Chicago Dog Walker Reviews

"Sparky Steps is amazing, and I'd highly recommend them to anyone. Having a German Shepherd comes with many reactive challenges especially on walks and new people entering the home. Michael was so patient and took all the steps to ensure my dog would develop a trusting relationship with him. I'm so thankful for Michael and Sparky Steps."

"Michael really went above and beyond to get to know my reactive dog when many companies refused to even meet him. He took great care of my boy and was very on top of frequent communication and updates. Will continue to use them and highly recommend for reliable and friendly care."

"On short notice, they met my dogs, and then came the next two days to further familiarize themselves with the dogs, and allow my dogs to do the same with them, earning their trust. One is anxious and fearful, the other strong and assertive. They won them both over with treats, patience and a calm approach."

"My one dog has separation anxiety and it's hard to find someone you can trust. Thankfully Sparky Steps came highly recommended to me. Now when I have to leave my boys, I know that they are in good hands!!!"

"Sparky Steps responded right away. And my dog really likes Michael. My dog's shy so it's impressive if he reacts to someone right away. His website is clear and easy to navigate."

"Michael is just amazing!! I have a difficult terrier and Michael is so patient with her. He is also incredibly flexible (fit in extra time when I was hospitalized) don't know what I would do without him!!!"

"I have a small terrier and pitbull so I've done a lot of research on the different companies within Chicago. I am very particular with who walks my pups (obviously because pitbulls get a bad reputation). Sparky Steps is unique because they have the most competitive prices in Chicago. I have used them on multiple trips out of state and have never had an issue. Ultimately, Maaya and Michael are amazing and I trust them with my dogs 100%."

"I recommend Sparky Steps for every breed of dog. It was hard to find boarding and a walker for my pitbull. Sparky Steps had no problem with my dog being a pitbull. Their prices are the best around. Thank you Michael!"

"I used Wag and Rover briefly but was not comfortable with how impersonal the experience was. The first week I reached out, my Sparky Steps team came over one evening for a free, in-home meet and greet so I could get to know the people who would be walking my dog. I've even run into my dog walkers randomly and have gotten to see my dog recognize them and run up to them immediately! I love that it's the same two people coming into my home every week, and I love how much they love my dog."

"We love Sparky Steps and highly recommend them. We work with Michael, and our two Bernese Mountain dogs look forward to seeing Michael every weekday! Thank you, Michael."

"I reached out to a number of walking companies in the city. Surprisingly, my neighborhood wasn't part of the service area for almost everyone I contacted. I found the card for Sparky Steps in my local coffee shop and connected with Michael and Laurie. They've now been walking my pupper almost daily for a few months now with no problems. Thanks for helping me feel less like a negligent dog mom!!"

"Our trusted dog walkers and dog sitters. Recommend without reservations."

"They took such great care of our cat Hannah while we were gone for almost 2 weeks. She also needs daily medication. At one point we became worried her electronic feeder wasn't working and we added on evening visits, and they reached out and asked our concerns, and accepted the appointments immediately and gave us peace of mind. They are fairly priced and honestly the peace of mind is worth it. They are lovely people who really love animals like us!"

"Sparky Steps has that personal touch that I've found lacking in all other services, and has been there for my kitties and I since the first week I moved to Chicago in 2018. He goes above and beyond to not only take great care of my 2 cats but has also been there to help when my AC went out and my cats were alone in the summer heat until I was able to come home and get it taken care of."

"Micheal is such a great sitter. He took care of my sassy cat, Popper. My cat is not always nice to people and Micheal did a great job with her. He also sent photos and updates of my cat during each visit while I was gone which was helpful and comforting."

"My cat Lucky and I are proud supporters of Sparky Steps. Their cat sitters are reliable and do their diligence with taking care of the cat. Regularly updates you as well."

"Great service! Michael took care of my guinea pigs on very short notice while I was out of town for a long weekend, and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. He sent regular updates with pictures of the piggies, and it was clear they were well cared for. I will definitely use Sparky Steps again for going out of town."

"Sparky Steps impresses me with their professionalism, knowledge and friendly service. I don't trust most people with my fish tank because of all the delicate creatures, but Sparky Steps takes care of it well and provides thorough updates."

"Sparky Steps are taking care of my bird whenever I travel. They're great, and I have absolutely no worries on my trips."

"I've been using Sparky Steps since June, and I can't say enough. They are reliable, safe, great with my dog and my bird, and most importantly, communicative."

"Sparky Steps goes above and beyond! They are not your average dog walking or sitting service. Michael and team care so much about your pets, and really get to know them. Michael not only watched our dog during our wedding, he brought him to the ceremony (and back) so he could walk down the aisle! Highly recommend!"

"Can't thank Michael enough for his help on my wedding day. He made sure my dog was walked, comfortable, and cared for while I focused on the big moment. He's trustworthy, professional, and truly great with dogs. If you're looking for someone who genuinely cares, Michael is the one."

"Michael has been a god send to my parents taking such dutiful and consistent care of their dog Alfie. My parents are elderly and unable to walk their very large golden retriever on their own. They were also desperate to keep Alfie with them."

"We have been using Sparky Steps for a couple of years now, especially once we had our daughter. It was so nice to have that weight lifted off my shoulders during the first few months of her life and especially now that I am back at work."

"Thank you Michael, for not only being there for us when we had to leave town immediately after a family emergency, but then to lose our beloved miniature schnauzer while we were away. You are a true professional with a kind heart. Thank you for going above and beyond for our Gracie!"

"I really love Sparky Steps! Even after my Sora, my precious baby, passed away, Sparky Steps reached out to me to send their deepest condolences. They loved my Sora very much and my Bambi as well. They helped me through difficult times. If there is one thing I take from this experience, it is that Sparky Steps cares. They'll love your dogs like their own."

"Sparky Steps is fantastic! Always reliable! They are on time and pick the dog up when they're supposed to. My dog loves them and they love him."

"I am so impressed by what they bring to the community. Their website and pet care resources are incredibly well-thought-out, transparent, and detailed. You can really tell how much they care about safety and animal welfare just by looking at how they run their business. They are definitely at the top of my list!"

"Not your typical dog-walking service in that its true mission is to save animals from shelters by way of social media exposure. Brilliant concept, close-to-the-heart execution. On my radar of this city's most benevolent start-ups. Go Sparky."

"Michael is the best. Friendly, kind, great with our 95 lb mutt. Great communicator and 100% reliable. 110% really, since he has stepped up multiple times when we needed him."

"Do you need a dog walker? Then your dog wants Sparky Steps. Reliable, responsive, and most of all responsible. When inviting anyone to watch after the furry members of your family, you want a dog walker who embodies all three."

"The best! Kind, caring, communicative and flexible. Everything you could ask for in a dog walker. They treat your pup like their own. They have worked with me on some challenges that my dog has faced and have thought outside the box."