Fulshear-Katy Community Guide 2025-26

PETS

families with moving tips, best practices, and boarding options before, during, and after they relocate. Denise has a BS in Animal Science and a BS in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M and has been in the animal industry for over 40 years. Her family moved to Fulshear in 2005 to open the Ranch. Waggin’ Tails is one of the largest family-owned and operated pet facilities in the Houston area and has won many awards, including being named “One of the Top Seven Small Businesses in the U.S.” by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Below is her professional advice for the smoothest transition possible as you relocate your precious cats and dogs. · Assess your overall situation: Could movers leave doors/gates open? Will there be a lot of traffic in and out of your house? Do you need time to get things together yourself? Do changes in the household cause your pets stress, such as suitcases (a signal that something’s up) or moving boxes scattered around, new people in the house, and changes in routines? · If so, consider boarding your pet. A calm, safe environment will spare them anxiety. Many clients use our facilities to help with pre- or post-move stress while they either move in or get ready to move out. This way, there is no worry about doors being left open for pets to escape or extra stress on the pets with the changes happening around them. · Make sure the facilities “match” what you are looking for. For instance: Large vs. small indoor enclosures, outside space to run, swimming options, grass or concrete, gravel or turf, etc. Is the staff trained to give medications? Can you bring you own food? Are there extra charges?

· Before you travel, make sure all vaccinations, especially Rabies, are current and that you have the current paperwork on hand. Also, make sure that collars have tags and that collars/harnesses fit properly.

· If you haven’t already, have your pets microchipped. Double check that all microchip information is current. Many options are available now to add even more safety to your move, like GPS-enabled tags and collars, air tags, and tags with QR codes that go straight to a webpage with information about you and your pet. We carry several of these options at Waggin’ Tails. · If you will need to crate your pet during the trip, make sure the crate is the correct size so your cat or dog is comfortable. If your pet has not been crate trained, start the process of getting them acclimated as far in advance as you can. Ideally, use the same crate throughout the move. Many pet care facilities, including Waggin’ Tails, have trainers who can help with this process. · Make sure you have all the necessities readily available during travel: water bottles, bowls (collapsible varieties are great space savers), food, treats, medications, leashes, blankets/bedding, towels, and wipes for messes or dirty feet along the way. We also carry dry shampoo that works great in case your pet gets dirty, and a full bath isn’t possible. · If you are concerned about stress during the trip, discuss it with your veterinarian. They can prescribe medication to help with travel anxiety. · Once you are in your new location, take some time to research new pet facilities and veterinarians in your area so you can get your pets all set up with these new providers before you need them. Different areas require different vaccinations, and you don’t want to be caught off guard if you need to board your pet unexpectedly. I suggest asking new neighbors, reading reviews, and touring potential places to help you decide. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of any new pet facility. Waggin’ Tails offers drop-in tours 6 days a week and welcomes new clients to visit. The relationship you build between you and your pet providers is important and should be built on trust. Learn more at waggintailspetranch.com.

29810 FM 1093 281-346-0077 Suite G (Fulshear Downs Center) Marne F. Baird, DVM

90 FULSHEAR-KATY COMMUNITY GUIDE & DIRECTORY 2025-26 ISSUE