Guide
Booking kennels or a cattery for Christmas
Christmas and New Year are among the busiest times of the year for boarding. Here's how to make sure your dog or cat has somewhere good to stay, and what to sort out before you go.
The short answer
Book as soon as you know your dates, choose a council-licensed kennel or cattery, check its opening times over the bank holidays, and get your pet's vaccinations up to date in good time.
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1. Book early
Kennels and catteries have a fixed number of places, and over Christmas everyone wants them at once. The most popular, best-rated places tend to fill up first, so the sooner you book, the more choice you'll have. Some set a minimum stay over Christmas and New Year, or charge more for peak dates.
2. Choose somewhere licensed
Boarding cats or dogs as a business needs a council licence anywhere in Great Britain. In England the council also gives a star rating from 1 to 5 after inspection. Here's what the stars mean. Of the 946 English kennels and catteries we list with a published rating, 481 hold 5 stars.
3. Check bank holiday opening times
Pets are cared for every day, but many places close for drop-off and collection on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day, or open for shorter hours. Match your travel to their times before you book flights or trains.
4. Sort out vaccinations now
Most kennels and catteries ask for up-to-date vaccinations, and many kennels want dogs vaccinated against kennel cough too. Ask how far ahead of the stay each one has to be given. Vets get busy in December, so book the appointment early.
5. Pack the right things
- Your pet's usual food, so their diet doesn't change. Leave out rich festive food and treats.
- Any medicines, clearly labelled, with written instructions.
- Something that smells of home, like a blanket or a worn T-shirt.
- Your vet's details and a phone number you'll answer while you're away.
6. Try a short stay first
If your pet hasn't boarded before, a night or two beforehand helps them get used to it, and lets you see how they get on.
Where to find 5-star kennels and catteries
The counties where we list the most 5-star businesses, from council registers in England.
Questions
When should I book kennels for Christmas?+
As early as you can. Christmas and New Year are among the busiest weeks of the year for boarding, and the most popular kennels and catteries are often full well before December. If you know your dates, book now.
Are kennels open on Christmas Day?+
Your pet is looked after every day, but many kennels and catteries close for drop-off and collection on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day, or open for shorter hours. Check before you book your travel.
Do kennels charge more at Christmas?+
Some do. A business may set higher prices for peak dates, or a minimum stay over Christmas and New Year. You'll see the price for your exact dates before you book on Paws4Travels.
What vaccinations does my dog or cat need for boarding?+
Each kennel and cattery sets its own rules, but most ask for up-to-date vaccinations with a certificate from your vet. Many kennels also want dogs vaccinated against kennel cough. Ask how long before the stay each one must be given, so you have time to see your vet.
Can I bring my pet's Christmas present?+
Usually, yes, if it's safe to leave unsupervised. Don't send rich festive food or treats: a sudden change of diet can upset your pet's stomach, and some festive foods are toxic to dogs and cats.
How do I know a kennel is any good?+
Make sure it's licensed by the council. In England, councils also give a star rating from 1 to 5 after inspection. Every kennel and cattery on Paws4Travels is council licensed, and we show the star rating wherever the council publishes one.
Find a licensed kennel or cattery near you
Every place on Paws4Travels is council licensed, with its star rating shown where the council publishes one.
Browse by countyGeneral guidance only. Each kennel and cattery sets its own rules, so check with the one you choose, and ask your vet about vaccinations.