Pet Sitters Care is more than just an extension of VIP Pet Services; it’s a manifestation of the company’s core belief in giving back and making a tangible difference in the lives of those they serve. Each project under Pet Sitters Care’s umbrella is designed to ensure that no pet goes hungry and that the bonds between pets and their families remain unbroken, even in the face of economic hardships.

THE PET FOOD PANTRY IN DALLAS

In Dallas, Pet Sitters Care has established the Pet Food Pantry.  It stands as a vital resource for families facing financial difficulties, ensuring their pets are well-fed and cared for. Sponsored by VIP Pet Services, this pantry is a testament to the company’s mission of supporting the well-being of pets and strengthening the bond between pets and their owners. By providing essential food and supplies, the pantry plays a critical role in the community, offering a lifeline to those in need.

The impact of the Pet Food Pantry extends far beyond the immediate nutritional benefits for pets. It represents a circle of care and support that embodies the spirit of community and the importance of keeping families together. In times of need, the pantry serves as a reminder that compassion and action can significantly alleviate the challenges faced by pet owners in Dallas.

RESCUE MARKETS: CULINARY CREATIVITY FOR A CAUSE

Another innovative arm of Pet Sitters Care’s initiatives is Rescue Markets, a culinary venture led by Cordon Bleu-trained Chef Gary Irvin. This initiative harnesses the power of food and community to support animal welfare through pop-up fundraising events and private catering. The proceeds from these culinary adventures directly benefit animal welfare efforts, showcasing the creative ways in which VIP Pet Services and Pet Sitters Care are working to make a difference. 

Rescue Markets is more than just a fundraising effort; it’s a celebration of community, cuisine, and the shared goal of improving the lives of pets and their owners in Dallas. Through every dish prepared and every event hosted, Rescue Markets brings people together for the love of animals, raising awareness and funds for a cause close to the heart of VIP Pet Services and its supporters.

A COMMUNITY UNITED FOR PETS AND PEOPLE

The story of VIP Pet Services and Pet Sitters Care is a powerful narrative of compassion, commitment, and the impact of collective effort. Through initiatives like the Pet Food Pantry and Rescue Markets, VIP Pet Services is not just providing services but fostering a community united in the love for animals and the desire to make a positive difference.

For those inspired to join this mission, whether through support, donations, or volunteering, VIP Pet Services and Pet Sitters Care welcome all who share their passion for animal welfare. By coming together, we can achieve remarkable things for the pets and people who enrich our lives.

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PET FOOD PANTRY

As a Chewy Gives Back Charitable Partner, Pet Sitters Care offers a seamless way for you to contribute. By simply purchasing and shipping pet food directly to the pantry via Chewy, you can ensure that the shelves are always stocked for those in need. It’s a direct, impactful way to support pets and families right here in Texas. Simply order from the Chewy wishlist and we’ll distribute the pet food to pets facing food insecurity every week in Dallas.  We’d love to extend our reach and your donations can make that happen. 

For more details on how to donate or get involved, please visit Pet Sitters Care’s website or email at info@petsitters-care.org to get in touch. Let’s make a difference, one pet at a time.

As a Texas pet sitting company that deeply cares about animal welfare, we’ve found unique and impactful ways to contribute to this cause. One of our innovative approaches is using the GPS dog walk tracking app Doggy Logs, which generously donates 1% of its revenue to pet charities each year. This collaboration aligns with our values and amplifies our ability to support those in need. As we embrace the spirit of giving this holiday season, we’re excited to donate to the following admirable pet charities:

Pets of the Homeless: This compassionate organization provides vital food and emergency veterinary care to pets of individuals experiencing homelessness, ensuring that these pets, often the only companions for their owners, receive the care they need.

Austin Pets Alive!: A leader in the no-kill movement, Austin Pets Alive! has been instrumental in saving thousands of cats and dogs from euthanasia. Their innovative programs cater to animals typically overlooked in shelters, making them a beacon of hope in the community.

Dallas Pets Alive!: Dedicated to rescuing at-risk pets from euthanasia in Dallas Animal Services, this volunteer-run organization focuses on animals often passed over by others, embodying a true spirit of second chances.

Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter: Celebrating years of being a no-kill, open-admission shelter, they’ve achieved remarkable save rates, providing nearly 19,000 cats and dogs with loving homes.

Passport for Paws: This unique rescue focuses on saving code-red animals from Texas shelters, helping them find rescue matches, and emphasizing the value of every life, no matter how dire the circumstances.

Dogs On Deployment: Offering invaluable support to military members by providing care for their pets during deployments, they exemplify dedication to both pets and people who serve our country.

Mazie’s Mission: This nonprofit veterinary clinic serves only pets in the rescue system, focusing on underserved, homeless, and abused pets, showcasing an extraordinary commitment to animal welfare.

Feral Friends: Specializing in feline welfare, their TNR (trap/neuter return) program and adoption efforts for tame cats demonstrate their dedication to reducing feline overpopulation and ensuring every cat has a chance at a better life.

Maui Humane Society: With an impressive live release rate and innovative programs, they work tirelessly to protect and save the lives of Maui’s animals, making a profound impact on the island’s animal welfare.

Rescue Markets: A culinary initiative of Pet Sitters Care, Rescue Markets merges the love of food with the love of pets. Through their unique culinary events, they raise funds and awareness for animal welfare. Pet Sitters Care, the parent organization, supports pet sitters and animal rescues, exemplifying a commitment to pets and their caregivers. By purchasing a gourmet to-go meal, signature spice blend or dog treats from Rescue Markets, the community enjoys delectable food while contributing to an important cause.

Basic Training

Teaching your dog the basics of training can set the stage for basic manners and further training in the future. VIP Pets offers hourly training sessions to focus on specific behaviors or manners you would like to achieve. These hourly training sessions provide flexibility to your busy schedule while ensuring your dog receives proper training. 

We recommend 1-2 sessions a week to keep the training consistent and build that habit with your dog. This ensures that these training habits and lessons stick long term. 

If you are interested in the basic training program, please fill out our Assessment form so that we can build a custom program that suits your dog and needs. 

Add-on Training

In addition to basic training, we also have multiple add-on training services that you can add to customize any of the other pet services that we offer. By consistently continuing their training, they can become the best pups they can be. This ensures you get the best of both worlds while having your dog cared for. 

Walk and Train

If you’ve got a busy schedule and need a dog walker with training involved, we recommend trying our walk and train program. While you’re busy with your day, we can take care of your dog’s exercise and training needs. These sessions offer more than just some exercise. Your dog will have mental stimulation, brush up on basic manners and have a fun experience training through positive reinforcement and repetition. 

Pet Sit and Train

It would be best to consider our pet sit and train add-on option for the days you are away from home and need our pet sitting service. This will allow us to check-in and visit your pet while teaching your pup basic commands or reinforcing specific behaviors through positive reinforcement. If you are already using our pet sitting services and would like to add training to that package, please contact us to discuss your dog’s needs and we can create a specific pet sitting and training experience for you.

Puppy Training Package

For young pups that have recently joined your family, we have the puppy training package. Training that begins earlier will be easier to learn for your dogs. This will set the stage for any future training they might take on in the future, and you’ll have a strong bond created from an early age. 

Our trainers at VIP Pets can customize a program that can help you target specific issues, correct bad habits, or teach basic manners that will be useful for your dog’s entire life. This training package includes house-training, crate training, enrichment and socialization, basic obedience, and good manners. This course also includes how to prevent puppy habits like mouthing, chewing, and jumping before they begin. 

We recommend a minimum of 2 puppy training visits per week to stay consistent on the training habits being taught. This package can be combined with regular puppy visits if need be. 

Trick of the Month

If you’re looking for a refresher or for an activity to add to your dog’s routine, you should try our trick of the month add-on. This add-on can be added to your dog walking package or your pet sitting package. This is an additional activity that will stimulate your dog and help in developmental milestones and training. 

With VIP’s Trick of the Month, we teach your dog a fun new trick each month. It’s a great way to keep your dog engaged and active while being cared for. If you are interested in teaching your pet a new trick, please let us know. If you’re not sure which trick you would like to teach your dog, then check out this blog on the best dog tricks or do some research online.

