Dog Walking Linden Hills

About: Hi, I'm Caitlin! Being a pet parent is special, and I genuinely understand what it means to trust someone with your pet. I lost my 15-year-old dog last year, and that kind of loss changes how you see pet care, and it's exactly why I take this seriously. Every animal in my home gets real attention, a consistent routine, and the kind of care I'd want for my own. My home is a calm, adults-only environment with a fully fenced yard to ensure safe outdoor time, and my neighborhood is a quiet tucked away pocket near Cedar Lake. While I try to board pets only from the same home, there can at times be exceptions (mostly holidays). While my main living area is on one level, there are stairs required to get into the home via the front door. I also welcome & love cats. I've been fostering through Pet Haven for over a year, so I understand what a cat actually needs in a new space (spoiler: it's not just food and good vibes), and how to introduce pets to a decompression space and other pets they are not familiar with. I keep my roster intentionally small so I can give every animal genuine attention, not assembly-line pet care. You'll get photos and updates throughout, so you can actually enjoy your time away. If you want someone who treats your pets the way you would, please send me a message! I'm currently in between jobs, which means I have maximum flexibility for mid-day walks, drop-ins, and check-ins. I only confirm stays I can genuinely support. I build the routine around the pet to the best of my ability. I'll ask you what your animal's schedule looks like at home and do my best to mirror it. I know consistency matters! I treat communication as part of the service. You won't wonder how your pet is doing. At my home: As often as possible I try to start every stay with a meet-and-greet so your pet arrives already familiar with the space and with me. I'll ask you in advance about their routine (feeding schedule, walk preferences, any quirks or triggers) and I follow it to the best of my ability. My home is calm, adults-only, and has a fully fenced yard for dogs. For cats, I set up a dedicated decompression space so they can settle in at their own pace. I typically do not take overlapping bookings unless the pets are from the same household, but there are sometimes exceptions. At your home: I follow whatever directions you leave. I'll send photo updates so you know things are normal, and I'll flag anything that seems off rather than wait until you're home. For cats especially, in-home sitting is often the lower-stress option, and after a year of fostering, I know how to read a cat who's fine versus one who isn't.

“Breen was very helpful with me as I began the process of using Rover. Most importantly, Duke has been well cared for and happy with each visit.”

Mindy W.

About: I’ve taken care of cats my whole life, from kittens to seniors, and since I was 12 I’ve watched my friends and neighbors dogs as well. I’ve given both cats and dogs medication as well as bottle fed them if they were too young for solid food. I have an incredibly flexible hybrid work schedule! Whatever you or your pets needs, I will be able to meet them without any work conflicts. You know your pet better than anyone. Whatever instructions you give me to keep them safe, happy, and healthy, I promise to follow exactly. I love animals and my schedule is very flexible, so whenever your needs are, I will do my absolute best to meet them!

“Charles was friendly and confident with Amos! I would definitely book with him again.”

Kiri N.

“Grace is so professional, and does above and beyond the required dog walking duties. She’s stepped in during off times, dropped off a “sample” to the vet’s office, and is giving my pup, needed training. She’s the best!”

ALIX K.

About: i’ve been dog walking and pet sitting for two years, in addition I have my own five-year-old pup who I raised and means the world to me. I am patient and dependable, and will always treat your pet with the same attention and love I would want for my own! I am available weekdays and weekends and have flexible hours so I can accommodate if needed, but preferably mornings or afternoons and evenings work best! I have a friendly medium sized dog if they enjoy company otherwise I live right next to a park that they can have long or short leash walks in a very nice area!

“Kelly was such a delight! She instantly bonded with Sunday and I know they’ll become fast friends on their walks ahead!”

Christine S.

“Vida seemed very happy and at least slightly tired (not an easy feat for an 8 month old vizsla!) when I got home. It looked like she had a good time with Laura, and I was happy that I was kept in the loop! We'll definitely be repeat customers.”

Katie K.

“Darwin is incredibly reliable, and they work very well with our pup Sage. We have been able to rest easy during the work day (and check our pet camera less!), because we know Sage is in good hands with Darwin. They have even taken some time during our booking to reinforce training with Sage!”

Geordan B.

“Kiirsten was absolutely amazing with our process! She was kind, attentive, and made sure she got plenty of exercise and love. We received updates and photos, which gave us so much peace of mind. Highly recommend and will definitely book again!”

Jacob V.

“They are wonderful walkers”

Dawn B.

“Carly is literally the best. She’s so wonderful with my dog, Smudge. I feel so comfortable leaving him with her. Will for sure be using her in the future.”

