Uptown

Sparky Steps - The Best Dog Walkers

Dog Walking Services in Uptown Chicago – Licensed, Insured & GPS-Tracked

Personalized Care for Your Pets
Book a Free Meet & Greet

Uptown Chicago dog owners trust Sparky Steps for safe, reliable, and professional dog walking services. Our licensed and insured walkers provide structured daily walks, real-time GPS tracking, photo updates, and compassionate care—so your dog stays happy, healthy, and active while you focus on your day.

We proudly serve the Uptown neighborhood, including homes near Puptown Dog Park, Clarendon Dog Friendly Area, Margate Park, Montrose Dog Beach, and along the Broadway, Sheridan, Wilson, Argyle, and Lawrence corridors. Every visit is tailored to your dog’s age, energy level, and routine.

Professional Dog Walking in Uptown Chicago

From quick potty breaks to full lakefront adventures, our Uptown dog walking services are designed to fit seamlessly into your schedule. We match your dog with a consistent walker, follow your preferred routes and routines, and keep you informed with clear communication before, during, and after each visit.

  • Midday walks for busy workdays
  • Morning and evening visits for flexible schedules
  • Puppy potty breaks and basic reinforcement of training
  • Gentle walks tailored for senior and special-needs dogs

Affordable, Transparent Pricing

Our Uptown dog walking visits are available at standard weekday rates (9 AM–5 PM), with optional weekend, evening, and custom scheduling based on your needs. Pricing is simple and transparent—no hidden fees or surprise add-ons.

Service Time Price
10-Minute Dog Visit 10 mins $17
15-Minute Dog Visit 15 mins $22
30-Minute Dog Visit 30 mins $27
45-Minute Dog Visit 45 mins $32
60-Minute Dog Visit 60 mins $37

 

Every visit includes fresh water, optional feeding, basic towel cleaning for muddy paws, and a full digital summary in the app with photos, notes, and GPS data so you always know how the visit went.

Why Uptown Dog Owners Choose Sparky Steps

Uptown is a vibrant, pet-friendly community—and we’re proud to be part of it. We built Sparky Steps to provide ethical, reliable, and safe dog walking for busy Chicago families who want the very best for their pets.

Certified, Licensed & Insured
  • Licensed dog walking professionals through the City of Chicago
  • Fully bonded and insured for your home and your pet
  • Many walkers are American Red Cross Cat & Dog First Aid trained

Same Trusted Walker Each Visit

We pair your dog with a consistent walker whenever possible so your pup builds trust and comfort with the same friendly face every time.

Fair Pay & Ethical Care

We believe that well-supported caregivers provide the best care. Our walkers are paid fairly and treated with respect, which translates into better, more reliable service for you and your pet.

Personalized Care for Every Dog

From energetic puppies to mellow seniors to shy or reactive dogs, we adapt our routes, pace, and handling to your dog’s unique needs and preferences.

Uptown Dog Walking Routes & Local Parks We Love

Uptown’s mix of lakefront trails, dog-friendly parks, and quiet neighborhood streets makes it a fantastic place for daily walks. Our team selects safe, enriching routes that match your dog’s personality and energy.

Puptown Dog Park

For dogs with DFA tags who enjoy social time, we can incorporate supervised off-leash play at Puptown Dog Park, keeping a close eye on body language, safety, and positive interactions.

Montrose Dog Beach & Lakefront Paths

Water-loving pups can enjoy refreshing walks along the lakefront, and—with your approval—visits to Montrose Dog Beach when conditions are suitable. We prioritize safety, leash rules, and post-beach clean-up.

Margate Park & Clarendon Dog Friendly Area

For dogs that prefer a mix of open fields and shaded paths, we explore the greenspaces around Margate Park and Clarendon Dog Friendly Area, offering plenty of sniffing opportunities and mental stimulation.

Quiet Neighborhood Walks

For shy or easily overstimulated dogs, we focus on calmer residential streets in Uptown, avoiding heavy traffic and crowded areas to keep your dog relaxed and comfortable.

