About Us
Murphy, the dog who inspired it all for Milwaukee Paws Pet Care
Professional Dog Walking & Training Services for Milwaukee's Busy Professional
I'm Dawn Jacques, founder of Milwaukee Paws Pet Care and Canine Einstein. Before dedicating my career to dog walking, dog training, and pet care in Milwaukee, I spent years as a social worker in the healthcare industry. That experience taught me something fundamental: pets aren't just pets, they are family members who deserve the same level of professional, compassionate care we'd expect for ourselves and out loved ones.
From Pet Parent to Professional Dog Walker
My journey into professional dog walking started as a pet parent searching for reliable care for my own dog. What I discovered was eye-opening. While some dog walkers in Milwaukee treated pet care as a casual side job, others demonstrated exceptional professionalism that gave me complete peace of mind during long workdays and unexpected meetings. Those experiences, both positive and frustrating, inspired me to create something better for Milwaukee's urban pet owners.
Bringing Healthcare-Level Professionalism to Dog Walking in Downtown Milwaukee
Milwaukee Paws Pet Care was founded in 2018 with a clear mission: to bring healthcare-level professionalism to pet care services across downtown Milwaukee, Bay View, the Third Ward, East Side, Wauwatosa, Shorewood, Whitefish Bay, and surrounding neighborhoods. As a busy professional yourself, you need a dog walking service that understands the demands of your schedule; last-minute client meetings, extended work hours, and the constant juggling act of urban life.
That's exactly what we deliver.
What Sets Our Milwaukee Dog Walking Services Apart?
Expert Training for Every Team Member
Unlike many pet care companies that use independent contractors, we employ a fully-trained professional staff. Every team member completes over 30 hours of comprehensive training, including:
- Pet First Aid & CPR certification
- Fear Free handling practices
- Canine and feline body language
- Safe leash handling for reactive dogs
- Enrichment-focused care protocols
Several of our staff members are Fear Free Certified professionals, and both myself and our lead trainer are certified Family Dog Mediators (FDM). This isn't just dog walking, it's scientifically-informed pet care.
Force-Free Philosophy
We are proudly force-free and Fear Free certified. We never use or encourage aversive training methods. Whether your dog is nervous, reactive, or simply learning to navigate busy downtown Milwaukee streets, our gentle, positive approach builds confidence and trust. Our sister company, Canine Einstein, ensures that any training plans are seamlessly integrated into your dog's daily walks and care routines.
Specialized Group Dog Walking & Urban Adventures
Group Urban Adventures make for happy and tired dogs!
For busy executives and professionals who want more than a quick potty break for their dogs, we offer:
- Group Dog Walking: Carefully curated small groups with a 2-3 dogs per staff member ratio—far exceeding industry standards for safety and individual attention
- Urban Adventure Decompression Hikes: Pack walks at local Milwaukee trails and parks that provide mental stimulation, socialization, and the physical exercise your dog craves; both solo and group adventures available!
- Pack Playgroups: Structured socialization for puppies and adult dogs in safe, supervised environments
These aren't just walks. They are enrichment experiences designed to tire out high-energy dogs so you can focus on your workday (or finally attend that Zoom meeting without barking in the background). They satisfy both your dogs physical and mental needs.
Technology Meets Personal Service
We use Time to Pet software, with real-time GPS tracking, photo report cards after every visit, and seamless communication. Need to adjust your schedule at the last minute? Our on-demand scheduling means your dog's care adapts to your unpredictable professional life. And with a manager on duty during all service hours—including evenings and weekends—you always have support when you need it.
The Milwaukee Paws Difference: Employees, Not Contractors
We employ our team rather than using independent contractors, and here's why that matters to you: we can train our staff to exacting standards, provide ongoing education, and ensure consistency in care. Our employees receive paid time off, Workers' Compensation insurance, and the support they need to provide exceptional service to your pets. When you choose Milwaukee Paws, you're choosing a company that invests in its people, because great pet care starts with great staff.
Serving Milwaukee's Urban Pet Parents Since 2018
Whether you're a downtown professional who needs reliable midday dog walking, a work-from-home executive seeking uninterrupted focus time, or an urban pet parent with a reactive dog who requires specialized handling, Milwaukee Paws Pet Care delivers personalized solutions. We specialize in the unique challenges of city living—navigating crowded apartment buildings, busy streets, and the specific needs of dogs in urban environments.
Don't see exactly what you need? Ask us. We've created countless customized pet care plans for clients across Milwaukee's neighborhoods, from Bay View to Fox Point, St. Francis to Wauwatosa.
