A weekend in Galveston, a drive to the Hill Country, a wedding in Austin or San Antonio: Houstonians take a lot of short trips. Weekend dog boarding in Houston makes those trips easier when bringing the dog isn't practical. At Pawliday Inn in southwest Houston, weekend stays get the same care as any other boarding stay, with staff on site 24/7. The main thing to know before you plan is that weekend boarding has a two-night minimum.
How weekend dog boarding works at Pawliday Inn
Boarding is available seven days a week. Our front desk hours shape when you can drop off and pick up:
| 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 |
Weekend boarding has a two-night minimum. For most families, that means a Friday drop-off and a Sunday or Monday pickup.
Why a two-night minimum?
A weekend stay is a real stay. Your dog settles in, eats breakfast and dinner on schedule, and gets potty breaks and yard play like every other boarding guest. Two nights also gives most dogs time to relax into the routine instead of spending a single unsettled night and going home.
Planning your drop-off and pickup
The schedule that works best depends on when you leave and when you're back.
Leaving Friday
Drop off on Friday during our weekday hours, before 6:30 p.m. If you're leaving straight from work, Friday afternoon traffic on the South Loop and other main roads can be slow, so give yourself a cushion. Some families drop off Friday morning on the way to work and leave town from the office.
Leaving Saturday morning
If your trip starts Saturday, you can drop off on Friday evening and leave early Saturday, or drop off Saturday during our 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. hours. Just remember the two-night minimum applies.
Coming back Sunday
Sunday is by appointment. If you'd like a Sunday pickup, arrange the time with us ahead of your trip so we know when to expect you. Call us at (346) 522 4472.
Coming back late Sunday or Monday
If you won't be back until Sunday night, a Monday pickup is often simpler. Our weekday hours run from 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and late pick-up after 6:30 p.m. has a fee. Remember that Monday adds a night to the stay, so book it that way.
What every weekend stay includes
- Staff on site 24/7
- Breakfast and dinner
- Three scheduled potty breaks, separate from daycare
- Free yard play
- A small, medium or large kennel, sized for your dog
Bring your dog's own food, plus a toy or blanket from home. A short stay is exactly when a sudden food switch can cause an upset stomach, and something familiar helps many dogs settle on the first night. Our boarding packing list covers the rest.
Add-ons for a short stay
You can add walks, basic baths or extra meals. A basic bath before Sunday or Monday pickup means your dog comes home clean and ready for the week.
Booking, deposits and cancellations
Weekend spots fill up, especially around holidays and in peak travel seasons. Here's how booking works:
- Book online. A card on file is required.
- Pay a deposit. Boarding reservations take a deposit, with the balance due at pick-up.
- Know the cancellation window. Standard boarding can be cancelled more than 48 hours ahead for a deposit refund.
- Holiday weekends are different. Holiday reservations have a longer seven-day cancellation window, and the deposit is for the full stay.
If your weekend falls on or near a holiday, check our policies or call to confirm which rules apply. Our guide on booking holiday dog boarding early explains why holiday dates book up.
If you take a lot of weekend trips, prepaid night packages can simplify things. See current rates on our homepage.
Requirements 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 still be current on your travel dates, not just today.
Please tell us about any known behavior, such as aggression, fearfulness, resource guarding, separation anxiety, escape tendencies, or prior bites or injuries. We may refuse service to dogs that don't meet the requirements or that show signs of illness or a contagious condition.
First time boarding?
A weekend is a good first stay. It's long enough for your dog to learn the routine and short enough that you're not gone long. If you're still deciding between boarding and having someone come to your house, read our comparison of dog boarding vs. a pet sitter. For an overview of all our overnight care, see our main dog boarding in Houston page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I board my dog for just Saturday night?
Weekend boarding has a two-night minimum, so a Saturday-only stay doesn't qualify. Friday and Saturday nights, or Saturday and Sunday nights, both work.
Can I pick up on Sunday?
Sunday is by appointment. Arrange a pickup time with us before your trip.
What if I'm running late on the way back?
Call us as soon as you know. Pickup after 6:30 p.m. has a late fee, and Sunday pickups need an appointment, so a Monday pickup may be easier if your return is uncertain.
What happens if my plans change?
Standard boarding can be cancelled more than 48 hours ahead for a deposit refund. Holiday reservations have a seven-day cancellation window.