Dog Walkers in River Forest, IL

About: I grew up with dogs my entire life, including a German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pitbull mix, so I’m very comfortable with both large and high-energy breeds. I also have experiences with extended stay puppy sitting where I managed feeding schedules, potty breaks, walks, playtime, and creating a calm, structured environment. I understand how important consistency, patience, and attentiveness are, especially with puppies. I’m currently preparing to welcome a Golden Retriever puppy of my own, so I’m very intentional about creating safe, positive experiences for dogs. I work Monday through Friday but my partner is currently home all day, so someone will always be there to care for your dog! We are open to boarding any night. Walks I am primarily available after work or sometimes the morning before. My partner is currently available most anytime! We are both reliable and detail oriented. We are prepping to bring in our very own golden retriever puppy, so will treat your dog as if they are our own! As mentioned above I work Mon-Friday roughy 8-4. My partner is currently home throughout the day so someone will always be there to care for your dog. We are open to boarding almost any day especially weekends where we are both home. Walks and drop ins work best for me before work hours or after but my partner has open availability so between us we can accommodate to you! Feel free to ask if you have any specific availability questions! :) Your dog’s safety, comfort, and happiness are my top priorities. I live in a clean, calm, and pet-friendly environment and am very attentive to routines, feeding schedules, and safety during walks and care. I always keep dogs securely leashed on walks, avoid unsafe situations, and closely monitor their behavior and well-being. I understand how important trust is when someone is caring for your dog, and I take that responsibility seriously. I’m reliable, respectful of your home, and committed to providing a safe and positive experience. I’m also happy to send regular photo and video updates so you always feel confident and connected while your dog is in my care.

“Amazing, she went above and beyond with my pup. I will definitely be continuing to use her in the future!”

Caroline K.

“I can't say enough how warm and loving Kelly is toward dogs. The moment my dog met her for the first time, he ran up to her and acted as though she was his long-lost best friend. She is absolutely the best.”

Laurie C.

About: I have extensive hands-on experience caring for cats of all ages, temperaments, and medical needs. I grew up in a house fostering cats, which taught me how to support animals as they adjust to new environments, routines, and people. At home, I have six cats of my own, so I’m very comfortable managing multiple pets and understanding different personalities, from shy and independent to playful and affectionate. I also have experience providing medical care. One of my cats is on seizure medication, and I am responsible for administering those medications consistently and safely. Because of this, I am very attentive to routines, medication schedules, and monitoring for any changes in behavior or health. I understand how important it is to follow instructions closely and keep pet parents updated for peace of mind. Overall, I treat every pet as if they were my own. I’m patient, calm, and reliable, and I truly enjoy providing a safe, loving, and stress-free environment for animals while their owners are away. I’m a nursing student with a strong background in caregiving, responsibility, and attention to detail. I attend classes Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, with Monday being my longest day on campus. I have Thursdays and weekends fully free, which allows me plenty of time to focus on pet care, playtime, and companionship. I live alone in a quiet apartment, creating a calm and low-stress environment that’s especially great for cats. I also have one friendly cat of my own, so I understand feline routines, boundaries, and the importance of maintaining a clean, safe space. I’m very mindful about introductions and always prioritize comfort and safety. As a nursing student, I’m detail-oriented, reliable, and comfortable following care instructions, including feeding schedules and medications. I treat every pet with patience and kindness, and I truly enjoy providing a loving, peaceful home while pet parents are away. Safety and trust are always my top priorities. I understand that every cat is different, and I take the time to respect each cat’s personality, routine, and boundaries. Whether a cat is social or more independent, I let them adjust at their own pace and never force interaction. I follow care instructions closely, keep a calm and clean environment, and pay attention to any changes in behavior so pets feel safe and comfortable at all times.