Whether you are looking for a consistent training program or a flexible once-a-week lesson, you can find this at VIP Pets. We can help you with a customized training plan, or you can have your pet learn a new trick each month. Whatever your training needs are, VIP Pets is here to help and deliver the best customer service and training experience for every client in the Dallas and Austin area.

With busy work from home weeks looming, now is the time to look at how VIP Pet Services can help you ease back into a routine. We offer a specialized level of care for puppies and kittens so you can relax, knowing your new baby is in good hands. Our resident experts have assembled this collection of VIP Puppy and Kitten Care tips. These suggestions will help make this critical time of transition a little easier for you and your family.

Veterinary Care

New puppy and kitten care starts with establishing a vet you know and trust. You will want to get an appointment as soon as possible to ensure that your puppy or kitten is healthy. Regular vet appointments will lay the foundation for a good preventive health routine. At this first vet visit, you will want to establish a vaccination schedule. Also, it is not too early to inquire about when to have your pet spayed or neutered. Another topic to consider is whether or not you should have your puppy micro-chipped.

VIP Sitters offer Pet Taxi services and can help with these initial appointments while you are at work. We are also happy to give vet referrals!

Feeding and Quality Food

Puppies generally need to eat three times a day. Your puppy’s body is growing fast, and good nutrition is an essential component of overall good health. Look for food that is formulated especially for puppies. While small breeds can switch to adult food at 9 to 12 months, large breeds should stick with puppy food until they reach the age of 2 years.

Kittens under the age of 8 weeks rely on one another’s body heat to survive, so keep them warm. If you have a kitten in this age group, special care will need to be taken, including bottle-feeding the kitten every two hours up to four weeks of age and possibly helping your kitten pee and poop.

VIP Sitters are available to stop by as needed throughout the day to feed and check water bowls, which the clumsy youngsters often turn over!

Potty Routine

To accomplish housetraining, you must plan, be patient and use positive reinforcement. Having a routine is also essential. 

The best times to take your puppy outside to potty are: when you wake up, before you go to bed, after the puppy eats or drinks a lot of water or when the puppy wakes up from a nap.

It’s also a good idea to take a potty break after a vigorous play session as well. Until your puppy is vaccinated, you’ll want to find a potty place outdoors that is not accessible to other animals. (Author’s side note: NEVER take an unvaccinated puppy to a dog park.)

For kittens, teach them how to use the litter box by placing them in the box after meals and play sessions. Take them outside on a lead or in a carrier (It can be very dangerous to allow a kitten outside without one.)

VIP Sitters can assist with crate training, changing puppy pads or litter boxes and general mess cleanup!

Socialization and Obedience Training

Your puppy wants to please you and be a good member of the family. The effort you put into socializing and teaching such commands as sit, stay, down and come will help keep your dog safe and under control. Socialization and obedience training will also strengthen the bond between you and your pet. Obedience classes typically begin accepting puppies at around 4 to 6 months of age.

Kitten socialization should also begin at a very young age. Pet them frequently, and get them used to grooming and weekly combing. Provide appropriate scratching alternatives (such as scratching posts) and reward good behavior with toys, praise or treats. Expose them to other cats and kittens (as soon as they’re up to date on vaccinations, of course!). There are even kitten socialization classes; do an internet search to see if any are available in your area.

VIP Sitters LOVE socializing puppies and kittens. With our drop-in or hourly service, you can keep progress moving forward while you’re away. Need a recommendation for trainers or classes in your neighborhood? We can help with that too!

Do you have a favorite new puppy or kitten care tip to share? Tell us in the comments below or over on our Facebook page. Thanks for reading!

I know that I speak on behalf of all the staff at VIP Pet Services when I say we truly appreciate the community that we have in you and your family.

This is why I am so excited to announce that we are launching the VIP Pet Services Shop! It is officially online, open, and taking orders.

This shop is a labor of love – we created it in hopes of continually expanding our knowledge and care to you and your pets. We want to help keep your pets healthy and eliminate the stress of trying to find safe, natural products that work!

We have lots of great products for you to try. Like, diatomaceous earth – we carry food grade powders, soaps, supplements and treats. These products not only combat fleas and ticks, they provide many health benefits.

