The holiday season is one of the busiest times for dog kennels. Dog boarding is a professional, reliable service that provides safe, secure, and comfortable care for pets when their owners are away during the holidays. With many families going on vacation and unable to bring their pets along, kennels experience a significant surge in demand. Preparation and the right preparation are essential for kennels to ensure a smooth experience for pets, staff, and owners during the holiday rush.
What the Holiday Season Means for Your Boarding Facility
The holiday season brings a wave of excitement and anticipation, but for pet care businesses, it also signals one of the busiest times of the year. As pet parents make plans for holiday travel, they rely on boarding kennels to provide a safe and comfortable home-away-from-home for their furry family members. This surge in demand means that kennels must prepare well in advance to ensure a stress-free experience for both pets and their owners.
By understanding the unique needs of pet parents during this season and planning accordingly, boarding facilities can strengthen client relationships, deliver exceptional pet care, and stand out as a trusted choice for holiday boarding.
Understanding the Holiday Rush
The holiday rush is a defining period for boarding kennels, with pet parents seeking reliable care for their dogs, cats, and other animals while they’re away. This influx of pets requires careful planning to maintain a safe environment and high-quality care. Ensuring you have enough cleaning supplies, cozy bedding, and a variety of toys and play sessions helps keep pets happy and healthy.
Efficient scheduling and clear routines can reduce last minute confusion and help minimize separation anxiety, especially for pets who are new to boarding. By anticipating the needs of both pets and staff, kennels can create a welcoming atmosphere that makes every dog feel comfortable, even during the busiest days of the season.
1. Staff Training, Scheduling, and Seasonal Help
Ensure your staff is well-trained and prepared for the increased workload, and consider hiring seasonal help to manage increased demand during the holidays. It’s a good idea to review protocols and conduct refresher training sessions on handling, feeding, medication administration, and emergency procedures. Bringing in seasonal help can reduce stress for your team and ensure high-quality care. Schedule enough staff to handle the influx of dogs without overworking your team, and with proper training and support, you can assure pet owners that their pets are in good hands during their stay.
2. Facility Maintenance and Upgrades
Inspect your facility for any needed repairs or improvements. Conduct regular safety checks to ensure the well-being and security of all pets during the holiday season. Make sure fencing is secure, kennel areas are clean and safe, and there is adequate shelter and bedding. Add festive decorations to create a cheerful atmosphere, but ensure they are pet-safe.
3. Stock Up on Supplies
Stock up on essentials such as food, bedding, cleaning products, toiletries, and first aid items. It’s also wise to have extra leashes, toys, and treats on hand. Consider preparing small bags with treats or toys to enhance each pet's experience and create memorable moments. Remember that some dogs may have specific dietary or care requirements, so be prepared to accommodate these needs.
4. Update Records and Confirm Reservations
Confirm all holiday reservations and ensure you have up-to-date contact information and care instructions for each pet. Staff should also check that all dogs have current vaccinations as part of the boarding requirements. It’s important to have a clear record of any medical needs, dietary restrictions, and emergency contacts for every dog in your care.
5. Establish a Routine
Dogs thrive on routine, so establish a consistent schedule for feeding, exercise, and quiet time, aiming to maintain each dog's familiar routine as much as possible. Helping dogs gradually adapt to a new routine during their stay can ease the transition and reduce stress. This will help minimize stress and anxiety for the dogs, especially those boarding for the first time. Consider offering a short trial stay, such as a brief daycare session or overnight visit, to help dogs adjust to the boarding environment before a longer visit.
6. Create a Calm, Comfortable, and Safe Environment
Make the kennel as comfortable and home-like as possible. Provide ample bedding, toys, and personal items that owners bring to make the dogs feel more at ease. Encourage owners to bring their dog's favorite blanket to provide comfort and reduce separation anxiety. Ensure each dog has their own space within the kennel for relaxation. Provide opportunities for rest and downtime in a quiet area. A comfortable bed is provided for each dog to help them settle in at night. Soft music or pheromone diffusers can also help create a calming environment.
7. Offer Additional Services or Add Ons
Consider offering special services during the holidays, such as grooming, one-on-one playtime, or holiday-themed photo sessions. This not only enhances dogs' experience but can also generate additional revenue for your kennel.
8. Communicate with Pet Parents
Keep open lines of communication with clien and among your staff. Consider team building activities for your pet-care staff to strengthen internal communication and collaboration. Update your website with important information for pet owners during the holiday season, including clearly communicating your holiday hours. Send them updates and photos of their dogs enjoying their time at your facility. This builds trust and reassures them that their furry family members are well cared for.
9. Plan for Emergencies
Review your emergency protocols and ensure all staff members are aware of what to do in case of an emergency. This includes natural disasters, medical emergencies, or unexpected facility issues.
Have contact information for a trusted veterinarian readily available, and consult your veterinarian for any health concerns or emergencies involving pets.
10. Foster a Positive Atmosphere
Finally, maintain a positive and festive atmosphere in your kennel. The holidays can be a stressful time, but a positive attitude from the staff can greatly influence the mood and well-being of the dogs in your care. When planning group activities or play sessions, consider each dog's temperament to ensure safe and enjoyable experiences. It's also important to monitor interactions with other dogs to foster a positive and secure environment for all.
Preparing your kennel for the holiday rush is essential for the success of your business and the well-being of the dogs you board. By planning ahead, ensuring your facility is in top condition, and maintaining clear communication with pet owners, you can provide excellent care for your furry guests and peace of mind for their owners. Remember, a well-prepared kennel is the key to a happy and healthy holiday season for everyone involved.
Bonus: Extra Considerations for Boarding Kennels
Holiday planning can start as early as you need it to. Think about retail stores that put their winter decor out even before Halloween is over! The early you prepare, the better equipped you'll be during the busy season. Here are a few extra considerations and tips you can start working on now.
Marketing and Promotion
Standing out during the holiday season means reaching pet parents where they are—online and in the community. Effective marketing and promotion can make all the difference in attracting new clients to your boarding facility. Use social media, email campaigns, and local advertising to showcase your holiday-themed treats, special add-ons, and secure environment.
Encourage early reservations by offering limited-time discounts or festive packages, and use automated reminders to help clients keep track of their bookings. By highlighting your unique services and commitment to pet care, you’ll build trust with pet parents and ensure your kennel is top-of-mind when they need boarding during the holidays.
Financial Planning
With the holiday season comes not only increased demand but also higher operational costs. Smart financial planning is essential to ensure your boarding kennel runs smoothly and profitably during the busiest times of the year. Budget for additional staff, extra supplies, and any seasonal amenities that will enhance the stress-free experience for pets and their owners.
Investing in the right tools, such as kennel management software, can streamline scheduling, reduce no shows, and simplify payment processing. By planning ahead and managing your resources wisely, you’ll be able to meet the needs of your clients, provide excellent pet care, and make the most of the holiday rush.
Encourage Early Reservations & The Right Fit for Your Pet-Care Business
As a final tip, consider offering a short trial stay for new dogs before the busy holiday period. This helps them adjust to the environment, eases separation anxiety, and builds trust with caregivers.
Keep in mind that there is a higher risk of cancellations and no-shows during the holidays. Implementing clear booking and cancellation policies is essential to manage this risk and protect your revenue.
Make this Your Best Season Yet
With a bit of planning, a solid team in place, open communication, and promotion, this holiday season can be your best yet. Ease the backend workload with tools designed with your kennel in mind.
Start a free trial with Revelation Pets now to see how much easier managing your kennel can be.
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