February Pet Holidays Every Texas Pet Parent Should Know
February Pet Holidays Every Texas Pet Parent Should Know
Plus How Responsible Care — and a Little Extra Support — Makes a Big Difference
February isn’t just about Valentine’s candy and cozy nights — it’s packed with meaningful moments that celebrate responsible pet ownership, wellness, and kindness. For Texas pet parents, this month is the perfect reminder to focus on preventative care, community support, and keeping our furry family members happy and healthy.
From better smiles to better lives, here are a few pet-focused highlights worth celebrating — plus how professional pet sitting can make it all easier.
📅 February Pet Holiday Rundown (Quick & Fun!)
Here are a few pet-focused highlights worth celebrating this month:
🦷 Pet Dental Health Month (All February)
February is officially the month to show some extra love to your pet’s pearly whites — brushing, dental chews, and vet checkups included!
😄 Hint hint… we may be diving deeper into pet dental care in our next blog post (because yes — doggy breath can absolutely improve).
🐾World Spay Day (Last Tuesday of February)
A worldwide movement that encourages spaying and neutering to improve pet health and reduce homelessness.
❤️ National Responsible Pet Ownership Month
A full month dedicated to proper nutrition, vet care, training, enrichment, and lifelong commitment.
🤝 Random Acts of Kindness Day (Mid-February)
The perfect excuse to donate supplies, volunteer, or support local shelters and rescues across North Texas.
At DFW Critter Sitter, we support healthy routines and provide dependable care when families need an extra set of trusted hands.
Call / Text 945-268-6668
Why Spay & Neuter Matters (Short, Sweet & Positive)
📌
Did you know?
In 2025, animal shelters in Texas euthanized roughly 86,000 adoptable cats and dogs, the highest number in the nation, according to data reported by Best Friends Animal Society. This figure reflects animals killed largely due to overcrowding, limited resources, and insufficient shelter capacity.
In response to this staggering number, Texas committed $13 million in 2026 to statewide spay and neuter programs, funding shelters, rescues, and veterinary partners to reduce pet overpopulation at its source.
While this investment is crucial for addressing overpopulation, spaying and neutering isn’t just about preventing unwanted litters — it can directly improve your pet’s quality of life and long-term health.
Some of the biggest benefits include:
✔️ Lower risk of certain cancers and infections
✔️ Reduced roaming & marking in many pets
✔️ Longer, healthier lives overall
It’s one of the most impactful steps pet parents can take for both their own animals and their community.
📊 What Recent Research Says About the Best Age to Spay & Neuter
Veterinary research now shows that the best age to spay or neuter can vary by breed, size, and individual health — especially for dogs.
Larger breeds often benefit from waiting longer for proper joint and bone development, while many smaller breeds do well with earlier procedures. Cats typically follow different timing guidelines.
🩺 There is no one-size-fits-all answer — and your veterinarian’s guidance is essential.
Your vet can help determine the best timing based on:
- Breed & adult size
- Growth and development
- Behavior and lifestyle
- Long-term health risks
This personalized approach leads to healthier, happier pets long term.
🐾 How Pet Sitters Can Support Pre- & Post-Surgery Care
Getting pets to vet appointments — especially during strict surgery drop-off windows — can be stressful for busy pet parents juggling work and family life.
That’s where professional pet sitters make all the difference.
Post-surgery support includes:
🐶 Convenient pick-up and drop-off for surgery appointments
🐾 Monitoring healing and overall comfort
💊 Administering medications on schedule
🛋 Keeping pets calm and safe
❤️ Offering reassurance and companionship
🚗 No rushing home. No worrying. Just loving care.
👉 Need post-surgery care or transport? We’ve got your critters covered
📍 Supporting Local North Texas Pets
February is also a great time to support pet resources throughout DFW communities, including:
- Animal rescues & shelters
- Low-cost spay/neuter programs
- Pet food banks
- Community adoption events
- Local / small business pet care company’s
Supporting local pet care strengthens the whole community — and keeps more pets safe and healthy.
🐶 Final Thoughts: February Is All About Better Pet Care🐶
From dental health to preventative surgery, kindness, and community support, February reminds us that responsible pet ownership goes far beyond daily walks and meals.
And when life gets busy — especially during recovery periods — having a trusted pet sitter makes everything smoother for both pets and parents.
📣 Ready to Make Pet Care Easier?📣
✨ Need post-surgery visits, transport, or daily check-ins? We’ve got you covered!
✨ Let us handle meds, monitoring, rides, and cuddles — so you can focus on loving your pet.
