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%97+52.9Reliability 24%96+23.3Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%33+2.3Experts Score= 93Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.93SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#26 of 59 dog walkersiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 57%
5.0★★★★★105 Google reviews · 24 photos
97%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0%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 reviewers rate Smart Paws Chicago five stars based on one hundred and five reviews, highlighting reliable dog walking, cat sitting, and overnight care. Customers frequently praise the company's punctuality, flexible scheduling, and detailed communication via photos, GPS tracking, and notes. The service accommodates pets with special needs or anxiety, while the easy-to-use booking software receives positive feedback. The only notable criticism in the available data involves a recent discontinuation of weekend services that resulted in last-minute cancellations for a customer.
Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 105 reviews (97% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 105 Google reviews (91 with written comments, 21 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 2% of reviews.
Most recent review: April 19, 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.
Smart Paws ChicagoDog 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.Smart Paws Chicago: 97/100 on this factor. Category median: 93.A
97
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.Smart Paws Chicago: 96/100 on this factor. Category median: 86.A
96
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.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 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.Smart Paws Chicago: 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.Smart Paws Chicago: 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.Smart Paws Chicago: 33/100 on this factor. Category median: 61.D
33
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
105 Google reviews we collected
5.0of 5
5 stars10297%
4 stars11%
3 stars22%
2 stars00%
1 star00%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 91 written reviews
98%praise
Praise16598%
Complaints42%
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 price375%
Reasonable125%
Overpriced00%
Not sure00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude3923%
Would recommend3621%
Honesty & trust2917%
Speed & response2817%
Quality & results159%
Communication148%
Price & value85%
What customers talk about
We read 91 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Gina is truly outstanding — caring, reliable, and always made sure my dog Bo was well taken care of.”
“…d a big shoutout to Gina specifically she was so amazing to work with 10/10 would tell all friends n fam to go w them for any and all pet ,sitting, wa…”
“Been using this service for the past 2 1/2 years and can't recommend them enough.”
“She’s incredibly responsive, always on top of things, and you can tell she genuinely cares.”
“They are always on time and take such good care of my sweet baby girl.”
“Whether it was daily walks or overnight stays, Gina and her team consistently provided top-notch care and attention.”
“Scheduling drop-in visits is a breeze, and they’re always super communicative.”
“Their prices are completely reasonable and their booking app is super easy to navigate.”
People customers mention
Gina19 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Smart Paws Chicago for 1 kind of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
MMatt10 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’ve been using Smart Paws for about a year now to watch my cats when I travel, and they’ve been great every single time. I rarely leave reviews, but this one was definitely warranted.
Scheduling drop-in visits is a breeze, and they’re always super communicative. I love that they send updates and photos every…
Great priceCat sitting (in-home)
SSarah11 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. · 11 months ago★★★★★
Smart paws is the best!!! A new job had me searching for a solution to long days in the office and Gina and her crew couldn’t have made it easier. So professional, caring and fun! Getting pictures and a note from my girl’s walks have become my favorite time of day. Thanks Gina!
Great priceDog walking
DD6 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. · a year ago★★★★★
Smart Paws is the best! Gina is truly outstanding — caring, reliable, and always made sure my dog Bo was well taken care of. Whether it was daily walks or overnight stays, Gina and her team consistently provided top-notch care and attention.
I recently moved away from Chicago, and I really wish I had a Smart Paws…
DDylan8 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. · a year ago★★★★★
These guys were the best they treated Felix as though he was their own and a big shoutout to Gina specifically she was so amazing to work with 10/10 would tell all friends n fam to go w them for any and all pet ,sitting, walking, etc needs
Great priceDog boarding
JJacqueline9 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. · a year ago★★★★★
Working long hours while having a puppy is not easy. Thank goodness Smart Paws has been there to help over this past year. Always incredible service with all of the walkers and especially Gina. They are all such loving, kind and knowledgeable animal lovers! They have been so helpful with giving me tips as a new…
Reasonable priceDog walking
AAshley2 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. · a year ago★★★★★
If you are looking for a place to care for your sweet pets, look no further! Smart Paws took care of my pups, JD and Lila, while I was on a weekend trip. Gina and her team were sure to give plenty of updates with photos which helped me feel so comfortable while away. I will definitely be reaching out to them the next time we have a trip planned.
