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
Feline Hairballs: A Hairy Dilemma for Cat Pet Parents
By: Cate Burnette “Ack, ack, ack, aaaaaack!” …. and then plop. All cat people recognize those sounds and know exactly what bit of nastiness is waiting to be cleaned up. A hairball, called a “trichobezoar” by veterinarians, is that damp wad of...
10 Tips For Holiday Car Travel With Your Pets
The holidays are always a grand time to get together and celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of the next with family and friends. When our families include our furry, four-legged members, taking pets along to visit can prove challenging. Listed below...
How to Feel Comfortable with Your Pet Sitter
Using a pet sitter for the first time (or switching to a new one) can feel a little uncomfortable for some people. It can be strange knowing that someone is in your home while you’re away. Are they trustworthy? Responsible? Will they take care of your home...
‘Tis the Season to Book Your Holiday Pet Sitting Services
Getting ready for the holiday season involves more than trimming the tree and plumping up your credit card bill. It also means making arrangements for your pets and ensuring that you don’t overlook their safety and care in the busy-ness of the holidays. There are...
“I Think A Snake Just Bit My Dog!” What To Do If The Worst Should Happen
By: Cate Burnette With the mild temperatures of our Texas winters, many pet parents enjoy getting out in nature when we’re not fighting off the mosquitoes and sweat of summer. We especially love taking our furry companions along for the fun. When out hiking along...
Pet Sitting vs. Boarding – Which Should You Choose?
Whether you’re going away for business or pleasure, there will be times when you have to leave your pets behind. You’ll need to make arrangements for their care while you’re away, but should you choose in-home pet sitting services or should you board your...