Christmas 2026 kennel minimum stays, deposits & cancellation rules compared

Last checked: 24 Oct 2026 · 35 providers in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane · every rule linked to the provider's own website

Over Christmas most kennels and catteries change the rules, not just the price. They charge a minimum number of days, ask for a deposit when you book, and stop refunding it after a set date. This page puts those rules side by side so you know what you're committing to before you pay.

At a glance

Next deadline: 31 Oct 2026 — Coltrandi (Gumdale, Brisbane): the $100-per-pet Christmas booking fee is due by 31 October and is non-refundable after that date. Source for Coltrandi (Gumdale, Brisbane) (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026.

Christmas deadlines to put in your calendar

These are the dates providers publish. After them, a deposit stops being refundable or the full booking becomes payable.

Christmas 2026 deadlines published by kennels and catteries Dates as published; checked 24 Oct 2026.
WhenWhat happensStatusSource
30 Sep 2026Dogs Country Club & Kennel Resort: Christmas/New Year Premium Suite deposits ($200 per guest) become non-refundable after 30 September. (Dogs Country Club & Kennel Resort)Passedsource for Dogs Country Club & Kennel Resort (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026
31 Oct 2026Coltrandi (Gumdale, Brisbane): the $100-per-pet Christmas booking fee is due by 31 October and is non-refundable after that date. (Coltrandi Pet Specialists)Upcomingsource for Coltrandi (Gumdale, Brisbane) (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026
1 Nov 2026Sophisticat Resort (Moorabbin): Christmas bookings cancelled after 1 November forfeit the deposit (50% of the booking, capped at $650). Before then: refund less a $150 fee, or a credit. (Sophisticat Resort)Upcomingsource for Sophisticat Resort (Moorabbin) (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026
1 Dec 2026Sparrows In The Tree Top (Yarrambat): Christmas bookings cancelled on or after 1 December incur the full $200 booking fee. (Sparrows In The Tree Top)Upcomingsource for Sparrows In The Tree Top (Yarrambat) (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026
30 days before check-inPet Resorts Australia (all six locations we list) and Barnstone: cancel 30 days or less before a Christmas stay and the whole 25% booking fee is forfeited. With more than 30 days' notice it becomes a credit for 12 months (not a refund). (Pet Resorts Australia – Port Melbourne, Pet Resorts Australia Dural, Pet Resorts Australia Ingleside, Pet Resorts Australia Gumdale, Pet Resorts Australia Narangba, Pet Resorts Australia Samford, Barnstone Kennels & Cattery)Depends on your datessource for Pet Resorts Australia (all six locations we list) and Barnstone (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026
30 days before check-inSydney Pet Resort (Vineyard): full payment is due 30 days before check-in for summer/Christmas peak bookings. (Sydney Pet Resort)Depends on your datessource for Sydney Pet Resort (Vineyard) (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026
14 days before check-inAll 4 Paws and Claws Resort (Dixons Creek): in peak periods, under 14 days' written notice means the full booking is charged; with more notice you lose the deposit only. (All 4 Paws and Claws Resort)Depends on your datessource for All 4 Paws and Claws Resort (Dixons Creek) (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026

Cottage Kennels' deposits are refundable up to 28 days before arrival, except over Christmas and New Year, and Kepala, Hallam Park, Kooronya and Dogs in Town call their peak or Christmas deposits non-refundable from the moment you pay (see the tables below).