Have you been curious about the wonders of CBD oil for pets? We have CBD oil, spray and treats. These products are great for pets with anxiety, seizures, pain, inflammation and skin conditions. We’ve heard CBD also has the potential to help with depression, appetite loss, glaucoma and sleeplessness.

Now we don’t want to spoil the fun and provide too many spoilers here. So, why don’t you take and see what you like?

Your pet will thank you for it!

As always, thank you so much for supporting your local pet care professionals. It truly means so much, and we can’t wait to expand this community even further!

Whether you’re just away for the day or on an extended trip, you certainly don’t want to spend your time worrying about your pet sitter. The good news is you don’t have to.

Here are some hints to help you feel as comfortable as possible with your pet sitter so that you can focus on what you need to focus on, be that business or pleasure.

Meet the Pet Sitter Ahead of Time

It’s crucial for you – and your pets – to meet the sitter ahead of time and be sure you feel comfortable with them. This is also a good time to ask about qualifications and previous experience.

Work with a Reputable Company

Choose a company with experienced, reliable sitters who take their work and your peace of mind seriously. Ideally, your pet sitter will stay in touch with you while you’re away and keep you updated on how your pets are doing.  (PS – we even send photos to our clients so you can stay connected with your pets!)

Know What Services Are Offered

Don’t hesitate to ask questions, and make sure you know exactly what to expect while you’re away. That way, there are no worries about what is or isn’t happening.

Give the Pet Sitter Thorough Information

Whether you’re sitting on the beach or in a business meeting, the last thing you want to think about is whether you remembered to tell the pet sitter about your dog’s random allergy or quirky fear. Take the time before you leave to gather all the info your pet’s sitter will need – and then stop worrying.

Your pets are members of your household, and it’s important to you and them to feel comfortable with your pet sitter. When you use VIP Pets, you can feel confident that your pets – and your home – are getting the respect and care they deserve.

From ring bearer to escorting the bride down the aisle, the furry family members (we are talking the 4 legged ones here) can be counted on to play any number of roles. Here are some ideas to get you started on ways your pet can take part in your big day. It is important to take a few things into consideration when planning the perfect dog-involved wedding. While having your pup walk down the aisle does sound adorable and is sure to get its fair share of “oohs” and “ahhs,” you need to be mindful of a few things when deciding what role your pet will play. Here are 10 tips to consider and keep in mind while planning your big day.

Once you have decided on the exact role(s) your pet will play in the wedding, it is time to think about who you will put in charge of caring for him/her on the day you say “I do.” Choosing someone to get your pup fed, walked, watered, transported and yes, dressed, is no small decision. That’s where we come in. Let VIP Pet Services take the reins (aka leash) so you don’t have to worry about your 4-legged baby between hair, makeup and champagne toasts. We offer Pet Taxi services to transport your pet to and from the wedding venue. We also offer Pet Sitting services to take special care of your pet leading up to the ceremony. This would include walking, watering, feeding and dressing your animal in any special outfit you may have chosen. We will even collect your pet after the ceremony if necessary so you can enjoy your reception without the worry of your little buddy running around and getting danced upon!

Tis’ the season for weddings and VIP Pet Services is ready to celebrate with you. Contact us today for all of your wedding needs!

Here are six things to look for:

1. Trusted Source

The pet sitter you choose must be a trained professional. Whether they are an individual or working for a company, their training and qualifications should be easily verifiable.

Also, never risk hiring someone who you have not met in person. Any professional pet sitting service will welcome and require a face-to-face meeting before having a sitter walk into your home to take care of your pet.

2. Experience

Make sure the sitter you’re hiring has extensive experience with the type of pet they’ll be caring for. For example, if your pet is a snake – you should hire someone who has experience handling, caring and feeding snakes.

3. Part of Your Team

A pet sitter isn’t just someone you hire – they must be a trusted, reliable extension of the family for your pet.  What happens in the event of an emergency? If you’re not able to get home and your pet needs care?  Or if a natural disaster strikes and you’re not able to leave your office?  Or even if you just need someone to take your pet to a vet or grooming appointment?

