When the days grow shorter and we begin to feel that crisp chill in the air, it’s a reminder that summer is winding down and the holiday season is right around the corner. The winter holidays mark some of the busiest times of year for pet-care businesses. Families are traveling, schedules are packed, and kennels, catteries, and pet daycares often see demand skyrocket.
While this can be a huge revenue opportunity, it also brings challenges: overbooked facilities, stressed-out staff, anxious pet parents, and the need to maintain each pet’s routine to help them feel secure. The presence of guests and visitors, along with the excitement of festivities, can disrupt pets’ usual environments and increase their stress as well.
With the right planning (starting now!) you can turn the holiday rush into a season of smooth operations, happy clients, and boosted profits.
The foundation of a successful holiday season is making your pet-care business as close to a well-oiled machine as possible — keeping in mind that we're all human and can use all the help we can get! Before the rush begins, ensure your facility and staff are set up for success.
Start building your holiday staff schedule early. Offer incentives for employees willing to cover peak dates and consider hiring seasonal help to handle the surge in demand. Even a few extra hands can reduce stress and improve client experiences.
Run through your inventory list well before December. Cleaning products, food, toys, bedding— all should be stocked at higher-than-normal levels. Running out of basics in the middle of the holiday rush can cause major headaches.
Conduct thorough safety checks throughout your facility. The last thing you want during the holidays is an avoidable safety incident. Inspect kennel latches, HVAC systems, and first aid supplies. A quick safety audit ensures peace of mind for both staff and pet parents.
In addition to standard protocols, check that all health-related supplies are stocked and confirm that your facility supports the ongoing health and well-being of every pet in your care.
If you’ve worked a holiday season before, you know how quickly spots fill up. Managing reservations efficiently is critical.
Communicate with your clients well in advance. Email reminders and social media posts that say, “Holiday boarding spots are filling fast!” can push pet parents to book early.
Cancellations happen, especially around the holidays. A waitlist ensures you don’t lose revenue from last-minute changes. When a spot opens, you can easily fill it with a pet parent who’s already eager for care.
Review and update your cancellation and late-pickup policies. Clear communication now prevents awkward conversations later. Consider requiring deposits during peak holiday weeks to minimize no-shows.
The holiday season isn’t just busy—it’s also a chance to increase revenue with creative offerings that delight clients.
Offer “Home for the Holidays” upgrades with extras like cozy bedding, a special holiday toy, or extra cuddle time. These simple touches add comfort for pets and peace of mind for their owners, while creating easy upsell opportunities.
Provide safe, seasonal treats or chews as an optional add-on. Pet parents love knowing their pets are included in the holiday cheer.
Set up a simple festive backdrop and capture photos of pets to share with their families. These can be included in premium packages or offered as a small add-on—clients love posting holiday pet pictures.
During the holidays, pet parents want reassurance that their furry family members are in good hands. Consistent communication goes a long way.
Update your website, social media, and Google Business Profile with clear holiday hours. Pet parents appreciate knowing your schedule ahead of time.
Reduce no-shows by sending automated reminders via text or email. A quick confirmation can make the difference between a full kennel and lost revenue.
Provide backup contact numbers or details for nearby emergency vets. This simple step builds trust and helps pet parents feel confident leaving their pets in your care.
Your staff is the backbone of your business. Keeping them https://www.revelationpets.com/blog/employee-appreciation-day-tips-for-staff-retention-and-recognition ensures better service and smoother operations.
Even simple gestures like catered lunches, small holiday bonuses, or thank-you notes can make a huge impact.
If you bring on temporary staff, give them proper training to maintain quality standards. A rushed onboarding process often creates more stress later.
Long lines and stressed pet parents can make check-in chaotic. Use software tools to speed up the process and minimize paperwork.
The holidays are about joy and connection. A few thoughtful extras can turn first-time clients into loyal ones.
Handwritten notes or digital holiday greetings show clients you value their business.
Send pets home with a small bag of treats or toys. It’s a low-cost gesture that creates a memorable experience.
A festive photo or daily “report card” reassures pet parents and gives them something fun to share. These personal touches strengthen client relationships.
The holiday season doesn’t have to mean chaos. With careful planning, an organized schedule, a clear checklist, and the right tools, your kennel or other pet-care business can thrive during the busiest time of the year.
By supporting your staff, keeping communication clear, and delighting clients with thoughtful extras, you’ll not only survive the holiday rush—you’ll build loyalty that lasts well into the new year.
And when you’re ready to take the busywork out of holiday prep, Revelation Pets is here to help with streamlined booking, automated reminders, and simple payments—all designed to keep your business running smoothly so you can focus on what matters most: caring for pets. Try us free for 14 days!