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...
Need care for your pet?
Request a reservation online, or contact our office and we will talk through what your pet needs.
Serving the Dallas Metroplex and Austin Metro.
‹ Back to the Pet Care Hub: local guides and practical advice
Latest articles
Tools for Happier Walks: Head Harnesses
Loose leash walking can be one of the most challenging things to teach a dog. It just isn’t fun walking a dog that pulls. While there are products that can provide a quick fix for some dogs, ultimately, training and time will build the best connection with your...
Planning a Trip? Here’s the Ultimate Pre‑Travel Checklist for Pets Staying Home
According to a recent survey of 2,000 dog owners, 40 % admitted they constantly worry about their pets within the first hour of travel, and 76% base their summer plans around securing trustworthy care before they leave. For pet parents, that anxiety is real. Asking...
Everything You Need to Know About Rabies and Your Pets
We’ve all seen movies like To Kill A Mockingbird and Cujo, where rabid dogs menace townspeople and the only solution is destroying the diseased animal. While those stories are fictional and exaggerated, rabies is a very real and serious disease with deadly effects....
Back to School Training Tips For Your Dog
Now that the kids are going back to school, it’s a perfect time to school your pup as well. It’s the ideal time to teach your pup how to stop jumping on new people, how to walk without pulling on the leash, or just become better socialized. Here are...
Back-to-School Survival Guide for Pet Owners
As the back-to-school season begins, many households experience a sudden shift in routine. Early mornings, school drop-offs, and longer workdays can leave your pets wondering why the house has gone from lively to quiet overnight. For dogs, especially, this change...
Tips on Taking Your Cat To the Vet
Taking our cats on short trips, whether to the vet, to Grandma’s for a day, or simply around town, can be a traumatic experience if your cat hasn’t travelled before or isn’t used to riding in a carrier. Fortunately, with some planning, exposure...