Melbourne: minimum stays and deposits

Melbourne: Christmas 2026 minimum stays and deposit rules (15 providers) Longest minimum first; checked 24 Oct 2026.
ProviderChristmas minimumChristmas / peak datesDeposit, payment & cancellation (as published)
All 4 Paws and Claws Resort
Dixons Creek · Kennel & Cattery
14 days at the standard rate (shorter stays pay a higher daily rate) source for All 4 Paws and Claws Resort minimum stay (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 202620 Dec – 20 JanChristmas: $100 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit per dog booking and $50 per cat booking; no room is held without it. In all peak periods, more than 14 days' written notice loses the deposit only; under 14 days' notice (or a no-show) is charged the full booking. source for All 4 Paws and Claws Resort deposit and cancellation (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026
Cottage Kennels and Cattery
Plenty · Kennel & Cattery
14 days source for Cottage Kennels and Cattery minimum stay (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026Victorian public school holidays$100 per pet for peak reservations; 50% for The Deck. Refundable up to 28 days before start, excluding Christmas and New Year. source for Cottage Kennels and Cattery deposit and cancellation (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026
Sparrows In The Tree Top
Yarrambat · Kennel & Cattery
14 nights (7 outside 25 Dec–4 Jan) source for Sparrows In The Tree Top minimum stay (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 202619 Dec – 1 Feb$200 deposit/booking fee for Christmas; bookings cancelled on or after 1 December incur the full booking fee. source for Sparrows In The Tree Top deposit and cancellation (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026
Dogs Country Club & Kennel Resort
Baxter · Kennel
10 days source for Dogs Country Club & Kennel Resort minimum stay (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026Not publishedPeak: $200 per guest (Premium Suite), $400 per guest (Luxury Suite). Christmas/New Year Premium deposits non-refundable after 30 September. source for Dogs Country Club & Kennel Resort deposit and cancellation (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026
Hallam Park Pet Resort
Hallam · Kennel & Cattery
10 days source for Hallam Park Pet Resort minimum stay (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 202618 Dec 2026 – 27 Jan 2027Non-refundable 50% deposit for Easter and Christmas periods. source for Hallam Park Pet Resort deposit and cancellation (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026
Sophisticat Resort
Moorabbin · Cattery
10 nights source for Sophisticat Resort minimum stay (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 202618 Dec – 8 Jan50% of the booking (capped at $650). Christmas bookings cancelled before 1 November: deposit refunded less a $150 fee (or kept as a credit for 6 months). Cancelled after 1 November: deposit forfeited. source for Sophisticat Resort deposit and cancellation (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026
Donvale Cattery
Donvale · Cattery
7 days (Dec/Jan) source for Donvale Cattery minimum stay (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 202618 Dec – 30 Jan (surcharge period)Not published checked 24 Oct 2026
Pet Resorts Australia – Port Melbourne
Port Melbourne · Kennel & Cattery
7 days source for Pet Resorts Australia – Port Melbourne minimum stay (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026One month across Christmas/New Year (exact dates not published)25% non-refundable booking confirmation fee on all bookings, paid when you book. More than 30 days' notice: fee kept as a credit for 12 months. 30 days or less before a Christmas stay: the whole fee is forfeited. source for Pet Resorts Australia – Port Melbourne deposit and cancellation (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026
Animal Aid Boarding Kennels & Cattery
Coldstream · Kennel & Cattery
Not published checked 24 Oct 2026Not publishedNot published checked 24 Oct 2026
Hanrob Pet Hotels Melbourne Airport
Tullamarine · Kennel & Cattery
May apply; told at booking source for Hanrob Pet Hotels Melbourne Airport minimum stay (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026Not publishedA deposit may be required, and full payment may be required before check-in; peak deposits may be higher (communicated at booking). Amounts not published. Cutting a stay short after the free cancellation deadline is charged in full. source for Hanrob Pet Hotels Melbourne Airport deposit and cancellation (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026
Kepala Pet Resort
Diggers Rest · Kennel & Cattery
Not published checked 24 Oct 2026Not publishedNon-refundable $100 deposit for all Christmas and Easter bookings. Stays over 28 days need a 50% deposit on arrival. source for Kepala Pet Resort deposit and cancellation (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026
Kip Bayside
Moorabbin · Kennel
May apply; told at booking source for Kip Bayside minimum stay (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026Not publishedA deposit may be required; peak deposits may be higher. source for Kip Bayside deposit and cancellation (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026
Kip Melbourne South East
Dandenong South · Kennel & Cattery
May apply; told at booking source for Kip Melbourne South East minimum stay (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026Not publishedA deposit may be required; peak deposits may be higher (communicated at booking). source for Kip Melbourne South East deposit and cancellation (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026
Kooronya Boarding Kennel and Cattery
Moorooduc · Kennel & Cattery
Applies in school holidays; length not published (phone) source for Kooronya Boarding Kennel and Cattery minimum stay (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026School holidays (exact dates not published)Deposit required in school holiday periods; non-refundable on cancellation. source for Kooronya Boarding Kennel and Cattery deposit and cancellation (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026
Tullamarine Cat Boarding
Tullamarine · Cattery
Not published checked 24 Oct 2026Not publishedNot published checked 24 Oct 2026

