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Holiday Pet Travel Guide: Tips to Make Your Vacation Smooth and Enjoyable

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Traveling during the holidays can be exciting, chaotic, and full of memories — especially when your furry family member comes along! Whether you’re heading to Grandma’s house, a cozy winter getaway, or hopping in the car for a road trip, preparing your pet ahead of time will make the adventure smoother for both of you.

At The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa, we know the joy pets bring to the holiday season, and we’re here to share our best tips to help you and your furry friend enjoy every moment together.

Plan Ahead for Pet-Friendly Accommodations

Before you finalize your holiday travel plans, make sure your destination allows pets. Many hotels, vacation rentals, and relatives welcome pets — but some have restrictions or extra fees. It’s always best to call ahead, ask about pet rules, and confirm details such as yard access or crate requirements. This eliminates last-minute stress and helps your pet settle comfortably.

Update Contact Information on Tags and Microchips

In the event your dog or cat gets loose, you want to make sure you will get your pet back. Updating tags and microchips with your cell phone number will ensure a reunion if your pet is found roaming.

Double check their collar is secure by tightening it. Allow two fingers in between the collar and the neck of your pet in the event your pet is like mine and knows how to back out of his collar.

Pack Your Pet’s Travel Essentials

Pack Your Pet’s Travel Essentials

Just like you pack for yourself, pets need their own holiday travel kit. Must-haves include:

  • Food, treats, and collapsible bowls
  • Leash and harness
  • Medications and health records
  • Waste bags
  • Favorite toys or blanket
  • A cozy bed or crate

Bringing familiar items helps your pet feel safe and relaxed in a new environment.

Just like you pack for yourself, pets need their own holiday travel kit. Must-haves include:

  • Food, treats, and collapsible bowls
  • Leash and harness
  • Medications and health records
  • Waste bags
  • Favorite toys or blanket
  • A cozy bed or crate

Bringing familiar objects from home can ease the anxiety and confusion your pet may feel in a new environment. A crate can keep your pet safe when you want to travel or spend time with friends and family. Remember, not all people like your pet as much as you do, so ensuring your dog or cat can be safe and enjoy the holidays is equally important.

Make the Trip Comfortable for Your Dog or Cat

If you’re driving, plan for frequent potty and stretch breaks. Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car, even in cooler weather. For longer trips, make sure your pet is secured safely with a seatbelt harness or crate. Attached a well-secured leash or harness on your dog before you open the door for breaks to ensure you will have full control of a pet who may be excited and scared and bolt from the car.

If you’re flying, check airline pet policies well in advance. Some pets may need a health certificate or specific carrier guidelines. The earlier you plan, the easier the trip.

Keep Your Pet Calm and Happy

Holiday travel can be full of unfamiliar sounds, smells, and people. Keep your pet calm with:

  • Favorite toys
  • A calming chew or spray
  • Extra snuggle time
  • Soft music in the car

A relaxed pet makes for a much smoother journey — for everyone!

Consider Boarding for a Stress-Free Holiday

Not all pets love travel, and that’s okay! If your pet would be happier staying close to home, The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa offers a safe, loving place to spend the holidays.

With cozy accommodations, supervised playtime, and attention from pet-loving staff, your pet will feel right at home while you enjoy your travels with peace of mind.

Wishing You and Your Pet a Wonderful Holiday Season!

Wherever your travels take you, a little planning goes a long way. We hope these tips help you make unforgettable memories with your pet this holiday season.

If you’d like to learn more about boarding, daycare, or grooming during the holidays, call The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa — we’d be delighted to take great care of your furry friend!

Santa Paws is Coming to The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

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The bigs and littles are so excited that Santa Paws is coming to The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa next Thursday, December 11, 2025.

Our Santa Paws Pawty is the talk of the play yard, with both bigs and littles suiting up for their ugly sweater contest, practicing their smiles for pictures with Santa, and wondering who is going to go home with the day’s prizes.

Santa Paws Pawty is pawsed to be one epic day, and we’d hate for you to miss out! There is still time to join the fun!

