iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%91+49.6Reliability 24%82+19.9Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%25+1.8Craft & service penalty99−0.1Experts Score= 85Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.85SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#37 of 59 dog walkersiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 38%
4.9★★★★★125 Google reviews
96%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
4.5%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 125 reviews (96% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 125 Google reviews (81 with written comments, 11 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 18% of reviews.
Most recent review: May 27, 2026.
Service: Dog Walker serving Chicago, Illinois.
Data from Google, last updated November 3, 2026.
Score profile vs other dog walkers
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: value and momentum; weakest: replies to reviews.
Dogs Deserve ItDog Walkers median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Dogs Deserve It: 91/100 on this factor. Category median: 93.A
91
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Dogs Deserve It: 82/100 on this factor. Category median: 86.A
82
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Dogs Deserve It: 99/100 on this factor. Category median: 99.A
99
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Dogs Deserve It: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Dogs Deserve It: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Dogs Deserve It: 25/100 on this factor. Category median: 61.D
25
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
125 Google reviews we collected
4.9of 5
5 stars12096%
4 stars43%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star11%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 81 written reviews
98%praise
Praise12098%
Complaints32%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
100%fair
Great price545%
Reasonable655%
Overpriced00%
Not sure00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Honesty & trust3024%
Would recommend2520%
Staff & attitude2420%
Speed & response1613%
Quality & results1311%
Communication119%
Price & value43%
What customers talk about
We read 81 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“…me so much peace of mind knowing he’s being cared for by people who genuinely love animals.…”
“We've also been fortunate to have walkers that are willing and available for overnight care and stay at our house while we travel :) 5 stars!”
“I have been using Dogs Deserve It for several years now and cannot recommend them enough.”
“The team is reliable, communicative, kind and truly goes above and beyond.”
“Lauren and her team are always quick to respond to any inquiries and always try to accommodate us and our pets as best as possible.”
“Corbin did a great job looking out for my two kittens for check ins.”
“Great communication with updates about how the walk went including potty breaks, length of time, etc.”
“On top of an easy to use app for scheduling, minimum 2 pics updates per walks, and super competitive prices, Dogs Deserve It is hard to beat!”
People customers mention
Gift6 reviews
James3 reviews
Julia3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Dogs Deserve It for 3 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
LLauren7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 5 months ago★★★★★
I cannot recommend this company enough. They have been absolutely wonderful with my dog, Ralph, and have given me so much peace of mind knowing he’s being cared for by people who genuinely love animals.
A special thank you to James, who has been incredible. Ralph absolutely adores him, and it’s clear how much…
Reasonable priceDog walking
VValerieLocal Guide · 16 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 months ago★★★★★
We have loved using dogs deserve it and our walker, Logan, in the Roscoe village neighborhood for years. They make scheduling so easy with the app. Great communication with updates about how the walk went including potty breaks, length of time, etc. Our pup knows and loves her walkers and we know she looks forward to her walks each week.
Great priceDog walking
JJustin2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 months ago★★★★★
We have been a client of Dogs Deserve It since 2018 and I could not be happier with their service and their love for my dogs. They treat them like their own :) the daily walk updates with pictures and cute notes is worth everything! I love that they assign a walker to your address long term, so you don't have…
EEmilyLocal Guide · 29 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 months ago★★★★★
Dogs deserve it does an amazing job! I love getting the GPS report card and photos from the dog walk each day. I also love that their walkers are W-2 employees as well which makes me feel confident my dog is in good hands!
Dog walking
LLizLocal Guide · 16 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 6 months ago★★★★★
I just used DDI for the first time while away on vacation and will definitely be using their services again! Corbin did a great job looking out for my two kittens for check ins.
Update 2 years later: I’m still using DDI regularly for cat check-ins and I can’t recommend them enough! I’ve had several different people…
LLindsay7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 months ago★★★★★
I have been using Dogs Deserve It for several years now and cannot recommend them enough. I have a used them previously for dog walking, but now that I work from home, I use them for my grumpy old cat when I am away or traveling. I never have to worry and know that Calvin is in good hands. Logan has been the best…
Dog walkingCat sitting (in-home)Dog sitting (in-home)
I cannot recommend this company enough. They have been absolutely wonderful with my dog, Ralph, and have given me so much peace of mind knowing he’s being cared for by people who genuinely love animals.
A special thank you to James, who has been incredible. Ralph absolutely adores him, and it’s clear how much care, patience and attention he gives every walk. As a dog mom, that means everything.
The team is reliable, communicative, kind and truly goes above and beyond. I’m so grateful I found them and will absolutely continue using them whenever I can. Highly recommend!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog walking
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Lauren, thank you so much for this wonderful review!! We love having Ralph in our DDI family!
