Dog Hotel Options in Atlanta: How to Find the Right Stay for Your Pup

Looking for a dog hotel in Atlanta can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re juggling travel plans, work, or a move. Atlanta has a wide range of options—from luxury pet “resorts” with pools and webcams to simple, budget-friendly boarding kennels. The key is knowing what’s available, what to look for, and how to match it to your dog’s needs and your part of town.

This guide walks through how dog hotels work specifically in Atlanta, Georgia, what to expect in different neighborhoods, typical services and pricing, and practical steps to choose a safe, comfortable place for your dog.

What “Dog Hotel” Usually Means in Atlanta

In Atlanta, the term dog hotel is used loosely. It can describe:

• Full-service pet resorts with private suites, TVs, play yards, and grooming
• Standard boarding kennels that focus on safe, supervised overnight care
• Daycare + boarding combos, where dogs play in group daycare and sleep in kennels or suites at night

Most dog hotels in Atlanta offer some mix of:

• Overnight boarding (standard runs or private “suites”)
• Doggy daycare (group play during the day)
• Walks and potty breaks
• Grooming or baths before pickup
• Add-on activities, such as one-on-one play, training refreshers, or extra walks

When you search “dog hotel Atlanta,” you’ll see a mix of luxury-style locations and more basic facilities. In practice, Atlanta pet owners often choose based on:

• Proximity to home, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, or major highways
• Whether their dog does well in group play
• Budget and length of stay
• Special needs such as medications, mobility issues, or anxiety

Common Types of Dog Hotels Around Atlanta

1. Luxury Dog Hotels and Pet Resorts

These are usually marketed as “pet resorts” or “dog hotels” and may include:

• Spacious suites (sometimes with glass doors instead of bars)
• Raised beds or cots, blankets, and sometimes TVs or music
• Indoor and outdoor play yards
• Webcams so you can check on your dog
• Pool or splash pads at some locations
• Multiple play sessions daily

You’re more likely to find these in or near:

• Buckhead / Brookhaven
• Midtown / West Midtown
• Sandy Springs / Dunwoody
• Alpharetta / Roswell (if you’re willing to drive a bit north of city limits)

Luxury-style dog hotels tend to cost more per night but may be attractive if you want extra enrichment or your dog is very social.

2. Standard Boarding Kennels

Standard kennels focus on safe, clean boarding with regular care:

• Individual kennels or runs
• Scheduled feeding
• Potty breaks or short walks
• Occasional or optional playtime

These can be a good fit if:

• Your dog doesn’t need lots of group play
• You’re looking for budget-conscious options
• Your dog is older or prefers a quieter environment

You’ll find this style throughout the metro area, including more industrial or commercial zones near:

• I-285, I-75, I-85, and GA-400 corridors
• South Atlanta and airport-adjacent areas

3. Daycare + Boarding Facilities

Many Atlanta dog hotels function primarily as doggy daycare centers that also offer boarding:

• Dogs play in supervised groups during the day
• At night, they sleep in individual kennels or suites
• Often convenient for intown residents who already use the daycare

These are common in:

• Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, Grant Park, Westside, Kirkwood
• Decatur and East Atlanta
• Sandy Springs, Smyrna, and Vinings

This type of setting can work well if your dog:

• Enjoys other dogs
• Has high energy and needs structured activity
• Already attends doggy daycare and is familiar with the environment

Typical Services and What They Mean

Most Atlanta dog hotels offer a similar core set of services. Understanding the language used in listings helps you compare options.

Boarding Setup

Common room types:

• Standard kennel/run – Enclosed space with enough room to stand, turn, and lie down
• Suite – Larger space; sometimes with a glass door, bed, or quiet location
• Family suite – For multiple dogs from the same household

Ask how much time your dog spends in the room vs. play areas. In some facilities, dogs have lots of activity; in others, most of the day is spent resting.