👉 Contact DFW Critter Sitter today to schedule care!
📍 dfwcrittersitter.com
📞 945-268-6668
Winter Storm Pet Care: Indoor Activities & Safety Tips for DFW Pet Parents
❄️ Winter Storm Pet Care: Indoor Activities & Safety Tips for Dallas–Fort Worth Pet Parents❄️
Winter storms in North Texas can arrive fast — icy roads, freezing temperatures, and suddenly your normal pet routines are on pause.
For Dallas–Fort Worth pet owners, that often means skipped walks, restless pets, and a whole lot of indoor energy. While we may enjoy cozy weather days, our pets still need exercise, enrichment, and structure to stay happy and well-behaved.
Let’s walk through easy indoor enrichment activities to use if you are wanting ideas beyond games of tug and essential winter storm safety tips for pets in the DFW area.
🐾 Best Indoor Dog Activities for Winter Storm Days in Dallas–Fort Worth
When outdoor play isn’t possible, indoor enrichment becomes your best friend.
🧠 Scent Games for Dogs (Perfect for DFW Storm Days)
Hide treats around your home or use snuffle mats to let your dog “hunt” for rewards.
- Burns mental energy fast
- Reduces boredom & anxiety
- Great for apartments and houses alike
You can utilize safe materials you likely have around house such as paper towel, towel paper rolls, old rags to hide treats in.
🛋️ Indoor Obstacle Courses for Dogs
Use pillows, chairs, and blankets to create a mini agility course.
Have your dog:
- Jump over cushions
- Crawl under chairs
- Weave through obstacles
It’s a fun way to provide exercise without braving icy sidewalks.
🎓 Indoor Training Games for Mental Stimulation
Storm days are perfect for practicing commands and teaching fun tricks like:
Sit • Stay • Spin • Shake • Place
Short training sessions improve behavior and help burn off pent-up energy.
🧩 Puzzle Feeders & Food Enrichment
Frozen Kongs, real meat bones, lick mats, and puzzle feeders keep pets calm and focused.
These are especially helpful for dogs who struggle with anxiety during loud weather or routine changes.
At DFW Critter Sitter, we support healthy routines and provide dependable care when families need an extra set of trusted hands.
Call / Text 945-268-6668
❄️ Winter Storm Safety Tips for Pets in DFW (Including Reptiles!)
North Texas cold snaps can be tougher on pets than many owners realize — and that includes dogs, cats, and cold-blooded companions like reptiles.
Here’s how to keep every critter safe and comfortable during winter storms in the Dallas–Fort Worth area:
🐶 Limit Outdoor Exposure
Ice and freezing temps can hurt paws and cause health risks — especially for small, senior, and short-haired pets. Keep potty breaks short and dry paws when coming back inside.
🚪 Secure Doors & Gates During Bad Weather
Storm stress can make pets more likely to bolt when doors open. Always double-check latches and be mindful when bringing in groceries or packages.
🔥 Watch Space Heaters, Cords & Fireplaces
Keep heaters a safe distance from curious noses and tails, and secure electrical cords to prevent chewing or burns.
💧 Keep Fresh Water Available
Indoor heating dries the air quickly, which can dehydrate pets faster than you’d expect.
🆔 Make Sure ID Tags & Microchips Are Updated
Winter storms in DFW are a common time for lost pets — updated contact info helps them get home fast.
🧥 Bundle Up Small & Short-Haired Dogs
For tiny pups and breeds with very short coats, sweaters or dog jackets can make a huge difference in staying warm during quick potty trips.
Think: Chihuahuas, Greyhounds, Frenchies, puppies, and seniors — if you’re cold, they probably are too!
🧊 Create an Ice-Free Potty Area
If your yard becomes slick or frozen, try:
- Laying down a tarp
- Setting up a small pop-up tent or covered area
- Clearing a patch of grass before storms hit
This gives your dog a safer, slip-free potty spot and makes quick trips outside much easier.
🦎 Special Winter Care Tips for Reptiles & Exotic Pets
Cold weather is especially risky for reptiles since they rely on external heat to regulate their body temperature.
🌡️ Monitor Tank Temperatures Closely
Use digital thermometers in enclosures and check them multiple times a day during cold snaps. Ideal temps vary by species, but consistency is key.
🔌 Prepare for Power Outages
Have backup heat sources ready, such as:
- Battery-powered heat packs (wrapped in towels)
- Insulated enclosure covers
- Temporary warm rooms in your home
Even short drops in temperature can be dangerous for reptiles.
