Dog boarding, walkers, and sitters · Chicago

Find the best
dog walker
or sitter—
instantly.

Matched to their energy, personality, and needs.

Buddy, an energetic Golden Retriever BuddyBig energy
Buddy's matched caregiver His personLong-walk pro

Same pace · Golden experience · Close to home

See My Dog's Match ✓ Free to match  ·  Vetted caregivers

How Matching Works

What makes them right for your dog?

Tell us about your dog’s energy, behavior, and routine. Tails narrows vetted caregivers to the people who fit.

Profile
Buddy, a 2-year-old Golden
Buddy2-year-old Golden
  • Big energyNeeds real exercise
  • Strong pullerConfident handling
  • Lincoln ParkClose to home
Search

48vetted caregivers

3 caregivers matched
Shortlist
Martin, Matches high energy
MartinMatches high energy
Ariel, Handles strong dogs
ArielHandles strong dogs
Lauren, Near Lincoln Park
LaurenNear Lincoln Park

3 caregivers match Buddy’s needs.

Matching Buddy’s energy, behavior, and routine

See The Proof

You’ll know where they walked.
What they ate. When they pooped.

Meet first, track walks, and get care reports.

Before
A dog parent hugging his Boston Terrier during a free meet and greet

Meet before you book

See how your dog responds. Book only when you're sure.

During
A live walk in the Tails app: GPS route through Lincoln Park with distance, time, and pace

Every walk, verified

GPS route, exact distance, and a report when they're done. No guessing.

After
A Tails care report timeline with completed meals, potty breaks, and walk photos

Know what happened

Photos and a full care timeline after every visit.

Why You Can Trust Your Match

Background checks are just the start.

We interview every provider to verify hands-on care skills

  1. Real In-Person Interviews vs. Simple Background Checks

    We interview every provider over coffee to understand how they handle anxious dogs, high-energy breeds, and reactive behavior — not just whether they cleared a background check.

  2. Verified Pet Care Skills vs. Unproven Claims

    Reviews cover what actually matters — how providers handle separation anxiety, leash reactivity, and first-time dogs. Not just star ratings.

  3. Backup Coverage vs. Being Left to Scramble

    If your provider cancels, we find a replacement — fast. You'll never be left scrambling the morning of a booking.

  4. Free Meet-Up vs. Booking Sight Unseen

    See how your matched provider bonds with your dog during a free meet-up before you book.

Our Services

What does your dog need?

★★★★★ Verified booking reviews

What Chicago’s most obsessive dog moms & dads are saying

“Lauren gives Sneezer a comfortable, friendly, safe place. We always feel good booking her and head out worry-free.”

— Morgan V, West Loop
Lauren
SneezerChihuahuawith Lauren
Safe, comfortable care

Bruno loves Ariel. She makes time when we need help quickly, and it’s obvious she cares about animals.”

— Patty F, Oak Park
Bruno Ariel
BrunoCockapoowith Ariel
Fast help when it matters

“Martin confidently handles my strong, energetic Lab. Emmy came back happy and well-exercised.”

— Aly M, Uptown
Emmy Martin
EmmyLabrador Retrieverwith Martin
Strong, energetic dogs
Read more from Chicago dog parents →

Getting Started

From download to first walk — in 48 hours.

No endless scrolling. No awkward cold messages. Just a match, a meet, and a booking.

48hoursProfile to first walk
  1. Tell us about your dog

    Breed, energy level, temperament, special needs — the stuff that actually matters for finding the right fit.

  2. See your matches and why

    We show you providers matched to your dog's specific needs — with the reasons behind each match.

  3. Book a free meet & greet

    Watch your dog meet their caregiver in person. Only pay when you're ready to book.

Your dog’s person could be two minutes away. Build their profile and meet the shortlist.

See My Dog's Match

Now Available on iOS & Android

The Right Caregiver
For Your Dog’s Unique Needs

Download Tails to connect with vetted, background-checked pet care providers in your neighborhood.

  • Caregivers matched to your dog’s energy level, age, and needs
  • GPS tracking and real-time updates during every service
  • Simple scheduling for walks, boarding, and daycare
★★★★★ 4.9  ·  Unleash Happiness
Free to download. No subscription required. Privacy Policy
A Tails care report in the appWalk complete
2.4 miles · 46 min

The details

Frequently asked questions

Couldn’t find what you were looking for? We’re here to help! Send us an email.

How does Tails vet pet care providers?+

Our invite-only approach lets us find the best-of-the-best through word of mouth. Then, we personally interview every provider over coffee, verify their experience with specific pet behaviors like separation anxiety. We don't believe that passing a basic background checks is enough to qualify caring for our pets... or yours.

What makes Tails different from Rover?+

Three key differences: 1) We personally meet and test every provider (most platforms don't), 2) We match based on your pet's specific needs rather than making you scroll through hundreds of profiles, and 3) We offer free meet & greets so you can see how your pet responds before booking.

How does your matching process work?+

We create a profile that outlines specific traits about your dog's personality and care needs, then match them with providers who have proven experience with those exact traits. This eliminates the frustration of endless scrolling and ensures providers know how to handle your pet's specific quirks.

What if my pet doesn't like the provider during the meet & greet?+

That's exactly why we offer free meet & greets with no obligation! If your pet doesn't seem comfortable, we'll match you with a different provider at no cost. We'd rather find the perfect match than force a booking that doesn't work for your pet.

What's included in the daily reports?+

Our providers send real-time photo updates during the visit, tracking of walks, detailed notes about your pet's mood, behavior, eating, bathroom breaks, and any special moments. Reports are delivered instantly so you always know how your pet is doing.

How much can I earn as a Tails provider?+

Tails only charges Providers 10% vs. industry norms of 20%-40%. This means providers on Tails earn more than on other platforms. You set your own rates, create your own schedule, and build a loyal client base that stays with you. Top providers can earn $800-1,500 weekly with consistent bookings.

What insurance coverage do you provide?+

Booking insurance is coming soon. We can also help pet parents buy pet care insurance and pet care providers buy pet sitter insurance.