Holiday Travel Tips: Boarding Your Pet While You’re Away
The holidays bring a mix of excitement, celebration, and—let’s be honest—a bit of chaos. Between travel plans, visiting family, and attending events, pet owners often face a big decision: Where will your pet stay while you’re away? For many families, holiday pet boarding provides a dependable, secure, and comforting solution. With a little preparation, your pet can enjoy a positive, engaging stay while you enjoy a stress-free trip.
Below are helpful strategies to make the boarding experience smooth for both you and your four-legged family member.
Start Early—Holiday Spots Fill Quickly
Demand for Florida kennel boarding always increases during November and December. Because many facilities book out weeks (sometimes months) before major holidays, early planning ensures you get the exact dates you need. Reserving in advance also gives you time to gather vaccination records, schedule a tour, or prepare any special belongings your pet will bring.
Keep Your Pet’s Routine in Mind
Pets thrive on predictable habits, and a sudden shift can be overwhelming, especially during a high-energy season. When choosing a holiday pet boarding option, look for a facility that supports structured feeding times, regular exercise, and plenty of human interaction. If your pet has a specific routine you follow at home, write it down so the staff can keep things familiar.
Small details like feeding instructions, medication schedules, and favorite play styles help create a smoother adjustment once your pet arrives.
Pack Comfort Items That Smell Like Home
Even in the most comfortable environment, the holidays can be overstimulating for pets who aren’t used to new surroundings or extra noise. Bringing items with a familiar scent can help ease the transition. Consider adding:
- A used T-shirt or blanket
- A favorite toy
- A comfort treat your pet loves
These familiar cues provide reassurance and help create a sense of security—an important piece of stress-free pet boarding.
Tip: Don’t pack anything irreplaceable. Choose items that can withstand washing, sanitizing, or heavy play.
Choose a Facility with Ample Space for Exercise
With Florida’s mild winter season, outdoor time is a huge perk. A quality kennel will provide:
- Large, fenced play yards
- Opportunities for socialization (or private play for pets who prefer it)
- Pools or splash zones
- Staff-supervised walks and enrichment activities
Movement helps your pet release energy, reduce anxiety, and avoid the holiday restlessness that sometimes comes with schedule changes.
Share Any Behavioral Notes Ahead of Time
Whether your pet is timid, athletic, quirky, or social, sharing personality traits helps staff anticipate their needs. Providing honest information is key to a successful boarding stay. Examples may include:
- Dislike of loud noises
- Preference for female or male handlers
- Sensitivity to food
- Fear of thunderstorms
- High-energy play style
When the staff knows these details, they can tailor your pet’s care plan appropriately.
Schedule a Pre-Boarding Visit
A quick meet-and-greet before the actual stay can make a huge difference, especially for pets who are anxious or inexperienced with boarding. This low-stress introduction helps your pet become familiar with:
- New smells and sounds
- Staff members
- Play areas
- Kennel spaces
Even a short visit can help your pet settle more easily during the actual holiday boarding stay.
Maintain a Calm Drop-Off Experience
Your energy impacts your pet more than you might think. On drop-off day, keep the goodbye short and upbeat. A drawn-out farewell can reinforce nervous behavior, while a quick, confident exit communicates that your pet is in a safe place.
Enjoy a Peaceful Trip—Your Pet is in Good Hands
If you’re looking for dependable, compassionate Florida kennel boarding this holiday season, Bonita Boarding Kennel & Pet Camp provides a safe and joyful home-away-from-home for pets. Reserve early to secure your holiday dates.
