Enrichment for Pets: Elevating Everyday Care
April Henley April Henley

Enrichment for Pets: Elevating Everyday Care

Enrichment is more than playtime. It is scientifically proven to reduce stress and improve well-being in pets. Studies show dogs in enriched environments display fewer stress behaviors, while cats show lower cortisol levels. Simple tools like puzzle feeders, sniff walks, and interactive toys give pets the mental stimulation they crave, helping them feel happier, calmer, and more connected to you.

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What Is a Pet Care Concierge?
April Henley April Henley

What Is a Pet Care Concierge?

A pet care concierge is more than a booking service. It is your private liaison in the world of pet care; curating only the finest, most trusted professionals and holding them accountable to the highest standards. If a professional falls short, they are removed from the roster. Only the best remain. With personalized matches, ongoing oversight, and true accountability, a concierge saves you time while giving you the confidence that your pet is cared for as family.

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Keeping Your Dog Safe on Walks: Plants & Hazards to Watch Out For
April Henley April Henley

Keeping Your Dog Safe on Walks: Plants & Hazards to Watch Out For

Walks are meant for dogs; time to move, explore, and enjoy the world through sniffing. While sniffing is healthy and enriching, snacking can be risky. Acorns, pine cones, mushrooms, and even certain landscaping plants may look harmless but can cause serious harm if swallowed. By encouraging sniffing but preventing nibbling, you give your dog the joy of exploration while keeping them safe.

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Why Every Pet Parent Needs Reliable Emergency Contacts
April Henley April Henley

Why Every Pet Parent Needs Reliable Emergency Contacts

When you leave your pet in the care of a sitter, one emergency contact is often not enough. If you and your spouse are traveling together, on a plane, or in an area without service, your sitter may have no way to reach you in an urgent situation. By adding at least one additional trusted contact, you ensure your pet and your home are always protected.

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Why Every Pet Should Wear a Collar and Name Tag
April Henley April Henley

Why Every Pet Should Wear a Collar and Name Tag

A collar and name tag may seem like a small detail, but they are one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep pets safe. While microchips are important, a visible tag with a phone number allows for an immediate reunion if a pet slips out or gets lost. At Dogs On The Run, we encourage every pet parent to keep a tag on their pet at all times, especially when someone else is caring for them.

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Dogs On The Run: A Concierge Service, Not Just an App
April Henley April Henley

Dogs On The Run: A Concierge Service, Not Just an App

Dogs On The Run is not an app and not a software company. We are a service-based concierge for pet parents, defined by people, relationships, and trust. Our software is simply a tool that makes our service more efficient, but it does not define who we are. What sets us apart is our concierge team, available seven days a week, dedicated to making pet care simple, seamless, and stress-free.

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Why Dogs On The Run is Different from Pet Care Apps
April Henley April Henley

Why Dogs On The Run is Different from Pet Care Apps

Many of our clients first tried the big pet care apps, only to find themselves scrolling through a sea of profiles, unsure of who they could really trust. What they discovered with Dogs On The Run is entirely different. Instead of algorithms and uncertainty, they found a company that truly cares, a concierge team available seven days a week, and hand-selected professionals who have been personally vetted and supported by us from the very beginning. The DOTR difference is simple: peace of mind, consistency, and a level of service no app can match.

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Science Confirms It: Your Dog Loves You More Than Food
April Henley April Henley

Science Confirms It: Your Dog Loves You More Than Food

Science proves what dog lovers have always known: your dog loves you more than food. An Emory University brain scan study shows that your scent triggers joy and affection in your dog’s brain, confirming you’re not just a caregiver; you are family.

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5 Important Questions to Ask Your Pet Care Professional
April Henley April Henley

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.

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Celebrate Your Pet’s Birthday or Gotcha Day in Style
April Henley April Henley

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.

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The Nation’s First Dog Beach
April Henley April Henley

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.

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Choosing the Right Dog Boarding Option: Why Private, Personalized Care May Be the Best Fit
April Henley April Henley

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.

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We Know You Trust DOTR; Here’s Why a Consultation Still Matters
April Henley April Henley

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.

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Buckle Up, Pup: Why Pet Travel Safety Deserves a Second Look
April Henley April Henley

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.

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How to Book a Reservation or Reconnect with Your Favorite DOTR Professional
April Henley April Henley

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.

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Why a DOTR Care Team Is the Secret to Exceptional Pet Care
April Henley April Henley

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.

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The Reality of Real Pet Care
April Henley April Henley

The Reality of Real Pet Care

True luxury care isn’t about speed, it’s about compassion. At Dogs On The Run, every visit is guided by empathy, professionalism, and presence. Sometimes that means a professional stays a little longer when a pet needs extra comfort, or arrives later because they refused to rush care. In a world built on automation, we stand for something more human: connection, understanding, and the kind of reliability that comes from people who truly care.

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A Higher Standard of Pet Care — Backed by a Certified Woman-Owned Business
April Henley April Henley

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.

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