Pawliday Inn
Some trips don't fit in a long weekend. A month abroad to see family, a work assignment out of state, a move between houses or a renovation that takes over your home all leave your dog needing a place to stay for more than a few nights. Long-term dog boarding in Houston works best when you plan it a little differently than a quick getaway. At Pawliday Inn, on Cedarhurst Dr in southwest Houston, overnight guests are cared for by staff on site 24/7, with the same daily routine whether they stay three nights or many more.
When long-term dog boarding makes sense
Long trips
Extended family visits, overseas travel and long work assignments are the most common reasons. If a pet sitter would need to move into your home for weeks, boarding is often simpler.
Moving house
Moving day is hard on dogs. Doors stay open, furniture disappears, and strangers carry boxes in and out. If you're moving within Houston, or moving out before your new place is ready, boarding your dog through the messiest days keeps them safe and out of the way.
Renovations and rebuilds
Many Houston homes, especially in neighborhoods near the bayous, have been raised, rebuilt or remodeled after flooding. Construction sites come with loud tools, loose nails and gates that don't always get closed. If you're staying with relatives or in a rental that doesn't allow dogs during the work, boarding can bridge the gap.
What every day looks like during a long stay
A long stay is made up of ordinary days. Each day includes:
- Staff on site 24/7
- Breakfast and dinner
- Three scheduled potty breaks a day, separate from daycare
- Free yard play
- A small, medium or large kennel, based on your dog's size
Optional add-ons include walks, basic baths and extra meals. On a long stay, a basic bath near the end means your dog comes home fresh. Extra walks can help active dogs burn energy over many days.
For more about our overnight care, see dog boarding in Houston.
How to prepare for an extended stay
Pack enough of your dog's own food
We encourage you to bring your dog's own food, and on a long stay that matters even more. A sudden switch in diet can upset some dogs' stomachs. Bring enough for the whole stay plus a little extra in case your plans change. Pre-portioned, labeled bags make every meal consistent.
Plan medications carefully
If your dog takes medication, count out what they'll need for the full stay, plus a few extra days. Keep it in the original labeled containers, and write clear instructions. If a refill will come due while you're gone, talk to your vet before you leave.
Check vaccine dates against your whole stay
Every dog needs current Rabies, DHPP and Bordetella vaccinations, plus regular flea, tick and intestinal parasite prevention. On a long stay, it's easy to miss a vaccine that expires halfway through. Check the due dates on your records against your return date and schedule any boosters with your vet ahead of time. If monthly flea and tick prevention will come due while you're away, ask your vet how to handle it.
Bring comfort from home
Toys and blankets that smell like home help many dogs settle. Our packing list for dog boarding covers what to bring and how to label it.
Tell us about your dog
On a long stay, small details matter more. Please tell us about any aggression, fearfulness, resource guarding, separation anxiety, escape tendencies, or prior bites or injuries, plus anything about routine, like how they eat or what calms them down.
If your dog tends to worry when you leave, read our guide on boarding a dog with separation anxiety. If your dog is older, tell us about any stiffness, hearing or vision changes, or special routines.
Leave good contact details
Give us a phone number where you can be reached, plus a local backup contact and your vet's details. Time zones and spotty phone service are common on long trips, so a backup person in Houston is especially helpful.
Booking and payment for long stays
You can book online, and a card on file is required. 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.
- Weekend boarding has a two-night minimum.
If your stay overlaps a holiday, plan for the holiday policy. Read our post on booking holiday dog boarding early if your trip touches Thanksgiving or the winter break.
Prepaid night packages are available. Rates change, so see current rates on our homepage. Full rules are on our policies page.
Because long stays take up space for a while, call us at (346) 522 4472 or email admin@paw-lidayinn.com before you lock in travel dates. We can talk through what you need.
Picking your dog up
Boarding is available seven days a week. Pick-up happens during our hours: Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday by appointment. A late pick-up fee applies after 6:30 p.m. If your flight lands late or on a Sunday, plan your pick-up time with us ahead of time.
After a long stay, give your dog a quiet day or two to settle back in. Extra sleep and thirst are common after a change in routine. If anything seems off, call your vet.
Frequently asked questions
How long can my dog board?
Call us to talk through your dates. Long stays depend on availability, so the earlier you reach out, the better.
Should I bring all of my dog's food at drop-off?
Yes, if you can. Bring enough for the full stay plus a little extra, portioned and labeled if possible.
What if my dog's vaccines expire during the stay?
Vaccines need to stay current for the whole stay. Check due dates and schedule boosters with your vet before you leave.
Are there packages for longer stays?
We offer prepaid night packages. See current rates on our homepage.