Play and Social Time

Atlanta facilities vary widely in how they handle play:

• Group play: Dogs are matched by size or temperament; supervised in yards or indoor playrooms
• Individual play: For dogs who don’t do well in groups or are not dog-friendly
• Structured activities: Fetch, agility-style play, or one-on-one cuddles available as add-ons

Questions to ask:

• Are temperament tests or trial days required?
• Are groups separated by size and energy level?
• What’s the staff-to-dog ratio during play?

Feeding and Medication

Most dog hotels in Atlanta:

• Allow you to bring your own food (recommended to avoid stomach upset)
• Can provide house food, sometimes for an additional fee
• Are used to giving oral medications, including pills and some supplements

If your dog needs insulin, injections, or complex medical care, you may want to consider facilities with a veterinary clinic on site or board directly through a veterinary hospital.

Add-On Services

Common extras include:

• Grooming or baths before pickup
• Nail trims, ear cleaning, teeth brushing
• Extra walks or enrichment sessions
• Report cards or photo updates

These may be optional, but factor them into your total trip budget if you know you’ll want them.

What Dog Hotels in Atlanta Typically Cost

Pricing varies by neighborhood and amenity level, but in general, for the Atlanta area you can expect:

• Standard boarding: Lower nightly rate
• Luxury suites: Higher nightly rate
• Holiday and peak travel dates: Often higher prices or required deposits

Common cost drivers:

• Location (intown vs. outer suburbs)
• Room type (kennel vs. suite)
• Size of dog (large dogs sometimes cost more)
• Extras (play packages, grooming, special handling)

📝 Tip: Many Atlanta dog hotels require deposits for major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break) and can book up weeks in advance, especially in-town locations and those near the airport.

Key Things to Look For in an Atlanta Dog Hotel

No matter which part of Atlanta you’re in, a safe and responsible facility will typically share certain traits.

1. Cleanliness and Odor

When you tour:

• Floors and kennels should be clean and dry
• There may be some dog smell, but it shouldn’t be overpowering or sharp
• Food and water bowls should look washed and sanitary

2. Staff Behavior and Communication

Look for staff who:

• Greet you and your dog calmly and confidently
• Can explain their daily schedule (feeding, play, rest, potty breaks)
• Are able to answer questions about emergencies, fights, and illnesses

Clear, responsive communication is especially important if you’re traveling and hard to reach.

3. Safety Practices

Ask about:

• Vaccination requirements (Rabies, Distemper/Parvo, and Bordetella are commonly required; some also ask for Canine Influenza)
• How dogs are screened before group play
• How they separate small vs. large dogs
• Fencing, gates, and double-door entries to prevent escapes
• Day and night supervision (Is someone on-site overnight?)

4. Emergency and Vet Care

In Atlanta, many dog hotels have a relationship with a nearby veterinary clinic. Ask:

• What happens if your dog becomes ill or injured?
• Do they contact your regular veterinarian first when possible?
• Which emergency vet clinics they use after-hours?

Some major 24/7 veterinary emergency centers in and around Atlanta include:

• BluePearl Pet Hospital – Sandy Springs

  • 455 Abernathy Rd NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328
  • Phone: (404) 459-0903

• Animal Emergency Center of Atlanta

  • 2280 Canton Rd, Marietta, GA 30066
  • Phone: (770) 424-9157

You don’t need to choose based solely on proximity to these, but it’s helpful to know which hospital your dog might be taken to in an emergency.

How Dog Hotels Differ by Atlanta Neighborhood

Where you live or stay in Atlanta can shape what’s convenient and practical.

