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
ACK! Is That a Hairball on My Carpet?
That nasty wad of hair that your cat hacks up right where you can step in it is called a “trichobezoar” in veterinary terms. We call it a “hairball.” Since we just celebrated “Hairball Awareness Day” on April 25th, we wanted to help all of our cat pet parents...
Bulldogs are Beautiful Day 2015
Tuesday, April 21st marked National Bulldogs are Beautiful Day 2015. Jackie Valent created Bulldogs are Beautiful Day on April 18, 2007. “I hope that ‘National Bulldogs are Beautiful Day’ teaches us to embrace differences in people. If people see...
How to Calm Your Dog During a Thunderstorm
As humans, we assume that we know how to handle our emotions during times of great stress. But what do we do when we have a dog that is afraid of storms, loud noises, or is generally anxious about everything? How to calm your dog during a thunderstorm, especially...
7 Tips When Choosing a Dog Walking Service
Dogs are just pets to some, but for the dog owner Fido is a significant part of the family and deserves the kind of treatment you would give to any family member. You know it is important for your dog to get the exercise they need and in your absence a reliable dog...
Pet First Aid for Insect Bites
With the weather finally warming up, we all want to get outside and enjoy the sunshine with our dogs and cats. Barbecues, walks in the park, and just lounging in the back yard sunshine are so much more fun when our pets are right there with us. Responsible, loving...
April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals There are many reasons to celebrate the month of April, but none more important than the great strides made in the prevention of animal cruelty and neglect. April is officially the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. As a...