Michael M.
Northbrook, IL






Services
Michael can care for
Availability
I currently have unlimited availability and am here to meet all the new pups and help deliver exceptional service and dog training services if requested by owner.
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |||
5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 |
19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
About Michael M.
Communication
Dog skills
Cat skills
Safety, trust & environment
Upon arrival at a client’s home, if a backyard is available, I conduct a thorough perimeter check to ensure there are no gaps in the fence and that all gates are securely closed before allowing dogs outside. I follow each pet’s established feeding schedule and ensure fresh water is provided and replenished regularly. For overnight stays, I provide attentive in-home care to maintain your pet’s routine and comfort. If a walk requested during the booking exceeds 15 minutes an additional booking fee will apply for walks ranging from 30 to 60 minutes. If your pet requires medication, please inform me in advance so I can ensure it is administered safely and according to your instructions.
Information Michael M. would like to know about your pet
Please inform me of any special needs, medical requirements, or behavioral considerations your dog may have so I can provide personalized care. While I welcome all breeds, I have a preference for dogs that are friendly, well-behaved, and enjoy regular walks and interaction.
A typical day
I focus on both the physical and mental stimulation of your dog. Activities include engaging games, exploring new scents in the neighborhood, and visiting a large nearby park for exercise and enrichment. Also working with each dog on their recall words/commands to ensure consistency in their training.
Location
Northbrook, IL
Pets
All dogs and cats welcome 🐶🐕🐩🐱
Pet care experience
I started and successfully managed my own dog walking business at the age of 15, serving clients throughout my local neighborhood. Over time, I built a loyal client base of more than 20 regular customers and provided a range of services, including dog walking, drop-in visits, and occasional bathing. This experience helped me develop strong time management skills, reliability, and a deep understanding of pet care. I currently have full availability and am eager to meet new dogs while continuing to provide dependable, high-quality care. As a welcome offer, new clients will receive $20 off their first booking with me. I am also happy to assist with basic dog training upon request, reinforcing positive behaviors during visits. While I do not have a yard available, I focus on providing attentive, active care through structured walks and drop-in visits to ensure each dog receives proper exercise, stimulation, and attention. In addition to dogs, I have hands-on experience caring for a wide variety of reptiles and exotic pets. I understand their unique environmental needs, including maintaining proper temperature gradients, humidity levels, and lighting. I have worked with species such as snakes, lizards, and other small exotics, ensuring their enclosures are clean, safe, and enriching. I am also knowledgeable about specialized diets, including live feeding, supplementation, and species-specific nutrition. I carefully monitor animal behavior and can recognize early signs of stress or illness. My approach emphasizes patience, consistency, and minimizing stress during handling and daily care routines. I am comfortable following detailed instructions and adapting to each pet’s individual personality and needs. Overall, I am committed to providing attentive, responsible, and knowledgeable care for all animals.
Cat care experience

Michael also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Reviews

Michael comprised wellness and safety of our dog when housesitting. 1) He did not adhere to our dog profile's specifications and verbal agreement that Calvin's maximum time during the day between pee breaks is 3 hours. On the very first day he left Calvin without a pee break for 6 hours. 2) He did not adhere to our dog's profile specifications and verbal agreement that Calvin needs two daily walks, morning and afternoon, of 1-1.5 miles. On the first day of the stay, while we were in Italy, Michael demanded an additional walking fee of an additional $800, or he would limit his walks to 15 minutes. That $800 only increased the walks by an additional 15 minutes. He texted us evidence of walks showing the walks were exactly 30 minutes. 3) Michael purchased and used a "Prong Collar" on our dog without our knowledge or permission. These collars are illegal in many countries, and in the US are restricted to specific training activities, as they can severely injure a dog if used for general walks. 4) Michael canceled the last day of our booking, and left the house hours before our return home. 5) Michael left our dog blocked from the kitchen - without water - for hours. He texted that it was because of "counter surfing", but he did not move water to any location where our dog could access it.

Michael did a great job taking care of Scout.


Michael was excellent...he was extremely responsive and professional. Our two dogs can be a challenge and Michael did a great job with them...highly recommend, we will use him again!!!!

Michael did a great job taking care of our dog Scout and staying at our home while we were away. He took excellent care of our pup, he was very responsive, and he kept us updated throughout his stay which gave us peace of mind. He also sent pictures of Scout who looked happy as can be. The house was in great shape when we returned. I highly recommend Michael and we will definitely look into having him stay again in the future.
About Michael M.
Communication
Dog skills
Cat skills
Safety, trust & environment
Upon arrival at a client’s home, if a backyard is available, I conduct a thorough perimeter check to ensure there are no gaps in the fence and that all gates are securely closed before allowing dogs outside. I follow each pet’s established feeding schedule and ensure fresh water is provided and replenished regularly. For overnight stays, I provide attentive in-home care to maintain your pet’s routine and comfort. If a walk requested during the booking exceeds 15 minutes an additional booking fee will apply for walks ranging from 30 to 60 minutes. If your pet requires medication, please inform me in advance so I can ensure it is administered safely and according to your instructions.
Information Michael M. would like to know about your pet
Please inform me of any special needs, medical requirements, or behavioral considerations your dog may have so I can provide personalized care. While I welcome all breeds, I have a preference for dogs that are friendly, well-behaved, and enjoy regular walks and interaction.
A typical day
I focus on both the physical and mental stimulation of your dog. Activities include engaging games, exploring new scents in the neighborhood, and visiting a large nearby park for exercise and enrichment. Also working with each dog on their recall words/commands to ensure consistency in their training.
Michael M.
Northbrook, IL
