How a Major Monmouth County Snowstorm Impacts Dog Walking for Weeks—Not Just Days

Serving Holmdel, Hazlet, Matawan, Aberdeen, Keyport, Union Beach, and Cliffwood Beach

When Safety Has to Come First

From Sunday, January 24 through Monday, January 25, Monmouth County was hit with a major snowstorm that dumped over a foot of snow across the area. Like many local businesses, Dog Days NJ had to make the difficult—but necessary—decision to cancel all scheduled walks on Monday to keep our team members safe.

We reached out to every client who had a walk booked that day and let them know that if they were required to go into work and truly needed help, I would personally make every effort to get to their dog. No one reached out—and that spoke volumes about just how severe the storm was.

Winter Dog Walking in Monmouth County: What a Major Snowstorm Really Looks Like

One of the things people often don’t realize is that a storm of this magnitude doesn’t just affect dog walking for a single day. Its impact can last for weeks.

Unlike the main roads, residential side streets are often plowed inconsistently. Snowbanks linger, parking becomes limited, and sidewalks may or may not be cleared at all. For dog walkers, that means navigating a maze of snow just to safely reach a home—before the walk even begins.

The Reality on the Ground After a Big Storm

In the weeks following a major snowstorm, our team faces challenges that go beyond cold hands and wet boots:

• Limited parking when driveways aren’t available

• Unshoveled or icy sidewalks, forcing walkers into the street or deep snow

• Narrow walking paths carved through snowbanks

• Dogs struggling to find grassy areas to sniff and relieve themselves

• Increased risk of slips, falls, or rolled ankles for walkers

  
  

When temperatures drop into the single digits—as they often do after a storm—conditions become uncomfortable and potentially unsafe for dogs and humans alike.

This isn’t a complaint. It’s simply the reality of professional dog walking in New Jersey winters.

Why We Focus on Midday Dog Walking (and Scaled Back Pet Sitting)

Storms like this are one of the main reasons Dog Days NJ made the intentional decision to focus on midday dog walking from September through June, and to scale back in-home pet sitting during the winter months.

In-home pet sitting often requires three to four visits per day, sometimes late at night or very early in the morning. During winter storms, that level of travel can put our team members at unnecessary risk.

Keeping our walkers safe means we can continue providing consistent, reliable dog walking—even when conditions are less than ideal.

A Trusted Alternative for Winter Pet Sitting

For clients who need pet care while traveling during the winter, we proudly refer them to Dawn’s Pet Care Service in Union Beach, which offers in-home boarding.

This partnership allows:

• Pets to stay safe and comfortable

• Clients to have peace of mind

• Our team to avoid hazardous travel during severe weather

Supporting other trusted local pet care providers is part of how we look out for our community.

Winter Dog Walking Requires Experience

I recently explained all of this to my accountability partner, Caroline Mameesh of Simply the Best Pet Care in Redwood City, California, where snow is practically unheard of.

It’s hard to imagine if you haven’t lived it—but in Monmouth County, snow reshapes daily routines for weeks. Experienced local dog walkers understand how to adjust routes, timing, and expectations to keep dogs safe and comfortable.

That kind of experience only comes from years in the field.

Loving the Job—Even When It’s Cold

We truly love what we do. Snow, cold, and winter challenges don’t change that. But loving the job also means knowing when to pause, adjust, or put safety first.

Professional dog walking isn’t just about showing up—it’s about making smart decisions that protect dogs, walkers, and families alike.

Looking Ahead

As winter continues, we’ll keep doing what we’ve always done at Dog Days NJ: communicate clearly, prioritize safety, and provide dependable dog walking in Monmouth County, NJ—even when winter makes things a little more complicated.

If you ever have questions about weather-related schedule changes or winter walking policies, we’re always happy to talk.

— Ryan Roberts

Founder, Dog Days NJ