Extended Stay Dog Boarding Guide for TC Snowbird Season
Every November, thousands of Northern Michigan pet parents start packing bags and booking flights south. The snow piles up along Grand Traverse Bay, and Florida or Arizona starts sounding pretty good.
But here's the question that keeps so many Traverse City dog parents up at night: what happens to your pup when you're gone for three, four, or even five months? Short weekend stays are one thing. Dog boarding Traverse City for an entire snowbird season is something else entirely, and it takes serious planning to get right.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about arranging extended-stay boarding so you can head south with confidence.
Why Does Snowbird Season Create Unique Dog Boarding Needs?
A weekend getaway and a four-month winter absence are completely different situations for your dog. Extended stays require a deeper level of trust, preparation, and communication between you and your boarding provider.
Extended boarding requires routine stability. According to the American Kennel Club, dogs thrive on predictable daily schedules, and disruptions lasting more than a few days can trigger anxiety, behavioral changes, and even health issues. When your pup is staying somewhere for months, that routine becomes their entire life, not just a temporary adjustment.
Health needs change over time. Medications run out. Seasonal allergies shift. A small limp that wasn't there in November might need vet attention by January. Your boarder needs to notice these things and act on them.
Communication matters more than ever. When you're gone until April, you need regular updates, honest check-ins, and a boarder who'll tell you if something's off.
"Dogs experiencing prolonged separation from their primary caregivers benefit most from environments that closely replicate their home routines," says Dr. Nicholas Dodman, veterinary behaviorist and Professor Emeritus at Tufts University. Source
When Should Snowbird Pet Parents Start Winter Planning?
Start planning your dog's extended stay no later than August or September. The best boarding providers in the Traverse City area fill their long-term spots early because snowbird bookings take up significant calendar space.
Local boarding providers who specialize in extended stays recommend starting early. Here's a practical timeline that works:
August: Research boarding options. Schedule meet-and-greets with your top two or three choices.
September: Book your preferred provider. Confirm dates, pricing, and payment schedules for the full stay.
October: Schedule a vet checkup and stock up on medications for the full boarding period. Update vaccination records and share them with your boarder.
Early November: Do a trial overnight or weekend stay if your pup hasn't boarded with this provider before. This helps both of you feel confident before the long stretch.
Mid-November: Drop off day. Keep goodbyes short and upbeat. Your pup reads your emotions.
A 2025 survey by the American Pet Products Association found that pet owners spent an average of $1,480 annually on boarding and pet sitting. Planning ahead gives you time to budget properly.
What Does a Quality Extended Boarding Stay Really Look Like?
Not every boarding provider is set up for extended stays. A great overnight boarder might not be the right fit for a four-month commitment. Here's what separates a solid long-term option from a risky one.
Home Environment Over Kennel Setting
For stays lasting weeks or months, in-home boarding beats a kennel facility every time. Your dog needs a couch to curl up on, a yard to explore, and a person who's genuinely part of their daily life. Kennels with concrete runs and shift staff aren't designed for the kind of bond a dog needs over months of separation from their family.
Proactive Health Monitoring
Your boarder should track eating habits, energy levels, and bathroom patterns. Any changes over a long stay could signal a health issue. The best providers keep a simple daily log and flag anything unusual right away.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, senior dogs (seven years and older) should receive veterinary checkups every six months. If your pup falls into that category, your boarder should be prepared to coordinate a mid-stay vet visit while you're away.
Regular, Honest Communication
For a months-long stay, you need a communication rhythm that works. Daily photo updates, weekly video calls, and immediate contact for anything concerning is the gold standard.
"The single most important factor in a successful long-term boarding arrangement is trust between the pet owner and the caregiver, built through consistent, transparent communication," says Dr. Marty Becker, founder of Fear Free Pets and practicing veterinarian.
How Should You Prepare Your Dog for Months Away from Home?
The preparation process for extended boarding is more involved than packing a bag of kibble and dropping your pup off. Here's how to set your dog up for a smooth, stress-free winter.