Intown (Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia-Highland, Westside, Grant Park)

• More daycare-style facilities with boarding add-ons
• Often smaller buildings with indoor play and smaller outdoor areas
• Convenient if you live or stay close to the BeltLine or work downtown
• Can fill quickly around holidays and big convention/event weekends

North Atlanta and Perimeter (Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Brookhaven)

• Mix of luxury resorts and traditional kennels
• Many options near GA-400, I-285, and major office hubs
• Popular with commuters who want to drop off before work and board for trips

East and Decatur Area (Decatur, Kirkwood, East Atlanta, Avondale Estates)

• Several smaller, locally run facilities, often with strong neighborhood followings
• Good if you value short drive times and staff who know your dog personally
• May have more limited capacity, so advance booking matters

West and South Atlanta (Smyrna, Vinings, Airport Area, College Park, East Point)

• Practical choices for airport access or if you live on the south/west side
• Some larger facilities with big outdoor yards
• Parking and highway access often easier if you’re coming from outside the city core

Atlanta-Specific Considerations (Weather, Traffic, and Travel)

Heat and Outdoor Play

Atlanta summers are hot and humid, so:

• Ask how facilities adjust for heat and thunderstorms
• Many dog hotels rotate dogs between indoor playrooms and shaded outside yards
• Confirm that dogs always have access to fresh water during play

Traffic and Timing

Atlanta traffic can seriously affect your drop-off/pickup plans:

• Check drop-off and pickup hours, especially if you’re driving through rush hour
• Many facilities have late pickup fees if you miss closing time
• If you’re flying, choose a hotel that fits your flight schedule and airport timing

Boarding Near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

If you’re traveling, it may be convenient to board your dog near the airport so you can drop off and pick up the same day you fly.

When evaluating airport-adjacent dog hotels, focus on:

• Noise (planes, highway) and what the facility does to keep boarding areas calmer
• Shuttle or transport options, if any, and whether they suit your schedule
• Secure parking and clear check-in procedures for early or late flights

Practical Steps to Choose a Dog Hotel in Atlanta

Use this simple framework when comparing options.

Step 1: Define Your Dog’s Needs

Consider:

• Does your dog do well in group play, or prefer solo time?
• Any health issues or medications?
• Age and activity level (senior, puppy, high-energy adult)?
• Escape tendencies or anxiety?

This helps you decide between high-activity daycare-style hotels versus quieter kennels or suites.

Step 2: Narrow Down by Location

Pick an area based on your plan:

• Close to home if someone else is picking up or dropping off
• Near the airport if you’re flying
• Along your commute if you’ll do daycare plus boarding

Step 3: Call and Ask Key Questions

When you call potential dog hotels in Atlanta, you might ask:

• What vaccines are required?
• How is group play managed, and is a temperament test required?
• Is someone on-site overnight?
• What is your emergency protocol, and which vet clinics do you use?
• Can I tour the facility? If so, when?
• How do you handle aggression, anxiety, or special needs?

Step 4: Schedule a Trial Day or Short Stay

Before a long trip, many Atlanta pet owners:

• Do a daycare trial or one-night stay
• Use that experience to see how their dog eats, sleeps, and behaves there
• Get a feel for staff communication and how comfortable they are with your pet

Step 5: Confirm Policies in Writing

Before boarding:

• Fill out forms and waivers fully and accurately
• Provide updated vaccination records from your veterinarian
• Confirm:
  • Drop-off and pickup hours
  • Holiday surcharges or peak pricing
  • Cancellation and deposit rules

Quick Comparison: What Matters Most When Picking a Dog Hotel in Atlanta

Helpful Local Resources for Atlanta Pet Owners

While they don’t run dog hotels themselves, a few local resources can support your planning:

• City of Atlanta – Office of Animal Services

  • 860 Marietta Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
  • Phone: (404) 546-0311
  • Can answer general questions about local animal ordinances, licensing, and what’s expected of animal facilities in city limits.

• County Animal Control / Services (depending on where you live in the metro):

  • Fulton County Animal Services – 1251 Fulton Industrial Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30336
  • DeKalb County Animal Services – 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341

Your regular veterinarian in Atlanta is also a valuable guide; many local vets are familiar with area dog hotels and can share what they often see from returning boarders (for example, which settings seem to suit anxious dogs best).

By focusing on your dog’s temperament, your travel or work schedule, and the unique layout of Atlanta’s neighborhoods and traffic, you can choose a dog hotel in Atlanta that feels safe, comfortable, and practical. Use tours, trial days, and clear questions to find a facility that treats your dog as carefully as you do.