Pet Care Regulations and Licensing Requirements for Chicago Dog Walkers

If you're a dog owner who's new to the Chicago area, one of your first tasks may be to find a reliable dog walker. Before you do, however, you should know that Chicago has some regulations and licensing requirements that apply to pet care businesses, including dog walkers. Here's everything you need to know about the relevant Chicago dog walking laws.

Does Chicago Require Dog Walkers to Be Licensed?

Under the law, every animal care business must have a Commercial Animal Care License in Chicago. This includes any business that performs pet sitting, walking, grooming, or boarding. A Chicago dog walker license requires renewal every two years and for the business to follow specific regulations. Within Chicago, the Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) department grants and oversees commercial animal care licenses.

Chicago's Leash Law and Dog Registration Rules

As a dog owner, you should also know that you must register your dog, as per Municipal Code 07-12-140. There's a fee to license your dog, and you can choose either a one- or three-year license. After obtaining a license for your dog, you must keep the provided license tag on your dog's collar at all times.

There's another part of Chicago's dog regulations that applies to both owners and professional dog walkers. It's the regulations surrounding leashing. Specifically, the law states that your dog must be on a leash whenever it leaves your property. However, if your property lacks fencing, you must keep your dog restrained even while just outside your home.

The law also states that dog leashes used in public must be no more than six feet long. That helps ensure adequate control over your dog in public settings. You should also know that Cook County's Department of Animal and Rabies Control has jurisdiction over local animal control matters.

What a License Does (and Doesn't) Guarantee

It's important to realize that a Chicago Commercial Animal Care License tells you nothing about its holder. It's simply a minimal operational requirement. It's also relatively easy to secure a license, so you should never make it the sole qualification for hiring a dog walker.

Why Insurance and Bonding Matter More Than Licensing Alone

When weighing your options, you should look for a provider that's insured and bonded for your protection. Also, look for other differentiators like published employee training standards and background-checked employees. That way, you can be sure you're leaving your dog in safe and capable hands.

For an excellent example of a dog walking business that meets all those requirements, check out Green Paws Chicago. They’ve been a licensed, bonded, and insured dog walking company in Chicago since 2007. Their staff members undergo background checks and industry-leading training. They also hold first aid and CPR certifications, which not all dog walkers possess. And speaking of staff, Green Paws Chicago maintains a staff of W-2 employees, not 1099 independent contractors.

Employees Vs. Contractors: a Hidden Factor in Pet Care Quality

Choosing a pet care business with its own employees rather than one that relies on contractors is important. Pet care businesses can dictate precisely how their employees care for your pet. They have far less control and oversight over independent contractors. Additionally, hiring a business that relies on contractors can create grey areas around liability. If something happens to your pet, it may be difficult to determine who you can legally hold liable.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Chicago Dog Walker

Once you find a dog walker with the right qualifications, you'll still want to get to know them before trusting them with your pet. When you meet them, it can be helpful to prepare some questions in advance. The first question to ask is how much direct experience the provider has with your dog's breed. You should also ask about scheduling flexibility and cancellation policies.

Of course, you should bring your dog to meet the provider before agreeing to hire them. If your dog seems hesitant or unhappy with the provider, you should pay attention. It doesn't necessarily mean that the provider isn't good at their job. They simply may not be a good fit for your pet. Whenever possible, select a provider like Green Paws Chicago who meets all your requirements, including getting along well with your dog.