About Us
We’ve been walking dogs since 2009 in Chicago. And we love it!
Katie
Founder
I was born to run a dog walking business…
I just had to lose my job to know it!
My love of dogs began as early as it gets
I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t begging my parents for a dog or dreaming of being a vet. Finally, when I was eight years old, we got our first family pet, a beautiful Golden Retriever named Ginger. I loved everything about having a furry companion – we did everything together! I’ve had a dog in my life ever since- two Golden Retrievers and one King Charles Cavalier Spaniel!
I was never totally satisfied being a dog walking customer
After graduating from the University of Michigan (GO BLUE!), I was working in the financial world and frequently had to use a dog walker for my pups – though I was never fully satisfied with the service I was getting and the peace of mind I had with those companies. When the financial industry crashed and my company closed its doors, I decided to refocus on my love of animals. I took a break from the corporate world and started walking dogs myself in the city.
I thought, ‘I can do dog walking better. I can give peace of mind to dog parents’
After six months walking dogs, I realized how much I loved it and saw the peace of mind and value I was able to bring to my clients. Being around dogs, playing, loving, caring for dogs was at the core of my life. I understood both what a client needs and wants in a dog walking service and also what the walker needs and enjoys as well. So I made the decision to take a leap and start Windy City Paws!
What we’re about
I hope that my passion for animals and top notch service shines through when you work with anyone on the Windy City Paws team! We strive to provide the most caring, loving and professional dog walking and sitting services for dogs and their owners in Chicago.
Jamie
General Manager
I grew up in Michigan with a large family that included our ever-faithful Golden Retriever, numerous cats and a tiny goldfish. Every summer we would go cross-country camping for three weeks straight, our family dog included! He was always the first one in the car and my mom & dad insisted that he was the “best” kid during the entire trip. I graduated from Michigan State University, majoring in Hospitality Business and kicked-off my career working at the Happiest Place on Earth in Orlando, FL to then working with two of Chicago’s favorite sports teams, the Bulls & the Blackhawks to then creating memories for children and their dolls dining together at American Girl to more recently hiring, training and staffing private events for a small staffing agency. It has been a few years since experiencing the loss of my very own pet but I have been lucky enough to be an “Aunt” to my friend’s and family’s many pets!
Maclin
Sales and Client Onboarding Manager
I was born just outside of Chicago, moved to St. Louis, studied in Cape Girardeau, then packed up everything in a little box truck and returned to the Windy City to rediscover my roots! My wife and I share our home with our two cats, Moonpool and Bastion, and our dog Vermilion, who is entirely too smart for her own good. I’ve been in customer service for over fifteen years, starting out as a seasonal sales associate, working my way up to running an award-winning wine shop. Today, I get to apply those skills (and my deep love of animals) by pairing you and your beloved pets with certified professionals! When I’m not in the office admiring all the adorable pet pictures, I spend my free time pursuing one of a dozen different hobbies — writing, painting, cooking, brewing — all in preparation for our weekly D&D games with my delightfully diabolical players!
Sean
Territory Manager
Hi, I’m Sean! I’m from all over the U.S. I grew up in Nebraska, Iowa, Texas, Wisconsin, and Ohio, spent ten years living in Los Angeles, and have been here in Chicago since 2021. I’ve grown up with dogs my whole life; my family had two Dobermans when I was younger, and now my fur baby Hulk is an only child. For the past 2 years, I’ve also been volunteering at an animal shelter in Skokie, which has deepened my passion for animal care.
My wife often says I’m like golden retriever- friendly, quick to trust, loyal, and maybe a little aloof at times. Outside of animal care, I love kayaking, hiking, and taking on home renovation projects. I’m also a certified in scuba diver and being in the water! What I love most about animals, especially dogs, is their capacity for unconditional love. Even dogs who’ve been through incredibly hard times often still want nothing more than to find a home and a family to trust. Watching that connection happen brings out the best in both people and pets!
Todd
Territory Manager
Todd is a Chicago native! Todd has always had a love for animals – with over 5 years of experience in the pet care industry, he has had the pleasure of working with a variety of furry friends. Currently, Todd is the proud owner of two Italian Greyhounds named Orbi and Luna! If Todd could be any dog breed, he would definitely be an Irish Wolfhound – loyal, gentle, and always up for an adventure. Outside of dog walking, Todd enjoys exploring the city, attending street festivals, and trying out new hobbies! What Todd loves most about walking dogs is the opportunity to explore the beautiful lakefront and visit local parks with his furry companions! The thing Todd loves most about animals is their ability to live each day to the fullest and show unconditional love!
Kylee
Lead Walker
Kylee is from Palatine, IL! She grew up with a dog and around lots of other animals, and she brings experience volunteering at a cat shelter and as a professional dog walker and sitter to the Windy City Paws team! While Kylee unfortunately does not have a pet at home at the moment, she’s looking forward to showing your fur-family lots of love! If Kylee could be any breed of dog she would be a Greyhound – they love to zoom around but also love a good nap. Outside of dog walking, enjoys working out and spending time with family and friends. What Kylee loves most about walking dogs is getting to know their individual personalities and quirks! The characteristic Kylee love the most about dogs is how expressive they are and how they show so much emotion!
Annmarie
Lead Walker
Annmarie is a Chicago native! Annmarie has always had a love for animals. Growing up with a variety of family pets, from dogs and ferrets to lizards and hamsters. Annmarie has developed a deep understanding of different animal personalities. Although she doesn’t currently own any pets, it’s her mission to adopt a cat. If Annmarie could be any breed of dog, she’d be a Pitbull, chill and nurturing, yet loud and proud. Outside of dog walking, she enjoys babysitter and enjoys spending time with little ones just as much as furry companions. What Annmarie loves most about walking dogs is exploring Chicago through their eyes, discovering new parts of the city while spending quality time with playful pups. Above all, she enjoys observing animals’ natural instincts and learning why they act the way they do, appreciating the unique personality of every pet she meets.
Mia
Original Mascot
Mia joined Windy City Paws as the founding Mascot in 2009 alongside Katie. She was the inspiration behind the design of the Windy City Paws logo and was an affectionate and beloved co-worker. Mia passed away at 14 years old in 2021 and is remembered fondly by everyone who knew her. Katie is forever a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel lover!
Margot Flamingo
Mascot-in-Training
Margot Flamingo joined Windy City Paws in September 2020 by way of the ASPCA and Felines and Canines. Offered a relocation package she couldn’t resist, Margot made the long trip from Alabama to start a new life in the big city at the young age of 8 weeks.