Call or contact us to add your dog to doggie daycare on Thursday, December 11, 2025. There is an additional $20 fee that goes toward providing all of the fun and activities and necessities to make Santa Paws Pawty memorable!

Keeping Your Cat Happy & Healthy: Simple Tips Every Cat Parent Can Use

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lying cat

At The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa, we’ve cared for thousands of whiskered guests over the years, and one thing is always true—cats thrive when they feel safe, loved, and understood. Whether your cat is a confident explorer or a cozy snuggler, their overall wellness depends on a balance of comfort, nutrition, enrichment, and routine care.

Here’s a friendly, down-to-earth guide to keeping your feline feeling their very best.

Create a Peaceful Place They Can Call Their Own

Cats are independent by nature, but they’re also creatures of comfort. You can create a private, peaceful oasis for your cat by offering them

  • A soft place to nap
  • A tall perch or cat tree to overlook the “kingdom”
  • A predictable daily routine
  • A quiet nook where they can retreat when life gets too noisy

A calm space helps your cat feel secure—and security is the first building block of good health.

Nourish Them With Good Food & Fresh Water

Healthy cats start with healthy meals. Choose a high-quality diet that fits your cat’s age and activity level, and make sure fresh water is always available. Many cats love moving water, so a small fountain can encourage them to drink more.

Keep Their Mind & Body Active

Cats may spend a lot of time lounging, but they still want to play, explore, and engage with their surroundings. A little daily enrichment goes a long way! Try:

Domestic gray cat playing with feather toy
  • Feather wand play for exercise
  • Puzzle feeders for mental stimulation
  • Window perches to watch birds and squirrels
  • Regular brushing to keep their coat soft and reduce hairballs

At The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa, enrichment is part of our philosophy—happy cats are healthy cats.

Stay Ahead of Health Issues

Preventive care is one of the most loving things you can do for your cat. Regular vet visits, dental care, flea prevention, and weight checks help catch small issues before they become bigger ones.

Also pay attention to changes in your cat’s behavior as they may indicate that something is wrong. Here are some signs your kitty may be ill or in need of a check up:

  • Hiding more than usual
  • Eating less
  • Over-grooming
  • Acting irritable or restless

Cats are masters at hiding discomfort, so small changes can say a lot.

Stress-Free Cat Boarding at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

There may be times when you need to travel, remodel, or simply can’t be home—and your cat deserves a safe, peaceful place to stay. The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa offers a calm, comfortable cat boarding experience that helps your feline feel right at home.

Our cat lodging is:

  • Completely separate from dogs to maintain a quiet, stress-free stay
  • Designed with multi-level condos so cats can climb, perch, and relax
  • Clean, secure, and climate-controlled
  • Cared for by a loving, attentive team who treats every cat as family

If you want your cat to enjoy a relaxing vacation of their own, we’d love to welcome them.
Call The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa to reserve your cat’s stay today!

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa Helps a Rescue Dog

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When four-year-old rescue dog, Church, named after country singer Eric Church, found himself in need of an immediate boarding facility, The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa stepped up to help.

Church’s foster needed help boarding Church to care for her sick pup and turned to the kindness of The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa to lend a helping hand.

“I’ve known the Gamache family for more than 10 years,” said Church’s foster, “and Michael immediately put me in touch with Reagan to make arrangements to keep Church for a few days until another foster could be found.”

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa are Supports of Animal Rescue

This is not the first time The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa has stepped up to help rescue dogs. Twice they have created calendars featuring dogs of The Ranch and sold them to customers, giving half of the profits to local animal rescues.

Some of the clients at The Ranch are foster dogs, saved from euthanasia from overcrowded shelters or from owners who can no longer care fore their dogs.

Help Find Church a Home

Church was once a dog facing euthanasia at the Stanislaus Animal Shelter. But volunteers and advocates of the shelter spotlighted Church and several other dogs whose lives were at risk due to overcrowding.

Church is a 3-4 year-old yellow lab mix with a heart shape on his head and a bigger heart of gold. He wants nothing more than to love his person and be loved.

