The days are getting longer, the weather’s warming up, and travel plans are heating up, which means one thing for pet care facilities: the summer boarding season is almost here. Whether you’ve been through years of summer surges, or this is your first busy season, preparation is key to keeping your business running smoothly and your clients—both furry and human—happy.
Here are a few ways to get your facility summer-ready so you can focus on what matters most: providing excellent care.
1. Get Ahead with Scheduling and Staffing
The first step? Look at your booking calendar. Summer boarding fills up fast, and early prep can help avoid chaos when peak weeks hit. With tools like dog boarding software, you can allow clients to check availability and request appointments online, cutting down on phone calls and freeing up time for your team.
It’s also a good time to reassess your staffing needs. Will your current team be able to handle the summer influx, or should you consider bringing in seasonal help? Cross-training staff now can prevent last-minute scrambles and ensure everyone feels confident handling everything from check-ins to feeding routines.
2. Do a Facility Walkthrough
Before the rush hits, take a full tour of your facility. Check for wear and tears, safety hazards, and cleanliness. Are all kennels secure? Are fences sturdy? Do play areas need touch-ups or a deep clean?
Even the little things—like squeaky doors or wobbly gates—can slow down workflows or cause safety concerns. Taking care of these now means fewer headaches later.
Don’t forget the overlooked spots: air vents, storage areas, and drains. A deep clean and quick maintenance check now can make a big difference during the hectic summer weeks.
3. Refresh Your Client Policies
Now’s the perfect time to revise your boarding policies, especially if you’ve made changes over the past year. Be clear about vaccination requirements, drop-off and pick-up procedures, and what items clients should bring with their pets.
Clear communication helps set expectations and reduce confusion. Post policy updates on your website, include them in email confirmations, and go over them during client check-ins.
With dog boarding software like Kennel Connection, you can store vaccination records, manage client forms, and track policy compliance all in one place—making your front desk processes much more efficient.
4. Stock Up on Essentials
Running out of supplies mid-season? Not ideal. Start taking inventory now of your everyday items—like food, cleaning products, leashes, bedding, and first-aid kits.
Also think about the extra’s clients’ love: special treats, grooming upgrades, or fun enrichment toys. Summer is a great time to offer seasonal add-ons like “pup-sicles,” splash-time play sessions, or bath and brush packages. These not only enhance the pet’s stay but can boost your revenue during the busiest time of year.
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5. Optimize Your Software and Systems
A successful summer boarding season starts with the right systems in place. If you’re already using dog boarding software like Kennel Connection, now is the time to revisit key features and make sure you’re getting the most out of the platform.
- Use automated reminders to reduce no-shows and confirm appointments
- Streamline check-ins with custom menu setups
- Track your occupancy, revenue, and employee performance with detailed reports
- Give your team mobile access so they can stay connected no matter where they are in the facility
Make sure new team members are trained and ready to use the software—and don’t hesitate to explore features you haven’t used yet.
6. Add a Personal Touch
Even during your busiest weeks, taking the time for personal touches can set your facility apart. A quick photo update, a playful note in the report card, or a text message to let pet parents know their dog is having a blast can go a long way in building trust and loyalty.
Pet parents want to feel confident that their pets are being cared for like family. Little moments of connection can lead to lifelong clients.
Ready, Set, Summer!
The summer boarding season doesn’t have to be overwhelming—with smart planning and the right dog boarding software, you can keep your operations running smoothly while providing top-notch care.
Whether you’re fully booked or just starting to ramp up for summer, Kennel Connection is here to help you stay organized, efficient, and prepared for anything the season throws your way.