Lauren F.

About: **I do not offer boarding services for dogs** I have owned dogs and cats my whole life and am a huge animal lover. I have been a service dog handler for 6 years. My service dog is Brutus, he is a 7 year old german shepherd. I have had him his entire life, I started training him when he was 4 months old. We started specialized service training when he was 1 years old. We worked with trainers together for 3 years and I have handler trained him for 2 years. I have helped my friends and family train their dogs for 3 years. My dog does amazing with cats and dogs! I have owned and cared for many cats throughout my life. I am very adaptable and can accept short notice bookings. Cats and dogs are allowed access to the entire apartment. I ask owners bring litter and food but am able to provide it if you are unable. I have worked with young kittens/puppies, seniors, special needs cats, high energy cats and dogs, and cats with all sorts of personalities. I live in an apartment and will take your dog out multiple times a day. I am home all day, your little buddy won’t be alone at any time. I am able to accept same day bookings and same day cancellations. Due to my living arrangements I can not accept dogs that struggle with excess barking. I do not work due to disability and have open availability ***I ONLY OFFER CAT BOARDING*** I can board up to 4 cats in my home for as long as needed. My dog is good with cats and has lived with them most of his life. I will update you daily with photos/videos. I provide toys, scratching posts, and will shower your kitty with attention. I ask you bring food and litter. My dog does great with cats and is friendly with them. He respects their boundaries and leaves them alone. He’s the same way with other dogs. I will follow feeding and care schedules. During daycare services with your dog I will ensure they get outside multiple times a day, and are safe and taken care of. I live near a large dog park and several walking trails. I will follow your cats care routine and schedule. I am home most of the day and can provide around the clock care and attention. I have toys, scratching boards, and a supply of litter/food for cats. I do not currently own a cat but have owned many throughout my life.

“Daisy loves animals and is very kind. She does this work because she likes it not because she has to . She is easy to work with, responsible and trustworthy. You couldn’t ask for more.”

Candy P.

About: I have had dogs and cats in my life since i was born. i trained my dog since she was 10 weeks and she wound up having very good recall and other skills like “touch” and “kennel”. she crossed the rainbow bridge 2 years ago and i’ve been needing some dog time since. she was very reactive and anxious at times so i have a very firm grasp on dog body language, and how to make them feel safe and comfortable. i have experience with dogs of all shapes and sizes and am always happy to help with training and maintaining skills. I work night shift in the ER so depending on the day I’m either sleeping during the day or up later in the day. On my days off i’m usually free between 12pm and 11pm. On the days I work I’m free usually between 4pm and 9pm. I work every other weekend and alternating weekdays. I love making any pets feel comfortable and safe, and I do this by paying attention to their body language and the messages they’re sending me. I make sure my pets are well fed, well exercised, and feeling content with their living situation.

“Kayla was a life saver for me this past week! I typically work from home but was traveling for work - so Kayla came over during the workdays to take Barley for a walk. She was flexible, responsive, and loving towards my two-year-old golden. She even offered to bring Barley a raincoat when it was raining one day the days! I will definitely be using Kayla again on my next work trip!”

Tori R.

“Sydney has walked our dog, Gus, a few times now and he can be a bit hard to manage. He’s very excitable, reactive, and loves to jump and lunge at things that catch his eye. Sydney has done a great job of managing (all 70lbs of) him and keeping him safe! He is SO excited when he sees her walking up to our door, which makes me trust her even more.”

Nadine A.

“I'm so glad that my pup, Cash, and I have Autumn. I was gone for a long time, and it meant a lot that Cash got extra mental stimulation on his walk because of Autumn's extra efforts to do a little training on the walk. She was also above and beyond helpful in tending to some of my particular requests and the logistics of the walk.”

Kimberly C.

“We just love having Carla come to the house for visits! I really look forward to her updates & truly love all of her photos & walk narrations she sends. I am so thankful for her consistent communication, reliability & flexibility! She’s the best, highly recommend for any care you need for your fur babes!”

Kyrstin M.

About: I have had dogs and cats my entire life. I have also helped raise and care for other people's pets. I would be happy to take your dog on walks, potty breaks or for overnights. I can also visit your cat and give it love and attention when you're away. We have a 16lb dog ourselves who is very dog friendly. I work from home so I am available any day from 8am - 7pm for walks or potty breaks. If your dog prefers running we can talk about running as an option! I have a fenced in yard with a fence high enough for small and medium sized dogs. Our 16lb 5 yr old dog is very dog friendly.