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
The Reasons Why Sterilizing Your Pet May Be In His – And YOUR – Best Interest
By: Cate Burnette World Spay Day is February 23 If you’re a pet parent that frequents Facebook or reads Craig’s List or the local want ads, you can’t help but notice the huge numbers of unwanted cats and dogs living and dying in rescues and shelters...
Everything You Need to Know About Dog Food
By: Cate Burnette As humans have become more interested in our foods, our diets and our nutritional needs, pet parents are turning to the veterinary community to determine what foods are best suited to meet the needs of our dogs. Whether your pet eats commercially...
Pet Dental Disease Part II: Our Other Housepets
By: Cate Burnette February is Pet Dental Health Month All animals – including humans – require regular tooth and mouth cleanings to maintain optimum health. Without dental care, the bacterium that collects and multiplies in the mouths of our pets can travel...
9 Ways to Help Animal Shelters in Your Area
Animal shelters provide a haven for strays, adoption services and rescue animals in need. Non-profit animal shelters such as Austin Animal Center in Texas rely heavily on the goodwill of the local communities. Here are a few ideas how you can help your local...
Pet Dental Disease Part I: Our Furry Housepets
By: Cate Burnette February is Pet Dental Health Month Unlike our human family, our four-legged companions can’t brush their teeth and clean their mouths and gums on their own. They rely on us as responsible pet parents to take care of their dental health on...
Is Walking My Dog As Good for Me As It Is For Him?
Having trouble sticking to an exercise program? Research shows that dogs are actually nature’s perfect personal trainers — loyal, hardworking, energetic and enthusiastic. And, unlike your friends, who may skip an exercise session because of laziness, extra chores...