Consider this, if you are considering a pet sitter!

Meadowlake Pet Resort is dedicated to quality care for your pet and we truly feel that we are the best solution for all your pet care needs. However, we understand that there are other options when deciding where your pet should stay when you are away. Having a a trusted individual come to your home or taking your pet to someone else's home is an option that some people choose, but may not always be the best for your pet.

What can Meadowlake do that a home pet sitter can't?

1. Attention - while you are away your pet while seek out more attention than usual. Not having that attention will result in added stress. In a high quality facility, potty breaks, feeding times, treats, play times and other activities will provide your pet with the attention they strive for. A pet sitter may only be able to visit your home for a limited amount of time each day.

2. Experience - a boarding facility will have trained staff that love and care for the guests as if they were their own. Meadowlake's highly qualified staff have pet CPR and first aid training and many employees are Pet Care Services Association certified. Be sure to ask potential pet caregivers about training. During an emergency, it could save your pet's life.

3. Excitement - Increased amount of time at home alone may cause extreme boredom, which often leads to destructive behavior such as chewed furniture, rugs, accidents inside, holes in the yard and much more. Many resorts offer exciting activities, calm settings and a variety of stimulating interactions a day that will help minimize this behavior.

4. Safety - A premium facility will be well maintained, clean and pose no safety hazards to your pet. Your pet will be monitored by a trained staff member when spending time outside of their accomodations. In many cases, facilities have surveillance cameras, state of art alarm systems, generators, and staff present for the majority of the day. You will always find comfort in knowing that your pet is safe.

A quality pet resort such as Meadowlake can offer your pet extra services that a pet sitter will not be able to offer. Such services include quality training programs, exceptional grooming services, group play options, pool time, unique supplies and more.

Meet our Daycare Manager-Stacy Weightman



Stacy has always been a huge animal lover and has been the proud owner of numerous rescued animals throughout her life. From ducks to dogs, Stacy has cared for them all! Originally from the Dallas area, Stacy moved to Houston three years ago to complete her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Houston Downtown. After graduating, Stacy moved to Galveston with her 3 year old rescued Pit Bull mix, Bogart. She joined the Meadowlake Team in August as the Daycare Manager. Stacy is a Level II Certified Advanced Pet Care Technician through the PCSA, Pet Care Services Association, a Board Member of the Galveston Island Humane Society, and has extensive training in off-leash group play.

Stacy is very passionate about the benefits of daycare. She says, “One of the most important factors affecting your pet’s socialization is the frequency of positive social interactions that are facilitated by attending a stable daycare pack. Dogs are creatures of habit and by attending daycare on a regular basis, you are helping to create a happy, healthy, and most importantly, well-socialized canine.” 

Meadowlake's DockDog Event makes the Chronicle!



Meadowlake held the first Intro to DockDogs event for this year on January 22nd, 2011. We were proud to introduce several first time jumpers to the sport! The Chronicle was there to catch all the action! Click on this link to read the whole article!
Join us for our next event on February 19th from 11-1pm. Please call Meadowlake for more information! 713-413-1633!
We hope to see you there!

Meet Meadowlake's Owner!



Carroll Robertson Ray

A native Houstonian and life–long animal lover, Carroll is the proud mom of Rose and Lex Hochner, the happy owner of Miss Abigail, her rescue cat and Miss Harley, her rescue dog. She has been an active business woman all her life. Carroll studied the kennel business extensively before assembling a team of dedicated experts to assist in the design, construction and staffing of her own unique pet resort, named after her favorite childhood street. Carroll is involved with many Houston area community organizations. Gov Rick Perry recently appointed her a Regent of the University of Houston. She serves on the boards of the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Houston Ballet Foundation and the Neuhaus Center.

Find out more about Meadowlake and all the staff on our website.

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Choosing a First Pet For Your child

Children are fascinated by animals, and rightly so.   Animals can teach children about science, friendship and love. It seems natural that many children beg their parents for a pet early in life. Having a pet can teach them a great amount of responsibility; however, it is the parent’s responsibility to choose the correct pet for their child. With so many choices out there, here are some good tips on how to make the right choice.

1)      Research different types of pets and evaluate your child’s interests. Dogs, cats, guinea pigs, fish and even reptiles can make good first pets depending on how mature your child is and the type of role they will be able to play in taking care of the animal. If your child is old enough, ask them to do research too. Take them to the library, help them do searches online and have them report their findings back to you.

