If you are traveling this Thanksgiving or Christmas, book your pet's boarding as soon as your dates are set, and choose a place that can handle your pet's health needs, not just a bed. At Orange Grove Animal Hospital, boarding happens inside a veterinary hospital: kennel techs are on site 24/7, and our doctors can give medications, monitor senior pets and manage conditions like diabetes while you are away.
Here is how to get your cat, dog or exotic pet ready, what to pack, and what to watch for when you bring them home.
When should I book holiday boarding in Tucson?
As early as you can. Holiday weeks are the busiest time of year for boarding, and spots around Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's go first.
You can schedule a boarding stay by calling us at (520) 877-2626, or emailing orangegroveah@gmail.com. No deposit is needed to hold your spot. If your pet is due for vaccines, we can also handle those for you while your pet is here.
Cat boarding in Tucson: how to make it less stressful
Cats care more about their surroundings than most dogs do. A quiet space away from barking, with somewhere to hide, makes a big difference. As Texas A&M veterinarian Dr. Erin Ray puts it, "Most cats don't want to look at one another." Our cats are boarded in a separate room, which as Dr. Holly Merker likes to say “Is my favorite room!”
A few things you can do at home this week:
Leave the carrier out. The American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends keeping the carrier where your cat already likes to spend time, with treats inside, so it stops being a "something bad is happening" box.
Leave the blanket at home. Blankets, beds and toys from home tend to get lost during the holidays, when we're at capacity.
Cover the carrier on the way. A towel over the carrier cuts down on sights and sounds during the car ride.
Expect a slow start. It is common for cats (and dogs) to eat less for the first 12 to 24 hours in a new place. Our team keeps an eye on every guest's appetite.
We use Fear Free techniques with boarding guests, the same low-stress approach we use in exam rooms. You can read more in The Science of Stress: Why Fear Free Vet Care Matters for Your Pet.
Dog boarding: what to know before drop-off
Vaccines first. Any time pets share a building, vaccines protect everyone. Again, your pet can get vaccinated while they’re here.
Don’t bring anything from home. While a great idea, these items tend to get lost – especially during the holidays when we’re at capacity!
Tell us about anxiety. If your dog struggles with separation or new places, talk to us before your trip. Safe, fast-acting anti-anxiety options exist, and we can build a plan in advance.
Yes, we board reptiles, birds and small pets too
Orange Grove boards dogs, cats, reptiles, birds, small mammals and many other companion animals, which is rare in Tucson. That matters in winter: our nights can drop 40 degrees from the daytime high, and reptiles and birds depend on steady heat. (See Navigating the 40-Degree Drop for why.)
Bring your own food, heat lamps, and any special supplements required by your pet.
Why medical boarding matters for seniors and pets with health needs
If your pet takes medication or needs extra care, boarding at a veterinary hospital takes the guesswork out of your trip. Many of our boarding guests are seniors, and our team can help with:
Routine medications, given on schedule
Senior pet care, including mobility and arthritis support
Prescription and specialty diets
Post-surgical care and monitoring
Diabetic care, including insulin
Our doctors are available around the clock to support hospitalized and boarding patients.
Holiday boarding packing checklist
Your pet's regular food, if you prefer it (we also provide food)
All medications, in their original labeled containers, with written instructions
Vaccine records, if your pet's vaccines were given somewhere other than Orange Grove
Skip blankets, beds and toys from home (they tend to get lost when we're full)
A phone number where we can reach you, plus a local backup contact
For cats: a secure carrier
For exotics: your pet's food, heat lamps and any supplements
How much does pet boarding cost at Orange Grove?
Cats: $30.40
Dogs (small to medium kennel): $34
Dogs (large canine run): $45
Small mammals and exotics: $19.50
Medium and large exotics: $28
Rates can vary for puppies, kittens and pets with medical needs. Call (520) 877-2626 for an exact quote.
When to call us after pickup
Some changes are normal for a day or two after boarding: extra sleepiness, a little clinginess, or mildly loose stool from excitement. Call us if you see vomiting, diarrhea that lasts, coughing, lethargy or a big change in behavior.
Book your pet's holiday stay
Holiday dates fill fast. Call (520) 877-2626 or email orangegroveah@gmail.com to book, or visit our Tucson pet boarding page for details. We are open Monday through Friday, 7 am to 7 pm, and Saturday, 8 am to noon. Thanksgiving week, we're open until 7 pm on Wednesday, Nov. 25, closed on Thanksgiving Day, and back to regular hours Friday and Saturday.
Planning a summer trip next year? Our Ultimate Guide to Summer Boarding covers heat-season tips.
Sources
Planning ahead: reducing stress when boarding your pet, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Pet Talk (May 2026)
Getting Your Cat to the Veterinarian, American Association of Feline Practitioners