Dog Boarding in Atlanta: How to Find Safe, Stress‑Free Care for Your Pup

If you live in Atlanta, Georgia or you’re visiting the city and can’t bring your dog along, you’ll quickly discover there are many dog boarding options—everything from budget-friendly kennels near the airport to boutique dog hotels in Midtown and Buckhead. The challenge is knowing which type of boarding is right for your dog and how to evaluate local providers.

This guide walks through how dog boarding works in Atlanta, what it typically costs, how to compare options, and which local factors (like traffic, weather, and neighborhood) actually matter.

Types of Dog Boarding Available in Atlanta

Atlanta’s dog boarding scene is diverse. You’ll usually see options fall into a few main categories:

1. Traditional Kennel Boarding

This is the most common and often most affordable option.

Typical features:

• Individual runs or kennels
• Set feeding and potty schedules
• Optional playtime or walks (sometimes for an extra fee)
• Often located in more industrial or commercial areas (e.g., near I‑285, Fulton Industrial Boulevard, or around Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport)

Best for:

• Dogs who are crate-trained or comfortable in a kennel
• Owners who want a structured, predictable environment

Things to ask in Atlanta:

• Do they have indoor, climate‑controlled areas for hot, humid summers?
• Where are dogs taken for potty breaks (indoor turf vs. outdoor yards)?
• How do they handle stormy weather common in spring and summer?

2. Doggie Daycare + Overnight Boarding

Many Atlanta dog daycares also offer boarding, so your dog plays during the day and sleeps on‑site at night.

Common in:

• Midtown, Buckhead, West Midtown, Virginia‑Highland, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Decatur, and surrounding intown neighborhoods

Typical features:

• Group play with other dogs
• Naptime and supervised socialization
• Crates, suites, or open‑sleep rooms at night

Best for:

• Social, dog‑friendly pups who enjoy group play
• Intown residents who want easy drop‑off close to home

Key questions:

• Are there separate playgroups by size and temperament?
• What’s the human‑to‑dog ratio during playtime?
• Is there staff on‑site overnight?

3. Luxury Dog Hotels and Suites

Atlanta has several higher‑end boarding facilities, often in or near more affluent neighborhoods like Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, and Midtown.

They may offer:

• Private “suites” with beds or couches
• Webcams so you can check in on your dog
• Add‑ons like extra walks, enrichment sessions, or “spa” grooming services

Best for:

• Owners who want more space and amenities
• Dogs who do better in quieter, more private sleeping areas

Cost is typically higher than standard kennels, especially near the city center.

4. In‑Home Boarding (Your Dog Stays in Someone’s Home)

Some Atlanta pet sitters run in‑home boarding where a small number of dogs stay in the sitter’s house.

Usually:

• Located in residential neighborhoods (e.g., Kirkwood, Grant Park, East Atlanta, Smyrna, Decatur, North Druid Hills, Marietta)
• More home‑like environment with couches, backyards, and a flexible schedule

Best for:

• Dogs who get stressed in kennels
• Senior dogs or dogs with mild special needs that do better in a quieter space

You’ll want to ask:

• How many dogs are boarded at once?
• Are there children or other pets in the home?
• Is the yard securely fenced?

5. Pet Sitters in Your Home (Boarding Alternative)

This isn’t boarding in the strict sense, but many Atlanta owners choose in‑home pet sitting instead:

• Sitter visits your home multiple times a day, or
• Sitter stays overnight at your house

Good option if:

• Your dog is anxious outside the home
• You live in high‑rise buildings (e.g., Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead) where drop‑off/pick‑up is a hassle
• You have multiple pets (dogs, cats, etc.) that are easier to keep at home

How Much Does Dog Boarding Cost in Atlanta?

Prices vary by:

• Type of facility
• Location (intown vs. suburbs)
• Size of your dog
• Extras like daycare, walks, or special handling

Below is a general range you might see in the Atlanta metro area:

*Actual rates depend on the provider, season, and any add‑ons.

Extra fees to ask about:

• Holiday surcharges (common around Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break, and long weekends)
• Medication administration
• Extra walks or play sessions
• Late pick‑up fees (important if you’re fighting Atlanta traffic)

What Vaccinations and Paperwork Are Required in Atlanta?

Most reputable Atlanta boarding facilities require up‑to‑date vaccinations to protect all dogs on‑site. Common requirements:

• Rabies (required by Georgia law)
• Distemper/Parvo (DHPP)
• Bordetella (kennel cough)
• Sometimes Canine Influenza (especially at high‑volume daycares)
• Proof of flea and tick prevention

You’ll usually need:

• A recent vet record showing vaccination dates
• Your vet’s contact information
• Emergency contact information for someone local, if possible

If you don’t have current records, contact your veterinarian. If you’re new to the area or don’t have a vet yet, there are many small animal practices throughout Atlanta neighborhoods such as Decatur, West Midtown, Brookhaven, East Atlanta, and Sandy Springs.

For licensing and rabies rules, you can check with:

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

• DeKalb County Animal Services
  3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd
  Chamblee, GA 30341
  Phone: 404‑294‑2996

How to Choose a Dog Boarding Facility in Atlanta

When you search “dog boarding Atlanta,” you’ll see dozens of options. Here’s how to narrow them down in a way that fits your dog and your part of the metro area.

1. Start with Location and Traffic

Atlanta traffic can heavily affect your drop‑off and pick‑up:

• If you’re flying out of Hartsfield‑Jackson, a facility near the airport or off I‑85/I‑285 might be most convenient.
• If you live in Intown neighborhoods (Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Grant Park, Virginia‑Highland), boarding close to home may be easier than crossing town during rush hour.
• If you’re in the northern suburbs (Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Marietta), look for boarding along your normal commuting routes (GA‑400, I‑75, I‑285).