*Did you know that exotic pets such as chinchillas, sugar gliders, hedgehogs, ferrets and many birds require specialized handling, food, vet care and an expertise that is acquired through years of experience? These are not good 1^st time pets for kids.

2)      Once your research is done, determine what amount of work your child will be able to contribute to the care of the pet. Can they take a dog for a walk? Scoop a cat litter pan? Clean out a hamster cage? Or are they only old enough to feed an animal? Once you decide what level of work they are able to do, you must decide how much YOU are willing to do. Keep in mind, that whatever your child can’t do, will fall back to you. How much do you have time for?

3)      Also remember that children often lose interest in their new pet over time. They also may become involved in more school activities, sports or other things that keep them from giving their pet all the care and attention it needs. If this is the case, you are responsible for providing the pet with a happy and healthy life. Remember this when choosing the pet.

4)      How much are you willing to spend? Hamsters will cost about $100 for all the supplies you need to get started and cost little to maintain. On the other hand, a reptile may cost several hundred for special heating and lighting elements. A dog will require much more with needed vaccines, regular vet checkups, training classes, toys, food, grooming and more. Make sure you are willing to budget in the daily/monthly and annual cost of your new pet for the lifetime of the pet.

5)      What type of interaction do you want your child to have with the pet? Dogs, cats, ferrets and other small animals require hours of hands on attention every day. Your child will be in direct contact with the pet. They must be at an age to understand how to pet gently and give positive attention to the animal. If they are not old enough for this, you may want to consider a caged animal such as a fish or hamster.

6)      Are there any allergies in the family? If so, pick a hypoallergenic pet. Fish, reptiles and many breeds of dogs and cats fit into this category.

7)      How long will the pet live? Pets are a lifetime commitment. Make sure that you discuss this with the entire household and you are ready to care for the animal until it passes. A hamster or gerbil may only live 2-4 years, but certain species of birds can live well into their 80’s and 90’s!

8)      Smaller is not necessarily better! Hamsters and gerbils are a very common first pet; however, they are usually not the best choice. It takes them time to become accustomed to being held. Prior to that your child may suffer many bites. They are also hard to hold on to…small children tend to squeeze too hard or drop the pet which can injure or even kill them. There are other small animals that are easier to handle like a guinea pig. If your child insists on a hamster or gerbil, consider not allowing your child to handle them.

9)      Once you decide on a pet, be ready and willing to purchase all the necessary supplies for the animal. Skimping on supplies to avoid a large initial bill is not in the best interest of the animal. To make the animal’s life healthy and happy and to teach responsibility to your child, purchase everything you need as soon as you pick out your new family member.

10)   The last thing to consider is where find your pet. There are many abandoned animals, including birds, reptiles and even mice, available for adoption in shelters across the country that would make wonderful pets. If you decide to purchase an animal from a pet store or breeder, make sure that they are reputable. Get recommendations from friends or family and research them first.

Above all, remember that once you choose your pet, it is part of the family. Learn all you can about the animal, take care of it properly and foster the type of loving, responsible care that your child can offer your new family member.

Intro to DockDogs this weekend!

Meadowlake Pet Resort is hosting an Intro to DockDogs class every month.  This event will include a brief presentation about this fast growing sport, which features dogs jumping into a pool in a high-flying pursuit of a ball or toy.  Meadowlake staff will help you find the best way to get started with your dog.  Dogs of all sizes, shapes and breeds can try their paws at dock diving.  If your canine doesn’t want to jump in, they can walk down the ramp into the pool.  The cost to attend is $10 for each dog, free for people.  Don't have a dog? come watch for free! Dogs need to have proof that vaccinations are up to date.  The dates for the Intro to DockDogs events are;

January 22, 2011 from 11 AM – 1 PM

February 19, 2011 from 11 AM – 1PM

March 19, 2011 from 11 AM – 1 PM

April 23, 2011 from 11 AM – 1 PM

Socialize your dog while saving money with $20 Tuesdays!

Meadowlake Pet Resort announces a new Doggie Daycare special, Twenty Dollar Tuesdays.  This special  will be available every Tuesday for clients who enroll their dog in Doggie Daycare.  Those dogs will receive a bath (shampoo, nail trim, ear cleaning and towel dry) and a half a day of Doggie Daycare for only twenty dollars.  “One of the most important factors affecting your pet’s socialization is the frequency of positive social interactions that are facilitated by attending a stable daycare pack,” explains Daycare Manager Stacy Weightman.  “Dogs are creatures of habit and by attending daycare on a regular basis, you are helping to create a happy, healthy, and most importantly, well-socialized canine.”  All dogs must be evaluated before enrollment.  Visit www.meadowlakepetresort.com/daycare to fill out your dog’s Daycare Evaluation Form then call 713-413-1633 to schedule a reservation.      

