Fall brings crisp air, colorful leaves, and plenty of opportunities to make your pet care facility stand out with seasonal fun. For boarding businesses, it’s not just about providing a safe place for pets to stay, it’s about creating memorable experiences that keep clients coming back year after year. Adding fall-inspired activities can boost enrichment, strengthen client relationships, and even bring in extra revenue.
Here are some pet-friendly activities your boarding facility can try this season:
1. Pumpkin Playtime
Pumpkins aren’t just for décor—they’re a healthy, dog-safe treat (when plain and cooked). You can:
- Offer pups a small taste of pumpkin puree mixed into their meals.
- Freeze pumpkin in ice cube trays for crunchy seasonal snacks.
- Create enrichment toys by stuffing pumpkin into Kongs or puzzle feeders.
For a playful twist, try rolling small pumpkins around the yard during group play. Dogs love chasing them, and it adds a seasonal enrichment activity. Just be sure to use non-painted, non-carved pumpkins to keep it safe.
2. Leaf Pile Fun
Dogs love exploring new textures and scents and fall leaves provide the perfect enrichment opportunity. Consider creating safe, clean leaf piles in your outdoor play yards for dogs to jump into, dig around, and investigate.
If you don’t have access to outdoor leaves, you can purchase artificial leaf décor to set up an indoor “fall corner” for photos and play. This is also a great option for facilities in warmer climates where the leaves don’t change.
Safety tip: Always check that leaves are free from pesticides, mold, and sharp debris before letting pups dive in.
3. Fall-Themed Photo Sessions
Pet parents love seasonal photos, and fall is one of the most photogenic times of year. A simple setup with hay bales, pumpkins, plaid blankets, and colorful leaves can make the perfect backdrop. Offer themed photo sessions as an add-on service or as a complimentary perk for VIP clients.
Not only does this delight owners, but it also gives you shareable content for your social media pages. Posting festive pet photos can help your facility attract new clients who are drawn to your fun, community-oriented atmosphere.
4. Scavenger Hunts & Nose Work
Enrichment doesn’t have to be complicated. Nose work is one of the most rewarding activities for dogs, and you can give it a fall twist. Hide small treats or toys around your facility and encourage dogs to find them. For extra fun, try using seasonal items like pumpkin-scented toys or apple-shaped chews.
Scavenger hunts are especially great for shy or senior dogs who may not enjoy the chaos of group play but still benefit from mental stimulation.
5. Trick-for-Treat Games
Fall marks the start of the holiday season, and dogs in your care will love the chance to show off their skills. Host “trick-for-treat” sessions where staff reward pups for commands, behaviors, or even silly tricks like “spin” or “shake.”
This activity reinforces training while keeping dogs mentally engaged. You can make it extra festive by using seasonal, dog-safe treats such as pumpkin bites or apple-based snacks.
6. Themed Events for Clients
If you want to take your fall activities to the next level, consider hosting a small “Fall Festival” open house. Invite pet parents to stop by for photos, seasonal snacks, or a behind-the-scenes tour of your facility. You could even partner with local pet businesses such as bakeries, trainers, or photographers to make it a community event.
Not only does this bring clients together, but it also strengthens loyalty and positions your facility as a trusted, welcoming part of their pets’ lives.
Why Fall Activities Matter for Pet Care Facilities
Adding seasonal fun to your boarding facility isn’t just about cute photo ops, it’s about enrichment and connection. Pets benefit from new experiences that stimulate their minds and bodies, while owners appreciate knowing their pets are having a blast in your care.
From a business perspective, fall activities can:
- Create upselling opportunities with themed add-on packages.
- Provide endless social media content for marketing.
- Build stronger client loyalty by showing you go the extra mile.
When your facility embraces the season, you create a space where pets are part of the celebration and families feel good about leaving their loved ones in your care.
