Our Loving Staff
Kim
I'm Kim, founder of Northside Pets since 2006. After a lifetime of volunteering with wildlife rehabilitation and working in pet boarding, I decided to "wing it" on my own. I liked the idea of providing my local neighborhood with a valuable service doing something I really enjoy. There's such a different feeling waking up each morning and heading out to see all my dog and kitty friends versus punching a clock at the previous desk job I held. I'm so grateful for the support and gratitude I've received from clients while caring for their pets over the years, some who have become lifelong friends along the way. Dog walking and cat sitting brings me joy. Even in winter weather, it's just something I never get tired of. I especially love the rare experiences of caring for exotic pets, so much fun!
Nancy
Hello pet parents! I’m Nancy and I am a huge animal lover. I’ve owned and cared for both dogs and cats, and even chickens, ducks, birds, a turtle, and a rabbit! I currently have 1 dog, Sunny, as you see in the pic. She’s a 40 lb mixed breed.
I have experience walking dogs with special needs, senior dogs, puppies, and dogs of all sizes. My own personal dog needs tons of exercise so I’m comfortable going on long walks as well.
Whatever your dog/cat’s personality or circumstances, I will gladly cater to their needs and give them tons of patience and kindness. I also like to send pics and updates so you’re always up to speed on how the visit went. I look forward to meeting you and your fur baby soon!
Kevin
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I'm semi-retired, but fully devoted to Tiny Elvis, on the left, and Li'l Costello, on the right. I also really enjoy working with others' sweet animals.
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Stephanie
Working with Northside Pets has been one of the best decisions I have made after the loss of my own family dog back in 2018.
As a kid I covered my walls with all dog and cat posters and have always had a special connection to doggos, especially the often misunderstood breeds.
The key to a positive dog-walker relationship is good, consistent communication; and I pride myself on sending confirmation texts and adorable pet selfies on every walk or cat visit I take.
Kim runs a great organization and we all work truly as a team. Check us out!
Matthew
Hi! I'm a lifelong dog owner and love taking care of pets of all shapes and sizes. I began learning about pet care at age 6 while attending obedience classes with the family Wheaten Terrier. At age 19, I trained a West Highland White Terrier and gave it to my parents as their second dog. I also trained my pug, Teddy. I began my career at Northside Pets and in general pet care during the last year after recovering from a serious back injury and absolutely love it! I feel working with pets comes naturally to me. I'm happy to take on any pet challenge no matter how large, but also love an easy walk. Thank you so much for reading and have a great day!
Sarah
Hi! I’m Sarah and I have had the joy of working for Northside Pets since 2012. I originally picked up a part-time position here as a second job and quickly learned just how perfect a fit it was for me. My lifelong love of animals combined with my high energy level led to Northside Pets becoming my only job and a source of genuine happiness and fulfillment in my life for these many years. I got to start every day with wagging tails! What more could you ask for in life?
Recently, I’ve had to step back a bit from the daily routes while I’m raising my four kids, but I’m always excited to jump in whenever the opportunity presents for me to help out.
Dogs, cats, rodents, reptiles, birds… they’ve all got a place in my heart. I’m truly lucky to be able to spend my time in the company of your wonderful animal family-members!
Katje
I'm Katje, a retired editor and mom of four homeschooled kids. Now that they are mostly grown and off on their own adventures, I am a writer, beekeeper, and gardener. We've always had cats and dogs as part of our large family (this is Jupiter, my Swedish Vallhund), so working as a pet care provider has been a delight. Currently my specialty is caring for cats while their owners are away. I have a soft spot for the elderly kitties (being an older gal myself, I can empathize with their creaky joints), but a bouncy younger cat is always great fun as well. I will always do my best to keep your furry friends clean, comfortable and safe while you are away.
James
Hi, my name is James, and I have been involved in animal care, welfare, and veterinary medicine for most of my adult life and have never looked back. For the past nine years, I have worked as a veterinary technician in emergency medicine. I have lived in Rogers Park for over 20 years, and I have three dogs, four cats, and four turtles of my own. I have experience with all types of animals (dogs, cats, birds, pocket pets, reptiles, fish, and some exotics), and I have a special place in my heart for senior and special needs dogs and cats. Animals are my life, and I look forward to caring for your companions and building a loving, trusting, and respectful relationship with them.
Meet our professional dog walkers: Kim, Nancy, Kevin, Stephanie, Matthew, Sarah, Katje and James! We are all residents of Rogers Park and love taking our clients' pups for a stroll on the beach whenever possible! Our small and personable company is based on the belief that our customers and their pet care needs are of the utmost importance. Our tight-knit and long-term animal care staff is committed to meeting those needs and caring for pets as if they were our own since we began in 2006. As a result, a high percentage of our business is from repeat customers and referrals. We welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and offer you the best professional pet sitter or dog walker you've ever had! We are bonded and insured with Pet Sitters Associates, LLC.
© 2025 Northside Pets