Why Choose Windy City Paws Dog Walking?

What to consider when choosing a dog walker

Choosing a dog walking company is a serious decision. Knowing what to consider when selecting a dog walker is half the battle. The below chart offers insight into the differences between Windy City Paws and other types of dog walking service providers. Here we outlines differences in dependability, service quality, communication and staff.

Dependability

Dependability is one of the most important aspects to consider when selecting a dog walking service. You need a dog walker because you’re either not at home or not available to go for a walk while working remotely. A cancelation can cause extreme stress for you and your dog. Windy City Paws has never canceled on a client. We always have someone on staff ready to step in. With independent dog walkers and those at companies who maintain little oversight, you can expect cancelations to happen.

Service Quality

Your dog’s safety is the number one priority when on a walk in the city. We don’t take chances on dog walks. Our walkers do not do any off-leash play, they do not interact with other dogs, and they take no unnecessary risks. Socialization can be great for your dog, but because we can’t be fully in control to ensure your dog’s safety in social situations, we won’t take any chances. Your dog means the world to us, and we take safety seriously.

Training and companionship make walks less stressful and more enjoyable for both you and your dog. Windy City Paws offers training walks to work on basic commands and your dog’s comfort going out on walks. The Fear Free method guides how we interact with your dog. We use positive reinforcement to make the walking environment free of stress and anxiety for your dog.

Communication

We’re caring for your canine family member, and we believe you should be able to seamlessly communicate with us to ensure proper care. You can communicate directly with your dog walker through our app. You can also call or email us during business hours (8am-5pm). We’ve invested in a full office staff to offer service above and beyond any other dog walking company.

We also believe in strong communication internally, which is why we have a dedicated walker hotline. Our walker hotline allows any dog walker out in the field to call or text a staff member for an immediate response. Your dog walker always has support from our office staff at a moment’s notice.

Staff

Most dog walking companies work with independent contractors (ICs) as dog walkers. Windy City Paws only has W2 employees on staff. Our employees are covered by worker’s compensation, have access to health insurance, can participate in 401k programs, and earn Social Security benefits.

Because we are 100% employees, we can direct and train our dog walkers to perform services in specific ways. Companies with independent contractors are not legally able to impose policies and procedures for the service their IC dog walkers perform.