the blog

Let’s be real, winter in St. Louis isn’t exactly a walk in the park. Between freezing temps, icy sidewalks, and the sun setting at 4 PM (rude), it can feel extra  hard to keep up with your dog’s daily walks. Skipping them may seem like the easiest option, but it can actually lead to behavior issues, boredom, and even some health concerns for your pup. The good news? With a few small tweaks to your routine and some cold-weather gear, you can  keep your dog’s winter walks safe,

Say hello to the VIP (Very Important Pup) Program—our newest way to bring peace of mind, savings, and simplicity to your weekly dog walking routine. From locked-in rates to flexible scheduling and zero cancellation fees, this is the ultimate perk-packed plan for busy pet parents and their pups.

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.

At House of Paws Pet Care, we’re not just walking dogs and feeding cats—we’re raising the standard of pet care in St. Louis. Backed by our three core promises—peace of mind while you're away, passionate care for every pet, and a commitment to excellence—we’re here to give busy pet parents the reliable, loving support they (and their pets!) truly deserve.

Working late or stuck on Zoom calls all day? Your dog’s routine could be taking a serious hit. Learn why a midday walk is more than just a potty break—and how House of Paws Pet Care keeps dogs in Wildwood, Chesterfield, Ellisville, Creve Coeur, and Kirkwood happy, healthy, and on schedule.

When the snow starts falling in St. Louis, your pets don’t press pause—and neither do we (safely, of course!). At House of Paws, our snow day policies are built to give you peace of mind while keeping your pets warm, safe, and cared for.

At House of Paws, safety is our top priority—even when it comes to the leashes we use! Learn why we never walk pups on retractable leashes, the real risks they pose, and why our trusted Rescue Rope Leads are the safest (and cutest) alternative. It’s all part of our HoP Promise to raise the standard of pet care in St. Louis—one safe, secure walk at a time.

Even the shyest cats need daily care while you're away! Learn why skipping visits isn’t worth the risk—from water leaks to trapped kitties—and how House of Paws Pet Care is raising the standard of pet sitting in St. Louis. Because it’s not just about the litter box—it’s about peace of mind for you and your feline friend.

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.

Spooky season is here! From pet-safe costumes to candy dangers, we’re sharing fun and practical Halloween tips to keep your St. Louis dogs and cats safe, happy, and stress-free.

Long workdays are tough—for you and your pup! Discover why regular potty breaks are essential for your dog’s health, happiness, and behavior, especially when you’re away all day in St. Louis. From avoiding accidents to preventing boredom, a midday visit can make all the difference.

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.

Got a restless kitty doing zoomies at 2 a.m.? 😾 You’re not alone! Indoor cats need more than food and cuddles—they need enrichment, too. From interactive toys to drop-in visits, we’re sharing the best boredom busters for St. Louis cat parents who want to keep their fur babies happy, healthy, and entertained.

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.

Whether you're off for a weekend getaway or a long-awaited vacation, leaving your cat in good hands is a must. At House of Paws Pet Care, we specialize in in-home cat sitting services across St. Louis, designed to give your cat cozy care—and give you total peace of mind.

Planning a fall getaway from St. Louis? Don’t board your cat—let them stay cozy at home with a trusted sitter! In-home cat sitting keeps your kitty stress-free, on their routine, and cuddled up in their favorite nap spot. Plus, you'll get photo updates, litter care, and peace of mind while you're away. Discover why local cat parents are choosing House of Paws over boarding every time.

As backpacks get packed, lunchboxes reappear, and alarm clocks are suddenly back in charge—there’s one member of the family who definitely didn’t get the memo: your pet.