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 59%99+58.1Reliability 26%98+25.6Value 15%100+15.2Craft & service penalty99−0.1Experts Score= 99Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.99SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#5 of 59 dog walkersiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 93%
5.0★★★★★57 Google reviews · 24 photos
100%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 rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 57 reviews (100% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 57 Google reviews (51 with written comments, 4 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 100% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 22, 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: reliability.
Sparky StepsDog 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.Sparky Steps: 99/100 on this factor. Category median: 93.A
99
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.Sparky Steps: 98/100 on this factor. Category median: 86.A
98
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.Sparky Steps: 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.Sparky Steps: 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.Sparky Steps: 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.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 61.–
–
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
57 Google reviews we collected
5.0of 5
5 stars57100%
4 stars00%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star00%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 51 written reviews
100%praise
Praise89100%
Complaints00%
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 price1968%
Reasonable932%
Overpriced00%
Not sure00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Honesty & trust2528%
Staff & attitude2124%
Would recommend1820%
Quality & results1011%
Communication89%
Speed & response56%
Price & value22%
What customers talk about
We read 51 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“We appreciate the genuine care he gave to our dogs!”
“With Sparky Steps, I can rest assured that my dogs are walked every single day by a professional, kind-hearted, and patient team.”
“If you are in the Chicago area and have a cat or dog, I highly recommend them.”
“He is reliable and trustworthy and does a great job helping us with our cat.”
“Michel was super easy to work with and took excellent overnight care of our dogs!”
“I have a German Shepherd that took to him right away and looks forward to seeing him.”
“Sparky steps is unique because they have the most competitive prices in Chicago.”
People customers mention
Michael12 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Sparky Steps for 3 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
JJo13 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 week ago★★★★★
With Sparky Steps, I can rest assured that my dogs are walked every single day by a professional, kind-hearted, and patient team. Recommend 100%.
Reasonable price
EEveLocal Guide · 13 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. · 3 months ago★★★★★
Love having Micheal come check in on my babies! He sends great updates and photos. I highly recommend him and his company!
Great priceService not listed
TTaylor3 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. · 3 months ago★★★★★
Michel was super easy to work with and took excellent overnight care of our dogs! He sent photo updates and was even available on short notice. We appreciate the genuine care he gave to our dogs!
Reasonable priceDog sitting (in-home)
Ttasha6 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. · 3 months ago★★★★★
Michael has been such a great help to us since we moved to the city! He is reliable and trustworthy and does a great job helping us with our cat.
Reasonable priceCat sitting (in-home)
GGabriel1 reviewiTotal 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. · 3 months ago★★★★★
Very happy supporter of Sparky Steps. They always take care of everything a loyal pup needs and both my 2 aussiedoodle needs a lot of love and attention. Micheal took the right steps to make sure he build trusting relationship with my dog and is so reliable. Thank you to Micheal and the Sparky Steps Family!
MMaria4 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. · 3 months ago★★★★★
Sparky Steps you’re amazing! l highly recommend this local business in Chicago. Thank you Michael for going above and beyond. He’s trustworthy, professional, and truly great with dogs. l would highly recommend him with family and friends!
With Sparky Steps, I can rest assured that my dogs are walked every single day by a professional, kind-hearted, and patient team. Recommend 100%.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Response from the owner · a week ago
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! It warms our hearts to know you feel confident in our care for your dogs. Our team truly loves spending time with them, and we're grateful for your trust. Looking forward to more great walks with your furry friends!
E
Eve SantiagoLocal Guide · 13 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Eve has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Love having Micheal come check in on my babies! He sends great updates and photos. I highly recommend him and his company!
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Service not listed
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Wow, what an awesome review! Delighted to hear that you and your little ones are happy with Micheal’s updates. Your kind words mean so much to us and Micheal loves sending photos! Looking forward to many more visits with your pets. 🐾
T
Taylor Pusateri3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Taylor has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Michel was super easy to work with and took excellent overnight care of our dogs! He sent photo updates and was even available on short notice. We appreciate the genuine care he gave to our dogs!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog sitting (in-home)
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Thank you so much for your kind review! We're delighted that Michel provided such attentive care and those timely photo updates. It's great to hear how flexible and dedicated he was for your pups. Your trust is truly valued, and we look forward to looking after your furry family again!
T
tasha polster6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews tasha has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Michael has been such a great help to us since we moved to the city! He is reliable and trustworthy and does a great job helping us with our cat.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Cat sitting (in-home)
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Tasha, we're overjoyed to hear that Michael has been making your transition to the city more comfortable! Reliable and trustworthy service is what we strive for, and we're so glad it's been helpful with your cat. Thank you for choosing Sparky Steps, and we look forward to continuing to support you!
G
Gabriel Adams1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Gabriel has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Very happy supporter of Sparky Steps. They always take care of everything a loyal pup needs and both my 2 aussiedoodle needs a lot of love and attention. Micheal took the right steps to make sure he build trusting relationship with my dog and is so reliable. Thank you to Micheal and the Sparky Steps Family!
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Thank you immensely for your heartwarming words! 🐾 We're thrilled to know how much trust and care Michael has built with your loyal pups. It's incredibly rewarding to be part of their lives and provide the love they require. Huge thanks for being such an amazing supporter of Sparky Steps!
M
Maria Capili4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Maria has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Sparky Steps you’re amazing! l highly recommend this local business in Chicago. Thank you Michael for going above and beyond. He’s trustworthy, professional, and truly great with dogs. l would highly recommend him with family and friends!
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog sitting (in-home)
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
We really appreciate your kind words and recommendation, Maria! 😊 It's wonderful to know that Michael has been such a support to you and your furry friends. We're grateful for your trust and excited to continue our journey with you and your pets. Thank you for choosing Sparky Steps!
H
Hannah Stroup3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Hannah has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Michael is amazing! We have two pups—one is tricky on leash and Michael takes such care making him feel comfortable on walks. Thanks for everything!!
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Hannah, thank you so much for the kind words! I’m really glad that Michael has been able to help both of your pups, especially taking extra care to keep your leash-sensitive one comfortable on walks. We truly appreciate you trusting Sparky Steps with them!
J
Jennifer Robin5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jennifer has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We have used Sparky Steps for both our cat & dog. Michael’s team is great with animals, reliable, and easy to get ahold of. Would recommend to all pet owners!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Cat sitting (in-home), Dog sitting (in-home)
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Thanks so much, Jennifer! I’m really glad the team has been able to take great care of both your cat and dog, and that you’ve found us reliable and easy to reach. We truly appreciate the recommendation to other pet owners! Cheers!
L
Lilly5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Lilly has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Great service! Michael took care of my guinea pigs on very short notice while I was out of town for a long weekend, and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. He sent regular updates with pictures of the piggies, and it was clear they were well cared for. I will definitely use Sparky Steps again for going out of town.
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Thanks so much, Lilly! I’m really glad that Michael could step in on short notice and keep your guinea pigs happy and well cared for, and that the photo updates helped you feel at ease while you were away. We’d love to help again the next time you head out of town.
A
Aleksandar Kuzmanovic13 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Aleksandar has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