Church is very mellow for a lab, preferring to nap, often upside down, eat, eat, eat, and play with his stuffies. He lives harmoniously with other dogs and cats and has an eye for the ladies of the neighborhood.

Church loves his walks but is a once-around-the-block kind of guy who prefers to stop and smell the roses and not mark on anything.

His low energy and desire to stay near his person makes him a loyal dog but one that would do best with someone home more often that not.

Church loves water except when he needs a bath, is potty-trained, a quick learner, food motivated, and a pleasure to walk and take to dog parks. He is non-reactive and greets every dog he meets with a wagging tail.

Every person who has seen Church comments on how gorgeous he is, and he swallows up the love.

Church’s profile is on adoptapet.com. He has been waiting for a home for so long. If you are considering a dog that melts in your lap and whose face melts your heart, Church is your guy.

Contact The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa for Your Boarding Needs

If you are looking for boarding for your dog or cat, contact The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa. The king of all dog boarding facilities, The Ranch is the East Bay’s number one preferred destination for your dog or cat.

Temperature-controlled rooms, professional and friendly animal caretakers, toys, exercise ramps, and an inviting front entry are only some of the reasons are clients prefer The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa.

Contact us for your boarding needs today.

8 Amazing Ways Dogs Can Read People (Better Than You Think!)

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We already know dogs are smart—but it turns out, they might understand humans better than we realize. From sensing bad intentions to remembering a scent forever, here are some fascinating (and heartwarming) ways dogs pick up on behaviors we often miss.

1. They Know When Someone’s Being Mean

A study in the Journal of Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews showed that dogs can tell when someone treats you unfairly. Researchers tested this by having an actor stand next to a dog’s owner, who was struggling to open a sealed container. One actor helped, one stood by passively, and one refused to help at all.

When offered treats afterward, dogs gladly accepted from the helpful person, were mostly okay with the passive one, but avoided the person who refused to help. In other words—dogs remember who’s kind to their favorite human.

2. They Can Spot a Liar

In a Japanese study, dogs learned quickly not to trust someone who had tricked them. First, a person pointed to a container with treats. The dogs happily ran to it. But the second time, the person pointed to an empty container. When that same person later pointed to the treat container again… the dogs didn’t buy it. Once lied to, they weren’t fooled twice.

3. They Never Forget Their Owner’s Scent

Your scent is imprinted in your dog’s memory for life. When they catch a whiff of you—even after years apart—it triggers the “happy” part of their brain. Scientists have compared it to how a favorite perfume or cologne can instantly remind a human of someone they love.

4. They Read Facial Expressions

In an Austrian experiment, dogs were shown photos of unfamiliar people with happy or angry expressions. They consistently avoided touching the angry faces, even without knowing the people. This shows dogs understand the emotional meaning behind human expressions—even from strangers.

5. They Can Smell Bad Intentions

If your dog growls or avoids certain people, it may be because they sense your subtle, subconscious signals. You might be smiling and polite, but your body gives off tiny cues—like changes in scent caused by stress hormones—that your dog picks up instantly.


And yes, they really can smell fear. In one study of 694 people, anxious individuals were bitten more often by intimidating dogs than confident, calm people.

6. They Read Body Language (Like a Pro)

Dogs are masters of reading movement. Just as they watch other dogs to determine safety, they also pick up on every gesture we make. Even tiny shifts in posture, the way we hold our head, or how fast we move can give them important information about our mood or intentions.

7. They Can Detect Serious Illness

A dog’s nose is powerful enough to detect certain cancers, diabetes-related changes, and even diseases like malaria and Parkinson’s. Some trained dogs can predict seizures or migraines before they happen—literally saving lives.

8. They Know Which Dogs They Like (and Which They Don’t)

Just like with people, your dog’s reaction to another dog often comes down to body language and scent. If another dog’s stance feels threatening or their scent signals something “off,” your pup might bark, growl, or keep their distance.

