The holiday season brings a wonderful mix of joy, celebration, travel, and full calendars. With so much movement and activity, our pets feel the shift in routine too. It’s natural for them to need a little extra support during this time.
Depending on your plans, pet boarding may be the best care option for your furry friend. It’s a safe, comforting, and nurturing environment where your pet is looked after like family.
With planning and clear communication, your pet can settle in confidently and enjoy their stay while you enjoy your time away.
A few simple steps before the boarding date can help your pet feel secure and comfortable, while small preparations at home can make the whole experience smoother for both of you.
Here’s a rundown on preparing your pet for boarding over the holidays.
In this article…
When Should I Start Preparing My Pet for Boarding?
You should start preparing your pet 2-4 weeks before their pet boarding stay.
Every pet handles change differently. Giving them a little time to adjust before their stay helps them settle more smoothly once they arrive.
Consider Your Pet’s Personality and Comfort Level
Some pets are naturally easy-going, while others need more reassurance. Think about how your pet reacts to new people, new places, or changes in routine.
If your pet is sensitive or tends to cling to you, start preparing a bit earlier so everything feels gradual and familiar.
Try Small Periods of Separation Before the Stay
Short, low-stress separations can help build your pet’s confidence. Step into another room for a while, or let a trusted friend or family member spend time with them. The goal is to help your pet learn that time apart is safe and temporary (and that you always come back).
Keep Feeding and Routine Cues Consistent at Home
In the weeks leading up to boarding, stick to your pet’s usual meal times, walk schedule, and bedtime rhythm. Keeping these routines steady gives your pet a strong sense of normalcy, which makes their transition into boarding much easier.
What Should I Pack for My Pet’s Boarding Stay?
You should pack essentials such as collar, leash, carrier, and vaccination records for your pet’s boarding stay.
Packing a few familiar items from home also goes a long way in helping your pet settle comfortably. Packing thoughtfully also helps our team understand your pet’s needs clearly from the very beginning.
Packing the Essentials
Packing the following essential items ensures a fast, stress-free check-in for your pet.
- Collar and ID tag: A secure collar with a clear ID tag, including their name, your contact details, and any medical alerts (if relevant).
- Leash or harness: A sturdy leash or harness for safe handling during arrival, playtime, or movement around the retreat.
- Carrier or crate: A secure, well-ventilated carrier is essential for the safe transport of cats and smaller pets.
- Health and vaccination records: Keep a printed or digital copy handy. We confirm these at check-in to ensure all guests meet our health and safety requirements.
Familiar Bedding or Toys for Comforting Scents
Pack a favourite blanket or toy, something your pet uses often. Familiar scents help your pet feel grounded and safe, giving them a sense of “home” even in a new environment.
You can also pack an old T-shirt that smells like you. Your scent will help calm your pet if they’re particularly anxious.
Food or Treats That Suit Their Stomach and Preferences
If your pet is sensitive, it’s best to continue their normal diet during their stay. Pack enough of their usual food for the full boarding period, with a little extra just in case. Include a few favourite treats too, which can help build trust and support calm settling routines.
We provide Super Premium Royal Canin meals and treats. So, you only need to pack food if your pet has a special diet.
Clear Notes About Routines, Quirks, and Comforts
Every pet has their own little ways. A short note describing your pet’s daily rhythm, preferred play style, and any comfort cues helps our team care for them in a familiar, personalised way.
Things like:
- “She likes a gentle pat under the chin to settle.”
- “He prefers slow introductions to new dogs.”
- “She eats best when her bowl is placed on the mat.”
These small details can make a big difference to how quickly your pet feels at home.
Helping Your Pet Feel Comfortable on Drop-Off Day
The way drop-off feels sets the tone for your pet’s first hours in boarding. A calm, steady handover helps them settle faster and more confidently.
Keep Your Energy Calm and Steady
Pets respond closely to our emotional cues. If you stay relaxed and upbeat, they’re far more likely to feel safe and secure.
