Dog Boarding: How to Prep Your Dog for a Happy Stay When Heading Out of Town for the Holidays
- jbroome5
- Oct 20
- 8 min read
The holidays sneak up fast. Flights get booked, calendars fill, and suddenly you’re scrambling to find boarding—right when every other dog owner is doing the same. Here’s a clear, friendly guide based on what we do every day at QK Dogs to make holiday stays calm, safe, and genuinely enjoyable for your dog.
Introduction to Holiday Dog Boarding
The holiday season creates chaos that tests every dog owner's leadership. While you're managing travel and gatherings, your dog's needs don't pause for your convenience. As a responsible owner, you must ensure your dog receives consistent care and structure—especially when you're away. This is where professional training and boarding facilities prove their worth. These structured environments provide the consistency and leadership your dog requires, allowing you to focus on your plans, knowing your dog is receiving proper guidance. Holiday dog boarding isn't about convenience—it's about maintaining the structure that keeps your dog balanced. Choose facilities that understand this principle, and your dog will thrive during this demanding season.
The Big Idea: Don’t Make the Holiday Season Your Dog’s First Rodeo
If your dog has never boarded (stayed overnight at a boarding facility), or has never stayed with us, schedule a temperament test (fill out the initial application form) and a short trial stay before the peak week. Taking these steps helps prepare your dog for their first boarding experience by allowing them to acclimate to the environment and routine. This preparation can help your dog feel more comfortable and secure during their stay. That one step lowers stress for everyone: you, your dog, and the team caring for them. Think of it like a dress rehearsal: we learn your dog, your dog learns us, and you head into your trip with real peace of mind. When boarding dogs, we provide attentive care, fun activities, enrichment services like Vita Plena, Grooming, Fitness, Gnaw and Order and socialization to ensure each guest enjoys their time and transitions smoothly into our facility.
Please Note: Holiday minimums at QK Dogs: Thanksgiving: 3-day minimum. Christmas: 5-day minimum. These protect limited space during peak periods so each dog has their own run, proper rest, and access to enrichment.
What We Look For in the Temperament Test
For up to two hours (or a half/full day if you prefer), we observe how your dog handles the core parts of boarding life, tailoring the temperament test to your dog's unique needs and behaviors:
Hand off and leash exchange in the Lobby, entering/exiting a run, weight check, generalized handling
Comfort in our large airing/play yards (including “fence respect”) and coming back to staff when called
Handling and body checks (mouth, paws, gear)
Food manners (we’ll offer and remove a dish)
If a dog shows severe escape drive, destructive behavior, or aggression, a kennel setting may not be the right fit. Boarding facilities typically separate dogs based on size, play style, and temperament. It’s far better to learn that before holiday week than during it.
Booking: Earlier Is Always Better
Holiday dog boarding fills weeks in advance because we don’t overbook and we staff for quality, not crowding. Reputable dog boarding facilities require proof of up-to-date vaccinations to prevent the spread of illnesses. If you’re a planner, you’ll love Gold Membership benefits during the holidays: priority pre-booking, discounted pricing, shuttle access, and reserved enrichment capacity (those add-ons have daily limits for safety and quality). Enroll in the Gold Membership program today to secure these exclusive benefits.
How to Choose the Right Boarding Facility
Selecting the right boarding facility reflects your leadership as a dog owner. Your choice sets the foundation for your dog's experience while you're away. Research the facility's reputation through reviews and recommendations.
Experienced staff create the structure dogs need to thrive in unfamiliar environments. Seek facilities with clear policies—vaccination requirements and medication administration protocols reveal their commitment to proper care. A reputable, well-equipped facility becomes an extension of the consistent leadership your dog knows at home. Choose with clarity and confidence. Your dog will mirror the calm decisiveness you bring to this important decision.
Boarding Facility Amenities
Quality boarding isn't about luxury—it's about structure and consistency for your dog. Choose facilities with spacious accommodations and proper non ingestible bedding, but focus on what matters most: structured outdoor access and supervised socialization opportunities. These environments teach your dog to maintain balance even when you're away. Professional facilities offer grooming, training, and veterinary care because comprehensive care creates confident dogs. Dogs with dietary restrictions or medication needs require handlers who understand precision and routine. Your boarding choice reflects your leadership—select a facility that maintains the same standards you've established at home. The right environment doesn't just house your dog; it reinforces the structure that keeps them calm, balanced, and ready to return to your guidance.
Health Requirements (and Why They’re Non-Negotiable)
We keep a healthy population by requiring:
Rabies and DAPP (core vaccines)
Bordetella (canine cough) — intranasal coverage tends to be broad; rotating oral/intranasal every 6 months can boost protection
Canine Influenza (CIV) — a two-dose series, 2–4 weeks apart; plan ahead so your dog is fully covered before check-in
Airborne bugs move anywhere dogs congregate—vet lobbies, classes, parks, kennels. Vaccines don’t eliminate risk, but they sharply reduce it and help us keep the whole pack well. Vaccinations are important because they help prevent the spread of contagious illness among dogs in boarding environments.
Also: tell us everything relevant to your dog’s health and habits (recent surgeries, dental issues, ingestion history). The more we know, the better we can care.
What to Pack (and What to Skip)
Pack this:
Your dog’s original bag of food (label and lot number visible) + 3–5 extra days worth, so your dog can be fed according to their usual schedule, or a delay in your return.
