Spring break dog boarding in Houston: planning your dog's stay

Spring break in Houston means beach trips, ski weekends, visits to grandparents and, for a lot of families, the first real vacation since the holidays. It also means many people are looking for spring break dog boarding in Houston at the same time. A little planning now makes it much easier to get the dates you want and to send your dog off healthy, packed and ready. This guide walks through when to book, what to check before your trip, and how to make the stay easy on your dog.

When is spring break in Houston?

Most Houston-area school districts take spring break in March, but the exact week varies by district, and private schools and universities often pick different weeks. If your household includes kids at different schools, or a college student coming home, your travel window might be longer than one week.

Check your district's or school's official calendar before you book anything. Then count the nights your dog will actually need, from the night you leave to the night you return.

Why spring break fills up

Spring break travel overlaps across many schools at once, and plenty of families leave on the same Friday or Saturday. That means weekends around spring break are some of the busiest times for boarding.

Book early, especially for weekend departures

Weekend boarding at Pawliday Inn has a two-night minimum. If you're leaving on a Friday or Saturday, factor that in when you plan. If you're flexible about which day you drop off or pick up, mention it when you call. It can help.

Understand the cancellation rules

Boarding reservations take a deposit, with the balance due at pick-up. Standard reservations can be cancelled more than 48 hours ahead for a deposit refund. Holiday reservations have a longer seven-day cancellation window, and the deposit covers the full stay. Check our policies page or call us to confirm which rules apply to your dates.

Many of the same tips from our guide on booking holiday dog boarding early apply to spring break, too.

Check vaccines before March

Every dog needs current Rabies, DHPP and Bordetella vaccinations, plus regular flea, tick and intestinal parasite prevention. Vaccines need to be current for the whole stay, not just the day you book.

Spring break is a common time for vet offices to get busy, so look at your dog's records in January or February. If a booster comes due in March, schedule it early. Our article on vaccines required for boarding and daycare explains each one.

Spring is flea and tick season

Houston's mild winters mean fleas and ticks never fully go away, and they pick up as the weather warms. Make sure your dog's prevention is up to date before boarding, and ask your vet if you're unsure which product fits your dog.

Getting your dog ready

First time boarding? Do a trial run

If your dog has never boarded, consider a single night or a daycare day a few weeks before spring break. It lets your dog learn the place, the people and the routine before a longer stay. Daycare at Pawliday Inn starts with a free meet and greet.

Pack familiar things

We encourage you to bring your dog's own food, toys and blankets. Your dog's own food helps avoid an upset stomach, and familiar smells help many dogs settle in. Our packing list for dog boarding covers the details, including medication and routine notes.

Share your dog's history

Please tell us about any aggression, fearfulness, resource guarding, separation anxiety, escape tendencies, or prior bites or injuries. If storms make your dog nervous, tell us that too. Spring in Houston can bring loud thunderstorms.

What your dog's stay includes

Pawliday Inn is staffed 24/7. Overnight guests get breakfast and dinner, three scheduled potty breaks a day separate from daycare, and free yard play. Kennels come in small, medium and large sizes.

Optional add-ons include walks, basic baths and extra meals. A basic bath before pick-up is a nice way to bring home a fresh dog after a week away.

For more about our overnight care, see dog boarding in Houston.

Plan your drop-off and pick-up around our hours

Boarding is available seven days a week. Many families fly home on Sunday at the end of spring break, so if that's your plan, call ahead to arrange a Sunday pick-up time. A late pick-up fee applies after 6:30 p.m.

Pawliday Inn is at 11206 Cedarhurst Dr in southwest Houston. Look for the larger-than-life pup on our building.

A simple spring break timeline

• January: Check your school calendar. Look at vaccine due dates.
• Early February: Book boarding. Schedule any vet visits.
• Late February: Do a trial daycare day or single night if your dog is new to us.
• The week before: Portion food, pack medication and favorite items, and confirm drop-off time.
• Drop-off day: Keep goodbyes short and calm.

Prepaid night packages are available, and current rates are on our homepage.

Frequently asked questions

How early should I book spring break dog boarding?

As early as you know your dates. Weekends around spring break are busy, so booking several weeks ahead gives you the best chance at the days you want.

Is spring break treated as a holiday reservation?

Call us or check our policies page to confirm which cancellation rules apply to your dates before you finalize travel.

Can I pick my dog up on Sunday?

Yes, by appointment. Call ahead to set a time.

My dog is scared of thunderstorms. Can they still board?

Yes. Tell us when you book so staff know. If your dog's storm anxiety is severe, talk with your vet before your trip.