Ready to experience the Milwaukee Paws difference?
- We are bonded and insured through Business Insurers of the Carolinas
- Every staff person is trained in Pet first aid and pet CPR through the American Red Cross initially, after 6 months, they are trained in person through Pet Emergency Education
- We utilize a fully automated software system, Time to Pet, to provide all of our clients with an experience that is comprehensive and easy. Scheduling, staffing, communication with staff, invoicing and payment of services can all be done through our pet portal and our app!
- Every visit is ended with a complete report card including pictures of your pet during their visit.
- All staff undergo regular training to stay informed of the best practices being utilized in pet care. We are Fetch Find Approved. FetchFind is the premiere training company for dog walkers and pet sitters.
- We offer specialized and personalized services for our clients- don't see what you think your pet needs? Give us a call, we are happy to work with you to develop the perfect service!
- Your privacy is of the utmost importance to us! We maintain your confidentiality when we care for your pets and when we post pictures of your pets on social media!
- We offer more than just pet care and dog walks, we also offer dog training that follows force free practices (no use of shock, prong or other tools that can be harmful to your dogs mental and physical health).
- As a dog trainer, I am a member of Force Free Trainers of Wisconsin, Pet Professional Guild and Project TRADE
- Authored "The Importance of Collaboration and Mentoring in Dog Training" for the IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants) Feb 2020
- Featured in MKE Lifestyles magazine article on pampering your pets while you travel.
- I graduated from the Goldman Sachs 10K-SB program in 2021. The program is designed to help small business owners run their businesses more efficiently and grow (adding jobs to local communities)
- Every staff person who works for us has a passion for pet care! We only hire the best, because that is what your pet deserves!
- Featured, monthly article in the Shepherd Express beginning April 2025
Becca and Miller taking a break during a group adventure hike
We take the trust you provide us with very seriously. That's why all of our dog walkers and pet sitters go above and beyond to provide the absolute best care for your pets, we respect your home and your privacy and why we continually strive to improve your experience. We value any feedback our clients have to offer; and if you are not satisfied for any reason, we will work to make it right! Just reach out to us and let us know!
Remi and Miller on a weekly group adventure hike
Satisfaction Guaranteed
Testimonials
"Dawn came highly recommended by our former walker who had to (sadly) move away. From the moment we met Dawn at our meet and greet, I felt instantly at ease. One of my dogs is a jumper and she took his annoying hyper activeness in stride. The dogs took to her right away and her affection for dogs was instantly apparent. She has been flexible and already helped us out of a bind last minute when plans for care fell through. She is making this her main gig, which is nice from a customer perspective as you never feel like you are annoying...it's what she does and loves to do it! I, too, would highly reccomend Dawn" - Meredith
"Dawn is reliable, trustworthy and will absolutely treat your pets as if they are her own. I am very cautious when it comes to the care of my dog and cat. I know that when they are in her hands they will be safe and receive the utmost affection and love! ?"- Jennifer S.
"Milwaukee Paws has been an excellent resource for me and my dog. Dawn truly loves working with dogs. From day one she has been reliable, trustworthy, and helpful. My dog Bennitt loves her! When she took time out of her weekend to come over to our new apartment after moving he would not leave her side and really trusts her. She even brought Bennitt a birthday card and toy and it's those little things that make her a special part of our life! I have heard horror stories of dog walkers from other people and Dawn has shown me that someone who is passionate about their business and compassionate with their clients puts all those fears to rest and Milwaukee Paws has been a perfect fit for us."- Kendra
"Loving companion and professional approach to intuitive pet care! We are so grateful for this service! Any pet, any time.... this is who we will call."- Jenni C
"Dawn has been wonderful caring for my cat Roxy who is a chatty and loving kitty requiring lots of attention. She is great with animals, extremely reliable and responsible, always checking in and sending reports with progress and pictures, which gives me great peace of mind when I'm away. Couldn't ask for a better sitter for Roxy. Thank you Dawn for everything you do!" - Juliana
"Milwaukee Paws does an excellent job walking my special needs dog Murphy. I was nervous letting someone into my home to walk him but she made me feel so comfortable. Murphy is a rescue dog and deaf. Dawn took the time to learn basic sign language to communicate with Murphy. Murphy is always excited to see Dawn and tired after each walk. I really like the daily report card with pictures after every walk. I highly recommend Milwaukee Paws." - Dale
Contact Us
Schedule An Appointment
We love caring for pets! Contact us to set up a meet and greet or to
schedule our pet services.