Take your time, breathe, and approach drop-off as a normal part of the day instead of a big event. We know this is easier said than done, but staying calm really helps your pet.
Keep Goodbyes Short and Low-Key
Long, emotional goodbyes can make your pet feel uncertain or worried. A gentle pat, a kind word, and a consistent tone are enough. Leaving smoothly reassures your pet that everything is okay and that they’re in trusted hands.
Have Confidence That Your Pet Will Settle in With Support
Our carers are trained to help pets adjust, especially those experiencing their first holiday boarding stay. With consistent routines, friendly faces, and familiar comforts from home, most pets settle in far quicker than their owners expect.
How Dolittles Makes Holiday Pet Boarding Stress-Free
Holiday pet boarding should feel safe, calm, and positive rather than overwhelming. Our team focuses on creating an environment where pets can relax and settle in at their own pace.
Trained Carers Who Understand Emotional Needs
Our carers are experienced in reading pet body language and responding with the right kind of reassurance. Whether your pet needs quiet company, playful engagement, or simply time to observe their surroundings, we support them with patience and empathy.
Cozy, Restful Sleeping Areas
Comfort plays a huge role in helping pets settle. Our sleeping spaces are clean and designed to feel secure, a place your pet can nap and relax after a day of new sights and sounds.
Normalised Daily Routines (Feeding, Play, Rest)
We follow your pet’s familiar routine as closely as possible. Consistency helps them feel at home, even in a new environment. We keep everything from meal times to play styles to their preferred way of winding down consistent where possible.
Special Attention and Reassurance for Anxious Pets
Some pets need a little bit of extra understanding. We take things slowly, offer gentle comfort, and use positive, predictable interactions to build trust. With this approach, even nervous pets begin to relax and find their rhythm.
Conclusion
Preparing your pet for holiday boarding doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With small, thoughtful steps at home and a caring team to welcome them, your pet can settle into their stay with comfort and confidence.
Pet boarding should feel like a safe extension of home. Our staff meet your pet with warmth, routine, and attentive care from the moment they arrive. And while you enjoy your holiday plans, you can feel at ease knowing they’re in trusted hands.
Contact our friendly team today to learn more about our services and how we’ll take great care of your pets this holiday season.
Pet Boarding for the Holidays FAQs
How far in advance should I start preparing my pet for holiday boarding?
It’s helpful to begin preparing your pet about 2–4 weeks before their stay. This allows enough time to reinforce familiar routines at home and introduce small periods of separation so the transition feels gradual rather than sudden. If your pet is particularly sensitive, shy, or prone to separation anxiety, starting a little earlier can make the experience even smoother.
What items should I pack to help my pet feel comfortable during their stay?
Pack essential items such as collars and ID tags, leashes, carriers, and vaccination records. A few familiar items from home (favourite blanket or bed, a well-loved toy) also help your pet feel secure in their boarding environment. Bring along their food and treats if they have a special diet (otherwise, we provide premium meals).
Also include any notes about your pet’s habits and preferences, such as how they like to be greeted, when they prefer quiet time, or any small comforts they rely on. These details allow our carers to tailor your pet’s stay and ensure they feel supported from the very beginning.
How can I help my pet handle separation on the day of drop-off?
On drop-off day, your calm presence will support your pet more than anything else. Approach the handover as a normal part of the day instead of a big emotional moment. Keep your voice steady, your movements relaxed, and your goodbye brief and gentle.
What does Dolittles do to help anxious or first-time boarders feel at ease?
We take a gentle, personalised approach to settling new or anxious pets. Our carers spend extra time getting to know your pet’s body language, preferred comfort cues, and pace. We introduce new spaces and routines slowly and provide plenty of quiet reassurance.
Can Dolittles follow my pet’s existing feeding and daily routine during their stay?
Yes, absolutely. Maintaining your pet’s usual routine is a key strategy for helping them feel comfortable. We follow your pet’s regular feeding schedule, portion sizes, play style, and rest patterns wherever possible. When you drop your pet off, simply provide clear notes about their routine and any preferences or quirks.
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