Sydney: minimum stays and deposits

Sydney: Christmas 2026 minimum stays and deposit rules (12 providers) Longest minimum first; checked 24 Oct 2026.
ProviderChristmas minimumChristmas / peak datesDeposit, payment & cancellation (as published)
Aragon Cattery
Arcadia · Cattery
14 nights (18 Dec–4 Jan) source for Aragon Cattery minimum stay (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 202618 Dec 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 (14-night minimum)Not published checked 24 Oct 2026
SmallPaws Pet Hotel
Duffys Forest · Kennel
10 days (22 Dec–4 Jan) source for SmallPaws Pet Hotel minimum stay (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026NSW school holidays; 22 Dec – 4 Jan minimum-stay windowNot published checked 24 Oct 2026
Barnstone Kennels & Cattery
Duffys Forest · Kennel & Cattery
7 days source for Barnstone Kennels & Cattery minimum stay (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026Christmas Rate covers one month between December and January including Christmas and New Year's Day; exact dates change yearly and are not published.25% booking confirmation fee of the total stay, needed to confirm a booking; not refundable. More than 30 days' notice: fee kept as a credit for 12 months. 30 days or less before a Christmas, Easter or Standard Rate stay: 100% of the fee is forfeited. source for Barnstone Kennels & Cattery deposit and cancellation (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026
Hotel for Cats
Blakehurst · Cattery
7–14 nights, by suite source for Hotel for Cats minimum stay (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 202618 Dec – 7 JanNot published checked 24 Oct 2026
Pet Resorts Australia Dural
Dural · Kennel & Cattery
7 days source for Pet Resorts Australia Dural minimum stay (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026One month across Christmas/New Year (exact dates not published)25% non-refundable booking confirmation fee on all bookings, paid when you book. More than 30 days' notice: fee kept as a credit for 12 months. 30 days or less before a Christmas stay: the whole fee is forfeited. source for Pet Resorts Australia Dural deposit and cancellation (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026
Pet Resorts Australia Ingleside
Ingleside · Kennel
7 days source for Pet Resorts Australia Ingleside minimum stay (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026One month across Christmas/New Year (exact dates not published)25% non-refundable booking confirmation fee on all bookings, paid when you book. More than 30 days' notice: fee kept as a credit for 12 months. 30 days or less before a Christmas stay: the whole fee is forfeited. source for Pet Resorts Australia Ingleside deposit and cancellation (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026
Amore Boarding
Kenthurst · Kennel
Applies 24 Dec–1 Jan; length not published source for Amore Boarding minimum stay (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026NSW school holidays; minimum stay 24 Dec – 1 JanNot published checked 24 Oct 2026
Dogs in Town (kennel-free home boarding)
Alexandria · Home boarding
Not published checked 24 Oct 202610 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027Peak-season deposits are non-refundable. source for Dogs in Town (kennel-free home boarding) deposit and cancellation (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026
Hanrob Pet Hotels Sydney Airport
Mascot · Kennel & Cattery
May apply; told at booking source for Hanrob Pet Hotels Sydney Airport minimum stay (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026Not publishedA deposit may be required, and full payment may be required before check-in; peak deposits may be higher (communicated at booking). Amounts not published. Cutting a stay short after the free cancellation deadline is charged in full. source for Hanrob Pet Hotels Sydney Airport deposit and cancellation (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026
Kip Marrickville
Marrickville · Kennel
May apply; told at booking source for Kip Marrickville minimum stay (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026Not publishedA deposit may be required; peak deposits may be higher (communicated at booking). Cutting a stay short after the free cancellation deadline is charged in full. source for Kip Marrickville deposit and cancellation (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026
Pawfect Stay
Londonderry · Kennel
May apply; length not published source for Pawfect Stay minimum stay (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 202619 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027Not published checked 24 Oct 2026
Sydney Pet Resort
Vineyard · Kennel & Cattery
Not published checked 24 Oct 202620 Dec – 28 JanFull payment due 30 days before check-in for summer/Christmas peak bookings (14 days for other peaks). No discounts in peak periods. source for Sydney Pet Resort deposit and cancellation (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026

