Is Your Dog Ready for Holiday Boarding? Your Pre-Holiday Checklist
Thanksgiving through New Year’s is the busiest time for dog boarding in Omaha. Between family gatherings, work parties, and trips to see relatives, most boarding facilities book up quickly. But getting a spot reserved is just step one. No matter if your dog’s a boarding veteran or this is their first stay, a little prep work can make all the difference between a smooth experience and a stressful one. Here are some tips we’ve put together over the years.
Start With Vaccinations (Even If They’re “Probably Fine”)
We require proof of current vaccinations (rabies, DHPP/DHLPP, and bordetella at minimum). But did you know there’s a catch? You usually need to wait at least 48 hours after the Bordetella vaccine before your dog can board and most places like to see a full week—7 days. Some vets are booking two weeks out right now, so if you’re planning on Thanksgiving boarding, check your dog’s records ASAP.
Not sure when their last shots were? Call your vet. “Probably up to date” doesn’t work when you’re trying to drop off your dog the morning of your flight out of Eppley.
The Trial Run
If this is your dog’s very first time boarding, or if it’s been a year or more since their last stay, we recommend booking a night or two or a daycare visit with us before their extended stay. This helps us and our team be best prepared for what to expect and what can help improve the overall quality of your pup’s visit. Some dogs adapt to boarding in twenty minutes, no problem. But others may need medication for anxiety, a special toy to keep them comfortable, or just the experience of knowing that “hey, my owner actually comes back to get me after they leave me here.” In our experience, it’s better to find out during a test run than during your actual Thanksgiving trip when you’re several states away.
What To Pack
At Hound HQ, we ask you to bring your dog’s regular food, something every responsible Omaha boarding facility should require. If your dog eats a specific prescription diet or has a sensitive stomach, this is especially important. Label it clearly with feeding amounts and times, and we’ll follow your instructions to keep their routine as consistent as possible.
Unless it’s crucial for an anxious pup, you can skip the bedding, as we’ve covered that. Pack medication if needed, maybe a toy or two, but that’s about it.
What you should bring: current shot records (even if you already sent them) and your vet’s contact info. Oh, and if possible, an emergency contact who’s local—preferably closer than Lincoln or Council Bluffs—and available.
Feeding Details and Schedule
So this is a question we get more than you’d think, and it’s probably best to just tackle it here. If your dog eats at 6 AM and 4 PM at home, they’re probably not going to eat at those exact times while boarding. Facilities like ours have set feeding schedules that work best for large groups of dogs. Your dog will adapt.
What is worth mentioning: if your dog requires food-motivated medication, is a bit feisty around other dogs during meals, or has unusual eating habits like needing their food mixed with water, let us know. Consider a handwritten or typed note if possible so you can be sure that no matter who is handling feeding, they can see what is needed.
Exercise and Enrichment Expectations
In all likelihood, your dog won’t get the same exercise routine they get at home. They’re also not going to sit in a crate for 18 hours a day. At Hound HQ, we offer group play, individual play, or both depending on your dog’s temperament, with several outdoor breaks throughout the day.
If your dog needs more activity than our standard package offers, ask us about add-ons. Extra play sessions, walks, or one-on-one time are available. But understand that we can’t replicate your personal routine, nor should we try with 30 other dogs to care for.
Behavioral Red Flags To Address Early
If your dog has separation anxiety, resource guarding issues, aggression toward other dogs, or escape artist tendencies, tell us upfront, NOT on drop-off day but DURING the booking call.
Before any dog boards with us, we require a temperament test. This helps us understand your dog’s personality, triggers, and social preferences so we can create the best possible experience for them. We can accommodate behavioral quirks with proper notice and preparation, but what we can’t do is deal with surprises. If your dog has bitten another dog before, that’s information we need during booking so we can make proper preparations. Trust us, this makes everyone’s life easier.
Weather Considerations for Omaha Boarding
November through January in Omaha means temps ranging from 70 degrees to sub-zero (yayyyy). If your dog goes outside in a coat at home, pack one for boarding. Our facility stays climate-controlled, but outdoor breaks will still happen regardless of weather.
Breeds with thin coats, small bodies, or senior dogs with arthritis need extra consideration. If you’re curious, ask us up front how we handle extreme weather days.
Pick-Up Day
Your dog will most likely be tired when you pick them up. They might also be amped up and a bit weird for a day or two after. Both reactions are normal. They just spent several days in a stimulating environment with different routines, sounds, and smells.
Some dogs sleep for 24 hours straight after boarding. Others won’t leave your side for three days. Both are completely normal.
What’s not normal: limping, excessive thirst or urination, lethargy beyond typical tiredness, or wounds. If something seems off beyond standard post-boarding adjustment, call your vet.
Making the Reservation
At Hound HQ, we’ve been prepping for holiday boarding since September. Our staff knows Omaha’s holiday travel patterns, and we handle everything from first-time boarders to dogs with special needs. We stay climate-controlled regardless of what Nebraska’s weather decides to do, and every dog gets multiple daily play sessions with appropriate group sizes. Does your dog do better with just people and not so much with other pups? We’ve got a solution for that too. We’ve also got a great track record of dogs being excited to come back, which we think speaks to the quality of our team and the environment we’ve built.
Check your vaccination records, book your spot with us, and give your dog a trial run if it’s their first time. The holidays are stressful enough without wondering if your dog’s okay while you’re away. We’ll handle the rest. Ready to book? Visit thehoundhq.com or call us before the December rush hits. Your dog might not care about holiday planning, but you should!