5 Important Questions to Ask Your Pet Care Professional
Finding the right pet care professional starts with the right questions. Even when you book through a trusted concierge like Dogs On The Run, we encourage every family to connect personally with their provider. This article walks you through five thoughtful questions to ask to ensure the professional is the right fit for your pet, your home, and your peace of mind.
Keeping Ants Out of Your Pet’s Food 🐜
Ants may be tiny, but they can quickly turn your pet’s mealtime into a big problem. From building a moat around food bowls to using ant-proof feeders, pet parents have come up with clever ways to keep these uninvited guests away. Discover simple, effective tips to protect your pet’s food and make mealtime stress-free again.
Headed Out for the Holidays? Now’s the Time to Book Your Pet Care
The holidays are the busiest time of year for professional pet care. Whether you're traveling or just want added peace of mind, now is the time to reserve your pet’s holiday services. Learn why early booking matters, what to do if your favorite DOTR professional is already booked, and how to set your pet up for a stress-free season with the right care and routine.
Celebrate Your Pet’s Birthday or Gotcha Day in Style
From personalized walks to doggie field trips, pup-safe cakes to photo shoots, discover thoughtful, joy-filled ways to make your pet’s special day unforgettable. At Dogs On The Run, we believe every milestone deserves to be celebrated in style.
The Nation’s First Dog Beach
Did you know San Diego is home to the nation’s first Dog Beach?
In 1972, Ocean Beach made history by creating the very first leash-free beach in the United States. What began as a bold community idea became a movement that reshaped how Americans live with and care for their pets. Today, Dog Beach remains one of San Diego’s most iconic landmarks; a place where families gather, dogs run free, and history lives on with every splash in the surf.
Capture the Magic: Holiday Photos With Your Pets
This holiday season, don’t forget the family members with four paws. Dogs On The Run now offers private holiday photo sessions with professional photographers who know how to capture the magic between you and your pets. From custom holiday cards to keepsakes you’ll treasure forever, these portraits turn moments into memories.
Keeping Your Doodle’s Coat Healthy: Brushing Tips and Mat Prevention
Doodles are known for their adorable, fluffy coats—but they require consistent care to stay mat-free. Daily brushing (or at least 3–4 times a week), the right tools, and mindful grooming habits are key to keeping their coats healthy. Learn how to prevent tangles and why professional grooming every 6–8 weeks is essential for a happy, comfortable doodle.
Choosing the Right Dog Boarding Option: Why Private, Personalized Care May Be the Best Fit
Not all boarding options are created equal. At Dogs On The Run, we offer a private, professional alternative to traditional kennels—where your dog stays in a calm, personalized home setting with a trusted care provider. Fewer distractions, more attention, and routines that mirror your own. Because your dog’s boarding experience should feel like a vacation, too.
We Know You Trust DOTR; Here’s Why a Consultation Still Matters
At Dogs On The Run, we carefully vet every professional, but even the best match needs a proper introduction. That’s why we recommend in-person consultations: to ensure your pet feels comfortable, expectations are clear, and your care provider is set up for success. It’s not just about logistics, it’s about building trust from the very first visit.
Pet Licensing: Yes, It’s the Law and Here’s Why It Matters
Did you know that pet licensing is legally required in most California counties? Beyond compliance, a valid license helps reunite lost pets, proves vaccination status, and supports local shelters. Learn why it matters and how to check your pet’s status in just a few minutes.
Buckle Up, Pup: Why Pet Travel Safety Deserves a Second Look
Traveling with your pet? Safety starts before you hit the road. At Dogs On The Run, we encourage pet parents to consider using seatbelts, harnesses, or carriers when transporting their pets — especially when someone else is behind the wheel. This small step can make a big difference in comfort, focus, and safety for everyone involved.
How to Book a Reservation or Reconnect with Your Favorite DOTR Professional
Booking with Dogs On The Run® is as personal and seamless as the care we provide. Whether you're a returning client looking to reconnect with a favorite professional or a new client ready to get started, we're here to make the process effortless. Text us at 858-707-7555, call 760-991-5444, or visit www.DogsOnTheRun.com to experience concierge pet care designed around your life; with real people, real support, and a trusted care team behind it all.
Why a DOTR Care Team Is the Secret to Exceptional Pet Care
At Dogs On The Run, we hold the secret to long-term, stress-free pet care: it begins with one exceptional professional and grows into something even better. Many families fall in love with their first DOTR experience, only to feel disappointed when that same professional isn’t available for their next trip. But here’s the truth: that’s not a problem; it’s a turning point. It’s the moment to open your heart to a Care Team. A trusted, small hand-selected network of professionals who work together to ensure your pet is never left without the care they deserve. This is the DOTR difference and it’s designed for real life.
Why Your Pet Care Professional May Occasionally Arrive Later Than Expected
At Dogs On The Run, care doesn’t run on a stopwatch. While we always aim to arrive within your preferred time window, there are rare moments when a pet before yours needs a little extra love — and we choose compassion over the clock. In these instances, you’ll hear from your professional or our admin team. We’re always working behind the scenes to ensure no pet is ever left without care. Because that’s what you came to us for — real, responsive, relationship-based service.
Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?
Does your dog graze on grass like a backyard cow? You’re not alone—and in most cases, it’s totally normal. Veterinary experts say dogs eat grass for a variety of reasons, from instinct and taste to boredom or digestive aid. While the habit is usually harmless, there are times it can signal something more serious. Here’s what the pros want you to know about grass-eating behavior and when it’s time to call your vet.
Can Dogs Get Sunburned?
Yes, dogs can get sunburned—and it's more common than most pet parents realize. Areas with thin or light-colored fur, like noses, ears, bellies, and even the tips of paws, are especially vulnerable to UV damage. Sunburn in dogs isn’t just uncomfortable—it can lead to peeling, blistering, and increase the risk of certain skin cancers. As temperatures rise, it's crucial to take proactive steps like applying pet-safe sunscreen, providing shade, and avoiding peak sun hours to protect your dog’s health.
A Higher Standard of Pet Care — Backed by a Certified Woman-Owned Business
As a Certified Woman-Owned Small Business, Dogs On The Run operates with a level of accountability, transparency, and professionalism that’s been rigorously verified at both the state and federal level. For pet parents, this means you're working with a trusted, compliant, and values-driven company that doesn’t just care — we prove it in everything we do.
Fire Season & Your Pets: What Every Family Should Know
Wildfires in Southern California can spread with little warning, putting families and their pets at serious risk. Having an emergency plan that includes your animals isn’t just smart—it’s essential. From go-bags to evacuation routes, this article walks you through how to prepare before a fire threatens your home.
Pet Care Professional Mixer at Muttropolis
Thursday evening brought our Dogs On The Run family together for something truly memorable; an exclusive get-together at Muttropolis in Solana Beach where our Pet Care Professionals connected, celebrated, and strengthened the bonds that make our community so special. With generous support from Muttropolis, thoughtful touches, and genuine conversations, the evening reinforced why investing in our professional network elevates the care every pet receives.
What Is a Reverse Sneeze — And Should You Be Worried?
If you’ve ever heard your dog make a sudden snorting or honking sound that seems alarming but ends quickly, you’ve likely witnessed a reverse sneeze. Unlike a regular sneeze that pushes air out, reverse sneezing is a rapid inhalation that can sound intense—but it's usually harmless. It often happens due to throat irritation, allergies, excitement, or even pulling on a leash. Most episodes last less than a minute and don’t require treatment. However, if reverse sneezing becomes frequent or is accompanied by other symptoms, it's worth checking in with a veterinarian.