Neighborhood Dog Walker

Neighborhood Dog Walker

Windy City Dog Walkers Inc. is a Chicago‑based dog walker‑focused company with A+ quality service providers. We work only with reliable walkers, clients, and businesses and focus on the needs of the walker to build the job of your dreams. Many of our service providers prefer small neighborhood routes and enjoy the flexibility of choosing their own clients, hours, and availability.

Our clients’ dogs thrive with a daily walker and the consistency we provide gives walkers reliable and predictable income.

We are looking for dog walking service providers to build their own ideal routes in many of Chicago’s neighborhoods. You will join our team as a self‑employed 1099 contractor or independent business and choose a specific neighborhood (or two!) to work in. Our network of service requests will then be available to you to accept or deny, and grow your ideal dog walking job!

You can work as little or as much as you like. The majority of service requests occur from 10 am to 4 pm, so it is very easy to build a client list of 8–12 individual walks per day. You may also choose to work evenings, weekends, overnights, or any hours that are ideal for you. You have the opportunity to supplement your route with additional walks from other walkers who request assistance.

Pay may be lower in the first few weeks as you build your route and meet potential clients.

This is a physical job designed for true dog lovers. You will be walking independently and tasked with keeping clients’ pets safe and following any instructions provided by the client. Ideal routes are normally within one neighborhood, but you will need to travel to multiple households during the day and use your own transportation at your own cost (biking is a great low‑cost option!).

Most dog walkers walk 5+ miles each day. We place great emphasis on safety, customer service, and self‑reliance. Most walkers work an equivalent of 20–30 hours a week, but you can take on as many or few service requests or clients as you choose.

• Perform safe neighborhood walks on leash as directed by the client
• Manage time and communicate to accept or deny service requests
• Communicate with the office and clients via voice/text and email
• Provide excellent customer service
• Give all dogs attention, exercise, and care

• No summer or short‑term/seasonal positions are available
• You must have a smartphone with a data plan
• You must be at least 18 years of age
• We prefer that you own a reliable source of transportation, such as an insured car or bicycle.
• Public transportation and ride sharing are NOT viable options for covering a dog walking route
• Be prepared for all weather conditions - you will be working outdoors
• Legally authorized to work in the United States
• Willing to submit to a background check

• Knowledge of dog breeds and behavior can be helpful, but is not required
• The ability to make quick decisions to keep dogs safe
• Capable of walking more than one dog at a time
• Comfortable walking dogs with special medical or behavioral concerns
• Time management is a critical skill to ensure on‑time arrivals for all dog walks
• Experience communicating with others via voice, text, and email

• Highly competitive industry pay
• Paid meeting/orientation with potential clients and their dogs before signing up for service
• Bonuses paid for any walks performed with multiple dogs in a home or any optional non‑peak hour walks (evenings, weekends, house sits, etc.)
• Paid orientation process
• Orientation completion bonus of $250 (a wonderful way to purchase transportation for the role!)
• Casual dress code (dress for the weather without the need to wear a uniform)
• Work within a fun environment that encourages learning with positive animal‑loving co‑workers
• Promotional opportunities with a highly rated/established company and others in our network

For more information about our company culture and dog walking, please visit