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
5 Things To Do Indoors When It’s Too Hot to Play Outdoors with Your Pets
What To Do? To quote Dr. Seuss: So we sat in the house with nothing to do. We sat and we sat and we sat. We did not like it. Not one little bit. Of course, the infamous Cat in the Hat came on a rainy day, but anyone who lives near Dallas or Austin,...
How to Identify and Handle Allergies and Asthma in Pets
With summer’s warmer temperatures comes the annual yellow dusting of plant pollens in the environment. You may notice your dog or cat starts coughing and wheezing or comes down with a bit of runny nose and watery eyes, and even begin some scratching or paw licking....
6 Things to Look for in a Top-Notch Pet Sitter
When it comes to your pet, you want the very best care you can find. This can sometimes make it difficult to decide on the perfect pet sitter. How will you find a pet sitter who is top-notch that would care for your pet exactly as you would? Here are six things to...
Keeping Your Pet Safe, Happy, And Having Fun In The Summer Heat
Texas + Summer = Hot With temperatures that can reach over 100º F in many parts of Texas this summer, it’s important that we remember that our pets need special care during the warm months to keep them healthy and happy. The normal body temperatures of most...
Dog Flu In Texas – Are We About to See An Epidemic?
According to a recent report from local the ABC News TV affiliate, homeopathic veterinarian Will Falconer of Austin believes the Canine Influenza H3-N2 virus has spread to Texas after diagnosing a 3-year-old Akita patient with this particular strain. The canine...
Overnight Pet Sitting: A Pet Slumber Party for Your Fur Babies!
Planning a big summer vacation but not quite sure what to do with your pet? Getting away for an extended vacay can be hard when you are a pet parent. You don’t want to leave them alone for an extended period of time and you don’t want them boarded up...