🏠 Keep Enclosures Away from Drafts & Windows
Move tanks away from cold glass, doors, and vents to prevent sudden temperature drops.
💡 Check Heat Lamps & Under-Tank Heaters
Make sure bulbs are working properly and cords are secure before storms hit.
🐾 Bonus Tip from DFW Critter Sitter
If you’ll be away during winter weather, professional pet sitters can monitor enclosure temps, adjust heating equipment, and make sure all pets — furry or scaly — stay safe
At DFW Critter Sitter We Provide
✔ Indoor Play & Brain Games
✔Safety Focused Care
✔ Calm Companionship For Anxious Pets
✔ Customized Care Based On Your Pets Needs
🐾 Final Thoughts for DFW Pet Owners🐾
Winter storms don’t have to mean bored pets and behavioral issues.
With the right indoor enrichment and professional pet care support, your pets can stay happy, fulfilled, and safe all winter long — no matter what North Texas weather brings.
And when you need help?
DFW Critter Sitter is your local, trusted pet care team in Dallas–Fort Worth.
📍 dfwcrittersitter.com
📞 945-268-6668
🐾 Book care that meets the whole dog 🐾
🎥 Indoor Enrichment Video Guides for DFW Pet Parents 🎥
Want to see these indoor pet enrichment ideas in action? These step-by-step videos make it simple to set everything up using everyday household items — perfect for winter storm days in DFW.
Budget-Friendly DIY Dog Enrichment Links (Indoor)
🎥 1. “Best Enrichment Activities for Dogs (Mental + Physical Fun)” – Becoming a Dog Owner
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KnVNl1bcBg
Covers a variety of simple, effective indoor enrichment ideas that stimulate both your dog’s body and brain — great for winter storm days.
🎥 2. “Easy DIY Treat Puzzle: Toilet Paper Roll Enrichment Toy” – The Dog Training Secret
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2kO4OYdut0
Shows how to create a fun brain game using empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls — completely free and perfect for bad weather days.
🎥 3. “Roll & Fold the Towel Trick (Mental Puzzle Game)” – Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1RshEnv0jo
Demonstrates a quick towel-based puzzle that encourages problem-solving and keeps dogs mentally engaged indoors.
🎥 4. “Easy Nose Work + Treat Scavenger Game” – Sarah Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44fjLOHxnDM
A beginner-friendly nose work game that taps into your dog’s natural scenting instincts using minimal supplies.
🎥 5. “How to Make a Snuffle Mat for Dogs” – Do It Yourself Tutorials
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u485oQ1W9pE
Step-by-step guide to creating an inexpensive snuffle mat using fleece and a rubber base — perfect for scent enrichment indoors.
Fulfillment creates calmer pets.
Calmer pets create happier homes.
📍 dfwcrittersitter.com
📞 945-268-6668
🐾 Book care that meets the whole dog
Holidays Drive Puppy and Kitten Sales — Remember the Crisis Shelters Are Facing
Holidays Drive Puppy and Kitten Sales — Remember the Crisis Shelters Are Facing
The holidays are filled with warmth, excitement, and big emotions — and every year, many families feel the pull to bring home a puppy or kitten during this season.
As professional pet sitters, we’re privileged to witness the joy animals bring into people’s lives. But we also see the side that often goes unnoticed: shelters and rescues — especially here in Texas — are overwhelmed, out of space, and making heartbreaking decisions simply because there aren’t enough homes.
This message matters because most people truly mean well. They just don’t realize how quickly holiday pet purchases impact animals who are already waiting, hoping, and deserving of a family.
🐶 The Reality: Shelter Overcrowding & Euthanasia in Texas and the U.S.
Animal shelters across the United States take in millions of dogs and cats every year, and not all of them find homes. Despite progress, hundreds of thousands of animals are still euthanized annually due to lack of space, staffing, and resources.
Here in Texas, the situation is especially difficult:
- Texas shelters euthanized approximately 86,000 adoptable dogs and cats, giving the state one of the highest shelter death rates in the country.
- Large North Texas shelters regularly operate at or beyond capacity.
- Dallas Animal Services alone takes in tens of thousands of animals each year.
These statistics underscore the continued need for responsible choices about how we welcome pets into our homes.
🆚 Shelter Adoption vs. Buying from Breeders or Pet Stores
When you choose to adopt from a shelter or licensed rescue:
✔️ You give a life a second chance
✔️ Adoption fees typically include vaccinations, microchipping, and spay/neuter surgery
✔️ You reduce demand for commercial breeding operations and puppy mills
Many people are surprised to learn that approximately 25% of dogs in shelters are purebred. Breed preferences can often be met through adoption — without fueling overpopulation.
