Pets During the Cold Season
Cozy Paws & Winter Wonder
Winter in Spokane means snow-dusted pines, frosty mornings, and the kind of cold that makes even Archer’s warmest baby blanket seem appealing. We love this season — the sparkle of fresh snow, the smell of woodstoves, the calm of short winter days — but we also know it comes with challenges for our four-legged family members.
For pets, winter can be both magical and stressful. Sparkling lights, noisy gatherings, and endless activity can overwhelm even the calmest animals. Cold weather, icy roads, and holiday foods also pose risks that we, as pet parents, need to keep in mind. That’s part of why we’re working so hard to build Creekside Pet Lodge — a cozy boarding retreat in Elk, WA where pets can spend the season safely and comfortably.
We’re not open just yet — we’re still in the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) stage with Spokane County — but we want to start sharing helpful advice with families like ours. This post is all about winter care tips, holiday hazards, and a little peek into how Creekside will keep pets safe and warm when we open our doors.
Winter Pet Care Tips
Winter brings special challenges, but with some planning, pets can thrive in the cold.
Protect those paws. Snow, ice, and road salts can dry out and irritate paw pads. Wipe paws after walks to remove salt and chemicals, and consider paw balms or booties for sensitive pets.
Bundle up (when needed). Short-haired pups like Bella and Olive may benefit from a jacket on walks. Willow, our hairy Schnauzer, insists her natural coat is enough (and she’s probably right). Cats generally don’t need coats, but they definitely need warm spaces.
Limit exposure. Pets can get frostbite and hypothermia, too. Keep outdoor play sessions shorter when temps drop below freezing.
Indoor enrichment. On days when the snow piles up, swap outdoor time for fun inside. Puzzle toys, training games, and safe tug-of-war sessions can keep pets engaged.
Holiday Hazards for Pets
We love decking the halls, but let’s face it: the holidays turn our homes into obstacle courses of temptation for pets.
Decorations. Tinsel, ribbon, and ornaments are irresistible to curious pets — and dangerous if swallowed.
Plants. Poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe may look festive, but they’re toxic to dogs and cats.
Cords and lights. Dangling wires can be too tempting for chewers.
Food. Turkey bones, chocolate, nuts, and rich holiday foods should never make their way into pet bowls. Stick to safe treats like small bits of plain pumpkin or apple slices.
At Creekside, one of our priorities will be keeping pet spaces free from these seasonal hazards. Our lobby will have safe decor (think cozy, not tempting) and staff trained to watch for unsafe items.
Why Winter Boarding Matters
Holidays often mean travel, and winter travel isn’t always pet-friendly. Driving over icy passes or flying with pets during peak season can be stressful for everyone involved. For many animals, boarding in a quiet, safe place is a great option.
We’ve experienced the stress ourselves: trying to juggle Archer’s baby gear, luggage, and two excitable dogs while also worrying about Olive, who simply can’t handle travel due to her disabilities. That chaos is what inspired us to create a facility designed for all pets — a place where animals like Olive can get personalized care instead of being overlooked in traditional kennels.
By the time we’re open, families in Elk, Chattaroy, Deer Park, Spokane, and beyond will have a local boarding option that combines safety, comfort, and high-level care.
Tips for Stress-Free Holidays With Pets
Until Creekside is ready, here are a few tips to make this holiday season easier on your furry family members:
Set up a quiet space. During parties or family gatherings, give pets a calm room with a bed, toys, and water.
Stick to routines. Regular feeding and potty schedules help pets stay grounded.
Use safe distractions. Long-lasting chews, frozen Kongs, or puzzle toys can keep them busy when guests arrive.
Communicate with guests. Let visitors know if your pets have boundaries (e.g., no table scraps, no rough play).
Have an emergency plan. Keep the local emergency vet number handy — just in case.
A Cozy Retreat at Creekside
When we dreamed up Creekside Pet Lodge, one thing we knew for certain was this: no pets in freezing outdoor weather.
We’re designing, climate-controlled indoor dog runs, so no pup will have to shiver through a Spokane winter. Our cat condos will be warm, quiet, and filled with natural light. And because we know winter days are short, we’re planning for indoor enrichment activities so dogs can play and stretch even when the snow is piled high.
Noise control is another priority. Holidays can get loud, but at Creekside keep the facility will be as calm and peaceful as possible. That way, pets won’t be spooked by every car door or snowblower down the road.
Behind the Scenes: CUP Progress
Building a pet lodge in Spokane County means crossing a lot of T’s and dotting a lot of I’s. Right now, we’re in the final stages of the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) stage, which is looking like final approval by early 2026.
The CUP ensures that Creekside will blend into the rural landscape while meeting all noise, environmental, and zoning requirements. It’s a lot of paperwork — but it’s the foundation that makes sure Creekside will be safe for pets and respectful of neighbors.
Looking Ahead
Winter may be a season of slowing down in nature, but for us, it’s full steam ahead. Between CUP approvals, contractor meetings, and vendor research we’re moving closer every day.
By next winter, our hope is that Creekside Pet Lodge will be open and welcoming pets into a space designed with them in mind: warm, calm, and stress-free.
Until then, we’ll keep sharing updates and seasonal advice here on the blog. From our family — Alex, Alaina, Archer, Brutus, Bella, Willow, and Olive — we wish you and your pets a cozy, safe, and joyful winter season.
Yours Truly,
The Hulls of Creekside Pet Lodge🐾
P.S. If you’re exploring whether Creekside might be the right fit, head to our Packages & Pricing page to learn more about our boarding packages!
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.
