Have a furry friend in that needs your love, care, and companionship? Don’t let your beloved Austin pets down! There are plenty of ways to keep your dog, cat, hamster, fish, or whatever other form your pet takes happy in downtown Austin. From dog-friendly restaurants to yummy treats at local pet bakeries, here’s a list of all the ways you can make the non-human pals in your life just a little bit happier.
Lavish Them with Love
Pets won’t be as happy as possible without a lot of TLC. This takes many forms, but the most important of them is proper health care. There are plenty of veterinary clinics and pet hospitals in Austin, including one with an appropriate name, the Love Pet Hospital. Don’t neglect to take your pets to regular checkups so they can get the proper shots, vaccinations, and attention from a professional. Regular vet visits will keep your pets healthy and happy for years to come.
Support Your Local Pet Store
What pet doesn’t love it when you come home with something extra special from the pet store? Head to a local pet shop and pick up some treats, home-baked goodies, toys, or a brand-new bed. The experts at the shop can even give you tips and advice about your pets, recommending over-the-counter treatments or referring you to a local pet hospital.
Take Them With You
Check out BringFido for a list of things you can do with your dog in Austin. Recommendations include Red Bud Isle, an off-leash peninsula with water on three sides. You can also bring dogs to Emma Long Metropolitan Park, the Barton Creek Greenbelt Preserve, and the Mary Moore Searight Metro Park. Next time you’re looking for a fun adventure in and around Austin, check for places you can bring fido!
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Find Proper Pet Care
You can’t take your pet everywhere, and that’s okay. When you have to leave your home for an extended trip without your pets, make sure to arrange proper pet care. If a trusted friend or relative can’t look after your pet while you’re gone, check websites such as Care.com or AustinPetSitters for available sitters. Check that the sitter has experience looking after your type of pet, and can fulfill your needs in terms of walks, feedings, medication administration, love, and companionship.
Keep Them Cool
Austin’s summers can easily climb to 1 degrees and higher many days. Austinites have to take certain measures to make sure their pets aren’t miserable – or in danger – during the hottest days in central Texas. Keep your pets cool by using automated temperature control (even when you aren’t home) inside and never leaving your pets outside without some kind of shade. Consider investing in cooling solutions such as special collars, beds, vests, and fans.
Adopt a Friend
Is your pet looking a tad lonely lately? Consider adopting a friend! There are many shelters in Austin always looking for forever homes for abandoned animals. Look at the Austin Animal Center, Austin Pets Alive!, or the Austin Humane Society to adopt a pet. If you can’t adopt at this time, consider fostering. You could transform another pet’s life and give your pet a temporary companion.
