The Spark & Bark interviews
Tell your story and join the Sparky Steps pack
Every pet parent knows that our animals do something extraordinary to our homes: they bring them to life. They turn a stressful Tuesday evening into a cozy snuggle session. They treat our return from the grocery store like the headlining set at Lollapalooza. They are are true spark of joy in our lives.
But too often, these incredible stories of companionship stay locked behind closed doors. That is why we have our Spark & Bark interviews. This is more than a standard online form, it is a living, breathing tribute to the dogs, cats, and companion animals that make Chicago so special.
Below you will find our brand-new, ultra-fun interactive questionnaire. In just five easy steps, you can share your pet's life, upload their best photo, and get featured.
Why join the Spark & Bark community?
This is not just another online form. It is a celebration of pet parenthood, designed to bring us all closer.
Get featured
We will feature you and your best friend on our blog + socials and share their story with our thousands of local Chicago followers.
Spark conversations
We tag your social handles so you can connect with other passionate pet parents right in your own neighborhood.
Make an impact
Your story shines a light on local rescues, humane treatment, and responsible pet parenting, and spreads a wave of pure happiness across the community.
Lights, camera, zoomies
A written feature is lovely. But a short video of your best friend being their goofy, lovable self? That is the kind of thing you rewatch on a rough day. So for pets ready to go a little bigger, we will produce a reel for our socials, and yes, you get to keep it too.
Totally optional, and we handle all the editing. You just bring the raw material.
A quick voice memo
Answer our questions out loud in your own voice. No script, no pressure, just you talking about the pet you love. We use it as the voiceover so the story actually sounds like you.
A little b-roll
That is just film-nerd talk for casual phone clips of your pet doing pet things: the tail wag at the door, the dramatic stretch, the great squirrel patrol of Tuesday. Shot on your phone is perfect.
Your best photos
Send over a batch of your favorite shots. The goofier and more expressive, the better. We will weave them through the reel between the video moments.
You bring the voice, the clips, and the photos. We bring the editing, the music, and the polish. When your reel is ready, we tag you so the whole neighborhood can watch your pet steal the show. 🐾
How it works, in 3 easy steps
Tell your story
Open our brand-new, ultra-fun questionnaire. No boring essay questions, we want their secret superpowers, favorite nap spots, and funny quirks.
Show off your companion
Upload your favorite, most expressive photos of your pets! The goofier, the better.
Connect and celebrate
We will then feature your interview for our blog, then tags you so friends, family, and neighbors can celebrate your pet's local fame.
Ready to Share your Story?
Do not let your pet's comedy routines or soulful companionship go uncelebrated. Take five minutes to spread some joy across Chicago and the World.
Spark & Bark, answered
Who can be featured?
Any Chicago pet parent with a dog, cat, or companion animal. Couch potatoes, goofballs, seniors, and rescues are all welcome and encouraged.
Does it cost anything?
Nope, it is completely free. The Spark & Bark interviews are our love letter to the Chicago pet community.
What do you do with my photos?
We use them for the feature posts, and we tag you when we share it. We may even design something for you just as a special thanks!
Do I have to be on camera or make a video?
Not at all. The reel is a fun bonus, not a requirement. If you want one, you can send a quick voice memo, a few casual phone clips, and your favorite photos, and we handle all the editing. If you would rather stick to the written feature, that is perfect too.
Where will my pet show up?
On our blog and across our social media, in front of thousands of local pet lovers who adore a good pet story.
How long does it take?
The questionnaire takes about five minutes. We feature stories regularly, and we will tag you when your pet's spotlight goes live.
Read our latest interviews
Meet the newest members of the Sparky Steps pack.
