The Sparky Steps community
We have cared for Chicago's North Side pets since 2016, and the best part has always been the people and animals we meet. This is where we bring pet lovers together: showing up for local shelters, lending a hand where it helps, and turning a city that can feel isolating into a real community, online and off.
Hey Chicago, I'm Michael
I started Sparky Steps in 2016 with a vision that went well beyond walking dogs. I wanted to build a real, grassroots community of pet lovers, rescuers, and pet care pros across the city.
Dog walking and pet sitting can be a solo job, and city living can feel isolating. It does not have to be. I want us to create a space where we share stories, show up for local shelters, and actually hang out offline.
Real talk: I would rather build this with you than launch events to an empty room. Take a look at what we are dreaming up below, and if it sounds good, tell me. I am all ears. 🐾
Let's do some good, together
Here is what we are building. None of it works without you, so these are open invitations more than finished programs. If any of it sounds good, raise your hand and we will make it real.
The Two-Step
Each month, we visit a local shelter, walk two dogs, and share their photos to help them get adopted faster. Small effort, big impact.
Learn about the Two-StepShelter volunteering
We keep an active directory of Chicago animal shelters. Let's get together, give our time, and support the rescues doing the hard work.
Find a local shelterPet pro hangouts
Walker or sitter? Let's grab a beer at a dog-friendly brewery, swap stories and advice, and collaborate instead of compete.
I'm down, let's connect
And yes, we walk a lot of dogs
First and foremost, Sparky Steps is a professional pet care company. Since 2016 we have covered countless walks and visits across the North Side, always with the same trusted walkers and sitters your pets actually know.
Dog walking
Reliable, loving walks that fit your dog's routine, from quick potty breaks to energy-burning adventures, by a care team your dog knows.
See dog walkingCat sitting
In-home visits that keep your cat fed, watered, scooped, and calmly content, right in the home they love, while you are away.
See cat sittingSitting & drop-in visits
Heading out of town? We stop by for feedings, playtime, and plenty of love, so your pets stay comfortable and safe at home.
Book a meet and greetProudly serving Albany Park, Ravenswood, Edgewater, Andersonville, Uptown, and more. Find your neighborhood.
Explore Sparky Steps
Free Chicago guides, ways to give back, stories from our community, and how to work with us. It is all here.
Free Chicago guides
Stories & connect
Work with us
Got an idea? Hosting something? Let's hear it
Have a meet-up idea, want to network with other pet pros, or already running a local pet event? Tell us. The Sparky Steps team might just show up and help you make it happen.
Contact us or share an event 🐾
