As the holidays get closer, many pet parents are finalizing travel plans. For pet care facilities, that often means one thing: a surge in boarding and daycare reservations. The fall and winter months are some of the busiest times of the year, and being prepared can make all the difference in keeping pets happy, clients confident, and staff stress-free.
Holiday planning doesn’t just happen at home, it needs to happen at your facility too. The facilities that thrive during this time aren’t the ones that “wing it,” but the ones that anticipate challenges, organize in advance, and use the right tools to support their staff and clients.
Here are some ways your facility can get ahead of the holiday rush:
1. Review and Adjust Staffing
The holidays can stretch your team thin if you’re not prepared. Before the season ramps up:
- Look at past data to see when you’ve historically been busiest. Thanksgiving weekend, Christmas week, and New Year’s Eve are almost always peak boarding times.
- Schedule extra staff during high-volume check-in and check-out days, even if that means bringing in seasonal help.
- Cross-train employees so they can step in for different roles when needed, whether that’s cleaning, customer service, or pet handling.
A well-staffed team not only keeps operations running smoothly but also reduces burnout during one of the most hectic times of year. Staff morale directly affects the care pets receive, so planning is just as much about the animals as it is about your people.
2. Streamline Scheduling and Reservations
Clients are eager to lock in spots, so make sure your scheduling process is ready. Holiday travel is one of the few times of year when demand can exceed supply, and a messy booking system can quickly lead to double-bookings, confusion, or unhappy clients.
- Encourage early reservations by sending reminders to clients now, before spots are gone.
- Set clear limits on capacity to avoid overbooking and compromising care quality.
- Use waitlists to maximize space if cancellations happen.
This is where dog daycare software becomes invaluable. Instead of juggling phone calls, sticky notes, and spreadsheets, software allows you to manage reservations, track availability, and automate confirmations in one place. Having a digital system keeps your facility organized during your busiest season, which saves time and reduces errors.
3. Communicate Clearly with Clients
The holidays can be stressful for your clients too, and clear communication goes a long way in building trust. Consider:
- Sending an email or social post announcing your holiday hours, booking deadlines, and any special requirements (like vaccination updates or medication policies).
- Providing a boarding checklist so pet parents know what to pack—favorite toys, leashes, food, and any comfort items.
- Setting up automated confirmations and reminders to cut down on no-shows or last-minute confusion.
Dog daycare software can help with this by sending out automated updates, confirmations, and even personalized notes. That means your staff spends less time making reminder calls and more time focused on the pets in your care.
4. Prepare Your Facility for High Volume
When your facility fills up, every detail matters. Take time before the rush to:
- Deep clean and sanitize all areas, ensuring kennels, playrooms, and outdoor spaces are safe and ready.
- Double-check that your heating systems, ventilation, and backup power sources are working properly. Cold weather can bring its own challenges.
- Stock up on essentials like cleaning supplies, food, medications, and bedding to avoid supply shortages at the worst time.
A little preparation now saves countless headaches later—and it keeps your staff from scrambling while caring for a full house of pets.
5. Add a Personal Touch for the Holidays
The holiday season is the perfect time to strengthen client relationships. Even small gestures can leave a lasting impression:
- Sending home a photo of a pet enjoying their stay with a festive backdrop.
- Offering seasonal add-ons like holiday-themed treats or play sessions.
- Decorating your lobby or reception area with cozy, safe holiday décor to make drop-offs feel cheerful and welcoming.
With the help of dog daycare software, you can track which clients opt into special add-ons and ensure each pet gets the experience their parent requested. Those thoughtful touches not only brighten the holiday season but also help build loyalty and repeat business year-round.
Final Thoughts
The holiday season is one of the most rewarding times for pet care facilities, but it’s also one of the most demanding. By staffing smart, streamlining scheduling, or adding thoughtful touches, you’ll ensure a smooth, successful season for your business, your clients, and of course, the pets in your care.
With the right preparation and the right dog daycare software to back you up, you can turn the holiday rush into an opportunity to shine. Clients will notice the difference, pets will feel comfortable and cared for, and your staff will thank you for being organized.