I’ve been using Smart Paws for about a year now to watch my cats when I travel, and they’ve been great every single time. I rarely leave reviews, but this one was definitely warranted.
Scheduling drop-in visits is a breeze, and they’re always super communicative. I love that they send updates and photos every visit, so I always know what’s going on. I know it can be tough to find a company you feel comfortable trusting with your animals, but I’ve never had any hesitation with Smart Paws.
I also have to call out Gina specifically because she’s awesome to work with for scheduling and everything else. She’s incredibly responsive, always on top of things, and you can tell she genuinely cares.
If you need a pet sitter/walker, I genuinely can’t recommend the Smart Paws team enough.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Cat sitting (in-home)
S
Sarah Murphy11 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Sarah has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Smart paws is the best!!! A new job had me searching for a solution to long days in the office and Gina and her crew couldn’t have made it easier. So professional, caring and fun! Getting pictures and a note from my girl’s walks have become my favorite time of day. Thanks Gina!
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog walking
D
D Johnston6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews D has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Smart Paws is the best! Gina is truly outstanding — caring, reliable, and always made sure my dog Bo was well taken care of. Whether it was daily walks or overnight stays, Gina and her team consistently provided top-notch care and attention.
I recently moved away from Chicago, and I really wish I had a Smart Paws (and a Gina!) where I am now.
If you’re looking for someone you can fully trust with your pet — call her!
D
Dylan T Smith8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Dylan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
These guys were the best they treated Felix as though he was their own and a big shoutout to Gina specifically she was so amazing to work with 10/10 would tell all friends n fam to go w them for any and all pet ,sitting, walking, etc needs
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog boarding
J
Jacqueline Twohig9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jacqueline has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Working long hours while having a puppy is not easy. Thank goodness Smart Paws has been there to help over this past year. Always incredible service with all of the walkers and especially Gina. They are all such loving, kind and knowledgeable animal lovers! They have been so helpful with giving me tips as a new puppy mom. Smart Paws has also been very flexible when I’m working unexpected late shifts and will come walk my big baby Moose last minute. The pictures sent are an added bonus. Thanks Smart Paws!!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog walking
A
Ashley Sturgeon2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Ashley has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
If you are looking for a place to care for your sweet pets, look no further! Smart Paws took care of my pups, JD and Lila, while I was on a weekend trip. Gina and her team were sure to give plenty of updates with photos which helped me feel so comfortable while away. I will definitely be reaching out to them the next time we have a trip planned.
J
Jasmine Nava1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Jasmine has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I absolutely love this dog walking service! They are always on time and take such good care of my sweet baby girl. I recommend Smart Paws to all my friends and they do too!
L
Lucy Caldwell1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Lucy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Gina and Smart Paws are AMAZING!! They took such good care of my cat 8-bit for about a week while I was on vacation and I couldn't be happier with their service. 8-bit is a pretty shy girl and usually doesn't love strangers but she came out for cuddles and to hang every time they came over! She clearly felt very comfortable with them and that took a lot of stress off my back so I could really enjoy my vacation. Thank you Smart Paws!
Response from the owner · a year ago
We had a purr-fect time caring for your adorable kitty! Hope you had a wonderful time on your vacation. 💕
L
Leslie LaSota5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Leslie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
My Cheesy recently spent the weekend with Gina and I came home to rave reviews! Cheesy said Gina took her on many walkies, provided plenty of treaties, welcomed snuggles and even had a fancy water dispenser she loved. Cheesy said 10/10 would recommend and stay again. Thank you, Gina, for making Cheesy’s vacation a great one!
H
Hannah BLocal Guide · 20 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Hannah has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I highly recommend Smart Paws! The software to book walks is so easy to use, and Gina and her team are absolutely wonderful! My pup Margot always looks happy on her walks (they send pics and updates), and I feel so safe having them come into my home and walk her.
