A boarding spot can disappear long before the holiday decorations come down. Peak travel weeks compress demand into a narrow window, and pet parents who wait often find that availability, seasonal rates, or required health records have changed. Sometimes all three at once.
A solid holiday dog boarding checklist starts before the suitcase comes out. It gives you time to confirm reservations, complete health requirements, pack clearly, and share the details that help your dog settle into a new routine. At Camp Bow Wow, we use Camper screening, trained Camp Counselors, supervised group play, individual cabins, and live Camper Cams to make every overnight stay safe and engaging.
Book Early: Holiday Spots Fill Faster Than You Think
Holiday reservations deserve more than a quick availability check. Peak travel dates often come with seasonal pricing, different minimum stay requirements, and limited openings, so review the full reservation policy before building the rest of your travel plans.
When evaluating dog boarding options in Metairie pet parents have during the holidays, ask direct questions about drop-off and pickup windows, holiday rates, vaccination rules, medication procedures, overnight routines, and webcam access. Getting those answers early prevents last-minute surprises when your departure date is close.
If your dog hasn’t spent time in group care or away from home, a daycare visit or shorter overnight stay can take the edge off that first holiday boarding experience. It gives your dog a chance to meet our staff, get comfortable with the setting, and learn that pickup follows playtime and rest. Bring up concerns like separation stress, sensitivity to new dogs, or difficulty settling at night during the Camper Interview. Clear information helps our team build the routine that works best for your dog.
Complete Screening & Vaccine Requirements First
Boarding preparation at Camp Bow Wow includes a Camper Interview and current vaccination records. Plan enough time to provide records for rabies, Bordetella, and distemper/parvo. The Bordetella vaccine protects against one common cause of kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory illness that spreads quickly when dogs share close quarters. Ask us when records must be received and whether the interview must be completed before a reservation is finalized. Your veterinarian may also need time to update records, so don’t schedule required vaccines for the day before your trip.
Share Your Dog’s Health & Care Details
Accurate care instructions matter as much as reservation dates. Before drop-off, review your dog’s feeding routine, medications, allergies, past health concerns, veterinarian contact information, and emergency contacts.
Medication Details
Write down the medication name, dose, schedule, and how your dog takes it. Keep each medication in its original labeled container and provide only the amount needed for the stay unless we instruct otherwise.
Feeding Routine
Include the food brand, portion size, meal times, and anything your dog can’t have. Sudden diet changes can upset a dog’s stomach, especially when a new environment and different daily schedule are already part of the mix.
Behavior Notes
Share play preferences, fears, handling sensitivities, sleep habits, and calming routines. Details like whether your dog needs a quiet break after active play help our Camp Counselors provide more consistent care throughout the stay.
Pack the Essentials: and Only the Essentials
Pack for consistency, not for every possibility. The goal is to send clear essentials that support your dog’s normal routine without bringing valuables, too many toys, or items we can’t accept.
Pack these clearly labeled items:
- Food: Pre-portioned meals or clear written feeding directions, labeled with your dog’s name and your contact information.
- Medication: Original labeled containers with complete medication instructions.
- Required Records: Any vaccination documentation or forms requested before check-in.
- Identification: Current contact details and authorized emergency contacts.
- Comfort Items: A permitted blanket or familiar item, if we’ve confirmed it can be accepted.
Confirm what we provide before packing bedding, bowls, treats, or toys. At Camp Bow Wow, we provide individual cabins for overnight rest along with access to indoor and outdoor play areas throughout the stay.
Set Up a Smooth Holiday Drop-Off
The final 24 to 48 hours should feel organized, not rushed. Use this time to recheck paperwork, portion food, label medications, update your contact number, and confirm the departure and pickup plan with everyone involved.
Give your dog normal meals, water, bathroom breaks, and exercise before drop-off unless your veterinarian has said otherwise. Avoid major food changes, new supplements, or unfamiliar toys right before boarding. Leave enough time for check-in. A hurried handoff makes it easy to forget a medication note, emergency contact, or feeding detail our staff needs on day one.
Before you leave, confirm the feeding schedule, medication timing, sleep preferences, and authorized contacts, and let our team know about any recent changes in behavior, appetite, or health. Pet parents can also use live Camper Cams to check in while away, though webcam access doesn’t replace giving us updated care instructions at check-in.
What to Expect at Pickup: and the First Night Home
After an active boarding stay, your dog may be tired, extra thirsty, or ready for a quiet evening. It’s normal. Time spent playing, socializing, and sleeping somewhere new adds up.
At pickup, collect all belongings and medications, ask whether our staff noticed anything about eating, play, rest, or behavior, and confirm any remaining care instructions. If you requested grooming or other services, take a moment to review what was completed before heading home.
Offer water, ease back into your usual meal routine, and give your dog a calm place to rest. Contact a veterinarian if you notice concerning symptoms like repeated vomiting, persistent diarrhea, trouble breathing, or extreme lethargy.
Your Holiday Boarding Checklist at a Glance
A quick final review keeps holiday travel from turning into a scramble.
Before you book:
- Confirm holiday availability, seasonal pricing, and pickup policies
- Complete the Camper Interview and required vaccine records
- Ask about medication procedures, play supervision, rest, and webcam access
Before drop-off:
- Label food, medications, records, and permitted comfort items
- Provide feeding, medication, behavior, and emergency contact details
- Confirm your departure, pickup, and authorized contact information
After pickup:
- Collect belongings and review any staff updates
- Offer water, a familiar meal routine, and a quiet night at home
- Contact a veterinarian about any concerning symptoms
Planning ahead gives your dog time to adjust and gives you more room to actually enjoy your trip. To learn more about our supervised play, overnight cabins, trained Camp Counselors, and Camper Cam access, contact Camp Bow Wow at (877) 700-2275.