Michael Jaurigue
Pet Sitter & Manager
Michael founded Sparky Steps in 2016, inspired by his first family dog, Sparky. He remains the primary point of contact and enjoys ensuring every pet receives the genuine, consistent care they deserve.
Our Team
Pet Lovers Unite with Sparky Steps
Our Story: More Than Just Walks, It’s a Legacy of Love
At Sparky Steps, we’re not just a dog walking service—we’re a team dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate care that treats every pet like family. We know your pets are your heart, and we are committed to being their most trusted friend when you can’t be there.
Born from a Spark of Joy
Sparky Steps was founded in 2016 by Michael Jaurigue and Laurie Adams. The inspiration behind our entire mission was the family’s first family dog, Sparky. Sparky brought so much joy into their life that they dedicated their career to ensuring every animal receives that same level of love.
Today, Sparky's legacy continues through our commitment to:
Compassionate Care: Focusing on the individual needs, comfort, and safety of every dog and cat.
Community Commitment:Encouraging pet adoption and supporting animal welfare efforts in Chicago.
Unwavering Reliability: Utilizing professional systems and a dedicated team to ensure seamless service.
Our Professional, Passionate Team
We are proud to be a licensed, bonded, and insured business in the City of Chicago, with most of our staff certified in Cat & Dog First Aid. Our team is growing to enhance the quality and reliability of your service:
Norma Garcia
Pet Sitter
Norma is a reliable Pet Sitter focused on providing compassionate care and fun outdoor time. She treats every client’s pet like her own family.
Amir Ball
Pet Sitter
Amir brings great energy and enthusiasm to every visit. He specializes in positive reinforcement and quickly building strong, trusting bonds with every dog he walks.
Maaya Yamauchi
Pet Sitter
Maaya is the constant encouragement and inspiration behind the scenes at Sparky Steps. She is the visionary support who keeps our founder, Michael, focused on the mission and passionate about every dog and cat we serve.
Laurie Adams
Pet Sitter
Laurie was a visionary Co-Founder who helped establish Sparky Steps in 2016, setting the foundation for our mission of compassionate pet care.
Ailyn Villarin
Assistant Manager
Ailyn is the backbone of our operations. She manages scheduling and client communications to ensure every walk and sit runs smoothly and reliably for our clients and the team.
Therese
Financal Assistant Manager
Therese ensures the financial health and stability of Sparky Steps, allowing our care team to focus 100% on providing top-tier pet service.
Join the Team
Chicago • Flexible • Friendly
Email info@sparkysteps.com to apply.
🐾 Now hiring thoughtful pet people
Love pets and people? Join a mission-driven Chicago team that treats care work like the noble craft it is.
- Flexible hours that fit your life
- Friendly, supportive team culture
- Training and resources to sharpen your skills
- Competitive pay per walk and visit
- Growth paths into pet care specialties
- Community events with fellow animal lovers
- Real-world experience in a values-led local business
- Lots of fresh air, sunshine, and tail wags
Chicago-based Background-checked Compassion first Reliable and kind
Apply now Send a quick note and resume to jobs@sparkysteps.com.
