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Planning Holiday Travel? How to Prepare Your Dog for Boarding

A dog wearing deer antlers lays on a carpet in front of a Christmas tree.

The holiday season is here! Between planning trips, visiting family, and checking off your holiday shopping list, there's plenty to keep you busy. But while you're getting ready for your holiday adventures, don't forget to make plans for your dog, too! 

Whether you're traveling for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's, a little preparation can help make your dog's boarding experience comfortable, fun, and stress-free. In this guide, we'll review some simple ways to prepare your pup for holiday boarding and make the season enjoyable for everyone! 

1. Schedule a Trial Visit Before Your Trip 

If your dog is new to boarding, a trial visit is a great way to help them get comfortable before a longer stay. 

A PetSuites staff member plays with dogs in dog daycare.

A short visit allows your pup to explore a new environment, meet the team, and become familiar with the sights, sounds, and routines of boarding or daycare. 

First-time guests can take advantage of our free First Stay & Play offer at PetSuites! It's a fun, low-pressure way to introduce your dog to PetSuites before the holiday festivities begin. 

2. Book Your Dog's Holiday Boarding Stay Early 

The holidays are one of the busiest times of year for pet boarding, and reservations can fill up quickly. Booking ahead helps ensure your dog has a place to stay while giving you one less thing to worry about during the holiday rush. 

A dog sits on a bed in a PetSuites luxury dog boarding suite.

Planning early also gives you time to confirm vaccination requirements, choose from available suite upgrades and luxury boarding options, and prepare everything your dog needs for a comfortable stay.

Travel plans coming together? Explore PetSuites dog boarding services and reserve your pup's holiday getaway before spots fill up! 

3. Pack the Essentials and Keep Their Routine Consistent 

A little preparation can go a long way toward helping your dog feel right at home during their holiday stay. 

Here are a few simple tips: 

  • Stick to their routine: Keep regular feeding, walking, and sleeping schedules leading up to their stay. 

  • Pack the essentials: Bring their usual food, medications, and any permitted comfort items. 

  • Check health requirements: Confirm vaccinations and any necessary paperwork ahead of time. 

  • Keep drop-off positive: A calm, cheerful goodbye can help your pup settle into their holiday adventure. 

New to boarding? Check out our guide, what is dog boarding guide, for more helpful tips! 

4. Give Your Dog a Holiday Vacation of Their Own 

Just because you're heading out of town doesn't mean your dog can't enjoy a little getaway, too! 

Dogs wait for a holiday dog treat and a dog poses in a hat at PetSuites.

At PetSuites, our guests enjoy a fun, engaging environment with personalized care and plenty of opportunities for tail-wagging excitement. 

Depending on your dog's needs and location, their stay can include: 

  • Supervised group or individual playtime 

  • Comfortable accommodations and suite upgrades 

  • Fun enrichment activities to keep their minds engaged 

  • Plenty of attention and care from our team 

And the holiday fun doesn't stop there! PetSuites locations celebrate the season with festive activities like holiday photoshoots, themed enrichment games, and other special events. Your pup might even have a few adorable holiday photos to show off when you return! 

Whether your dog loves making new friends or prefers a more relaxed experience with individual play, we're here to help make their holiday stay special. 

5. Add a Little Holiday Grooming 

Want your dog looking and smelling their best for holiday reunions and family photos? Adding dog grooming services to their boarding stay is an easy way to treat your pup to a little extra pampering.

Dogs are groomed at PetSuites.

From refreshing baths and brushing to nail trims and de-shedding treatments, grooming can help your dog return home clean, comfortable, and ready for holiday cuddles! 

New to PetSuites grooming? Be sure to take advantage of our 20% off first full groom offer and treat your pup to a fresh holiday look!

6. Keep Your Pup Busy with Holiday Daycare 

Not traveling this holiday season? Between shopping, hosting guests, and preparing holiday meals, your schedule can still get pretty hectic! Dog daycare is a great way to keep your pup active, entertained, and socialized while you tackle your holiday to-do list. 

At PetSuites, our dog daycare programs offer supervised play, engaging activities, and plenty of opportunities for fun. New to PetSuites? Take advantage of our First Day Free offer and let your pup enjoy a day of play while you tackle your holiday to-do list.

7. Don't Forget Your Feline Friends! 

Have a cat at home, too? They deserve a comfortable holiday getaway! 

A cat relaxes in a boarding cat condo at PetSuites.

PetSuites offers cat boarding accommodations designed to provide feline guests with a relaxing environment, personalized attention, and optional enrichment opportunities. 

Explore our cat boarding services and make holiday arrangements for every furry member of the family! 

Make This Holiday Season Merry, Bright, and Stress-Free! 

The holidays should be filled with joy, not last-minute pet care worries. By planning ahead, preparing your dog for boarding, and exploring convenient grooming and daycare options, you can enjoy your travels knowing your furry family member is in caring hands. 

Ready to make holiday plans? Find your nearest PetSuites location and reserve your pet's holiday stay today!

Before we wrap up this holiday guide, we want to take a moment to recognize what truly matters this time of year: Our amazing staff, the pets who brighten our days, and the families who trust us to care for them.

Enjoy a behind the scenes moment with the PetSuites team in this short video full of gratitude, smiles, and the pets who make our days brighter.

A person dressed as the grinch poses in front of a PetSuites location.

From our entire PetSuites family, we wish you and your pets a joyful, safe, and stress-free holiday season full of good food, warm memories, and plenty of wagging tails!

Searching for more fun guides related to caring for your dog? Be sure to explore all of our content on the PetSuites blog!