December Holiday Dog Boarding in Cape Town – Book Before We're Full

Book your December dates early

Our peak period runs from 17 December 2026 to 6 January 2027, with a 2-day minimum stay for peak bookings. To hold a room, a holding fee (deposit) must be paid within 48 hours of making your reservation; once we receive it, your booking is confirmed. Once rooms are allocated, we cannot add more, so we recommend booking as soon as your travel plans are set. Booking takes a few minutes through our booking process, and our team will confirm your dates, room type and any extras.

First time at atFrits? Start with daycare before the sleepover

We don't recommend that a dog's very first visit is an overnight stay. Think of a child's first day of school: new teachers, a new class and new friends can feel daunting, and you'd never ask your child to sleep over on day one. Dogs are no different.

It's much gentler to start with a daycare day. Your dog's first daycare day is an assessment day (drop-off at 08:00, collection from 15:00), so our team gets to know your dog and your dog learns that atFrits is a safe, happy place. Book that daycare day well before your December stay, and the holiday sleepover will feel like visiting friends.

Why a dog hotel instead of kennels?

Traditional kennels keep dogs in a run for most of the day. At atFrits, your dog has a proper holiday of their own. Guests stay in comfortable dorms or private suites in the heart of Cape Town City Centre, and spend their days playing in our 750 m² dog park under the eye of trained staff. Every dog is treated as an individual: feeding routines, medication and quirks are written down and followed. With more than 287,000 stays behind us, we know how to help nervous first-timers settle and how to keep confident regulars entertained.

Watch your dog live from wherever you are

The question every owner asks on holiday is "how is my dog doing?" At atFrits you never have to wonder. We are the only dog hotel and daycare in Cape Town with 24/7 live camera access, so you can check in from the beach, the airport lounge or the Christmas table on your phone. Many guests tell us it is the reason they can actually relax while they are away.

Room types and rates

Choose between shared dorms for social dogs and private suites for dogs who prefer their own space or for families boarding more than one dog together. Full prices for overnight stays, daycare add-ons and grooming are listed on our rates page. View our rates

What to pack and what we need from you

• Proof of up-to-date vaccinations: rabies (every 3 years), DHLPP (annually) and Bordetella/kennel cough (annually). Please check your dog's vaccination card well before December, because vets get busy too.
• Your dog's usual food, portioned if possible, so their tummy stays settled.
• Any medication, clearly labelled, with written instructions.
• A familiar blanket or toy if it helps your dog settle.
• Emergency contact details and your vet's details.

See our full requirements on the booking page before you arrive.

Fireworks, Christmas and New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve fireworks are stressful for many dogs. Our team keeps dogs indoors and calm during fireworks, keeps routines as normal as possible and pays extra attention to anxious guests. If your dog is particularly fearful, tell us when you book so we can plan ahead with you.

Come home to a clean dog

If your dog already knows us from daycare or an earlier stay, you can book a groom for the day you collect. Our grooming parlour is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year (08:00–16:30 daily), so your dog can have a wash, cut or nail trim just before checkout and come home fresh. We don't groom dogs on their first visit: some dogs don't enjoy grooming, and we'd rather they settle in and feel safe with us first. Grooming parlour

Getting your dog to us

We are at 117 Castle St in Cape Town City Centre, easy to reach from the City Bowl, Atlantic Seaboard and Southern Suburbs. Ask our team about pet transport options when you book.

December boarding FAQ

When should I book for December?

As early as possible. December and early January are our peak period and rooms fill up well in advance.

Is there a minimum stay over the festive season?

Yes. December peak bookings (17 December 2026 to 6 January 2027) have a minimum stay of 2 days.

When are your December peak dates?

Our peak period runs from 17 December 2026 to 6 January 2027.

Do I need to pay a deposit?

Yes. A holding fee must be paid within 48 hours of making your reservation. Once we receive it, your booking is confirmed.

What vaccinations does my dog need?

We need proof of up-to-date vaccinations: rabies (every 3 years), DHLPP – distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza and parvovirus (annually), and Bordetella/kennel cough (annually; not all vets include it in standard vaccinations, so check). Dogs and puppies without up-to-date vaccinations will not be allowed into the hotel, with no exceptions for age. Rabies vaccination is also required by law in South Africa. See our full dog policy on the rates page (our dog policy).

How do you handle fireworks on New Year's Eve?

Dogs are kept indoors and calm, routines stay as normal as possible, and staff give anxious dogs extra attention.

Are you open over Christmas and New Year?

Yes. The dog hotel is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and we haven't closed a single day since 1 December 2025.

Can I see my dog while I'm away?

Yes. Our 24/7 live cameras let you watch your dog from your phone at any time.

Can my dog be groomed before I collect?

Yes, if your dog has already settled in with us, for example after daycare days or an earlier stay. Our grooming parlour is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, so a groom can be timed for checkout. We don't groom dogs on their first visit, so they can get to know us and feel safe first.

Can my dog's first visit be an overnight stay?

We don't recommend it. Just like a child's first day of school, a new place, new people and new friends can be a lot to take in. Please book a daycare day first: the first day is an assessment day (drop-off at 08:00, collection from 15:00), so our team gets to know your dog and your dog feels safe with us before their first sleepover.

Going away this December? Secure your dog's holiday stay at South Africa's first dog hotel.

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