Pawliday Inn
Houston has two big airports, and they sit on opposite sides of town. Whether you're flying out of William P. Hobby on the southeast side or George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) up north, the hardest part of the trip often isn't the flight. It's figuring out where your dog stays and how to fit drop-off around a departure time. Pawliday Inn offers dog boarding for Houston travelers from our home on Cedarhurst Dr in southwest Houston, with staff on site 24/7 and boarding available seven days a week.
This page is about the travel side: timing drop-off and pick-up around flights, and how to keep the day of your trip calm for you and your dog.
Dog boarding for Houston travelers: plan around your flight, not the other way around
The single most useful tip we can give: don't try to drop your dog off on the way to the airport if your flight leaves early. Our weekday hours start at 7:00 a.m., and morning traffic in Houston is unpredictable. A stressful rush helps nobody, including your dog, who picks up on your mood.
Instead, many travelers:
- Book one extra night at the start of the stay.
- Drop off during regular hours the afternoon or evening before the flight.
- Head to the airport from home the next morning with nothing to juggle but luggage.
The same idea works on the way home. If your flight lands late in the evening, plan to pick up the next day rather than racing across town. Pick-up after 6:30 p.m. carries a late fee, and a tired drive after a long travel day is not much fun anyway.
Our hours at a glance
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. |
| Saturday | 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Sunday | By appointment |
Boarding guests stay with us all seven days. The hours above are for drop-off, pick-up and front-desk visits. If you're returning on a Sunday, call us at (346) 522 4472 ahead of time to set up an appointment.
Getting here from each airport
We only give directions in general terms, because Houston traffic changes by the hour.
- From Hobby: Hobby sits on the southeast side of the city. Most trips between Hobby and our part of southwest Houston use the South Loop (I-610), then local roads such as South Main (US-90A), Fondren or Hillcroft down to Cedarhurst Dr.
- From IAH: Bush Intercontinental is on the far north side, so the trip crosses much of the city. Many drivers come south on the freeways toward the Loop, then work their way to the southwest side. Give yourself a generous buffer, especially at rush hour or on a Friday afternoon.
Once you're close, look for the larger-than-life dog mural on our building. You can't miss it.
What your dog's stay includes
While you're in the air, your dog gets the same care every boarding guest receives:
- Staff on site 24/7
- Breakfast and dinner
- Three scheduled potty breaks, separate from daycare
- Free yard play
- A kennel sized to your dog: small, medium or large
Optional add-ons include walks, basic baths and extra meals. A basic bath near the end of the stay is a nice way to have your dog come home fresh after a week away. See our full dog boarding in Houston page for more on the overnight routine.
Bring a little bit of home
We encourage you to bring your dog's own food, toys and a blanket. Travel days can be hectic, so pack your dog's bag the night before you pack your own. Our boarding packing list covers the basics, and the post on why we ask for your dog's own food explains why it matters for sensitive stomachs.
Booking tips for flyers
Airline schedules change, and so do travel plans. A few things to know before you book:
- Book online. A card on file is required.
- Deposits and balances. Boarding reservations take a deposit, and the balance is due at pick-up.
- Standard cancellations. Standard boarding can be cancelled more than 48 hours ahead for a deposit refund.
- Holiday trips. Holiday reservations have a longer seven-day cancellation window, and the deposit is the full stay. If you're flying for Thanksgiving or winter break, read why to book holiday boarding early.
- Weekend trips. Weekend boarding has a two-night minimum.
- Frequent travelers. Prepaid night packages are available if you fly often. Rates change, so see current rates on our homepage.
Full details are on our policies page.
If your flight is delayed
Delays happen. If you're going to miss pick-up, call us as soon as you know. It's usually simpler for everyone to extend the stay by a night than to rush in after hours.
Before the first stay
Every boarding guest needs current Rabies, DHPP and Bordetella vaccinations, plus regular flea, tick and intestinal parasite prevention. Check that vaccines will stay current through your travel dates, not just on the day you book. Please also tell us about any behavior history, such as fearfulness, resource guarding, escape tendencies or separation anxiety, so we can plan the stay well.
If your dog has never boarded, a short trial night before a big trip is a smart move. You'll see how your dog settles, and your dog learns that you come back.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drop my dog off the night before an early flight?
Yes. Book an extra night and drop off during regular hours the day before you leave. It's the calmest way to start a trip.
My flight lands on Sunday. Can I pick up?
Sunday is by appointment. Call us at (346) 522 4472 before you travel to arrange it, or plan a Monday morning pick-up.
What if my trip is cancelled?
Standard boarding can be cancelled more than 48 hours ahead for a deposit refund. Holiday reservations have a seven-day cancellation window. See our policies page for the full details.
Can my cat stay too?
No. Pawliday Inn is for dogs only.