What’s the Rush for Holiday Boarding Availability?
Holidays are creeping up on us, which means making plans for a holiday getaway, but if your furry friend isn’t able to tag along, last-minute dog boarding could cause problems. Just like a Black Friday rush, holiday boarding space runs out quickly! Book your dog’s boarding this September to reduce stress during your holiday vacation!
It’s easy to put off booking when the holidays still feel far away, but the weeks around Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Eve are consistently our busiest of the year. Families across Salem are already thinking about travel plans, and many are securing their dog’s spot before the leaves even start to change. Waiting until October or November often means the most convenient dates are gone, leaving you scrambling to rearrange plans or leaving your dog with a facility you haven’t had time to properly vet.
The Hotel Rooms are Filling Up and So are Ours!
Our boarding system is similar to booking a hotel room: we have limited space, especially around the holidays, so book your dog early before we get too close to the holiday season! Our facility is a place of comfort for your dogs, and to fully experience the joy of the holidays, it is best to book for boarding sooner rather than later. Don’t wait to book your or your pets’ hotel!
Think of it this way: you wouldn’t wait until the week of your trip to book a flight or hotel room during peak travel season, and the same logic applies to your dog’s boarding. The earlier you reserve, the more choice you have over dates, room types, and add-ons like extra playtime or grooming. It also means you can plan the rest of your holiday logistics around a confirmed drop-off and pick-up schedule, rather than leaving it as a loose end.
What Does Last-Minute Boarding Do for Your Dog?
Last-minute planning is stressful for most people, and dogs are very empathetic creatures, so when you are trying to find holiday pet boarding too close to the holiday and most spots are booked, they can feel the stress. We don’t want your boarding here in Salem to be something to be anxious about; we want you to be able to celebrate, party, and enjoy your holiday, and we want the same for your pup!
Dogs thrive on routine and familiarity, and a rushed, unfamiliar boarding experience can leave them anxious well before you’ve even left for your trip. When boarding is booked at the last minute, there’s often no time for a settling-in visit, no chance to update paperwork calmly, and less opportunity for our team to learn your dog’s individual quirks and preferences. Booking ahead means your dog can ease into their stay, rather than being thrown into it, which makes for a calmer experience for everyone involved.
Advice for Booking Ahead of Time
Booking early isn’t just about securing a space, though. It gives you time to sort out the details that make for a smoother stay, update vaccination records, complete paperwork, and arrange a settling-in visit if your dog is new to boarding. It also means our team can plan ahead properly, so every dog in our care gets the time and attention they deserve, rather than being squeezed in at the last minute.
Our honest advice is simple: don’t wait until the last few weeks before your trip. Booking your dog for boarding early gives you better availability, often better rates, and most importantly, real peace of mind that your dog is looked after while you’re away.
How to Make the Most of Your Booking
Once you’ve secured your dog’s booking, a few simple steps can make the process even smoother. Take a moment to double-check that your dog’s vaccination records are current, since most boarding facilities, including ours, require up-to-date proof before your dog can stay. If your dog hasn’t boarded with us before, consider scheduling a quick settling-in visit so they can get familiar with the space, the smells, and the staff before the big drop-off day. It’s also worth packing a few home comforts, like a favorite blanket or toy, to help your dog feel more at ease during their stay. Small steps like these, taken well ahead of time, make a noticeable difference in how relaxed your dog feels once the holiday rush actually begins.
What are the Benefits of Booking Ahead?
- Stress-free planning for the holidays
- Gives time to socialize your dog before boarding
- Prepares staff for future availability
- Better rates and flexible cancellation options.
Just as importantly, booking early helps our team prepare properly and keep track of boarding availability, so every dog gets the space and attention they deserve. The result? Less hassle for you, a smoother experience for your dog, and total peace of mind while you enjoy your holiday.