Who are we?

All these began with a deep love for dogs and the belief that they deserve more than just the basics; they deserve joy, companionship and to feel truly understood.

Every wag of a tail, every excited leap at the door, every gentle nudge for attention reminds us of the trust they place in us. We don’t take that lightly. When we walk through your door, we see more than a pet, we are seeing a best friend, a family member, a soul who depends on us to keep them safe and happy.

Loving them like our own isn’t part of the job, it’s who we are.

Meet our Family

Hey there! I’m Santi, the proud co-founder of Bark Buddies CHI, and I’m absolutely passionate about animals, especially dogs. Originally from Colombia, I’ve always had a deep love for animals, my love for pets started in childhood, when I first realized how much joy they bring into our lives.

My journey in marketing and business led me to co-found Bark Buddies CHI right here in Chicago, a city that has become home and a source of inspiration. I wanted to create a business that not only provides top-notch pet care but also brings a sense of community and trust to pet parents.

I believe in making every dog feel loved and every client feel like family. When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me enjoying the lakefront or in art classes.

Thank you for being here and being a part of our journey!

Hello! I’m Connor — the extremely fortunate, blessed, and all the rest! I’m the co-founder of Bark Buddies CHI.

This journey began one summer night in July when Santiago and I did an overnight pet watch for a friend’s dog. We instantly connected with our furry guest and realized we needed more excuses to spend time with animals — and that’s how Bark Buddies CHI was born!

I’m a proud Illinois native who grew up with two amazing dogs, Heidi the Dalmatian and Lexi the Bichon Frise. They taught me the joy of unconditional love, something I now share with every dog I meet.

With a background in financial literacy, I’ve always been passionate about helping others make smart decisions — and now, I get to do that while improving the lives of pets and their owners.

Just like Santi, I believe every dog should feel loved and every client supported like family. When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me playing pickleball at Grant Park, biking around the city, or cooking up a new Instagram recipe.

Dog Adventures

Explore our joyful moments with happy dogs and satisfied customers.