The holidays bring full boarding schedules, busy daycare days, and a lot of moving pieces for pet care facilities. With so many pets coming and going, safety and organization have become more important than ever—and this is where strong, reliable kennel software can make a big difference.
Here’s a holiday safety checklist built around the software tools that help facilities run smoother, avoid preventable mistakes, and keep every pet safe during the season rush.
1. Verify Vaccinations with Automated Alerts
Holiday travel often means last-minute bookings, and tracking vaccine compliance manually can get messy fast.
How your kennel software helps:
- Clear, color-coded warnings at check-in
- Easy uploads so owners can send records ahead of time
- Built-in reminders to prompt pet parents before arrival
This cuts down on surprises and keeps your facility protected from unnecessary exposure.
2. Use Digital Intake Forms for Faster, Safer Check-Ins
With a busy lobby, paper forms can slow everything down and increase the chance something gets missed.
Software benefits:
- Clients fill out necessary info when booking an appointment through the online reservation portal.
- Staff can quickly view feeding, medications, and emergency contacts.
- No lost papers, unclear handwriting, or missing instructions.
This creates a safer and more organized intake process when time is tight.
3. Keep Feeding, Medication & Special Care Instructions Centralized
Holiday stays often come with extra requests, different feeding times, holiday treats (approved ones!), supplements, or travel-related medications.
How kennel software supports safety:
- Automated feeding and medication schedules
- Alerts if something is due during a shift
- Notes that follow each pet so every staff member sees the same information
- Logs to confirm tasks were completed
Consistency is key, especially when staff are rotating through holiday shifts.
4. Track Behavior Notes to Build Safe Playgroups
The holidays bring a mix of regulars and pets you haven’t seen in a while.
Your software can help by:
- Storing temperament notes
- Flagging dogs who need slow introductions
- Recording previous incidents or sensitivities
- Helping staff plan balanced groups based on history, not guesswork
A safer playgroup starts with great information.
5. Use Capacity & Lodging Tools to Avoid Overbooking
It’s easy to lose track of availability during the holiday rush, especially with multiple runs, suites, or play areas.
How kennel software prevents safety issues:
- Real-time visibility into available kennels and rooms
- Automatic blocks for pets who require specific areas
- Accurate occupancy counts to prevent overcrowding
Avoiding accidental overbooking protects pets, staff, and your holiday sanity.
6. Enable Staff Permissions for Accurate, Safe Operations
Different team members may have different roles during peak season—new seasonal hires, shift swaps, or team leads covering longer hours.
Software tools help you:
- Limit who can edit feeding or medication instructions.
- Control who can check pets in or out.
- Track which staff members completed tasks.
- Keep a digital paper trail for safety.
Clear permissions reduce errors when more hands are involved.
7. Use Automated Communication to Keep Pet Parents Informed
The holidays can be hectic for pet owners, too. Missed instructions or forgotten requirements can lead to last-minute chaos.
Software tools simplify communication:
- Automatic booking confirmations.
- Reminders for vaccines, arrival times, or holiday hours.
- Text or email updates during a pet’s stay.
- Clear instructions on what owners should bring.
Better communication leads to smoother, safer visits.
8. Store Emergency Contacts and Vet Info in One Place
In a busy season, you need to reach owners—or alternate contacts—quickly.
Kennel software supports emergency preparedness by:
- Keeping all contact info tied directly to the pet.
- Displaying it instantly at check-in or during an incident.
- Allowing staff to access information quickly from any workstation.
No digging through binders or trying to find paperwork in a rush.
Final Thoughts
Holiday safety is all about preparation, clarity, and consistency. By leaning on the tools already built into your kennel software, your team can navigate the busiest weeks of the year with confidence—keeping pets safe, pet parents informed, and your staff supported.
If you’re looking for a software solution that helps streamline holiday operations and strengthen safety protocols, Kennel Connection is here to help.