Brisbane: minimum stays and deposits

Brisbane: Christmas 2026 minimum stays and deposit rules (8 providers) Longest minimum first; checked 24 Oct 2026.
ProviderChristmas minimumChristmas / peak datesDeposit, payment & cancellation (as published)
The Links Pet Centre
Goodna · Kennel & Cattery
10 days source for The Links Pet Centre minimum stay (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 202624 Dec – 2 JanNot published checked 24 Oct 2026
Pet Resorts Australia Gumdale
Gumdale · Kennel & Cattery
7 days source for Pet Resorts Australia Gumdale minimum stay (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026One month across Christmas/New Year (exact dates not published)25% non-refundable booking confirmation fee on all bookings, paid when you book. More than 30 days' notice: fee kept as a credit for 12 months. 30 days or less before a Christmas stay: the whole fee is forfeited. source for Pet Resorts Australia Gumdale deposit and cancellation (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026
Pet Resorts Australia Narangba
Narangba · Kennel & Cattery
7 days source for Pet Resorts Australia Narangba minimum stay (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026One month across Christmas/New Year (exact dates not published)25% non-refundable booking confirmation fee on all bookings, paid when you book. More than 30 days' notice: fee kept as a credit for 12 months. 30 days or less before a Christmas stay: the whole fee is forfeited. source for Pet Resorts Australia Narangba deposit and cancellation (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026
Pet Resorts Australia Samford
Draper (Samford) · Kennel & Cattery
7 days source for Pet Resorts Australia Samford minimum stay (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026One month across Christmas/New Year (exact dates not published)25% non-refundable booking confirmation fee on all bookings, paid when you book. More than 30 days' notice: fee kept as a credit for 12 months. 30 days or less before a Christmas stay: the whole fee is forfeited. source for Pet Resorts Australia Samford deposit and cancellation (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026
AAA Pet Resort Brisbane
Moggill · Kennel & Cattery
Not published checked 24 Oct 2026QLD school holidays & public holidaysNot published checked 24 Oct 2026
Coltrandi Pet Specialists
Gumdale · Kennel & Cattery
None published (charged per calendar day) source for Coltrandi Pet Specialists minimum stay (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026Not published$100 booking fee per pet. The Christmas booking fee is due by 31 October and is non-refundable after that date; school holiday bookings are non-refundable. source for Coltrandi Pet Specialists deposit and cancellation (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026
Hanrob Pet Hotels Brisbane Airport
Eagle Farm · Kennel & Cattery
May apply; told at booking source for Hanrob Pet Hotels Brisbane Airport minimum stay (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026Not publishedA deposit may be required, and full payment may be required before check-in; peak deposits may be higher (communicated at booking). Amounts not published. Cutting a stay short after the free cancellation deadline is charged in full. source for Hanrob Pet Hotels Brisbane Airport deposit and cancellation (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026
Kip Brisbane Cat & Dog Boarding
Kurwongbah · Kennel & Cattery
May apply; told at booking source for Kip Brisbane Cat & Dog Boarding minimum stay (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026Not publishedA deposit may be required; peak deposits may be higher (communicated at booking). Cutting a stay short after the free cancellation deadline is charged in full. source for Kip Brisbane Cat & Dog Boarding deposit and cancellation (opens in a new tab), checked 24 Oct 2026

"May apply; told at booking" means the provider's terms say peak minimums, higher deposits, earlier payment deadlines or different cancellation terms can apply, without publishing the numbers. "Not published" means we found nothing on the provider's website. It doesn't mean there is no rule. Ask before you pay.

