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How We Handle Snow Days at House of Paws: Winter Pet Care in St. Louis

  • Writer: Maris Miller
    Maris Miller
  • 2 days ago
  • 2 min read

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. 


Dog playing in the snow!
Dog playing in the snow!

Pet Care Doesn’t Stop for Snow—But Safety Comes First

St. Louis winters can be unpredictable. Some days it’s sunny, and others we’re dodging ice and slush. That’s why we have a clear winter weather policy to guide our team and clients during snow days.

Our goals:

✅ Keep your pets happy and on their routine

✅ Prioritize safety for our team and your animals

✅ Communicate early and clearly so you’re never left guessing


Who Gets Seen First on Snow Days?

During inclement weather, we may need to adjust our routes or delay services slightly. Here’s how we prioritize visits when snow or ice hits:

  1. Pets with time-sensitive needs (like medications or special health conditions)

  2. Pets without a backup care plan (clients who are out of town)

  3. Dogs needing potty breaks or exercise

  4. Cats and low-needs pets (still important—just less urgent in snowy conditions)


If you’re home and don’t need your visit during a storm, we encourage you to cancel—and there’s never a cancellation fee on snow days.


How You Can Help Us Help Your Pets

To keep visits safe and smooth, here’s how clients can prep for winter weather:

  • Salt your driveway and walkways before our visit

  • Leave out pet-safe ice melt if you’re out of town

  • Let us know if you'd like us to turn up the heat or open cabinets to protect your pipes

  • Have a backup contact (neighbor, friend, or family member) just in case road conditions delay our arrival

The more we know, the better we can care for your pets—especially when the weather gets wild.


Communication is Key

We send out weather alerts to clients in advance when snow is in the forecast, and we’ll always:

  • Notify you if delays are expected

  • Let you know if we make a company-wide decision to cancel non-essential visits (like midday walks for clients who are home)

  • Offer support if you’re not sure what to do


You can also always reach out via the portal for real-time updates.


Local, Loving, and Prepared—That’s House of Paws

As a St. Louis-based pet care company, we know what Midwest winters can bring. But snow or shine, we’re committed to providing reliable, relationship-based care—with a whole lot of heart.

Thanks to our amazing pet parents who keep us in the loop, prep their homes, and support our team as we navigate winter together.


Need Winter Pet Care You Can Count On?

Whether you're heading out of town or working long shifts, we're here to help—snow boots and all. Book your pet care today, or reach out to ask about our snow day procedures.



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