Wilmington dog daycare offers holiday travel tips for pets

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — With the holiday season underway, many pet owners may be planning to travel with their pets for family celebrations. Scott Weikert, owner of Hounds Town Wilmington, shared tips for preparing pets for holiday trips and discussed the benefits of boarding for dogs when travel isn’t possible.

Hounds Town is an interactive daycare and boarding facility specializing in dog socialization. Weikert said holidays can be stressful for dogs, so owners should focus on keeping routines consistent.

“Nobody knows their dogs better than their owners,” Weikert said. “Identify what makes your dog comfortable. Bring those things. Create a safe place where they can go and decompress. Stick with your routine.”

For pets traveling by car or plane, Weikert suggested packing familiar items, including food, toys, leashes, and blankets, and checking with a veterinarian for advice.

For dogs that may not adapt well to travel, boarding can provide a safe, structured environment.

“Boarding is always an option. You want to go to that facility a couple times if they offer daycare so the dog gets comfortable,” Weikert said.

Hounds Town works with New Hanover County Animal Control, bringing dogs in for socialization and preparing them for adoption. Dogs are grouped by size and temperament to ensure safety and comfort.

Hounds Town Wilmington is located at 1611 Castle Hayne Road, Unit G, and can be reached at 910-800-4686. More information is available on their Facebook page.