Also important to ask – does your sitter have a back-up team in place themselves? If they get sick or have a flat tire is there someone else who can step in their place, retrieve your keys etc? Emergencies happen to pet sitters too and a back-up plan is critical when they do.

4. Attention to Detail

Attention to detail should be a priority for any pet sitter that you hire. Pets love routines and having a sitter who will pay close attention to your instructions is a must.

5. Options

Having options is ideal when finding someone to stay with your pet. If your pet needs more interaction and attention, you might want to find services, such as ours, that offers a host home, so that your pet can have plenty of love and attention while you are away.

6. Communication

Knowing what is happening with your pet while you are away can help you feel more at ease. Make sure that your pet sitter keeps you up to date with emails, text messages and/or a quick phone call.

By hiring a pet sitter from VIP Pet Services, you will have someone who not only meets all of the above criteria, but who will also give your pet the love and attention they deserve. Contact us today to find a new friend for your pet.

On Tuesday, May 5th, we celebrated our 14th anniversary of being in business and are marking this special occasion with a week-long promotion of 14% off our packages of 10 Standard and Premium visits! That’s a savings of $33.50 or $43.30 per package!

Some great reasons to take advantage of this deal:

• Memorial Day is right around the corner!
• Have a summer vacation already lined up? Lock in your favorite VIP sitter too!
• July 4th and Labor Day weekends may seem far away, but this deal also covers those dates!

Plan ahead for all upcoming trips and save 14% by booking your VIP Pet Services 10-visit package between 5/5 – 5/15. You can use the visits as you please for the upcoming months and have the peace of mind knowing that your pets will be cared for during our busiest season.

Click here to purchase a VIP Pet Services 14th Anniversary 10 Standard Visit Package:

Click here to purchase a VIP Pet Services 14th Anniversary 10 Premium Visit Package:

* Your VIP account will reflect a credit for the purchased amount. Special rate expires on November 5 (afterward credit will remain in the account but all unused visits will revert back to the regular rate). Please include any special instructions for your pet sitter. Additional pets/special needs charges may apply. Limit 2 per household. Valid over holiday weekends and for standard or premium visits only (not dog walks). Not valid with other discounts.

Thank you for letting us take care of your pets throughout the years!

1. The best way to find a dog walking service is by word of mouth. Ask family, friends and co-workers for recommendations. They may work with a dog walking service or know someone who does and they will be happy to pass along a good reference or tell you who to stay away from. If you bring your dog to a grooming professional or veterinarian they will also most likely have a good suggestion.

2. It is important to check a dog walking service’s references. Even if family, friends and co-workers highly recommend the service, it is always a good idea to check with a third-party. At VIP Pet Services we are always happy to provide multiple references, so please ask!

3. Make sure the dog walking service is properly insured and bonded. This is to protect all involved. It is critical the individual dog walkers have undergone a criminal background check, which all VIP pet sitters/walkers are required to have prior to employment.

4. Ask about the dog walker’s dog training and background. It is important the dog walker has some training with dogs. Walking a dog is more than holding the leash and leading them around the neighborhood. If the service has multiple dog walkers, it is important to know if the same person will be walking your dog. Always inquire if the walking service has a backup plan in place in the event your dog walker cannot walk your dog on a particular day.

5. It is essential to know where the dog will be walking. If the dog is skittish around children or aggressive, the park will not be the best option. If the dog is known to play well with others, a dog park will be the ideal choice. It is important for you to communicate your dog’s likes and dislikes to the walking service.

6. Another essential thing to know is if your dog will be walking with a pack of dogs or will your dog make the trip solo. If your dog will walk with others, how does the walking service decide which dogs walk together? Does the walking service check the health and immunization records of all dogs they walk? Dogs are social animals and not all dogs like each other and get along. To avoid pack walking conflicts and possible health issues VIP Pet Services only walks dogs individually.

7. Emergencies arise from time to time, even with dogs. Ask the dog walking service if they are trained in doggie first aid. If anything of a serious nature were to happen to your dog, first aid or CPR might save your pet’s life. However, pet first aid is never a substitute for veterinary care.

For more information about our dog walking services and how VIP stacks up against the competition, please contact us. Thank you!