What precautions are you taking due to the COVID-19 pandemic?
Windy City Dog Walkers top priority is the health and safety of our staff, clients, and their pets. Our staff will be wearing masks, social distancing, and sanitizing between visits as well as taking numerous other precautions. You can read more about our COVID-19 safety protocols here. For new clients, we will be taking as much information by phone and either conducting walker meetings virtually or at your home with masks and social distancing. We are happy to accommodate any of your needs or special requests concerning COVID-19.
How long are the dog walks?
All services performed by WCDW are scheduled as 25 minute visits. The visit time begins when we enter your home and ends when we leave. The outside time and walk distance can vary for each pet depending on their specific needs. Our goal is to follow the owners' routine as best as possible and maximize the amount of outside time as weather permits.
What are your prices?
Our pet care visits and dog walks start at $18 for 25 minutes M-F, 10am-4:30pm. Additional dogs are charged at $4 per walk. We also offer evening, weekend, and vacation care. To view all of our services and prices please download our current rate sheet.
Are there a minimum number of walks required per week?
Yes. We do not provide part time service for dog clients. We require two scheduled walks per week to be eligible for "on call" and vacation care services.
How does the sign up process work?
In order for us to check availability of a dog walker in your area, we will need to know what neighborhood you live in and what days and times you require walks. Once we determine we have a walker available we can schedule a meet and greet in your home weekday evenings or during the day on weekends at your convenience.
Do you need keys to my house?
Yes. WCDW requires two sets of keys when used as the preferred method of entry but you may also use a lock box or leave keys with door staff if that is an option for you. If only one set is provided, an $18 duplicate key charge will be applied to your account once we make a copy. If a key fob is required for entry or if a key cannot be copied, you may be subject to limited availability or walk cancellation in rare circumstances. There is no charge for initial key pickups. Keys can be returned at the last walk, mailed back, or picked up from our office free of charge.
How do I schedule walks?
You can schedule walks through our app or by email any time of day. Phone calls and text messages are accepted for questions and scheduling during office hours M - F, 9am-5pm. All visits require a two hour time frame for our arrival (one hour for puppies or older dogs with special needs). When adding or cancelling a visit you will always receive a confirmation. We are available for walks 8am-10pm, 365 days a year.
Who will backup if my regular walker is not available?
If your daily walker is unavailable for a scheduled visit or an additional request, our other neighborhood walkers or managers will backup as needed. If we do not have or need to obtain permission for a backup we will reach out to you to confirm permission before walks are performed by a backup walker.
How do I make payments?
Windy City Dog Walkers accepts checks picked up by your walker or credit card and bank transfer payments through our app or website. Check payments can be made out to Windy City Dog Walkers Inc. We do not accept cash as payment for services but you may tip your walker in cash. Invoices detailing your walk and payment history are available online and in the app or can be requested by email.
What is your cancellation policy?
Your cancellation must be sent three hours before your walks arrival time frame or will be subject to full charge. Windy City Dog Walkers offers one of the most flexible cancellation policies in the industry.
Can you administer medication?
Yes. We would be happy to administer any medication during the visit. A walk through from the owner may be needed in some cases. There is no additional cost to administer medication or feed your pet.
What training methods do you use?
Windy City Dog Walkers only uses positive reinforcement and reward based training methods. We utilize your dogs favorite things (treats, praise, petting, play) to teach and encourage proper behavior. No two dogs are the same so we only walk one dog or one clients dogs at a time to focus on the human-canine relationship. Dogs can have many different motivations and reward systems so we customize our services for you and your dogs needs.
Do you work on weekends or holidays?
Yes. Windy City Dog Walkers are available for visits every day of the year. Please see our observed holidays and dog walking prices for more information. Weekend and holiday care must be booked with proper notice, we are not "on call" weekends or holidays.
Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
Windy City Dog Walkers Inc. is licensed in the City of Chicago and through our incorporation in Illinois to provide pet care services. We are Insured and Bonded to protect the health of your pet and the safety and security of your home.
What does your insurance cover?
Our insurance covers any personal property in our care, custody, and control (including pets) up to $100,000. All other claims are insured up to $1,000,000 with a $2,000,000 aggregate.
Are your walkers background checked?
Yes. Applicants are screened for any criminal record or crimes against people or property. We perform the most diligent screening process allowed by law.
Are you currently hiring?
Windy City Dog Walkers is always looking for caring, loving, and dedicated animal lovers to join our team. Chicago dog walking jobs are available for many Chicago neighborhoods and is a great way to start a career with animals or earn extra income. Apply today and tell us why you will make a great addition to the team!
