Pawliday Inn
Every year, the same thing happens. Flights get booked in October, the family group chat lights up, and somewhere around the week before Thanksgiving someone asks, "Wait, where is the dog going?" If you plan to travel this season, holiday dog boarding in Houston is one of the first things to lock in, not the last. Here is why, and how holiday reservations work at Pawliday Inn.
Why holiday dog boarding in Houston fills up fast
Holidays bunch everyone's travel into the same few days. Thanksgiving week, the stretch around Christmas, and New Year's all see huge demand at the same time, and every boarding facility has a fixed number of kennels. Once they are full, they are full.
A few things make it worse in a city like Houston:
- School breaks line up. Many families travel the same weeks because school is out.
- Long trips. Holiday stays tend to be longer than a typical weekend, so each dog holds a kennel for more nights.
- Late planners compete with early ones. The families who book in early fall get first pick of dates and kennel sizes.
If your dog needs a specific kennel size, booking early matters even more. We have small, medium and large kennels, and the size you need may go before others.
How holiday reservations work at Pawliday Inn
Holiday reservations follow slightly different rules from regular stays. It is worth knowing them before you book so there are no surprises.
| Standard boarding | Holiday boarding | |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | A deposit, balance at pick up | A deposit for the full stay |
| Cancellation for a deposit refund | More than 48 hours ahead | Seven-day cancellation window |
Why the difference? When someone cancels a holiday stay at the last minute, that kennel usually stays empty, and another family who wanted it has already made other plans. The longer window and full-stay deposit help keep holiday spots available for the people who will actually use them.
Which dates count as a holiday stay can vary, so check our policies page or ask when you book. A card on file is required for all bookings.
A holiday boarding timeline
You do not need to do everything at once. Here is a simple way to space it out.
As soon as your travel dates are set
- Book your dog's stay online.
- Check that your dog's Rabies, DHPP and Bordetella vaccinations will still be current on your travel dates, not just today. If a booster is due, schedule it with your vet now, since vet appointments get busy in December too. Our guide to the vaccines required for boarding explains each one.
- Confirm your dog is on regular flea, tick and intestinal parasite prevention.
Two weeks before
- Make sure you have enough of your dog's food and any medication to cover the whole stay, plus a little extra in case your return is delayed.
- If your dog is new to us, consider a daycare day or a short stay ahead of time so the building is familiar.
A few days before
- Pack. Our what to pack for dog boarding checklist covers food, toys, blankets and the notes our staff will find useful.
- Mark your calendar with the cancellation deadline, so you are not caught out if plans change.
Drop off day
Drop off within our hours: Monday to Friday 7:00 am to 6:30 pm, Saturday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, and Sunday by appointment. Holiday travel days are busy, so leave a little extra time.
What your dog's holiday stay looks like
Holidays are busy for us, but the care does not change. Every boarding guest gets staff on site 24/7, breakfast and dinner, three scheduled potty breaks a day separate from daycare, and free yard play. You can add walks, basic baths or extra meals. A basic bath before pick up is popular when dogs are heading home to visiting relatives.
Learn more on our dog boarding in Houston page, or see current rates on our homepage.
Holiday safety, before and after the trip
The days around a holiday trip are often when dogs get into trouble at home. A few general reminders:
- Keep plates, trash and leftovers out of reach. Many rich holiday foods, bones and sweets can make dogs sick. Ask your vet if you are unsure about a specific food.
- Watch the front door when guests arrive. Excited dogs slip out easily.
- Fireworks around New Year's frighten many dogs. If yours is anxious, talk with your vet ahead of time.
Frequently asked questions
How early should I book Thanksgiving or Christmas boarding?
As soon as your travel dates are firm. Holiday spots are limited and go to whoever books first.
Can I cancel a holiday reservation?
Holiday reservations have a seven-day cancellation window, longer than the 48 hours for standard stays. See our policies page for full details.
Why is the holiday deposit for the full stay?
Late holiday cancellations usually leave a kennel empty that another family could have used. The full-stay deposit helps keep holiday spots for owners who need them.
Is boarding open on the holidays themselves?
Boarding is available seven days a week. Call us at (346) 522 4472 to confirm drop off and pick up times around a specific holiday.