Tip: Ask about weekend and evening hours so you’re not stuck with inconvenient pick‑up times when traffic is heaviest.

2. Tour the Facility

Most Atlanta kennels and dog hotels will let you tour before booking.

Look and listen for:

• Cleanliness: Do the kennels and yards look and smell reasonably clean?
• Noise level: Some barking is normal, but constant chaos can stress dogs.
• Ventilation and temperature: Important in Atlanta’s hot, humid summers and mild but damp winters.
• Staff interaction: Do staff talk to and handle dogs calmly?

Ask about:

• How often dogs are let outside or taken for potty breaks
• Overnight supervision (is someone on‑site 24/7?)
• How they separate dogs (by size, age, temperament)

3. Check Policies on Health and Safety

Good questions for Atlanta facilities:

• How do you handle heat during the summer? Are outdoor yards shaded? Is outdoor play limited in extreme temperatures?
• What happens if my dog gets sick or injured?
  • Do they have a preferred local vet or emergency clinic they use?
• Are there fire and storm procedures, especially since Atlanta can get strong thunderstorms?

Nearby emergency vet resources you might hear boarding facilities reference include 24‑hour animal hospitals scattered across the metro area. Ask which one they use and keep that information for yourself as well.

4. Understand Socialization and Play Rules

If your dog will be in group play:

• Is there a temperament test before joining group play?
• Are dogs separated by size and play style?
• What is the process if there’s a fight or scuffle?

If your dog is shy, reactive, or older, ask if:

• Solo play or one‑on‑one walks are available
• Your dog can skip group play and just have quiet time

5. Review Pickup, Drop‑off, and Holiday Rules

Atlanta boarding facilities can book up quickly during:

• Major holidays
• Georgia school breaks
• Big local events and convention weekends

Clarify:

• Check‑in and check‑out times
• Late pick‑up fees (helpful if you’re worried about delayed flights or I‑75 traffic)
• Holiday deposit or cancellation rules

Special Considerations for Boarding a Dog in Atlanta

Heat, Humidity, and Weather

Atlanta summers are:

• Hot and humid, often with temperatures in the 90s
• Frequent afternoon thunderstorms

Ask boarding providers:

• Do dogs have indoor, air‑conditioned areas?
• Are outdoor yards shaded and monitored for signs of heat stress?
• What’s the plan if there’s a thunderstorm during outdoor play?

If your dog is sensitive to storms, let staff know in advance.

Urban vs. Suburban Facilities

Intown (Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, Grant Park, Inman Park, West End):

• Often smaller footprints, more indoor play, and artificial turf yards
• Easier to combine drop‑off with city commutes or MARTA access

Suburban (Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta, Smyrna, Tucker, Decatur, Stone Mountain):

• Often larger outdoor yards
• Sometimes quieter environments, which can help anxious dogs

Choose based on:

• Your typical routes
• Your dog’s preference for quiet vs. busy environments

Getting Your Dog Ready for Boarding in Atlanta

A little preparation can make boarding smoother for both you and your dog.

1. Visit Before the Actual Stay

If possible:

• Schedule a daycare day or short trial stay
• Let your dog get familiar with the smells and routines

This is especially helpful if you live intown and your dog is used to quieter apartment living; the boarding environment may feel very different.

2. Pack the Right Items

Most Atlanta boarding facilities will ask you to bring:

• Food in labeled containers or bags (to prevent stomach upset)
• Any medications with clear instructions
• A collar with ID tags
• Optional: a favorite toy or blanket, if the facility allows it

Avoid bringing:

• Irreplaceable items
• More than the facility recommends (storage space can be limited, especially in city locations)

3. Confirm Contact and Vet Information

Provide:

• Your mobile number
• A local emergency contact (especially if you’re traveling out of state)
• Your regular veterinarian’s name, address, and phone number

If you’re new to Atlanta and don’t have a vet yet, consider finding one before boarding so there’s a record of your dog’s health and vaccinations.

What if Your Dog Has Special Needs?

Many Atlanta facilities can accommodate special requirements, but you’ll need to confirm in advance.

Situations to discuss up front:

• Senior dogs who need slower walks or more rest
• Dogs requiring daily medication (for example, for allergies or chronic conditions)
• Dogs with mobility issues (ask about ramps vs. stairs)
• Dogs with behavioral concerns such as fearfulness or mild reactivity

Questions to ask:

• Is there an extra fee for medication administration?
• Have staff been trained to work with dogs who have similar needs?
• Are quieter or more private areas available?

If your dog is truly not suited to group environments, in‑home pet sitting or very small, home‑based boarding may be more appropriate in the Atlanta area.

When to Book Dog Boarding in Atlanta

Because Atlanta is a major travel and business hub, boarding slots can fill up quickly.

Try to book:

• Several weeks in advance for major holidays
• 1–2 months in advance for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring break
• At least a week in advance for regular weekends, especially in popular intown neighborhoods

If your plans are last‑minute:

• Call multiple facilities; some may have cancellations.
• Consider in‑home sitters who may have more flexible availability.

Quick Checklist: Choosing Dog Boarding in Atlanta 🐾

Before you commit, make sure you can answer “yes” to most of these:

• Is the facility close enough to home, work, or the airport to avoid stressful drives?
• Are vaccination requirements clear and reasonable?
• Does the environment look clean, secure, and climate‑controlled?
• Are staff knowledgeable and calm with the dogs?
• Are there clear plans for heat, storms, and emergencies?
• Does the boarding style match your dog’s personality (social vs. quiet, kennel vs. suite vs. home setting)?
• Are all fees, add‑ons, and policies explained in writing?

If you can comfortably check these boxes, you’re well on your way to finding reliable, safe dog boarding in Atlanta that works for both you and your pup.