If ever there were a year of the pet, it had to be 2020 (and 2021, too, if we’re honest), a time we relied on our soft, fuzzy, kind of stinky, crazy, cuddly (perhaps even scaly, slithery, and slimy), always-loving pals to get us through some strange days indeed. As the pandemic has unfolded, some of us loved on the best buddies we already had, while others sought out new furry, feathered, or cold-blooded friends, leading Houston-area animal shelters to report record-number adoption rates.

Since they’ve helped us remain somewhat calm during such challenging times, now it’s time to give a little back in return—belly rubs, treats, and head pats, of course—but more than that. Let’s dig a little deeper (not under the fence, Fido!) to repay our pets by providing them with good times, great treats, and posh digs, along with tips on helping you both not just survive, but thrive, in this new normal.

In this guide to pampering your pals, you’ll find wellness tips for you and your fur babies, the best pet services in Houston you need to know about right now, plus stories to warm your heart and more—caution: cuteness overload ahead!

So here’s to all the H-Town pets out there. Let’s keep them well loved in 2021.