Sparky Steps - Chicago Dog Walking and Cat Sitting

Serves North Center, IL

35244

Hired 10 times

7 employees

9 years in business

$22/walk

4.9

This pro accepts payments via Credit card.

Next Service

Credentials

Background Check

Michael Jaurigue
Completed on 9/3/2024

Introduction

Professional, Reliable, and Loving Pet Care in Chicago Since 2016, Sparky Steps has been Chicago’s trusted provider of dog walking and cat sitting services. Our company is named after our beloved dog, Sparky, whose joyful spirit inspires the love and care we bring to every pet we meet. We combine safety, dependability, and genuine affection to make sure your pets are happy, healthy, and well cared for while you're away. Whether it’s a daily dog walk or a weekend cat sit, we show up on time, every time—with heart. New clients can start with a Free Meet & Greet to ensure we’re the right fit. Let’s create a stress-free, tail-wagging experience for your pets—book today and experience the Sparky Steps difference.

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

We are very excited to care for your beloved pets! Currently only offer services in Lakeview Area and Wicker Park - Humboldt Park - Buck Town Areas All visits include fresh water (and feedings if requested). We customize your pet’s walking or care needs. All prices listed below are based off our regular hours on Weekdays between 9AM – 5PM. Surcharges may apply. Please keep in mind that our visits start when we enter the home, and end when we leave the home, after the walk. 15 Minute Visit are $14 30 Minute Visit are $20 45 Minute Visit are $25 60 Minute Visit are $30 $2 Surcharge for each additional pet $5 Surcharge for an Additional 15 Minutes $5 Surcharge for off-hours Mon-Fri (before 9AM or after 5PM). $5 Surcharge for off-hours Sat-Sun (before 9AM or after 5PM). $5 Rush-Fee for Same-Day Reservations $5 Surcharge for Sat-Sun Weekend Visits X2 Surcharge for Holiday Visits We believe in setting up real connections with our community members by taking the steps to get it right the first time. One of our philosophies is to always put the animal’s needs first, and a Meet and Greet is the first step we take to ensure the best premium service. Let’s schedule one today! Meet and Greet is Free! First Visit is Free! Try us out before committing!

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

A complimentary appointment is required where we will meet with you and all of your pets. The appointment usually lasts about 15-30 minutes. Before the appointment, we will send you some documents to fill out and sign. This way the appointment goes smoothly and efficiently. The “Meet and Greet” allows you to meet your pet sitters, and to see if our services are right for you. We provide you with two walkers and a manager, total of three people that eventually you will know and trust! The Free “Meet and Greet” also provides time for the sitters to interact with your pet in your presence, which is important when deciding which service is right for you. An important note, there is no charge for the “Meet and Greet.” During the visit we will perform the following tasks: introductions to you and your pet, pick up the keys, confirm pertinent information about you and your pet (e.g. vet information, emergency contact, billing information, special requests, etc.), sign contracts, and answer any questions you may have. After the “Meet and Greet,” we will send you your login credentials to our online app. Please have two copies of your house key and a copy of your dog’s vaccination records for us. We also provide free lockboxes for on-going clients. Three copies so your two daily walkers can have a copy and a manager. Sparky Steps is set up so that you have 2 pet sitters. If any of the pet sitters must call off due to an emergency, you can count on us one of us to be there! This way you have a team of two pet sitters you know and trust through Sparky Steps that can come in and care for your beloved pet! This ensures quality service and comfortable headspace. Contact us for more information!

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

The Sparky Steps management team and all of our pet sitters have either had doggies and kitties in our lives that we loved with all our hearts. When you book a visit with Sparky Steps just know that we will put safety first with lots of love throughout the visit!

How did you get started doing this type of work?

We all started back in 2016 with a social mission to give back to the community while providing pet care services. We looked toward what made us most happy, and that was our pup Sparky. Rest In Peace buddy, he is truly missed. But thanks to him we created a business that fills our everyday with joy because we get to spend our days with your pets. We also try our best to dedicate the last Saturday of every month to volunteering at Chicago Canine Rescue at 11AM-1PM. Join us there and volunteer to walk pups with us! Let's give back to the community and get some dogs adopted with the hashtag #SPARKANDBARK create a Spark by going to volunteer at a shelter near you and Bark about it by sharing your experience and pictures of the pets you took care of during your volunteer visit. Let's do this!

What types of customers have you worked with?

We have worked with all types of customers in the Chicago Area! Big dogs, small dogs, small cats, large cats and sometimes fish and snakes!

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

It all starts with you contacting us, from there we determine if we are a good fit for your needs, then we set up a free meet and greet to get to know each other. After that we start the visits!

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

Look for a business where you can tell they care about the animals! Meet them in person first before booking a service. Meet the founder of the company and exchange phone numbers! Luckily if you book with Sparky Steps you get to meet the founder of the company and can call/ text at any time. We are here for you!

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

What can you provide that others can't? We provide love and safety as our top priority with a cool app! We utilize DoTimely for all our Pet Care Scheduling Needs. Available on IOS or Android, this mobile app helps keep track of all your appointments from your mobile phone. You can schedule appointments, manage pet profiles, view service reports and invoices right from your phone! We aim to deliver consistent service and peace of mind by using photos, notes and GPs tracking. Each walk we take three photos: 1 to start the visit, 1 during the walk, and 1 to end the visit. We also leave a comment with each visit so you know exactly how everything went. Not only that but we enable GPS tracking you so know exactly where we have been! With every walk you get a confirmation email stating that we have started the visit and at the end you get another confirmation email with all the comments, GPS tracking, and pictures that were taken on the visit!