Pet Hotels in Atlanta: How to Find Safe, Comfortable Stays for Your Pet

Looking for a pet hotel in Atlanta can feel overwhelming, especially if you are trying to balance location, cost, and your pet’s comfort. Whether you live in the city or are visiting and need overnight care, Atlanta has a wide range of pet hotels, boarding facilities, and hybrid daycare/boarding options.

This guide explains how pet hotels work in Atlanta, what to look for, typical prices, and how to choose the right option for your dog or cat.

What Is a Pet Hotel in Atlanta?

In Atlanta, a pet hotel usually refers to a boarding facility that offers:

• Overnight stays for dogs and/or cats
• Daycare playtime or enrichment activities
• Climate-controlled indoor spaces
• Add-on services like grooming, walks, or training

Some operate more like traditional kennels, while others feel closer to a “boutique hotel” for pets, with upgraded suites and more personalized attention.

You’ll see these types of services around Midtown, Buckhead, West Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Decatur, Sandy Springs, and the suburbs. Many facilities cluster near major roads and interstates like I‑75, I‑85, and I‑285 for easy drop-off when you’re heading to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Common Types of Pet Hotels in Atlanta

1. Standard Boarding Kennels

These are often larger facilities with:

• Individual indoor runs or kennels
• Set feeding and potty schedules
• Optional group play or solo exercise

They can be more budget-friendly and are common in areas like Doraville, Smyrna, Marietta, and South Atlanta where there’s more space for larger buildings.

2. Boutique or Luxury Pet Hotels

Typically found in denser neighborhoods and higher-traffic areas such as Buckhead, Midtown, and Brookhaven, these may offer:

• Private suites with glass doors instead of bars
• Softer bedding and TV or music in rooms
• Smaller staff-to-pet ratios
• Extra services like photo updates, enrichment games, or individual cuddle time

These tend to cost more but can be appealing if your pet is anxious, older, or used to a quieter environment.

3. Veterinary-Connected Boarding

Some Atlanta veterinary clinics and animal hospitals offer boarding on-site. These can be helpful if:

• Your pet has medical needs that require monitoring
• You feel more comfortable boarding where veterinary staff are nearby

These are spread through the metro area, including Inman Park, Grant Park, Westside, and North Druid Hills.

What to Look For in an Atlanta Pet Hotel

When comparing options across the city, focus on these core areas.

Cleanliness and Safety

Walk through the facility if possible:

• Floors and kennels should appear clean and free of strong odors
• Secure fencing and doors around play areas
• Separate zones for small vs. large dogs
• Clear plans for emergencies or severe weather, which is important in Atlanta’s stormy seasons

Ask about:

• Vaccination requirements (rabies, distemper/parvo, Bordetella, etc., as applicable)
• Parasite prevention expectations
• How often they clean and disinfect shared spaces

Staff Training and Supervision

For Atlanta pet hotels, especially those that offer group play:

• Staff should be trained in dog body language and safe introductions
• There should be supervision during group play, not just cameras
• Ask about staffing levels on weekends and holidays, when it’s busiest in the city

Boarding Style and Daily Routine

Different neighborhoods may influence a facility’s layout and style:

• Urban locations (e.g., Midtown, Old Fourth Ward) might have more indoor playrooms and short, frequent potty breaks outside
• Suburban or outer-city facilities may have larger outdoor yards and more space for running

Ask for a sample schedule:

• How many potty breaks per day?
• Is there quiet time built in?
• How is feeding handled if your pet has special instructions?

Dog vs. Cat Accommodations

Not all Atlanta pet hotels board cats, and those that do may separate them from dog areas:

• Look for cat-only rooms or sections away from barking
• Ask about vertical space, hiding spots, and whether they provide litter or you should bring your own

Typical Costs for Pet Hotels in Atlanta

Prices vary by neighborhood, services, and the level of “luxury,” but many facilities in the metro Atlanta area fall in these ranges.

In-town areas like Buckhead, Midtown, and Virginia-Highland tend to be on the higher end, while some facilities farther from the core (e.g., Ellenwood, Austell, Lithonia) may be more budget-friendly.

Where Pet Hotels Are Commonly Located Around Atlanta

While individual businesses change over time, you’re likely to find clusters of boarding/pet hotel options in:

• Buckhead & Brookhaven – higher-end and boutique hotels, convenient for I‑85 and GA‑400
• Midtown & West Midtown – popular for people living in condos and apartments; many combine daycare and boarding
• Downtown & Old Fourth Ward – smaller but growing number of facilities aimed at urban professionals
• Decatur & East Atlanta – mix of family-focused and boutique-style options
• Sandy Springs & Dunwoody – easy access for commuters along GA‑400 and I‑285
• Airport & Southside area – boarding facilities convenient for flights out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

If you live inside the Perimeter (ITP), you may prioritize being close to home or to your work; if you’re outside the Perimeter (OTP), you may have more space-focused, larger properties available.

How to Choose the Right Pet Hotel in Atlanta

Use this step-by-step approach to narrow your options.

