Holiday Pet Boarding in Durham Region: Tips and Solutions for Families
So, it’s late November, and you just realized that Christmas dinner at your sister’s house involves a 12-hour drive, staying in a hotel that definitely doesn’t allow pets, and you’re running out of time.
Or you want to take a flight across the country to spend the holidays with family you haven’t seen in years, and you’re trying to find a place for your pet to stay at the last minute.
Cue the panic.
If you’re frantically googling “pet boarding near me” at 11 PM because you are running out of options, take a deep breath. All is not lost.
At Furry Friends Pet Resort, we’re here to help.
First thing first. There’s no getting around the fact the holiday season is like the Super Bowl of pet boarding in Durham Region and all across Ontario. Every facility gets slammed with requests, most places are jacking up prices and availability fills up in a hurry.
Take another deep breath. With the right approach and research, you can still find quality pet boarding and care for your furry family member, even when you’re running out of time.
Here are the things to look for, and what to avoid.
Lesson 1: Understanding Peak Season Reality
OK, there a harsh reality about holiday boarding timelines. According to industry standards, the December 15th to January 4th period is when most facilities are pretty well packed. Some places require six months advance booking for the holiday season.
But there is a glimmer of hope. Facilities like Furry Friends Pet Resort sometimes see cancellations closer to the holidays. Plans change, flights get cancelled, family emergencies happen. The trick is getting on those waitlists and being flexible with your dates.
Peak booking periods in Durham Region and across Ontario typically include:
- Christmas week (December 23-30): Book by August if possible
- New Year’s week: A little slower than Christmas week, but still busy
- Family Day weekend: Popular for trips out of town
- March Break: Another high-demand period
- July and August: Better book early
If you’re reading this in November and need Christmas week boarding, you’re getting close to “Hail Mary” territory, to use a football term.
It’s not impossible. You may still have time.
Lesson 2: The Last-Minute Pet Boarding Booking Strategy
When you’re calling around looking for pet boarding holiday spots, don’t just ask “Do you have availability?” That’s amateur hour.
Here’s a few tips:
Get on every waitlist possible. This one’s important. Even if three facilities tell you they’re booked, get your name down. Cancellations happen, and you want to be first in line.
Be flexible with dates. If you need December 23-27, ask about December 22-28 or December 24-29. Sometimes shifting by even one day makes the difference between getting a spot and, well, being left out in the cold.
Consider shorter stays. Maybe you were planning to board your dog for a full week, but the facility only has availability for four days. Can you arrange the rest with a friend or neighbour? Be flexible.
Ask about overflow arrangements. Some facilities have partnerships with other boarding facilities or can recommend alternatives that might still have space. Remember, you don’t have time to pick and choose right now. Take what you can get.
Lesson 3: Dealing with the Guilt (Yes, It’s Real)
You’re going to feel guilty. That’s just the way it is with being a pet owner. After all, they’re family.
This guilt hits even harder when you’re booking last-minute because it feels like you’re not being a responsible pet parent. Don’t stress about it: life happens, plans change and sometimes you need boarding on short notice.
Remember, guilt is real, and it’s understandable. You’ll feel guilty leaving your floof behind. Research shows that 100% of pet parents experience guilt, and it gets worse during the holidays when you’re leaving your “baby” behind for family celebrations.
That doesn’t make you a bad pet parent. Not at all.
In fact, it’s the opposite. You’re taking the time to find quality care, even under pressure. Remember, your pet doesn’t know it’s Christmas. They just want to be somewhere safe and comfortable. Kind of “close to home.”
The team at Furry Friends sees last-minute bookings all the time, especially from Durham Region families who suddenly have to change their holiday travel plans.
We get it. And we’ll do everything we can to help you.
Lesson 4: What to Look for When Searching For Last-Minute Pet Boarding
When you’re booking last-minute, it’s tempting to just grab the first available spot. Don’t. Even when you’re under pressure, you still need to do your homework to make sure it’s the right choice for your pet.
Current vaccination requirements: Every reputable facility will need proof of updated vaccines. If they don’t ask, that’s a red flag.
Quick facility tour: You might not have time for a full evaluation, but you should still see where your pet will be staying. Clean facilities, courteous staff and pets that look content are good signs.
Emergency protocols: Ask what happens if your dog gets sick or injured. Do they ask for a contact number for emergencies? Quality places like Furry Friends have relationships with local veterinarians and clear procedures for medical situations.
Staff availability and training: Some facilities reduce staff during holidays. Make sure there’s adequate supervision, especially for overnight care. You want to make sure your pet is being look after and getting that personal one-on-one attention.
Certifications and training: OK, this is a must. It’s what what separates the pros from everyone else. You need to watch for actual certifications and ongoing education.
When you’re evaluating boarding facilities in Durham Region and across Ontario, staff training should be your first question, not only for holiday boarding. All the time.
Furry Friends Pet Resort is the blueprint for what quality training looks like. CEO Sherri Canjar holds over 25 different pet care certifications and is one of only 4 people in Canada with CPACO Certification from the Professional Animal Care Certification Council (PACCC).
And she passes that professionalism on to her entire team.
The facility maintains active membership in the International Boarding & Pet Services Association (IBPSA), ensuring the team stays current with the latest care protocols. This level of commitment to education creates what they call “a culture of professionalism and care excellence.” It means when your dog needs care, they’re being handled by employees who understand animal behavior, emergency response, and the most current industry standards. Not just someone who “loves dogs.”
Lesson 5: Preparing Your Dog for Holiday Boarding
Even when you’re booking last-minute, there are things you can do to set your dog up for a stress-free, comfortable staycation.
Pack familiar items: That stinky old blanket or favorite toy can provide comfort in an unfamiliar environment. Most facilities encourage bringing personal items.
Prepare detailed care instructions: Include feeding schedules, medication requirements, behavioral quirks and emergency contact information. The more information you provide, the better staff can care for your dog.
Consider a trial visit: If you have even a day or two before your trip, see if your dog can do a short daycare visit. This helps them get familiar with the facility and staff.
Keep your energy positive: Dogs pick up on your stress. When you’re dropping them off, stay upbeat and confident. Your anxiety will transfer to them.
At Furry Friends, we know it’s hard to be away from your pet during the holiday season. We see it every year, and we make sure your pet has a fun, festive stay with us. Holiday boarding includes extra playtime, special treats, lots of cuddle time and more frequent check-ins.
Even when they’re not with you, they’re always close to home.
The Bottom Line for Durham Region Families Looking for Last-Minute Holiday Pet Boarding
Even at the last minute, quality holiday pet boarding isn’t about settling for “good enough”. It’s about finding facilities who will go above and beyond, even when time is short. At Furry Friends Pet Resort, we’ve built our reputation on being there for families when they need us most, whether that’s six months of planning or three days of panic.
We understand that your pet is more than an animal. They’re a beloved family member who deserves the same level of care and attention you’d give yourself. That commitment doesn’t change based on when you book.
We’ve built our business around understanding that life happens, plans change and families need reliable pet care when they need it most. We’ve all been there.
So, while you’re enjoying your holiday celebrations, you can have complete confidence that your furry family member is receiving exceptional care from people who understand what they mean to you.
Need last-minute holiday boarding in Durham Region? Furry Friends Pet Resort may be able to help. We understand that life happens and families need flexibility during the holidays. Give us a call at (905) 725-6210 or email us at info@furryfriendspetresort.com.