About: I’ve had pets my entire life and have years of hands-on experience caring for animals of all ages. I grew up with two dogs and later cared for two cats, so I’m comfortable with different personalities, routines, and needs. Friends, neighbors, and family have trusted me to walk, feed, bathe, and spend quality time with their pets. I’m patient, attentive, and truly love animals, and I treat every pet as if they were my own. I’m especially willing to put in the extra time and care senior pets may need, whether that’s moving at a slower pace, providing extra comfort, or paying close attention to their routines. I understand how important it is for pet parents to feel confident and at ease, and I always prioritize safety, comfort, and happiness. I am currently a student, which gives me a very flexible schedule to care for your pets! I am completely free every weekday after 1:00 PM for walks, drop-ins, and evening playtimes. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, my classes finish even earlier, so I am available starting at 11:00 AM. My weekends are 100% open for boarding or house sitting. Because I'm home studying often, I have plenty of time to give your pet the attention and potty breaks they need. When caring for pets in your home, my top priority is keeping them comfortable and stress-free by maintaining their normal routine. I carefully follow all instructions for feeding, walks, playtime, and any medications, making sure your pet gets the exercise, attention, and care they’re used to. I treat your home with respect by keeping it clean and secure, always double-checking doors and gates. I make it a point to give each pet plenty of love, attention, and interaction so they feel happy and secure while you’re away. I also communicate frequently and can send daily photo updates, so you always know your pet is happy, safe, and well cared for.

“Very polite and professional! Matthew was on time and very careful with Marvin. Very good communication as well!”

Koretta F.

About: I have had a dog my whole life and feel very connected to them. Generally, I prefer big dogs but would love any type of dog. I have experience with dogs with seizures and dogs who need medication, as well as some experience with reactive dogs. Since I love to walk, and dogs love to be walked, I think this is a perfect fit! I'm currently not working (through the end of the summer) so I am available weekdays and evenings for walks or doggy day care, as well as on the weekends for walking or boarding. I have a large fenced yard and a friendly, patient Lab Mix to keep your dog company. I can crate your dog if needed and also have lots of indoor space for lounging or playing.

“Jamie did a great job walking our dog! We have a 60lb pitbull who can be leash reactive and we felt very comfortable with her walking him. Will definitely hire her again!”

Ben M.

About: I’ve had pets my whole life. We’ve had dogs, cats, chickens, and ducks, so I’ve had my fair share of taking care of animals. We’ve gotten all our animals when they were babies, so I have experience with all ages. I love animals and my home would feel empty without any. I’m currently on summer break and working a part-time job on weekends. I am available during the week and some weekends for walks and drop-in visits. I can stick to a schedule and do everything as close to the pet’s routine as possible. I have plenty of free time to go on walks and/or let them outside in the client’s yard.

About: People therapist during regular business hours, pet caretaker for the love of it! In particular, I've been told I'm a cat whisperer. I think it's because I have big time cat energy. I love earning any pet's trust and watching their little personalities come out! I've had cats, dogs, rodents, fish, and reptile of various types, sizes, and medical needs since I was a kid. I’ve also cared for pets for family and friends on the side. Additionally, I'm an end-of-life doula for people and animals. ❤️ My schedule for my main job can vary, though typically I am available most days of the week. This also means I'll likely have random times during the day to stop by--just ask! I am able to bring your dog on walks, reinforce training, or simply play with them. With other pets, just let me know what they prefer!

“Alma is always so good with my babies. Accommodates me and my crazy work schedule. She’s also taken some of my favorite photos of my babies during their walks.”

Ashlea W.

“Abigale was great! She was quick to respond, very kind, and took great care of my girl during their walk. We will definitely be using Abigale again in the future!”

Morgan D.

