Thanksgiving travel is only weeks away, and the most important holiday dog boarding decision often comes before every flight, dinner, or hotel plan is settled. Waiting until the last minute can mean fewer available dates, less time to complete required records, and a rushed first stay for a pup who has never boarded.

Before staying with us, every boarding guest completes our screening process. Our certified Camp Counselors then monitor pups throughout supervised play, creating a setting where they can enjoy their time away while pet parents travel with a clear plan.

Reserve Holiday Boarding Dates Early

Reserve a stay as soon as travel is likely, rather than waiting until every detail is final. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s dates commonly fill well in advance, and the four-to-six-week guideline for busy holidays isn’t a guaranteed remaining window in early November.

For the 2026 holiday season, our reservations require a three-night minimum stay and a 50% deposit at booking. We define the holiday period as the three days before through the three days after the holiday itself. A $5 charge per dog, per night applies during that period.

Read the cancellation terms before confirming dates. A full deposit refund requires cancellation at least seven days before the holiday period begins; cancellations and no-shows within that window forfeit the deposit. If plans are still changing, reserve the dates you’re most likely to need and note the cancellation deadline.

Prepare Health Records & Complete the Camper Interview

Handle health documentation and the Camper Interview well before drop-off day. To board at our Boca Raton Camp, dogs must be spayed or neutered, pass the interview, and be current on Rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella vaccinations. DHPP protects against distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus.

Local requirements matter, too. Palm Beach County requires dogs four months and older to have a current rabies vaccination and county license tag. Dogs that have lived in Palm Beach County for more than 30 days also need a current, valid rabies certificate.

Locate the vaccination records and county rabies-tag information early, then discuss any missing requirements with your veterinarian before the holiday rush. We don’t publish a location-specific Bordetella renewal interval, so confirm that the records meet our boarding requirements before reserving a stay.

Practice Before a Longer Overnight Stay

A practice visit makes Camp more familiar before a longer holiday stay. A Day Camp visit or short trial overnight introduces your pup to the sights, scents, routines, Camp Counselors, and other dogs.

Every overnight stay includes all-day Day Camp in indoor and outdoor play areas, followed by rest in an individual cozy Cabin. This balance of supervised activity and downtime gives each guest a predictable rhythm throughout the day.

For pups with separation anxiety, practice short departures at home and keep arrivals and reunions calm. At drop-off, a brief, steady goodbye is more reassuring than a prolonged farewell. Dogs often respond to their pet parent’s tone and body language, so a relaxed handoff starts the stay on a positive note.

Pack for a Familiar Routine

Build the packing list around the normal routine, not holiday extras. Familiar food, clearly prepared medications, and concise care instructions reduce guesswork at check-in and make it easier to settle into the stay.

Pack the following after confirming our current packing policies:

Regular food for the full stay, plus extra portions in case return travel is delayed.
Medications in their original containers, with written dosing and administration instructions.
A familiar comfort item only if it meets our safety and packing guidelines.
Current vaccination documentation and any information needed for care.

Serving the usual food avoids an abrupt diet change during an unfamiliar routine. We provide overnight guests with an individual cozy Cabin and a nightly Campfire Treat™, and we don’t charge for medication administration or other special requests. Share clear instructions at check-in so our team knows what care is needed.

Allow Extra Time at Check-In & After the Stay

Holiday periods are busier at check-in and pickup, even when each stay is carefully organized. Allow extra time, and arrive with your pup leashed and ready for a smooth handoff. Peak periods can also bring busier supervised play groups and limited availability for optional accommodations.

Once your pup is settled, live pet webcams let you check in from a computer or mobile device. Seeing a guest resting, watching the room, or taking a break from play often means they’re simply following their own Camp routine.

Returning home is another transition. Some dogs nap more than usual, eat a little less, or stay especially close to their people after boarding. Keep the first day quiet, offer familiar meals and walks, and allow plenty of rest before resuming a busy social calendar.

Plan a Smoother Holiday Stay

Early reservations, complete health records, a practice visit, familiar food, and a calm drop-off can make the experience easier for everyone. Give your pup time to adjust before travel and leave room in the schedule for a quiet return home.

For help planning a holiday stay, call Camp Bow Wow Boca Raton at (561) 956-2267.