As the vibrant colors of fall roll in and the holiday season begins to take shape, many families are already planning their seasonal getaways. Flights are booked, hotels are reserved, and activities are being mapped out. But what about your dog’s vacation plans?
At Playful Pups Retreat, a premium pet resort serving Central Pennsylvania, our overnight lodging accommodations fills quickly—especially during peak travel times like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. And we’re not alone. Just like high-end hotels, premium pet care facilities across the country book up well in advance for fall and holiday travel. If you want to ensure your pup has a cozy, enriching, and loving place to stay while you’re away, the time to reserve a room is now.
Why You Should Book Early
High-end pet resorts like ours offer more than just a place for your dog to sleep—they offer a true home away from home. That level of personalized care means space is limited. Many of our accommodations, especially our most popular Luxury Suites, are reserved months in advance.
At our Milton Grove Road location, we offer a range of overnight options tailored to the unique needs of each pup:
- Junior Suites for petite pups up to 25lbs.
- Standard & Deluxe Suites for a comfortable stay for medium and large dogs
- Luxury Suites with extra space, plush bedding, TVs, and room for multi-dog families
The Luxury Suites, in particular, fill up first—and quickly. If you’re traveling during a school break, long weekend, or any major holiday, waiting until the last minute could mean missing out on your pup’s preferred suite or having no availability at all.
It’s Not Just About Booking—It’s About Peace of Mind
Pet parents often tell us how much it means to know their dog is safe, loved, and well cared for while they’re away. That kind of peace of mind doesn’t come from rushed, last-minute arrangements. Planning ahead allows you to:
- Secure the best accommodations for your dog’s size and personality
- Complete any required paperwork, including vaccine and health records
- Schedule a meet & greet or evaluation day if your pup is new to our facility
Just like you wouldn’t wait until the week before to book your hotel during the holidays, don’t wait to book your dog’s stay.
Tips for Booking Holiday Pet Lodging
Whether you’re booking with us or another premium pet resort, here are a few helpful tips to make sure your dog’s vacation is just as enjoyable as yours:
- Plan family travel dates early. As soon as your trip is on the calendar, call your pet care facility to reserve your dog’s stay.
- Check vaccine requirements. Make sure your dog’s rabies, distemper, and bordetella, vaccines—as well as their annual negative fecal test—are up to date well before their stay.
- Book multiple dogs together. If you have a multi-dog family, ask about accommodations that allow your pups to share a suite.
- Inquire about add-on activities. Many pet resorts, including Playful Pups Retreat, offer enrichment activities to keep your dog engaged and happy during their stay. We base our staffing on activities and bathing services so, booking early ensures your dog gets their favorite extras.
Ready to Book?
If you’re planning fall or holiday travel, now is the time to reserve your dog’s stay. Give us a call today and speak with our friendly reservation specialist to discuss your dog’s lodging options and secure their suite. We’d love to welcome your pup for a safe, fun-filled stay while you enjoy your time away.
After all, your dog’s vacation should be just as special as yours.
Laurie is the owner of Playful Pups Retreat, which celebrates 15 Years of Excellence in Pet Care this year! She holds the highest level of certification through PACCC (Professional Animal Care Certification Council) with a CPACO certification (Certified Professional Animal Care Operator). In addition, she is certified in Pet First Aid and is also certified through Fear Free Pets. Laurie is also the founder of a non-profit rescue organization, Pitties Love Peace.