Clearly labeled medications and dosing instructions, preferred in original container.
Leave at home:
Leash, toys, bones, personal bedding, or your clothing
Why we’re strict: in a kennel environment, personal items can be ingested, or guarded. Kibble stored in repurposed plastic bins can collect oily residue that goes rancid. The original food bag lets us check recalls by brand and lot number, and that extra food gives us room to maintain body condition if activity changes, or your return gets delayed.
To help your dog feel comfortable, we maintain their regular meals and consistent feeding times. Many boarding facilities encourage owners to bring their dog's own food to maintain their diet. If your dog has special dietary needs, you can request specific feeding instructions or accommodations to ensure their routine is followed.
If your dog gets picky, we can use owner provided toppers, a special treat, or offer house wet food to entice their appetite. We also weigh weekly and adjust portions as needed.
Easing “Separation Anxiety” the Smart Way
At home, build healthy independence: crate time, calm departures/returns, and short periods where your dog relaxes without following you from room to room. Supporting your dog's emotional well-being during their stay is a top priority. Here, we customize the day with Vita Plena enrichment—social time, structured exercise, ATV workouts, aqua therapy, hand-walking, supervised chewing (our Gnaw & Order program), and plenty of playing.
Dogs in boarding facilities often enjoy open playtime in carefully matched supervised groups. Scheduled breaks are included throughout the day to ensure rest and relaxation. Dogs spend their days engaging in these enriching activities and their nights resting comfortably. A tired, trained dog settles more easily and spends less energy worrying about where you are.
For seniors or special-needs dogs, we slow things down: gentle hand-walking, aqua therapy and PEMF for comfort, sun time and brushing, or simply extra naps. We tailor care to the individual—always. Every dog deserves personalized care and attention during their stay.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Successful boarding starts with leadership—your leadership. Most owners fail because they skip the groundwork. Research isn't optional. Read reviews, ask direct questions, and inspect the facility yourself. A quality boarding environment reflects structure and safety—anything less compromises your dog.
Update vaccinations before arrival. Provide necessary medications with clear instructions. These aren't suggestions—they're non-negotiables that protect every dog in the facility. Your preparation sets the tone for your dog's entire experience.
Choose a facility with knowledgeable staff who understand canine behavior. The team should demonstrate calm confidence, not just enthusiasm. Dogs read energy before credentials—ensure the staff projects the leadership your dog needs in your absence.
Smart preparation eliminates stress for both you and your dog. Quality care requires quality choices. Your dog's boarding experience mirrors your commitment to their well-being. Make decisions with purpose, not convenience or cost. When you lead with intention, your dog's stay becomes an extension of the structure and care you provide at home.
What Holiday-Week Success Looks Like
Your reservation is in early, with any enrichment you want pre-booked.
Vaccines are done well before check-in (especially the CIV two-dose window).
A temperament test (and optional trial day) has already happened, so drop-off is routine.
You pack the original food bag, extra portions, and meds—nothing else.
You add an emergency contact and treatment consent, especially if you’ll be out of the country.
During boarding stays, Gold Members get regular photos. Dogs enjoy overnight care with comfortable sleeping arrangements and personalized attention to their bedtime routines, ensuring a restful and stress-free experience.
On pickup day, expect a content—and appropriately tired—dog. Keep the homecoming simple: potty break, water, a quiet decompression window, then back to normal. After boarding, help your dog settle in for the night and re-establish their familiar bedtime routine to support a smooth transition home. If your dog loved our Gnaw & Order enrichment offering, keep the good groove going with a selection of chews to take home!
Ready to Reserve?
Lock in your dog’s spot (and your sanity). Check holiday availability and enrichment options on our Boarding page. If you travel often, Gold Membership helps you pre-book peak weeks, access shuttle service, and secure limited daily enrichment.
Bottom line
Don’t introduce your dog to boarding on Christmas week. Give them a gentle first experience now, book early, pack smart, and let us do what we do best—keep your dog safe, satisfied, and happy while you’re away.
Note: Holiday boarding is essential for the well-being of your pets. Remember, dogs are part of the family and deserve the same care and attention during the busy holiday season.
FAQs
How far in advance should I book?
Weeks in advance for holiday weeks. Minimums: 3 days at Thanksgiving, 5 days at Christmas.
Which vaccines are required?
Rabies, DAPP, Bordetella, and CIV. Rotate oral/intranasal Bordetella every 6 months for broader protection.
Can I bring toys or bedding?
No. For safety and hygiene, we provide what’s needed—including supervised chew enrichment. All guests receive clean, comfortable bedding and amenities during their stay.
What’s the best way to send food?
Bring the original bag with label/lot number OR pre-portioned meals and send extra. Avoid plastic bins. We follow your feeding instructions to maintain your pets routine.
My dog has special needs. Can you accommodate?
Yes. From medication schedules to senior care and gentle conditioning, we customize the plan for our guests.
Visit QK Dogs today to learn more about our comprehensive dog care services, including training, boarding, grooming, nail trimming, and more!
About the Author: Jennifer Broome is the founder of QK Dogs, author and creator of the Mastering Canine Communication video series. With over 20 years of experience, she’s helped thousands of dogs and their owners build better relationships through calm leadership, clarity, and structure.
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