🐾 What to Expect When Bringing a Puppy Home
Bringing a puppy home — whether from a shelter, rescue, or breeder — is exciting, emotional, and deeply rewarding.
It’s also a full-time commitment, especially during the first year.
Puppies aren’t just small dogs; they’re developing beings who rely on structure, routine, and patient guidance as they learn how to live in a human world. This is not a holiday decision — it’s the beginning of a lifelong relationship.
📅 Early Development, Training & Daily Needs
In the early months, puppies need far more than love alone. They depend on consistency to feel safe and confident.
Puppies require:
- Frequent potty breaks and close supervision
- Adequate sleep and downtime (overtired puppies struggle the most)
- Positive, confidence-building socialization
- Foundational training (leash skills, settling, name recognition)
- Mental enrichment through play, sniffing, and problem-solving
- Patience and repetition — learning is not linear
This stage can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time puppy parents — but it’s where lifelong stability is built.
🐕 The “Teenage” Phase — Normal, Temporary, and Often Misunderstood
Starting around 8 months until around 2 years, many puppies enter adolescence. Owners may notice:
- Boundary testing and selective listening
- Increased energy and frustration
- Temporary regression in training
This phase is completely normal — yet it’s one of the most common times dogs are surrendered. Puppies don’t grow out of adolescence; they grow through it with continued structure and support.
At DFW Critter Sitter, we support healthy routines and provide dependable care when families need an extra set of trusted hands.
Call / Text 945-268-6668
🧬 Genetics, Breed Traits & Natural Drives
Genetics influences energy levels, instincts, sensitivities, and behavioral tendencies. Herding, prey drive, guarding instincts, and stamina are all shaped by breed traits.
That said, genetics are not destiny.
Environment, enrichment, routine, and positive training play just as large a role. When a dog’s natural needs are understood and met, behavioral challenges are far less likely to develop.
🤍 Is a Puppy Right for You? A Gentle Check-In
Before bringing a puppy home, it’s worth asking:
- Do I have the time and energy for daily training and supervision?
- Am I prepared for accidents, chewing, barking, and routine disruption?
- Can I stay consistent when progress feels slow?
- Do I have support during busy seasons of life?
- Am I choosing this puppy for the long term — not the holiday moment?
Many dogs are surrendered not because they’re “bad,” but because expectations didn’t match reality.
⏳ What the First Year Really Looks Like
Daily
- Multiple potty breaks and supervision
- Ongoing training reinforcement
- Play, enrichment, and rest
Weekly
- Continued socialization
- Vet visits or training classes
Monthly
- Developmental changes
- Behavioral transitions
- Routine adjustments
The investment made in the first year often determines whether a dog thrives or struggles in the long term.
🐾 Preventing Surrenders Starts With Support
One of the leading reasons dogs are surrendered is a mismatch of expectations, not a lack of love.
When families have:
- Realistic expectations
- Consistent routines
- Reliable support when life gets busy
Dogs are far more likely to stay in the homes where they belong.
🩺 Why Spaying and Neutering Is Crucial
Spaying and neutering is one of the most effective ways to reduce shelter overpopulation.
🐾 Preventing Unwanted Litters
Unsterilized animals can reproduce rapidly, contributing to more pets entering shelters — many of whom will never find homes.
🩹 Health Benefits
- Reduced risk of uterine infections and breast cancer
- Lower risk of testicular and prostate disease
- Longer, healthier lives
🧠 Behavior Benefits
- Reduced roaming
- Less territorial marking
- Decreased hormone-driven aggression
By preventing unwanted litters and creating calmer, more manageable pets, spay and neuter directly reduce the number of animals entering and overcrowding shelters.
🤝 The Call for Personal & Community Responsibility
Ending pet overpopulation requires collective action.
🏡 Better Community Standards & Laws
- Mandatory spay/neuter laws
- Breed-neutral housing policies
🩺 Affordable Veterinary Care
Access to low-cost spay/neuter services keeps pets healthy and in homes.
🐕🦺 Education & Personal Accountability
Each of us must:
- Commit to responsible pet ownership
- Advocate for humane policies
- Educate others about the impacts of overpopulation
- Support fosters, rescues, and shelters
If more individuals step up to foster, adopt, volunteer, or simply advocate for better policies, we can move closer to ending unnecessary euthanasia and truly provide every pet with a loving home.