1. Define Your Priorities

Consider:

• Location: Near your home in Grant Park, near your office in Midtown, or near the airport?
• Budget: Standard kennel vs. premium pet hotel
• Pet’s needs:
  • High-energy dog that loves group play
  • Shy dog that prefers one-on-one time
  • Senior pet needing a quieter space
  • Indoor-only cat that needs minimal disturbance

2. Check Requirements and Policies

Most Atlanta pet hotels will require:

• Proof of vaccinations from your vet
• Flea/tick prevention
• Completed intake forms about temperament, health, and emergency contact information

Ask specifically about:

• Holiday surcharges (common around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and school breaks in metro Atlanta)
• Cancellation policies
• What happens if your pet becomes ill and where they would be taken

3. Schedule a Tour or Meet-and-Greet

Many reputable facilities in Atlanta offer:

• Facility tours during certain hours
• Temperament tests or meet-and-greets before group play

During a visit, notice:

• How staff interact with the animals
• Noise levels, especially in indoor spaces
• Whether pets appear stressed or relatively relaxed

4. Ask the Right Questions

Some helpful questions:

• How are dogs grouped (size, age, play style)?
• What is the overnight supervision setup?
• Are there cameras for owners to view (if that’s important to you)?
• Can you bring your own food, bed, or toys?
• How do they update owners (text, phone, email)?

Special Considerations for Atlanta Weather and Environment

Atlanta’s climate and geography affect how pet hotels operate.

Heat and Humidity

Summers can be very hot and humid:

• Look for indoor, climate-controlled play areas for midday activity
• Ask how often dogs go outside during extreme heat and what heat safety protocols they follow

Rain and Thunderstorms

Afternoon thunderstorms are common, especially in warmer months:

• If your pet is storm-sensitive, ask how staff handle anxious animals during thunder
• Some facilities may offer quieter rooms away from windows or outer walls

Outdoor vs. Indoor Play Spaces

Urban Atlanta locations may rely more on indoor playrooms with rubber flooring, while OTP or edge-of-city locations may have grassy or turf yards:

• If your dog is not used to certain surfaces, mention it to staff
• Confirm the type of fencing and whether outdoor areas are shaded

Boarding for Cats in Atlanta

Cat-specific boarding is more limited than dog boarding, but it is available across the metro area.

When evaluating cat boarding:

• Look for separate cat rooms, not just a corner in a dog kennel
• Ask if the cat area is away from dog noise
• Check for climbing shelves, perches, and hiding spots
• Clarify feeding routines and litter box cleaning frequency

Some veterinary clinics in Atlanta offer cat-only boarding rooms, which may feel calmer for sensitive cats.

Alternatives to Pet Hotels in Atlanta

If a traditional pet hotel is not the right fit, Atlanta offers several alternatives:

In-Home Pet Sitters

Pet sitters can:

• Stay overnight in your home
• Visit multiple times a day for feeding, walks, and litter changes

This can work well if you live in more residential areas like East Atlanta, Kirkwood, Morningside, or the West End and have pets who are more comfortable at home.

Dog Walkers and Daycare Only

For shorter trips or long workdays:

• Dog daycare in Midtown, Buckhead, or other commercial areas can cover the daytime hours
• Evening dog walkers can support pets if you’re on late shifts or events

Friends, Family, or Neighbors

In Atlanta’s many tight-knit neighborhoods and condo communities, some people trade pet care with:

• Neighbors in the same building
• Friends in areas like Cabbagetown, Inman Park, or Decatur

This is informal but can be suitable if your pet is easygoing and you have trusted contacts.

How Far in Advance to Book in Atlanta

Atlanta’s event and travel calendar affects pet hotel availability:

• Major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day) book up weeks to months in advance
• School breaks in metro Atlanta (spring break, summer vacation) can also increase demand
• Big events in the city, such as major conventions, sports events, or concerts, can impact availability near Downtown and Midtown

If you plan to travel, especially by air from Hartsfield-Jackson, consider reserving a spot as soon as your trip dates are set.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Pet Hotel Stay in Atlanta

Use this quick checklist before drop-off:

• ✅ Confirm drop-off and pick-up hours, especially if you’re catching an early or late flight
• ✅ Pack labeled food in sealed containers or bags
• ✅ Bring any medications in original containers with clear instructions
• ✅ Include a familiar blanket or toy if the facility allows it
• ✅ Provide local emergency contact information in case you’re unreachable
• ✅ Double-check vaccination records and any required forms

If your pet is new to boarding, many Atlanta owners schedule one or two daycare days before a longer stay so their pet can get used to the environment.

Helpful Local Contacts and Resources

While they do not run pet hotels, certain Atlanta-area agencies and organizations can be useful if you have questions or emergencies related to pet care while you’re away:

• Fulton County Animal Services
  1251 Fulton Industrial Blvd NW
  Atlanta, GA 30336
  Phone: (404) 613-0358

• City of Atlanta Office of Animal Services (through Atlanta Police Department, non-emergency line)
  Non-emergency: (404) 658-6666

• Dekalb County Animal Services (for parts of metro Atlanta east of the city)
  3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd
  Chamblee, GA 30341
  Phone: (404) 294-2996

These offices can help with issues like lost pets, local regulations, or animal control concerns that might come up before or after boarding.

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, a well-chosen pet hotel can make travel or long workdays much easier. Focusing on cleanliness, safety, staff quality, and your pet’s personality will help you find a reliable spot—whether you’re staying in Buckhead, commuting through Midtown, or flying out of the airport on the Southside.