How Pawville, A WagWay Brand, Keeps the Holidays Joyful for Teams and Pets
The holidays are a joyful rush in the pet hospitality industry. Families travel, boarding fills, and every dog that trots through the door deserves our best. For Pawville, A WagWay Brand, the secret to thriving during the season isn’t just staffing up; it’s staffing smart.
Here are the proven tips and tricks we’ve learned over the years to keep our resorts running smoothly, our teams motivated, and our guests (two- and four-legged) happy.
1️. Plan Early — and Build from the Community
Holiday success starts long before December. We forecast bookings using prior-year trends and start hiring and training early — often in October.
Our advantage? The community around us.
- College students home for winter break and past summer staff often return for short-term roles.
- Local pet lovers fill flexible support positions to lighten the load for full-time employees.
- Cross-training ensures every person can pivot between boarding, daycare, and front desk tasks.
“The holidays are busy, but they don’t have to burn you out,” says Phil, Founder of Pawville, A WagWay Brand. “When you invest in people and culture all year, they show up for you when it matters most.”
2️. Rethink Scheduling — Short Shifts, Strong Teams
On major holidays, our goal is simple: care for pets while caring for people.
At Pawville, we schedule short, focused shifts on Thanksgiving and Christmas so everyone has time to celebrate with loved ones while still delivering exceptional pet care. Because our resorts are closed to the public on these days, the workload is lighter and the team can focus entirely on the comfort and safety of the pets in our care.
Of course, it’s not just about the holidays themselves; the days leading up to and following them can be just as busy. That’s where seasonal support and strong on-site leadership make all the difference.
We rely on seasonal team members who return during school breaks, bringing experience and familiarity despite their part-time status. Occasionally, new team members join during the holiday rush, and this is where effective leadership becomes critical. Great managers understand each person’s strengths and place them where they’ll succeed, ensuring every shift runs smoothly and every pet receives the same level of thoughtful care.
3. Communicate Clearly and Often
The holidays can amplify small missteps. That’s why communication is our non-negotiable.
- Daily huddles keep everyone aligned.
- Clear digital tools (Slack, text groups, or printed boards) make shift updates and reminders effortless.
- Managers set expectations early for both staff and pet parents to minimize surprises.
Open, ongoing communication builds trust and teamwork, even under pressure. For example, pre-shift huddles provide clarity so everyone knows who’s covering what, keeping the day smooth and stress-free.
4. Appreciate Early and Often
Acknowledging effort is the easiest way to prevent burnout. Whether it’s a thank-you text, a mid-shift coffee drop, or a team lunch after a long day, appreciation fuels energy.
Some ways teams can show gratitude:
- Offer holiday premiums or small bonuses for coverage days.
- Give public shoutouts and handwritten notes.
- Bring in a treat bar, breakfast spread, or a “holiday hero” recognition program.
Big or small, gratitude is the greatest retention strategy there is.
5. Protect Culture Year-Round
Strong holiday performance starts with culture, not schedules.
We focus on communication, mentorship, and trust all year, not just in December. When people feel respected and heard in March and August, they bring their best selves in December.
“You can’t build culture in the rush of the season — you have to live it all year,” says Phil.
Staffing the holidays takes more than extra hands; it takes extra heart. With community-driven hiring, shorter shifts, clear communication, and authentic appreciation, Pawville, A WagWay Brand, keeps both people and pets happy through the holidays and well beyond.
Because when our people thrive, everything else falls into place.