🐶 A Dog Is a Lifetime of Love — and Responsibility
Dogs are not just for the holidays — they’re family for life. Before bringing a dog home, make sure you’re ready for 10–15+ years of care, training, companionship, and love.
🐾 Local Shelters & Rescues — North Texas Area
If you’re considering adoption, fostering, volunteering, or donating, here are trusted local shelters and rescue organizations serving North Texas. These groups are on the front lines of the animal welfare crisis every single day.
🏙️ City / County Shelters & Services
Carrollton Animal Control: City animal shelter and control offering adoption, rehoming, and animal services.
🌐 Website: https://www.cityofcarrollton.com/departments/departments-a-f/animal-services
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carrolltonanimaladoptioncenter/
Dallas Animal Services — Dallas: Municipal shelter with daily adoption programs, fostering opportunities, and volunteer support.
🌐 Website: https://www.bedallas90.org/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DallasAnimalServices
Irving Animal Care Campus — Irving: Municipal animal shelter providing adoption, fostering, and animal control services.
🌐 Website: https://www.cityofirving.org/3265/Animal-Services
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IrvingTXAnimalServices
🐕 Regional & Additional Rescue Organizations
Operation Kindness — Carrollton & Dallas: A major lifesaving shelter serving dogs and cats in North Texas with adoption programs, fostering, affordable veterinary clinics, a pet food pantry, and community support.
🌐 Website: https://www.operationkindness.org/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/operationkindness
SPCA of Texas — Dallas & North Texas: One of the largest animal welfare agencies in North Texas, offering adoption, low-cost veterinary care, spay/neuter clinics, cruelty investigations, and mobile adoption events.
🌐 Website: https://www.spca.org/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spcaoftexaspage
Dallas Pets Alive — Dallas: Volunteer-run rescue focused on keeping pets out of high-intake shelters through foster-based care and adoption.
🌐 Website: https://www.dallaspetsalive.org/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DallasPetsAlive
Richardson Animal Shelter — Richardson: Local municipal shelter offering adoption programs and community services.
🌐 Website: https://www.cor.net/animalservices
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RichardsonAnimalServices
Coppell Humane Society — Coppell: Non-profit community rescue focused on fostering, adoption, and education.
🌐 Website: https://coppellhumanesociety.org/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoppellHumaneSociety
🐾 Foster-Based & Specialty Rescues
Mike’s Chance Animal Rescue — North Texas: Volunteer-based rescue focused on saving at-risk dogs through foster care, rehabilitation, and adoption.
🌐 Website: https://mikeschanceanimalrescue.com/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MikesChanceAnimalRescue
Cody’s Friends Rescue — DFW Area: Foster-based rescue dedicated to saving dogs from high-kill shelters and placing them into loving homes.
🌐 Website: https://www.codysfriendsrescue.org/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CodysFriendsRescue
Cane Rosso Animal Rescue — Dallas / North Texas: Local nonprofit rescue focused on saving dogs from shelters through foster placement, community outreach, and adoption.
🌐 Website: https://www.canerossorescue.org/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/canerossorescue
Dog & Kitty City — Dallas: Adoption and volunteer-driven rescue organization.
🌐 Website: https://dognkittycity.org/
DASH Dog Rescue — Dallas: Foster-based dog rescue serving North Texas.
🌐 Website: http://www.dashdog.org/
The Cozy Catfe — Arlington: Cat adoption café partnering with local rescues.
🌐 Website: http://thecozycatfe.com/
🌐 Website: https://www.huskyhalfwayhouse.org/
🌐 Website: https://texashuskyrescue.org/
Adopt. Foster. Spay & Neuter. Educate. Advocate. Share.
Every action matters — and together, we can raise the standard for animal welfare in our communities.
Somatic Exercises: Helping Your Pets Release Stress, Tension & Anxiety — Especially During the Holidays
Somatic exercises are gentle, mindful techniques that help pets release physical and emotional tension — especially helpful for dogs and cats during the chaotic holiday season. Learn how to support your pet with grounding touch, body mapping, and calming practices.
Holiday Safety Tips for Pets: Keep the Season Merry, Bright & Safe
The holidays should be joyful for the whole family — including your pets. From festive décor and rich foods to winter hazards and holiday visitors, this guide helps you navigate the season with confidence. Learn how to protect your pets from common dangers, create a calm holiday environment, and keep celebrations merry, bright, and safe for every furry family member.
angie@dfwcrittersitter.com