Holiday Travel Tips for Pet Parents
Pumpkin Spice & Puppy Tails
Fall is here, and with it come pumpkin spice lattes, golden leaves crunching under our boots, and the familiar buzz of holiday planning. For many pet parents, fall doesn’t just mean cozy sweaters and apple cider — it means answering a big question: Should I bring my pets along for the holiday trip, or should I find a place for them to stay?
We know that question all too well. Picture this: the Hull family loading up the car with a car seat for Archer, stacks of suitcases, Bella and Willow’s leashes tangled like spaghetti, and Olive — our deaf and blind Catahoula — patiently waiting but clearly nervous about the chaos. By the time we got the trunk closed, it already felt like we needed a vacation from our vacation. Sound familiar?
Traveling with pets can be a real juggling act, and while some pets are happy to go along for the ride, many just aren’t. Long car trips, unfamiliar relatives’ houses, noisy airports, and disrupted routines can leave pets feeling stressed. That’s part of the reason we’re creating Creekside Pet Lodge here in Elk, Washington.
We’re still working through our Conditional Use Permit (CUP) with Spokane County — but while we prepare, we’re excited to start sharing advice, updates, and resources for fellow pet parents. Our goal is to design a place that feels like a quiet country retreat, especially for pets who thrive on calm routines and personal care. While we’re not open yet, we want to help you make the best choices for your furry family members during this holiday season.
Why Boarding Can Be Kinder Than Traveling
It might feel natural to take your pets everywhere with you, but sometimes the kindest choice is to let them stay behind in a safe, low-stress environment.
Here’s why boarding can make sense during the holidays:
Routine = comfort. Pets love familiarity. Sticking to a set schedule for feeding, play, and rest helps them feel secure.
Quiet time. Unlike busy relatives’ homes full of kids and new smells, boarding gives pets a place with predictable activity.
Reduced risk. No worries about pets slipping out of a relative’s door or feeling carsick on a long drive.
You get peace of mind. Knowing your pets are cared for frees you to actually enjoy your holiday trip without guilt.
That’s exactly the philosophy behind Creekside Pet Lodge: less chaos, more calm. We want boarding to feel like a mini-vacation for your pets, too.
Quick Holiday Travel Tips
Until Creekside Pet Lodge opens its doors, here are some tried-and-true holiday travel tips we’ve learned along the way:
Plan early. Pet-friendly hotels and boarding facilities fill up fast — sometimes months in advance. If you haven’t already, start your search now.
Keep comforts close. Whether traveling or boarding, bring their favorite blanket, toy, or bed. The familiar scent reduces stress.
Watch their diet. Avoid overfeeding right before travel. Nervous stomachs and road trips are not a good combo.
Check health records. Make sure vaccinations are up to date and medications packed. Many boarding facilities (including ours, once we’re open!) require proof of vaccines.
Consider their personality. Is your dog anxious in crowds? Does your cat hide under the bed during houseguests? If yes, boarding may be the kinder choice.
Fall Flavors That Are Pet-Friendly
Fall is full of cozy flavors, but not all of them are safe for pets. Here are some seasonal goodies you can share with your four-legged family members:
Pumpkin. Plain canned pumpkin (not the spiced pie mix) is full of fiber and vitamins. Mix a spoonful into meals or freeze into treats.
Sweet potato. Bake slices plain for a chewy, nutrient-rich snack.
Apples. Core and seed them first, then share slices for a crunchy bite.
And here are some to avoid: nutmeg, raisins, chocolate, and anything made with xylitol (an artificial sweetener that’s toxic to pets). Basically, keep your pumpkin spice latte to yourself!
Fall Adventures With Pets
Fall is one of the best times to get outside with your animals. The cooler temps are perfect for long walks, hikes, or play sessions in the yard. Dogs especially love leaf piles, and let’s be honest — it’s adorable watching them bounce through the leaves like kids.
At Creekside Pet Lodge, one of the things we’re most excited to build is our outdoor play yards, designed for safe, supervised fun. Pets will be able to enjoy the crisp air while still staying secure. Think of it like recess for your pets, with trained staff watching over them.
Behind the Scenes: Our Progress
We’ve had a lot of folks ask, “So when will you open?” The truth is, building Creekside is a process, and we want to do it right. Right now, we’re still working through our CUP approval process, which is an important step for any kennel in Spokane County.
We’ve already:
Designed a floor plan for our indoor/outdoor dog suites and cat condos.
Met with contractors and suppliers and selected products and equipment.
Lined up plans for utilities like water and septic, which are crucial for keeping pets healthy.
Next steps? Finalizing permits, breaking ground, and then all the exciting parts — installing dog runs, finishing the lobby, and decorating the lodge with that cozy home feel we love.
It’s a long road, but we’re thrilled to share updates along the way.
Why We’re Building This
As much as we love our dogs Bella and Willow, and our sweet (but deaf and blind) Olive, the reality is that finding safe, stress-free boarding isn’t easy. Olive especially struggles — her disabilities make traditional boarding options impossible. That’s why we wanted to create a place built with dogs like hers in mind. A place where care is flexible, calm, and personalized.
We’re not just opening a business. We’re building something we wish existed when we needed it.
Looking Ahead
While we’re not open yet, we want to keep connecting with our community, sharing updates, and offering helpful resources to pet parents like you. So as you sip that pumpkin spice latte and start mapping out holiday trips, remember this: soon, you won’t have to stress about what to do with your pets.
At Creekside Pet Lodge, they’ll have their own getaway!.
Yours Truly,
The Hulls of Creekside Pet Lodge🐾
Disclaimer: We are not veterinarians, and the information shared in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be taken as medical advice for your pets. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian regarding your pet’s health, diet, or specific care needs.
