parental instincts in even the best of us. And while you might have heard many say that having a pet is similar to having a kid, only those who bear the tag of ‘pet parents’ can comprehend what it is truly like. 

Depending on the pet, their care can be multifaceted in terms of both effort and time. For most dogs, walking is essential to their care and health. 

Additionally, walking your dog yourself has proven health benefits for you, but balancing various life responsibilities can make it challenging to find time for this activity. For those days, a trustworthy and reliable dog walker can be a blessing for most pet parents. 

Thankfully, with the injection of tech and the internet in our lives, finding a dog walker in a city like Chicago is no tougher than a few clicks and swipes on the screen. However, the real challenge is finding a credible walker that ticks all points off your checklist and offers you peace of mind while they care for the pet. 

Apart from verifying the obvious aspects like the dog walker’s credentials on paper and their remuneration, there are a handful of markers that separate the right dog walker from the rest. 

Needless to say, we at Sparky Steps shine in all these categories, but before we convince you why you should sign up for our services, you must understand what to look for in a dog walker, especially in Chicago. 

Here are a few basic pointers to keep in mind, even if you are dog-walker-hunting for the first time -

Background Checks, Track Record, and Valid Insurance

The first step in the journey of finding a dog walker, like most others, is trust and safety, so verifying the background of a dog walker ought to be the first step in the process. Depending on the platform from which you find them, scan through their profile to ensure that the safety box is ticked. 

While you are there, also check -

⦁    Their total experience and what their previous clients have to say about the services. 
⦁    Ensure that the person has a valid insurance policy and a bond, in case of any accidents or unfortunate events. 

Expertise and Pet Bonding

Even if the credentials of a walker look impressive on paper, their passion for their job and expertise are entirely different domains. And the skill of a walker is often tested on the extreme ends. Say, your dog gets overtly aggressive or timid in certain situations; can the walker tackle that while ensuring safety? If yes, you have landed yourself a walker that you can trust with your life.

Also, observe how well they bond with your pet and how passionate they are about their work. Say you alert them about a specific condition of your pet, do they keep that in mind every time they interact with your dog?

Although this one is not a deal breaker, a passionate worker will always have the edge over their contemporaries in any field. And a strong bond between the pet and their walker matters more at times than just their credentials and skills on paper. 

Professionalism and Punctuality 

If they check the above two points, the next thing you need to look out for is their professionalism. Bear in mind that if things go well, this is someone you would be dealing with regularly. 

Testing professionalism often boils down to the basics, such as -

⦁    How well they communicate, and how punctual they are with the schedule?
⦁    If a session has to be rescheduled, how do they handle it? 

Their sincerity with the job can really help distinguish them from the rest.

A Trial and Clear Pricing Terms

Once you've found your ideal match, it is time to clarify a few things before getting started. Before actually getting into business, you should always ask for a trial. WWhile some companies have a policy against offering a free trial, many are also willing to provide one before you use their services. So, if your walker agrees to it, that's already a positive sign. 

After this, establish clear terms about pricing with them. This also includes discussing how billing would work in the event of changes, rescheduling, cancellations, and special requests.

Now that you know what to look for, the question is, where can you find it? Or precisely, where can you find it all under one roof in Chicago? At Sparky Steps, we take great pride in being the best in business. 

Here’s exactly what you get after signing up with Sparky Steps -

Real-Time Updates and Tracking 

Even when you find the right walker for your dog that fits the bill, leaving your pet alone with them might induce a bit of anxiety in you. We completely understand that and have a solution to ease your nerves. 

Any time a walker from Spark Steps takes your dog out, you get - 

⦁    Live GPS tracking to ensure complete safety, transparency, and above all, peace of mind.
⦁    Our walkers also frequently share pictures and personalized feedback about the pet with you, keeping you informed at all times. 

Pocket-Friendly Pricing 

Determining the right price for a dog walking service can often be challenging, considering the services offered, frequency, and the walker’s expertise. At Sparky Steps, after a free initial consultation to learn more about your pet, we provide walking services starting at $17 for a 10-minute visit.

For any additional services or special requests that you avail, we believe in a transparent pricing model and are always upfront about the numbers.

Flexible Scheduling Options 

Following this, the last and final step in your journey of picking the right walker is scheduling a visit with them. And with Sparky Steps, scheduling walks will be one of the most seamless experiences of your life. 

You can begin by booking your slots on the app itself. Once your timing is confirmed, all your worries are virtually over. In case of cancellations and rescheduling, too, we have flexible terms for minimal road bumps.

Lastly, while your dog is on a walk, our expert walkers take care of their medication schedule and make sure they are hydrated to ensure a stress-free experience for you.

Now, having the complete handbook about what you should look for in a dog walker in Chicago, all you have to do is take the next step and get in touch with us. Once you do, you will not have to worry about whether your dog gets his regular dose of outdoor time while you play the many parts in life. 

Simply put, by signing up for our services, you get the best of pet parenting without the hassle of tedious tasks.