the HOUSE OF PAWS blog

When you're vetting a dog walker or pet sitter in St. Louis (or anywhere, honestly), it's tempting to go with whoever's cheapest or most available. But there's a real difference between someone who simply likes dogs and a professional who's trained to handle them. That's why trusted, trained and insured pet care matters.

Life in St. Louis moves fast - work trips, weekend getaways toTablerock, busy schedules that stretch as far as the Arch. If you're a pet owner trying to balance it all, you already know the struggle: who's going to take care of your fur baby while you're out?

Every cat owner knows the cardinal rule of feline housemates: if the bathroom space isn't up to their (very high) standards, they will find somewhere else to go. If your cat has started avoiding their litter box or having accidents around the house, the issue is rarely spiteful behavior. Instead, it’s often a sign that their litter box setup isn't meeting their needs. Keeping your cat’s bathroom space inviting is the secret to a cleaner home and a stress-free cat. Here is why

Discover how House of Paws is changing the standard for pet care in Franklin County with professional care for dogs, cats, livestock, and exotic pets, plus time-stamped updates and a streamlined app.

Looking for a trusted pet sitter in Franklin County? Learn how to choose the right care for dogs, cats, livestock, and exotic pets, and discover how House of Paws provides team-based coverage and time-stamped visit reports.

From playful kittens to wise seniors, we're here to support you every step of the way! Explore what House of Paws has to offer.

At House of Paws Pet Care, we’re here to make life simpler for busy professionals who want the best for their pets without sacrificing their schedules. Here’s your guide to ensuring top-notch pet care while maintaining a busy routine.

While boarding and kennels can work for some pets, more and more Wildwood families are choosing in-home pet sitting for the comfort, safety, and peace of mind it offers. Here’s why.

Caring for a hamster, guinea pig, or rabbit in St. Louis? House of Paws shares expert tips on housing, diet, enrichment, and health to help your small pet thrive.

House of Paws offers professional dog walking, litter box cleaning, pet taxi service, and in-home pet support across St. Louis, MO. Caring, reliable pet care built around your life.

(And Why Their Routines & Big Feelings Are Our Favorite Thing) At House of Paws Pet Care, we have a special place in our hearts for pets who are “a lot.” These are the animals with big personalities, strong preferences, and routines that might seem quirky or even complicated to outsiders. Maybe your dog insists on a multi-step ritual before every walk, or your cat acts aloof all day but becomes a purring companion at 3 p.m. These behaviors are not just cute—they reveal how mu

As we celebrate Professional Pet Sitters Week, it’s the perfect opportunity to shine a light on the dedication and skill that professional pet sitters provide. At House of Paws, we pride ourselves on offering exceptional care that goes beyond basic pet sitting. Our sitters are more than just pet caretakers; they're the heart and soul of our mission—providing love, attention, and safety for all creatures; big and small. Two golden retrievers relaxing in their back yard during

Coming home to a happy dog and a clean carpet is a simple joy many pet owners cherish. Yet, the thought of hiring dog walking services often feels like an unnecessary expense. What if those walks could actually save you money and protect your home? Regular dog walking does more than keep your furry friend healthy and happy—it can reduce costly damage, lower vet bills, and improve your pet’s behavior. Here’s how investing in professional dog walking services can be a smart cho

2025 was a milestone year for House of Paws Pet Care! From growing our dog walking and cat sitting services across St. Louis to launching our new wedding pet attendant service, we exceeded every goal we set. With over 16,000 visits and 100+ five-star reviews, we're proud to be STL’s trusted choice for professional pet care. See how we did it and what’s coming in 2026!

Looking for more than just another pet sitting app? At House of Paws, we combine the convenience of technology with the reliability of a trained, employee-based team. Learn why our team + tech approach raises the standard in pet care — and how we deliver consistent, loving service you (and your pets!) can count on every time.

Not into the idea of someone sleeping in your bed while you’re away? We get it. That’s why House of Paws Pet Care offers Almost Overnights—a modern, stress-free alternative to overnight pet sitting in St. Louis. Your pets stay happy at home with extended evening and morning visits that keep their routine intact, plus time-stamped report cards to give you peace of mind while you're away.

We’re pawsitively thrilled to share that Maris Miller-Sonnabend, founder of House of Paws Care, has been named a Top 5 Finalist for Pet Sitters International’s 2026 Pet Sitter of the Year™ Award! 🐾 This national recognition celebrates her passion, professionalism, and commitment to raising the standard of pet care — one tail wag at a time.

Pet Sitters International just launched the first-ever global standards for professional pet sitting and dog walking—and at House of Paws, we’re proud to say we’ve been ahead of the pack from the start. These new standards are all about transparency, safety, and giving pet parents real peace of mind. In this post, we break down what the standards mean, why they matter, and how HoP continues to raise the bar for pet care.

As the days get shorter and the weather cools down in St. Louis, your pets may be feeling the shift—even if they can’t say it out loud. From adjusting walk routines to keeping your pets mentally stimulated indoors, here are our top tips to help dogs and cats transition smoothly into fall and winter. Because just like us, they thrive with a little extra comfort and consistency this time of year.

If you're searching for top-tier dog walking or cat sitting in St. Louis, you’ve probably realized—there are a lot of pet care options out there. At House of Paws Pet Care, we’re redefining what pet care looks like in St. Louis—one tail wag and purr at a time.