Plan to have a baby in 2010? Here is how to help your furry kid adjust!

Having a baby is an exciting and stressful time. The preparations start months in advance and include many alterations to your house and your routine. All of these changes can be quite confusing to the family dog. Often times, the baby arrives and the pet’s world is turned upside down. Their reaction to this stress can include everything from being possessive over the new baby to lashing out at you or your precious little one. The good news is that there are many ways that you can help prepare your pet for the addition to come. Following these tips can help to ensure that your pet is more at ease when the baby comes, and will lessen the chances that you will ever have to consider finding the pet a new home.

Several months before the due date make sure that your dog is up to date on all vaccines and is current on flea and heartworm medications. Complete any necessary procedures during this time.

Discuss with other members of the household how things will change once the baby comes. Will someone else be responsible for feeding or walking the dog? Will you be moving the dog’s sleeping location, food bowls, toys or other items? If any of these things will change, gradually start now. By the time the baby arrives, the dog will be accustomed to the new routine.

Stock up on any necessary pet supplies now. The last thing you want is to realize you’re out of dog food when the baby finally falls asleep! Get plenty now so you don’t have to worry about it later. Please keep in mind that switching a dog’s food can cause additional stress and intestinal issues. Keep the food the same, or switch long before the baby comes.

As you bring new baby supplies into the house, allow the dog to sniff and explore them.  It is not appropriate for your pet to be investigating the new and “foreign” objects in their home when your baby is in them.

Decide if the dog will be allowed into the nursery. If not, you may decide to put up a baby gate in the doorway or train the dog to stay out of the room. Remember, either way he should be allowed a chance to investigate the room first.

Purchase a c.d. of baby noises and play it regularly for the pet. Crying, whining and screaming can be very disturbing to dogs the first time they hear it, especially if you seem panicked about it. Allowing them to hear these sounds before the baby’s arrival will help the dog (and you) get used to the added noise that will soon fill your household.

Purchase a small doll or wrap a blanket up and act like you are holding a baby several times throughout the day. Monitor how the dog reacts to this situation. Does he still try to jump on your lap? Start redirecting his behavior now. Every time he jumps, firmly say “no” and give him a dog toy to play with instead. The dog needs to understand that it is not play or cuddle time when you are holding the baby. This will also help your pet adjust to the decreased amount of attention that he may receive. If this experiment goes poorly, it is a very good time to enroll in a professional training class.

Speaking of training…make sure that you keep up with your pet’s regular behaviors such as sit, come, stay and lay down. These behaviors will be needed often as visitors come and go to see the new addition to the family. Keep in mind that positive reinforcement is the best way to train your dog and ensure the retention of his behaviors. Praise him for all the good things he does and make sure that he knows he is part of the family…but not the only part!

Prior to leaving the hospital, bring home a blanket or piece of clothing that smells like your newborn. The dog should be able to smell this before meeting the little one.

When you do come home, mom should enter the house without the baby in arms. Typically mom has been away from the house the longest and your faithful companion will want to greet you with hugs and licks and will appreciate being allowed to do so.

With solid training, attention to detail regarding routines and an early introduction to the sights, sounds and smells of the new baby, the stress of bringing baby home should be kept to a minimum. Be patient and reach out for advice from a professional if needed. Thousands of families enjoy the company of their pet as they bring children into the world. You can be one of them too!

A New Year Brings New Hope to Dogs

Meadowlake Pet Resort ended 2010 with the introduction of our newest program, A New Leash on Life:

A New Leash on Life is a unique training program designed to give rescued dogs a better chance at finding their adoptive family. Many rescued dogs have never been properly trained and lack the basic manners needed to find their forever home.
Meadowlake saw this as an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of these dogs. Meadowlake partnered with rescue organizations to offer socilaization and obedience to dogs in need, free of charge.
The program takes place at Meadowlake where the rescued dog resides for 30 days while learning important skills and house manners. The dog will also engage in a healthy daycare group play environment several times a week after undergoing an evaluation of his/her social skills.
Meadowlake's trainer, Tori Hankey, teaches the dog how to walk properly on a leash, that it is not polite to jump, to come when called and basic commands such as sit and stay.
At the end of the program, the dog is ready to integrate into a true family environment where he can continue working on his commands in his forever home.
We are so proud of this program and thrilled to be able to help dogs get a new start on life in 2011!