What a minimum stay does to your bill

A Christmas minimum is a minimum charge. Short trips cost the same as the minimum. Worked examples from published figures (our arithmetic; your quote may differ):

Before you pay a Christmas deposit: 6 questions

  1. Is the minimum charged by day or by night? Many kennels charge both the arrival and departure day (for example Coltrandi, The Links and Sydney Pet Resort charge per calendar day).
  2. Which dates trigger the minimum? Sparrows' 14-night rule only applies if your stay touches 25 Dec–4 Jan; Aragon's covers any date 18 Dec–4 Jan; SmallPaws' covers 22 Dec–4 Jan.
  3. Is the deposit refundable, a credit, or gone? Get the cut-off date in writing (for example Sophisticat's 1 November, Sparrows' 1 December).
  4. When is the balance due? Sydney Pet Resort wants full payment 30 days before a Christmas check-in; Kip and Hanrob may set earlier payment deadlines at booking.
  5. Can you check in or out on public holidays? Several close on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day; The Links' last Christmas check-in is Christmas Eve. See who's open for check-in over Christmas and New Year.
  6. Are your pet's vaccinations current for the whole stay? Several providers refuse entry, and keep the fee, if a C5 or F3 isn't current or was given too recently. See the Christmas boarding checklist.

Where to check availability

Rules are only half the story. See who has published "fully booked" or "limited" notices in each city's tracker: Melbourne Christmas 2026 tracker · Sydney Christmas 2026 tracker · Brisbane Christmas 2026 tracker. Or filter all 35 providers by city, pet and Christmas status.

Questions about Christmas minimum stays and deposits

How long is the minimum stay at kennels over Christmas 2026?

Of the 35 kennels and catteries we track in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, 18 publish a Christmas minimum: between 7 and 14 days, and 4 of them set 14 days or nights. Pet Resorts Australia and Barnstone charge at least 7 days; Hallam Park, Dogs Country Club, Sophisticat, SmallPaws and The Links Pet Centre 10; Cottage Kennels, Sparrows In The Tree Top (for stays touching 25 Dec–4 Jan), All 4 Paws and Claws and Aragon Cattery 14. Kip and Hanrob say peak minimums are told at booking.

Do I pay the minimum stay even if I only need three nights?

Usually, yes. A minimum stay is a minimum charge: book three nights at a kennel with a 10-day Christmas minimum and you are charged for 10 days. All 4 Paws and Claws is an exception in how it works: stays under 14 days over 20 Dec–20 Jan are allowed but charged a higher daily rate ($50 instead of $40 a day for a twin-share dog room).

Are Christmas kennel deposits refundable?

Mostly not. 17 of the 18 providers that publish their Christmas deposit terms call the deposit non-refundable or forfeit it on cancellation after a deadline. Pet Resorts Australia and Barnstone turn the 25% booking fee into a 12-month credit if you cancel more than 30 days ahead, but forfeit it inside 30 days.

How much deposit do kennels ask for Christmas?

Published amounts range from $50 per cat (All 4 Paws and Claws) and $100 per pet (Kepala, Cottage Kennels, Coltrandi, All 4 Paws dogs) to $200–$400 per guest (Sparrows, Dogs Country Club), 25% of the stay (Pet Resorts Australia, Barnstone) and 50% (Hallam Park; Sophisticat, capped at $650). Sydney Pet Resort wants full payment 30 days before a Christmas check-in.

What is the next Christmas booking deadline?

Coltrandi in Gumdale (Brisbane) says its Christmas booking fee is due by 31 October 2026. Sophisticat's Christmas deposits become non-refundable after 1 November, and Sparrows charges the full booking fee for Christmas cancellations from 1 December.

What happens if I pick my pet up early?

You normally still pay for the dates you booked. Kip and Hanrob's terms say cutting a stay short after the free cancellation deadline is charged in full, Sydney Pet Resort bills the booked dates if you collect early, and Coltrandi charges full school-holiday bookings with no refunds for early departure.

Method

On 24 Oct 2026 we re-read each provider's own price, terms, FAQ and booking pages and copied their Christmas minimum stay, deposit, payment and cancellation rules. Each rule links to the page it came from. Short labels in the "Christmas minimum" column summarise the provider's wording; the full wording is on each provider page. 5 providers publish neither a Christmas minimum nor deposit terms: AAA Pet Resort Brisbane, Amore Boarding, Animal Aid Boarding Kennels & Cattery, Pawfect Stay and Tullamarine Cat Boarding. Providers can send us their rules, free.

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