Build familiarity before the long stay. Schedule two or three shorter stays (one night, then a weekend) with your chosen boarder in the weeks before your departure. This gives your pup time to learn the new routine and bond with their caregiver.
Create a comprehensive care document. Go beyond basic feeding instructions. Include your dog's daily schedule, favorite activities, behavioral triggers, comfort items, emergency contacts, and vet information.
Stock up on essentials. Provide enough food, medication, supplements, and treats for the full stay. Switching brands mid-stay can cause digestive issues.
Extended boarding wellness prep: Dogs staying three months or longer should have a full vet exam within 30 days of their boarding start date. This includes updated vaccinations, bloodwork for senior dogs, and a current flea and tick prevention plan.
Pack two to three familiar blankets that smell like home
Leave a worn t-shirt with your scent
Provide your dog's regular toys, not new ones
"Maintaining consistency in diet, exercise, and daily routine is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress in dogs during any change in their living situation," says Dr. Gary Richter, integrative veterinarian and author of The Ultimate Pet Health Guide.
What Are the Biggest Mistakes Snowbird Pet Parents Make?
Even experienced pet parents stumble with the logistics of arranging care for an entire winter. Here are the most common mistakes, and how to avoid them.
Waiting too long to book. This is the number one mistake. Premium boarding providers in Northern Michigan start filling snowbird slots by September. By November, your options shrink dramatically.
Choosing the cheapest option. Extended boarding is a significant investment. A 2026 IBISWorld industry report estimates the U.S. pet boarding market at over $9.3 billion, reflecting how seriously pet parents take this decision. Price matters, but quality matters more for a months-long stay.
Skipping the trial stay. Don't commit your dog to four months of boarding without at least one overnight trial run.
Not planning for emergencies. What happens if your dog needs surgery while you're in Arizona? Establish clear protocols about emergency vet visits, authorization for treatment, and spending limits. Put it in writing.
Forgetting mid-stay vet appointments. If your dog takes heartworm medication or is due for vaccines during your absence, schedule those appointments before you leave and share the details with your boarder.
How In-Home Boarding Helps Dogs Thrive During Long Stays
Dogs don't do well sitting in a kennel run for months, no matter how clean the facility is. In-home boarding gives your pup something a kennel simply can't: a normal life.
Your dog wakes up on the couch, eats breakfast in a real kitchen, plays in a fenced yard, and settles in for the evening with a person who genuinely cares about them. For Traverse City snowbirds, in-home boarding also means your dog stays connected to local life, experiencing Michigan's winter routine and maintaining a sense of normalcy that helps them transition smoothly when you return in spring.
Conclusion
Snowbird season is a Northern Michigan tradition, but leaving your pup behind for months doesn't have to be stressful. With early planning, the right boarding provider, and thorough preparation, your dog can have a comfortable, happy winter while you enjoy warmer weather down south.
The key is finding a boarding arrangement that goes beyond basic care. Your pup needs routine, companionship, health monitoring, and a home-like environment from November through April.
If you're planning your snowbird trip for next winter, start the conversation with a trusted provider of dog boarding Traverse City now. The earlier you plan, the better the experience for everyone, especially your pup.
FAQs
How far in advance should snowbirds book dog boarding?
Book your extended stay at least two to three months before your planned departure. For November departures, start reaching out by August or September.
What's the average cost of extended-stay dog boarding?
Extended boarding typically costs less per night than short-term stays due to discounted monthly rates. In the Traverse City area, expect to budget between $40 and $75 per night for quality in-home boarding.
Can my dog stay with one boarder for the entire winter?
Yes, and that's the preferred arrangement. Consistency matters for dogs over long periods. Switching caregivers mid-winter creates unnecessary stress and disrupts the routine your pup has settled into.
What happens if my dog needs emergency vet care while I'm away?
Establish clear emergency protocols with your boarder before you leave. This includes pre-authorizing treatment up to a specified dollar amount, providing your vet's contact info, and leaving a credit card on file for unexpected expenses.
How do I help my dog readjust when I return in spring?
Most dogs readjust quickly once they're back home. Keep the first few days calm and stick to your pup's established routine. Give them a day or two to settle back in before introducing big changes.
