Holidays are one of the busiest and most profitable times of the year for pet care businesses. Between boarding stays, grooming appointments, and daycare drop-ins, it’s the perfect season to fill your schedule and grow your bottom line.
But the key to making the most of the holiday rush isn’t just working harder; it’s working smarter. That’s where your dog daycare software comes in. The right tools can help you simplify operations, reduce chaos, and uncover new opportunities to bring in extra revenue while still giving every pet the quality care they deserve.
Here are five ways to use your dog daycare software to make this holiday season your best one yet.
1. Offer Holiday Packages and Add-Ons
The holidays are all about creating special experiences for their pets, too. It’s the perfect time to offer festive upgrades and themed add-ons that make each stay memorable while increasing your average sales.
You might create “Holiday Stay & Play” packages that include extra playtime, a seasonal treat, and a photo of their pet in a cute holiday bandana. Or add grooming upgrades like a “Winter Spa Treatment” with de-shedding, nail grinding, and a seasonal fragrance.
Your dog daycare software makes it easy to create, name, and track these packages so clients can select them when they book online or at check-in. And because the add-ons appear directly in the booking flow, it’s simple for clients to say “yes” without extra effort from your staff.
Tip: Promote your special holiday offerings in automated booking confirmations and reminder emails. A simple line like “Add a holiday photo session for $10!” can boost participation and revenue.
2. Adjust and Manage Holiday Rates
Holidays often mean higher demand, and that gives your business the opportunity to adjust pricing accordingly. Many pet care facilities implement seasonal or holiday rates to reflect the added staffing, extended hours, and increased workload that come with the busiest time of year.
Your dog daycare software can help you manage these changes seamlessly. You can set specific rate periods in advance so your pricing automatically adjusts during holiday dates. No manual updates, no confusion — just smooth, accurate billing every time.
This approach helps you stay organized, ensures consistent pricing for all clients, and protects your bottom line from the extra costs that come with the rush.
Tip: Communicate your holiday rates early through email or text reminders. A quick note like, “Holiday rates will be in effect from December 20th–January 2” helps manage expectations and keeps clients informed.
3. Automate Reminders and Confirmations
The holidays can be hectic for you and your clients. With travel plans, parties, and shopping lists, it’s easy for pet parents to lose track of their reservations or forget drop-off times.
Automated reminders are a lifesaver during this season. Use your dog daycare software to send text or email confirmations as soon as appointments are booked, followed by automatic reminders before check-in. This helps reduce no-shows, ensures clients arrive on time, and keeps your schedule running smoothly.
You can also automate follow-ups after visits to thank clients or encourage rebooking for the new year. Not only does this keep communication professional and consistent, but it also saves your staff hours of manual outreach — time that can be better spent caring for pets.
4. Manage Your Waitlist Efficiently
If your facility fills up quickly during the holidays, that’s a good problem to have, but it also means you might miss out on clients who inquire after you’re full. That’s where a digital waitlist comes in handy.
Instead of juggling sticky notes or spreadsheets, use your software to keep an organized waitlist. You can quickly add clients and notify them automatically if a spot opens. Kennel Connection even allows you to fill openings directly from the waitlist with just a few clicks.
Tip: Consider taking deposits for high-demand holiday reservations or even for waitlisted spots. This helps confirm commitment and adds a layer of financial security for your business during the busiest time of year.
5. Run Reports to Identify Opportunities
Data can tell you a lot about what’s working — and what could work even better. Kennel Connection includes built-in reporting tools that can help you plan strategically for the holidays and beyond.
Start by looking back at your past holiday seasons. Which days or weekends are booked up fastest? Which services were most popular? You can use this data to forecast staffing needs, set appropriate pricing, and promote your highest-demand offerings.
For example, if you notice that grooming bookings spike just before Thanksgiving, you can prepare by adding extra staff or adjusting your schedule to accommodate more clients. Or if you find that weekday daycare rarely fills up, consider offering midweek discounts or promotions.
Reporting also helps you identify your top clients who book regularly or spend the most — so you can reward them with early booking opportunities or exclusive perks. A little recognition goes a long way in building loyalty.
Make This Holiday Season Your Best Yet
With the right dog daycare software, you can do more than just manage the holiday rush, you can turn it into a major growth opportunity.
By offering festive add-ons, adjusting your rates, automating communication, optimizing your schedule, and leveraging your data, you’ll not only boost revenue but also create a smoother, more enjoyable experience for your clients and staff.
At Kennel Connection, we help pet care professionals do just that, with tools built to handle busy seasons, streamline workflows, and grow your business year-round.
This holiday season, let your software work as hard as you do.