DoTimely app showing real-time dog walking updates

Real-Time Updates & GPS Tracking

We use the DoTimely app for scheduling and real-time communication so you always know how your pet is doing. Each visit includes:

  • Photo Updates: Clear photos at key moments during the visit so you can see your pet’s day in real time.
  • Personalized Notes: Detailed notes about your pet’s activities, mood, potty breaks, and any observations from the walker.
  • GPS Tracking: A GPS route of each walk for full transparency on where your dog went and how long they were out.
  • Visit Summary Emails: After every walk, you’ll receive an email recap with photos, notes, and the GPS route, keeping you fully in the loop.
  • In-App Scheduling: Book, edit, and manage services easily from iOS or Android—perfect for busy Uptown pet parents.

Meet Your Uptown Chicago Dog Walkers

Our team is made up of experienced, background-checked dog lovers who are passionate about pets and committed to professional, reliable service. We take the time to get to know your dog’s personality, preferences, and quirks, so every visit feels familiar and comfortable.

During your free meet & greet, you can ask questions, review your dog’s routine, and make sure it’s the perfect fit before scheduling regular visits.

Frequently Asked Questions – Uptown Dog Walking

How much does dog walking cost in Uptown Chicago?

Our Uptown dog walking visits currently range from $17 for a 10-minute visit to $37 for a 60-minute visit. Pricing depends on the length of the visit and any custom needs for your pet.

Are your Uptown dog walkers licensed and insured?

Yes. Sparky Steps is licensed with the City of Chicago, and we are fully insured and bonded. Many of our walkers have also completed American Red Cross Cat & Dog First Aid training.

Which parts of Uptown do you serve?

We serve the Uptown neighborhood including areas near Puptown Dog Park, Montrose Dog Beach, Clarendon Dog Friendly Area, Margate Park, and the surrounding residential streets.

Can you walk my dog near local parks like Puptown or Margate Park?

Absolutely. We can incorporate parks and lakefront paths into your dog’s routine as long as it matches their temperament and your preferences, and follows local rules and safety guidelines.

Do you offer puppy visits or senior dog walks?

Yes. We customize pace, distance, and activities for puppies, seniors, and special-needs dogs, focusing on comfort, safety, and positive experiences.

Can I meet my dog walker before booking?

Yes. We offer a free meet & greet so you can get to know your dog walker, review your dog’s routine, and ask any questions before scheduling regular services.

How do I book dog walking in Uptown with Sparky Steps?

You can request a free meet & greet and set up service through our contact page. Once you’re set up in DoTimely, you’ll be able to schedule, manage, and track your visits directly in the app.

Contact Us

Book your pet’s next walk or ask about our customized pet care plans. We’re here to help ensure your pet is well-cared for, safe, and happy—every single visit.

Contact Us

Our Clients Love Us

Happy Sparky Steps dog walking client
★★★★★

"Sparky Steps is amazing! They take great care of my dog."

- Alexa
Satisfied Sparky Steps customer
★★★★★

"The best dog walkers in Chicago. Highly recommend!"

- Jane
Happy pet parent review for Sparky Steps
★★★★★

"Professional, reliable, and my pets adore them."

- Alex
American Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid

American Red Cross

Most Dog Walkers and Cat Sitters have passed the Cat & Dog First Aid Training at the American Red Cross!

City of Chicago Business License

City of Chicago

Licensed with the City of Chicago Illinois.

Pet Care Business Insurance

Pet Care Business Insurance

We are insured with Pet Care Business Insurance!

NGM Insurance Company Bonded

NGM Insurance Company

Bonded through NGM Insurance Company.

Pet Sitters International Member

Pet Sitters International

As proud members of Pet Sitters International, we are part of the world's leading educational association for professional pet sitters.

National Association of Professional Pet Sitters

National Association of Professional Pet Sitters

We adhere to the highest standards of ethics and conduct as members of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters.