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 wearing masks and social distancing during meet and greets with your daily walker. We are happy to accommodate any of your needs or special requests concerning COVID-19.
How long are the dog walks?
We offer dog walks in 25 and 45 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 dog depending on their specific needs. Our goal is to follow your routine as best as possible and maximize the amount of outside time as weather permits. More information can be found on our dog walking service page.
How much does dog walking cost?
Our dog walks start at $19.50 for 25 minutes M-F, 10am-4:30pm. Additional dogs are charged at $5 per walk for a 25 minute service. We also offer evening, weekend, and vacation care in numerous Chicago neighborhoods. You can view our current services and prices on the dog walking services and rates page.
Do you have a mobile app?
Yes! WCDW uses the best Chicago dog walking app available for iPhone and Android. With the app you can view your schedule, add or cancel walks, message with the office or your walker, view and pay invoices, read walk reports, save photos, and much more! After sign up, an account will be created for you and an invitation to download the app will be sent via email.
Do you need keys to my house?
A single set of keys can be left on-site in a lock box or with door staff. If those are not options for you, WCDW requires TWO sets of keys be provided to the company. One for your primary walker and one for backups/the office. If only one set is provided, you will be subject to limited availability or walk cancellation when your primary walker is out sick, on vacation, or is otherwise not available for a request. Keys can be returned at the last walk, mailed back, or picked up from our office free of charge. Clients using lock boxes are responsible for ensuring they are functional and accessible, especially during times of ice and snow.
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 will backup as needed. WCDW uses a team approach for backup services when your walker has time off, is on vacation, or otherwise unavailable for a scheduled service. Dogs who are uncomfortable with new people can be marked as “No Backups” or assessed by one of our management team to determine if they are ready and it is safe for our team to provide backup services. The backup policy and assessment will be discussed in detail during the onboarding call before service begins.
How do I make payments?
Windy City Dog Walkers accepts credit card and bank transfer payments through our app or website. 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?
Weekday cancellations must be made three hours prior to the start of your arrival window or are subject to full charge. Weekend cancellations must be made by 5pm the previous day. Windy City Dog Walkers offers one of the most flexible cancellation policies in the industry!
What is your policy for extreme weather like snow or high/low temps?
In extreme heat or cold WCDW will adjust outside walk time as needed depending on the needs of each dog, the remaining visit time will be spent indoors. WCDW will not perform walks in temperatures of -10 degrees or wind chills of -20 or below. Please consult our Cold Weather and Snowed In Policy for more information.
How does the sign up process work?
Our sign up form will give us all the information we need to check availability of a dog walker in your area. Once we confirm we have a walker available we will schedule a new client onboarding call to gather account details and go over care instructions. Finally, we set up a meet and greet with your daily walker so you can meet them and they can be introduced to your dog in the home setting.
Can you administer medication?
Yes. We would be happy to administer any medication during the visit. A walk through from the pet parent 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 do not provide "on call" service weekends or holidays.
Do you provide care for cats?
Windy City Dog Walkers loves cats too! Cat care and other small animal care can be booked in 25 minute sessions for the same cost as our dog walks. Cats living in the home of our dog walking clients can have their care added to our dog walking visits at no additional cost!
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!