About: -Lifelong experience with dogs and cats -Currently care for a senior pitbull (June) and a tortoiseshell cat (Jade) -Calm, patient handling — no rushing trust -Gentle and patient with anxious or shy animals -Comfortable with walks and outdoor routines -Attentive sitter who follows instructions exactly -Sends regular updates so owners know how their pets are doing -Happy to help with pills or special care, following your instructions I structure visits around your pet’s normal routine so nothing changes while you’re away. I can handle daily walks, meals, playtime, and bathroom breaks on schedule. I send updates so you know exactly how your pet is doing and that their day stayed consistent. My goal is to make each visit predictable and low-stress, fitting seamlessly into your pet’s usual rhythm. I prioritize creating a calm, safe environment for your pet. I follow your instructions carefully and respect your pet’s personal space, energy level, and comfort. Whether it’s keeping routines consistent, monitoring behavior, or gently guiding shy or anxious pets, I aim to make each visit secure and stress-free. I’m attentive to details like doors, fences, and hazards, and I communicate clearly with you if anything comes up.

About: With 8 years of hands-on experience caring for both dogs and cats of all ages, I understand that every pet has unique needs, personalities, and routines. From energetic puppies who need patience, structure, and plenty of play, to senior pets who require gentle care, attentiveness, and extra comfort, I provide care that’s tailored to each furry friend. Families have trusted and rehired me time and time again because I treat every pet as if they were my own. I pride myself on being reliable, communicative, and genuinely caring, so you can feel confident knowing your pet is safe, happy, and well-loved while you’re away. Whether it’s daily walks, drop-in visits, or extended care, my goal is to give your pet consistency, affection, and peace of mind—because they deserve nothing less. I'm a full time student and am available all days of the week to provide all day support or periodic walks which the exception of Tuesday and Thursday where I will need to leave for a couple hours in order to attend class. Your pet’s safety, comfort, and routine are always my top priorities. When caring for pets in your home, I treat both your space and your furry family member with the utmost respect. I follow all instructions closely, maintain clean and calm environments, and make sure your pet feels secure, relaxed, and loved in their familiar surroundings. During walks, I prioritize safe routes, proper leash handling, and constant awareness of my surroundings. I tailor each walk to your pet’s energy level, age, and comfort—whether that means a brisk walk for an energetic pup or a slower, gentler stroll for seniors. I stay attentive to weather, traffic, and other dogs to ensure every outing is both safe and enjoyable. Above all, I strive to build trust—with both pets and their families—through reliability, clear communication, and genuine care. My goal is to give you peace of mind and your pet a calm, positive experience every time.

“Second trip we’ve had Simone walk our dog and she was great again. Very reliable and great communication. So nice to find someone we can trust with our dog.”

Eldridge M.

“Jacqui was an excellent dog walker. She was accommodating on short notice, very communicative, and punctual. My pup got along with her well and he seemed to enjoy the walk! Will definitely be using Jacqui to walk my dog in the future.”

Sebastian M.

About: Ready to work hard and safe to take good care of your four-legged best friend! At your service for walks, sitting, driving to appointments, and any other basic pet care! I've been hired my neighbors, relatives, and family friends before to house sit/ pet sit. I think it's important to be careful and respectful at all times, to report any issues immediately, and treat the pet with the kindness and fun they usually receive from their owner! My family has previously kept a dog, geckos, a chameleon, fish, a rabbit,and a bird. My hobbies include chess, bowling, music and concerts, hiking and running. I'm located in the near-west suburbs but I have my own car so I'm happy to go anywhere around Chicagoland! Take care! currently working a flex position at Camp McKean for community and outdoor recreation. off all day on Sundays Mondays and Tuesdays. Rest of the week I could dog sit before or after work. Early morning or evening. I will always top off a pet's water bowl, take an inventory of supplies like poop bags, toys, where food is, etc. with Rover gigs before I've taken pictures and videos for the client to let them know how everything's going 😀

“Nataliia has been great with my 2 senior dogs. She is very punctual and communicates well. I have no issues in response times or updates.”

Pedro D.

“Fanni is wonderful and I felt at ease when Chomper was in her care. She is communicative, responsible, and even braved walking up 13 flights of stairs when the elevator in my building was out. I am so appreciative of her time and would highly recommend her for any pet care needs!”

Katharina W.

“Christie showed up on time and was great with our dog. He was happy to see her when she came the second time.”

Stephanie F.