Pets that spend time outdoors need some extra preparation before winter storms hit, since both cold exposure and ice-covered ground create real risks that are easy to overlook when you are focused on your own driveway and walkways.
Clearing a path to your pet's usual outdoor area, whether that is a fenced yard or a specific spot they use, keeps them from having to trudge through deep snow every time they need to go out. This also reduces the risk of them picking up ice or salt in their paws, which can be uncomfortable or even harmful if licked off afterward. Choosing a pet-safe ice melt product for any area your animals frequently walk is a worthwhile small investment, since standard rock salt can irritate paws and is toxic if ingested in quantity.
Shelter from wind and extreme cold matters just as much as snow clearing itself. Even breeds built for cold weather can struggle during a polar vortex or extended deep freeze, so limiting time outdoors during the coldest stretches is worth doing regardless of how thick a pet's coat looks. A simple wind break or insulated shelter can make a meaningful difference for animals that spend extended time outside.
After any storm, it is worth doing a quick check of outdoor pet areas for ice buildup, since surfaces that were fine before a storm can become genuinely hazardous once snow melts and refreezes.
Thames Valley Snow is happy to use pet-safe ice melt products around areas you flag as pet-frequented, at no extra hassle on your end. Just mention it when setting up your seasonal plan and we will factor it into how we treat your property.
Clear a path to the yard
Dogs still need to get outside in a storm. Keep a short path from the back door to the yard clear, and add traction on steps. Walkway and steps clearing is a $150–175 seasonal add-on if you want the front path done for you.
Choose safer de-icers
Rock salt can burn paws and is harmful if licked. Pet-safe premium de-icer is available as a $120 add-on, and you can keep a bag by the back door for your own use.
Plan for power outages and cold snaps
Keep extra water from freezing, bring outdoor pets in during extreme cold warnings, and have towels ready to dry paws and coats after walks.
Frequently asked questions
Will plows go into the backyard?
No. Service covers the driveway and any add-on walkways or steps you choose.
Is pet-safe de-icer as effective?
It is gentler on paws and surfaces. On the coldest days any de-icer works more slowly, so clearing promptly matters most.
What's included… and what's extra
A Thames Valley Snow seasonal residential plan starts from $650 for a standard driveway. It covers clearing the driveway every time snowfall reaches the trigger depth in your agreement, plus the windrow the city plow leaves at the end of the driveway. Larger driveways are priced on our snow removal prices page.
Popular add-ons, priced per season: walkway and steps $150–175, salting $175, priority service $125, pet-safe salt $120, driveway extension $95 and city sidewalk clearing $90. Add only what your property needs; everything is listed on the quote so there are no surprises. Get your fixed price or call or text (548) 888-8702.
Want it handled for you?
Seasonal snow removal from $650 + HST. Automatic at 5 cm, photo after every visit.
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