Trust Your Dog’s Instinct

Dogs are incredible observers of the world—and of us. They’re not just reacting to what we say, but to how we move, smell, and feel.

So the next time your dog reacts strongly to a person or another dog, remember—they might just be picking up on something you can’t see.

Summer Safety Tips for Pets

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Hot weather can be dangerous for our furry friends, and it’s always a good idea to keep reminding ourselves how to prevent our pets from heat exhaustion, an expensive vet visit, or worse.

Follow these simple tips to keep your pets cool, healthy, and safe this summer. Need a safe place for your dog to cool off like Boomer? Try our doggie daycare! We have the only water park in the East Bay meant for dogs!

1. Keep Pets Indoors

Pets can overheat quickly, just like people. When it’s hot, limit outdoor time—especially during the middle of the day—and make sure they have a cool space indoors with air conditioning or fans. Overheating can lead to serious health issues.

2. Never Leave Pets in the Car

Even on mild days, a parked car can become dangerously hot in minutes—even with the windows cracked. Every year, pets suffer or die from being left in cars. Always leave them at home where it’s safe and cool.

3. Visit the Vet

Schedule a check-up in spring or early summer. Make sure your pet is protected against fleas, ticks, and heartworm—these are more common in warmer months. A quick visit to the vet now can prevent bigger problems later.

4. Walk During Cooler Hours

Avoid walking dogs in the heat of the day. Early morning or late evening is best. Hot pavement can burn their paws, and they can overheat quickly. Always carry water and watch for signs of exhaustion like heavy panting or slowing down.

5. Provide Shade and Water

If your pet spends time outdoors, make sure they have plenty of fresh, clean water and a shady place to rest. Dehydration and heatstroke can come on fast in hot weather.

6. Know Heat-Sensitive Breeds

Some dogs—like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus—are more vulnerable to heat due to their short noses. Older pets, puppies, and overweight animals also need extra care. Watch them closely in warm weather.

7. Don’t Shave Their Coat

It may seem like shaving your pet will keep them cool, but their fur actually helps regulate body temperature. A light trim is fine, but don’t remove their coat entirely. When in doubt, talk to a groomer.

8. Avoid Stagnant Water

Swimming can be fun, but ponds or lakes with still water may contain toxic algae. Stick to clean water sources like sprinklers or running streams, and always rinse your pet after swimming—especially in saltwater.

9. Keep Pets Safe During Fireworks

Loud fireworks can frighten pets and cause them to run away. Keep pets indoors during celebrations, and make sure they have a quiet, safe place to hide. Check your yard for firework debris the next day.

10. Use Pet-Safe Sunscreen

Pets can get sunburn too, especially on hairless or lightly pigmented areas like the nose, ears, belly, and groin. Use sunscreen made for pets, and keep them out of direct sunlight during peak hours.

11. Avoid the Beach Unless Prepared

If you bring your pet to the beach, provide shade and lots of fresh water. Sand and saltwater can be harsh—rinse your pet off after swimming, and keep an eye out for signs of overheating.

12. Watch Out for Chemicals

Avoid letting pets walk on recently treated lawns or drink from puddles near sprayed areas. Also, check for coolant leaks from cars—antifreeze is sweet-tasting but deadly. Use pet-safe products whenever possible.

13. Keep ID Tags and Microchips Updated

If your pet gets scared and runs off, proper ID can help them get home. Make sure they wear a tag with current info and consider a microchip for added security.

14. Learn the Signs of Overheating

A relaxed Hungarian vizsla enjoys the cool shade of a table amidst vibrant greenery in a tranquil garden setting

Watch for heavy panting, drooling, vomiting, red or purple gums, or your pet lying down and refusing to move. These are signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke—get them to a vet right away.

15. Cool Treats for Hot Days

Make dog- or cat-friendly frozen treats at home using ingredients like peanut butter, broth, or wet food. These “pupsicles” or “catsicles” are a fun and easy way to help pets cool down.

Final Reminder:

If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet. Keep them safe, cool, and hydrated all summer long—they depend on you!

Have a safe and healthy summer from all of us at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa!