For a quality dog walking service in Chicago, budget $25–$35 for 30 minutes or $40–$55 for one hour. The exact price depends on your walker's experience, your dog's needs, and your neighborhood.
What You Should Pay Based on Service Level:
- Standard walkers ($25–$30/walk): Experienced, insured, consistent communication
- Premium walkers ($32–$38/walk): Specialists, perfect reviews, GPS tracking, flexible scheduling
Why You Shouldn't Cheap Out:
Choosing an unvetted walker at $25 over a skill-verified walker at $30–$35 might save a few dollars, but you risk:
- Unreliability: Last-minute cancellations when you're counting on them
- Poor handling: Inexperienced walkers can't manage reactive or anxious dogs
- No insurance: You're liable if your dog bites someone or damages property
- High turnover: Underpaid walkers quit quickly, disrupting your dog's routine
What Quality Service Looks Like:
When paying $25–$35 for 30 minutes, expect:
- Consistent arrival times (within 15-minute window)
- Photo updates during or after every walk
- Notes about bathroom breaks, behavior, or concerns
- Liability insurance ($1M+ coverage)
- Secure key handling and home access protocols
- Flexible communication (text, app, or email)
Find trusted Chicago dog walkers on Tails with transparent pricing and verified reviews. Read our Chicago dog walking guide for tips on choosing the right walker.