🐾 Join the Sparky Steps Network

Now Partnering with Certified Pet Sitter Independent Contractors in Chicago

Since 2016, Sparky Steps has proudly served Chicago pets with heart and professionalism. As we grow, we’re building a network of trusted, independent Certified Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers who want to serve their local communities while maintaining control over their own business.

Whether you're already certified or working toward it, we’d love to hear from you.

🧩 How It Works

At Sparky Steps, we partner with experienced pet professionals who meet our standards for quality and care. As an Independent Contractor in our network, you’ll:

• Run your own business with full autonomy, growing your own brand and client base even outside of the Sparky Steps network.

• Set your own availability and service areas.

• Receive referrals from Sparky Steps when a good client match becomes available.

• Collaborate with fellow partners and share referrals.

• Access optional support, consulting, and community coverage when needed.

We are not your employer — we are your ally.

 

🔐 Setting Up for Success: Your Business Foundation

A Certified Sparky Steps Pet Sitter is more than just a person who walks dogs, you’re a professional business owner! That's why being a Sparky Steps Certified Pet Sitter means having a solid business foundation in place. After all, if a pet sitter's business isn't stable, how can we be sure they'll be there for Fido's walk every day?

• A Legally Registered Business Entity: Think of this as putting a leash on your business and making it official. Whether you choose an LLC (Limited Liability Company) or a Sole Proprietorship, having a registered business provides crucial legal protection and shows clients (and us) you're serious.

• An EIN (Employer Identification Number): An EIN is like a social security number for your business, and it's a great way to keep your personal life separate from your professional life. It protects your SSN from being shared, which is a big deal. The best part? It's completely free to get from the IRS! (As a sole proprietor, you have the option to use your Social Security Number for your business, but an EIN is highly recommended.)

• A Method for Managing Income & Taxes: As a business owner, you're responsible for your own taxes. Having a system for bookkeeping, whether it's with software, a CPA, or a tax service, keeps everything organized and makes tax time a breeze. You'll thank yourself later!

Note: Sparky Steps does not provide legal or tax advice. You are solely responsible for compliance with local, state, and federal business laws.

🛡️ Trained, Prepared, and Protected

Being prepared for anything is what separates the pros from the pups. These requirements are all about making sure you can handle any situation with confidence and competence.

• Pet Care Liability Insurance: Just like a good fence, this insurance protects you and your clients in case something unexpected happens. It's a safety net that shows you’re a responsible professional and gives clients peace of mind.

• Pet CPR & First Aid Certification: A certified pet sitter knows what to do in an emergency. This training gives you the skills to handle injuries or health issues until you can get the pet to a vet. It's truly a lifesaver. 

• Membership & Certification with NAPPS: When you join the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, you're showing the world you take your craft seriously. This certification proves you've met industry standards and are dedicated to your profession. It's a gold star for pet professionals!

Note: Proof of coverage and certification may be requested before any client referrals.

By having these things in place, you’re not just ready for walks and cuddles, you’re prepared for a long and successful career!

Have any more questions about what it takes to be a pro pet sitter?

👣 Not Certified Yet?

We offer optional consulting to help you get there. If you're interested in becoming a Certified Pet Sitter or setting up your pet care business, we can guide you through:

• Business formation

• Insurance options

• Certification programs

• Marketing and route-building tips

There is no requirement to use our services — we simply want to support more professional pet sitters in Chicago.

🌟 Why Join the Sparky Steps Network?

• A Professional Community for Referrals & Back-up. We’re building a supportive network of certified professionals who can step in when you need time off. You'll gain access to client referrals in your neighborhood and can collaborate with fellow partners to grow your business and support one another in a system designed for mutual success. We're currently exploring options for optional mutual coverage systems to make this even easier.

• Fair Pay Structure – Certified Pet Sitters in our network receive 80% of the client payment. Sparky Steps retains 20% to support operations, marketing, and admin costs.

• Sparky Steps offers transparent pricing - Certified Pet Sitters earn 80% of every visit. For a 15-minute visit, you earn $17.60, and for a 30-minute visit, you earn $21.60. While theoretical hourly rates are high, travel time is a key factor. Realistically, you can complete 2 to 4 visits per hour, helping you build a consistent income stream by building a strategic route.
  

• Referrals & Visibility – Gain access to potential client referrals in your neighborhood and build local trust through our platform. 

• Growth & Flexibility – Run your business your way. Set your schedule, service area, and client load.

• Respect & Recognition – As a Sparky Steps partner, you’re not just another walker, you're a respected member of a growing community dedicated to excellence in pet care.

• Resources for Business & Brand Growth. As your ally, we want to see you succeed. We offer optional resources and connections to trusted professionals who can help you build your own brand, from web development and marketing to social media and email campaigns.

💬 A Message from Our Founder

“At Sparky Steps, we believe pet care can be both heart-centered and professionally run. Walkers deserve autonomy and fair opportunities. Clients deserve trust and peace of mind. And pets deserve the best care every time. That’s what our network is all about.”

— Michael Jaurigue, Founder
Sparky Steps LLC

⚖️ Terms & Conditions for Applicants

By submitting your information to Sparky Steps LLC, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

• Sparky Steps does not employ Certified Pet Sitters. All individuals in our network operate as independent contractors under their own business entities. You are free to maintain your own separate business, brand, and clients outside of the Sparky Steps network.

• Sparky Steps may, at its sole discretion, refer clients to independent professionals who meet our standards, and independent professionals may also refer clients to others in the network.

• Client referrals are not guaranteed, nor is Sparky Steps liable for the income, scheduling, or business performance of any contractor.

• Contractors are solely responsible for their taxes, insurance, legal compliance, and client relationships.

• Use of Sparky Steps consulting services is entirely optional and does not imply employment, endorsement, or any legal relationship beyond optional mentorship or referral coordination.

🚀 Apply Now

If you're a certified pet sitter (or on your way to becoming one), we want to hear from you.

To apply, send the following to: jobs@sparkysteps.com

Include your resume, service area, and a brief note about your pet care experience and certification status.

📍 Our current focus areas include: Albany Park, Ravenswood, Uptown, and nearby neighborhoods in Chicago.

We're especially looking for Certified Pet Professionals who already serve these areas or are excited to build a client route here. This allows us to collaborate more easily, sharing referrals, covering days off, and growing together as a community.

Thanks for your interest in the Sparky Steps network!