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
Dog Parks and Off-Leash Areas in Austin, Texas
This guide is about one thing: where your dog can be off leash in Austin, and what to know before you go. City Code requires dogs to be on a leash in public areas unless a spot is designated for off-leash use. We checked the City of Austin’s pages and its...
Why Frisco Pet Parents Choose Personalized In-Home Pet Sitting
In-Home Pet Sitting for Frisco Pet Parents If you live in Frisco, TX, your calendar is probably full and your pet has a routine of their own. When you travel or work a long day, the care you choose should fit that routine, not interrupt it. That is why many Frisco...
Toxic Plants to Avoid in Your Garden
Spring bursts forth in all her glory, enticing us outdoors again to frolic in the sunshine and take in the marvel of blooms and new life. As your pet begins spending more time outside, it’s important that you know of potential hazards that lurk in several...
April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month
April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month, a time to focus on how to better handle emergencies involving our furry friends. Whether your dog is choking, your cat suffers a deep cut, or your pet has stopped breathing, knowing the basics of pet first aid can mean the...
How to Protect Your Pets from Lyme Disease
According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, thousands of dogs test positive for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses yearly. With warmer weather, tick populations rise, increasing the risk of infection. As April is Lyme Disease Prevention Month,...
Protecting Your Pets from Toxins
March is Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month, a time to reflect on how we can better protect our furry companions from harmful substances. Whether inside your home, in your yard, or on your plate, potential toxins could pose severe risks to your pet’s...