VIP Blog
Pet Care Hub
Local guides for Dallas Metroplex and Austin Metro pet parents, plus practical advice on pet sitting, dog walking and everyday pet care.
Dallas Metroplex and Austin Metro guides
Dallas Metroplex
Pet-Friendly Weekend Getaways from Dallas
A weekend away with your dog sounds simple until you check the map. From Dallas, Waco is about an hour and a half by car. Fredericksburg is about four and a half hours and San Antonio about five, so they work best as a long weekend rather than a quick escape. This...
Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Plano, TX
DINING OUT WITH YOUR DOG IN PLANO Dogs are welcome on the patios of many Plano restaurants, which makes a meal out an easy way to include your dog. Trusted since 2001, VIP Pet Services provides in-home pet sitting and dog walking across the Dallas Metroplex, and we...
Austin Metro
Austin Pet Guide
Dog parks, dog-friendly patios and campgrounds in Greater Austin, plus official City resources.
Practical guides for every pet parent
Summer Travel with Your Pet
Bringing your pets on summer trips can be great, but you need to plan ahead and know the rules. Different places have different requirements for pets, including vaccinations, health certificates, and travel arrangements. To make traveling easier for your pet, get...
Keeping Your Indoor Cat Happy When You’re Away
Planning a getaway this summer? While you’re enjoying your vacation, it’s important to ensure your indoor cat remains happy and stress-free at home. Cats are creatures of habit, and changes in their environment or routine can cause anxiety. Here are...
Three Reasons to Meet with Your Pet Sitter in Advance
One essential step in planning to be away from your pets is meeting with your pet sitter before you finalize your plans. At VIP Pet Services, we understand that your pet is more than just an animal – they are a cherished member of your family. That’s why when...
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Latest articles
Animals and Diabetes
Is your pet suddenly losing weight, yet still eating normally? Are they having accidents in the house, or do they need to go outside more often to urinate? Is the litter box full of urine more than usual for your cat? If you’re noticing these behaviors in...
10 Signs of Pet Anxiety When You Leave Home (and Proven Strategies to Help)
For Pet Parents in the Dallas, Austin & Surrounding Metro Areas As a loving pet parent, you want to ensure your furry friend feels comfortable and secure while you’re away. But many pets in the Dallas and Austin metro areas experience anxiety when left...
Foods Not to Feed Your Pet this Holiday Season
We adore our furry companions, and naturally, we want to share all the tasty things we enjoy in life. Unfortunately, many pet parents make the mistake of indulging their pets with human foods over the holidays. According to the PetMd website, 56 percent of the...
The 3 Best Reasons to Adopt a Shelter Dog
Every October, animal lovers across the country come together to celebrate Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. October is a time to raise awareness for the countless dogs waiting patiently in shelters for their chance at a forever home. Dogs are easy and want the simple...
The Hidden Cost of Cheap Pet Sitting: Why Quality Care Matters
Choosing a low cost pet sitter can feel like a smart move until something goes wrong. Beneath that bargain rate lies a ripple effect of risks: skipped visits for your senior dog, inconsistent care for your routines, safety hazards from unvetted providers and...
Pet Obesity Awareness and Prevention
National Pet Obesity Awareness Day is observed every year on October 7. This is a day dedicated to educating pet parents to recognize the health risks of obesity and take proactive steps toward better pet wellness. As human obesity rates rise, our pets are at risk...