Meet The Team
Meet Our Dedicated Staff and Walkers
Our Founder
OUR WALKERS
All of our walkers are official Chicago Dog Walkers employees. We don't use independent contractors. Nor do we operate a revolving door of casual labor. All of our walkers are hired with the understanding that they will stay with us for at least one year. We want our walkers to form a close bond with the dogs they walk each day, and we know that clients appreciate that consistency.
Employees are subject to a criminal background check and have references checked before starting on the job. They are then put through supervised training to be certain that they are fully aware of Chicago Dog Walkers, Inc. safety procedures and overall standard of pet care.
With over 17 years of professional dog walking experience, Shawn knows a thing or two about earning the trust (and tail wags) of his four-legged clients. He even trained with Cesar Millan from The Dog Whisperer, adding expert insight to his natural connection with animals. While dogs are his daily companions, Shawn shares his home with a cool cat named Trina. When he's not out walking pups, Shawn keeps busy moonlighting as an Instacart shopper, making music, diving into video games, and keeping up with the world of professional wrestling. His favorite thing about dog walking? "What’s not to love?! There’s a reason we call them man’s best friend."
I'm an avid dog lover and cyclist. Bringing the two together is my greatest joy! It's amazing how much love and laughter a dog brings to our lives.
April brings a lifetime of animal experience and passion to every walk. She’s cared for a wide range of pets, including two Rottweilers, five Staffordshire Bull Terriers, a ferret, and four (and counting!) beloved cats. Her background includes working as an assistant dog trainer and at a dog daycare and boarding facility, as well as volunteering with organizations like PAWS, Chicago Animal Care and Control, Chicago Canine Rescue, and Don’t Bully My Breed. Outside of walking dogs, April is active in trap-neuter-return efforts and is a self-proclaimed reality TV aficionado, even creating content for fellow fans on Patreon. What she loves most about dog walking is the opportunity to share her deep knowledge of animal behavior and care, offering more than just a walk, but real support and insight that pet parents truly value.
Erik has loved dogs since childhood, even though he couldn’t have one growing up. Discovering dog walking was a dream come true—now he spends his days with pups of all ages, breeds, and personalities. From senior dogs and rescues to puppies and differently-abled pups, Erik treats every dog like family, often giving each one their own special nickname. When he’s not walking dogs, Erik enjoys weightlifting—often with his own pup, Coco, watching nearby. For him, dog walking is a peaceful escape during the week, offering a calm balance to his weekends working security at a busy bar. Dogs bring joy and serenity to Erik’s life, and he’s passionate about sharing that same care and comfort with every pup he meets.
Dash has been walking dogs with CDW for six years, and during that time he's developed a real love for being outside and staying active, whether it’s walking through different neighborhoods or riding his bike around the city. Dash believes working with dogs has been especially rewarding because they bring so much positive energy and companionship—it never feels like just a job. To Dash, spending time with them is not only great exercise, but it’s also a proven stress reliever; dogs have a way of keeping people grounded and present in the moment. That mix of fresh air, movement, and the joy of being around dogs makes this work feel both healthy and meaningful.
Michelle is a born-and-raised Chicagoan with a big love for dogs and an even bigger heart for her rescued rat terrier mix, Max. When she's not hanging out with Max, you’ll probably find her planning her next adventure, snapping photos, or soaking up all the pup time she can get. She’s been part of the CDW team for over a year and loves every minute of it, because if she’s not with her own dog, spending time with yours is the next best thing!
Elly has been working with dogs for over 12 years, with experience in daycare, boarding, and walking, and she still loves every minute of it! Whether it's sunshine, snow, or a surprise Chicago downpour, Elly enjoys being outdoors and turning every walk into a mini-adventure with her puppy pals. She's also a big fan of her feline clients and gives just as much love to her cat companions. When she’s not out and about with four-legged friends, Elly enjoys going to concerts, winding down with a favorite TV show, and snapping the cutest (and often silliest) pet moments on camera. For Elly, pet care is all about connection, fun, and making every day a little brighter, for both pets and their people.
Molly has been part of the CDW team for over 10 years and has been an animal lover for even longer. From dogs and rats to snakes, birds, chinchillas, and everything in between, if it has paws, claws, feathers, or scales, chances are Molly has cared for it! Her own pup, Tootsie Roll, just turned one, and Molly is eagerly watching to see how many more adorable wrinkles she can collect. Outside of dog walking, Molly is an amateur sewist, a medieval history enthusiast, and a big fan of movie nights. Her favorite part of walking dogs? Getting a pup-led tour of Chicago’s neighborhoods, because let’s be honest, dogs always know the best spots!