V
Valerie SchoonoverLocal Guide · 16 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Valerie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We have loved using dogs deserve it and our walker, Logan, in the Roscoe village neighborhood for years. They make scheduling so easy with the app. Great communication with updates about how the walk went including potty breaks, length of time, etc. Our pup knows and loves her walkers and we know she looks forward to her walks each week.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog walking
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
Thank you so much for this wonderful review!! I’m so happy you have enjoyed having Logan as your walker! She’s been with us for almost ten years and we feel beyond lucky to have her. We couldn’t be happier to have you in our DDI family and thanks again:)
J
Justin Small2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Justin has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We have been a client of Dogs Deserve It since 2018 and I could not be happier with their service and their love for my dogs. They treat them like their own :) the daily walk updates with pictures and cute notes is worth everything! I love that they assign a walker to your address long term, so you don't have someone new every day and they become part of the family. We've also been fortunate to have walkers that are willing and available for overnight care and stay at our house while we travel :) 5 stars!
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
Justin, thank you so much for taking the time to review DDI! We feel so lucky that you have stayed with us since 2018 and that you are part of our family! Our walker tenure is one of the things that sets DDI apart from our competition so I'm so happy you noticed! Thank you again, Lauren
E
Emily WestLocal Guide · 29 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Emily has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Dogs deserve it does an amazing job! I love getting the GPS report card and photos from the dog walk each day. I also love that their walkers are W-2 employees as well which makes me feel confident my dog is in good hands!
Services: Dog walking
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
Thank you, Emily! Treating our walkers as employees is a very important to us. Our employees work very hard and we want to ensure they get all the perks that come with being an employee versus 1099. Thank you for taking the time to review and for being part of our DDI family!
L
Liz BanaszakLocal Guide · 16 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Liz has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I just used DDI for the first time while away on vacation and will definitely be using their services again! Corbin did a great job looking out for my two kittens for check ins.
Update 2 years later: I’m still using DDI regularly for cat check-ins and I can’t recommend them enough! I’ve had several different people and they all do a great job looking out for my two kitties. I also appreciate the company seems to pay their employees well which is probably why there’s less turnover than other places. The prices are very fair and reasonable. Even if you can find somewhere else slightly cheaper, I wouldn’t leave DDI because you can trust their services and people and that’s worth everything when we’re talking about my fur babies!
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
Thank you so much, Liz! This review and the update 2 years later means the world to us!
L
Lindsay7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Lindsay has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I have been using Dogs Deserve It for several years now and cannot recommend them enough. I have a used them previously for dog walking, but now that I work from home, I use them for my grumpy old cat when I am away or traveling. I never have to worry and know that Calvin is in good hands. Logan has been the best with him! I always look forward to the updates and photos they send.
I also love that they provide insurance for their employees.
Services: Dog walking, Cat sitting (in-home), Dog sitting (in-home)
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
Lindsay, thank you so much for this thoughtful review! We are thrilled you’ve enjoyed your experience with Logan and the rest of the staff! Thank you again for entrusting DDI for your furry loved ones care:)
J
Jason RLocal Guide · 15 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jason has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Best dog walking and pet sitting service we have ever used. Always a great experience. The employees of Dog Deserve It treat our pup like their own. If you are looking for help with your dog look, no further. We have been clients for 2+ years multiple walks a week and overnights per year. By far the best company we have ever partnered with!
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Other pet boarding, Dog walking
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
Jason, thank you so much for taking the time to review DDI! We are so lucky to have such wonderful clients like you. Thank you for entrusting DDI!
L
Liz Gold3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Liz has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Dogs Deserve It is by far the best dog walking/pet sitting in Chicago. We have been using them for many years and never once had any issue. They are trustworthy, reliable, and they adore my pets. We use both the dogwalking and the overnight pet sitting where they come to stay at our house for a few days up to a whole week. The best part is they they are so diligent about sending frequent updates and pictures of our girls while we are away which makes leaving them at home A LOT less stressful. We know our girls are in great hands! Thanks DDI and keep up the great work!
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
Liz, thank you for your kind review!! We love your girls and are thrilled to have them in our DDI family:)
J
jason goldsmith3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews jason has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We have been a client of DDI for 15 years. Every dog walker and pet sitter that we have used has been incredible, reliable and sweet with our dogs. Lauren and her team are always quick to respond to any inquiries and always try to accommodate us and our pets as best as possible. We highly recommend DDI for your pets! Special shout out to Logan, Corinne and Angelique for always going above and beyond for our dogs.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog walking, Dog sitting (in-home)
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
Danielle, thank you so much for this amazing review. You hold such a special place in my heart as you were one of my first clients! Thank you for continuing to choose us over the years. You truly are such an important part of the DDI family:)
