the blog

(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

A quick guide on who adventure walks are best for and how to help your high energy dohs thrive.

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

A quick guide to the best feline friendly places in the Lou.

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.