If you need dog boarding in Toronto over Christmas and New Year, book in October. Every year the same thing happens: good facilities fill from mid-November, families who call in December are choosing between whoever has space, and holiday rates apply everywhere.
The holiday boarding calendar
- Early–mid October: the right time to reserve Dec 20 – Jan 3. Best choice of room.
- Mid-November: most reputable places are 70–80% booked for the peak week.
- First week of December: waitlists.
- March Break (mid-March) and Family Day / Easter long weekends fill 4–6 weeks out.
New dog? Do the assessment now
Any facility worth using needs to meet your dog before a stay. Our free 45-minute assessment can usually be booked within the week — book a free assessment — and once it’s done your dog is cleared for both dog boarding and dog daycare. Doing it in October means a trial daycare day or two before the holidays, so the stay isn’t their first time in the building.
What to ask before you pay a deposit
- Is the holiday rate per night or a flat surcharge, and which dates count?
- What’s the cancellation policy over the holidays?
- How much outdoor time on Christmas Day itself? Staffing is thin everywhere; ask.
- Can you send a photo? We send updates during every stay.
What a stay looks like at Soulmutts
$85 per night all-inclusive, holiday rates over the peak dates. Private bedroom or supervised social room; days in our 4,000 sq ft private outdoor park in nine matched areas, indoor space when the weather turns; your dog’s own food; medication administered as needed. Open 365 days including the holidays, drop-off and pickup 7am–7pm weekdays and 9am–7pm weekends. A Paws in the Bath grooming bath or full groom on the last day sends them home clean, and the van shuttle can handle pickup if you’re flying out early.
Packing list
- Enough of their usual food for the stay plus two days, portioned
- Medication with written dosing — see what to include with your dog’s medication
- Vaccination records if we don’t have them on file
- A familiar blanket or toy if it settles them — we supply bedding, so nothing you’d be sad to lose
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead should I book Christmas boarding in Toronto?
Eight to ten weeks for the peak week; four to six for the surrounding days.
Is it too late in December?
Often not, for shorter stays or off-peak nights. Call — cancellations happen.
My dog has never boarded. Is Christmas a bad first stay?
It’s a busy first stay. Do a couple of daycare days beforehand and keep the first stay short if you can. Our guide to preparing your dog for boarding covers the rest.
