Spring break is calling — but before you start packing your bags, let’s talk about who’s staying behind. Nashville ranks among the top 20 most pet-friendly cities in America¹,and with over 60 percent of Tennessee households owning a pet, that’s a lot of dog parents looking for great boarding at the same time.² So how do you make sure your best friend is in great hands while you’re soaking up some sun? Here’s what to look for.

Book Early — Spots Fill Up Fast

Good boarding facilities fill up weeks, even months, in advance during peak travel windows. Nearly 40 percent of pet owners say they struggle to find care during busy seasons.³ Nashville’s popularity as both a hometown and a tourist destination makes that crunch even tighter. As soon as you know your travel dates, make the call. Early booking also gives you time to complete any required meet-and-greet visits or trial day care days–especially for stay and play options.

Check Vaccination and Health Requirements

Most professional facilities require up-to-date proof of core vaccinations — typically rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and Bordetella (kennel cough). Schedule a vet visit well before your trip to make sure records are current. If your dog takes daily medications or has special dietary needs, confirm the facility can handle those too.

Tour the Facility and Meet the Staff

A personal visit tells you a lot. Look for clean, well-maintained spaces, secure outdoor play areas, and attentive team members. Ask about daily routines, supervision ratios, training, certifications (such as the IBPSA: International Boarding & Pet Services Association) and how they handle emergencies. Look for additional options such as daycare, grooming, extra treats, cuddle time and comforts of home— not just a place to sleep.

Think About Your Dog’s Personality

Some dogs love group play where they can socialize and burn energy. Others do better with quieter, one-on-one attention. A great facility will ask about your dog’s temperament and adjust accordingly. If your pup is a first-time boarder or leans anxious, ask about easing in with short daycare visits before the full stay.

If you have a dog that’s not suited for group play – look for a facility that offers private accommodates, private play, and one-on-one time.

Plan for Spring-Specific Needs

Nashville springs are beautiful, but they also bring pollen, allergens, and shifting temperatures. If your dog deals with seasonal allergies, let the boarding team know so they can watch for symptoms and give any prescribed pet medications. Spring weather also means more outdoor play — so look for a facility that takes advantage of mild days with supervised walks and fresh-air enrichment.

Ask About Updates While You’re Away

Photo and video updates, webcam access, or simple check-in messages go a long way toward peace of mind. A facility that keeps you in the loop is one that values your trust. We call it “pup dates” and we know our dog parents appreciate them.

Look for Built-In Grooming — So Coming Home Isn’t a Marathon

Here’s something most pet parents don’t think about until they’re exhausted from their own trip: the post-vacation to-do list. You’ve just landed, grabbed your bags, and fought Nashville traffic — the last thing you want is to pick up a dirty pup and then schedule a grooming appointment for later in the week. Look for a facility that lets you bundle grooming right into the boarding stay. A bath, nail trim, or full groom on the last day means your dog comes home fresh and ready to snuggle— and your first evening back starts with cuddles, not chaos. Facilities that combine daycare play with grooming give your dog the best of both worlds: active, social days plus a spa-worthy send-off at pickup.

Ask About Add-Ons That Give Your Pup a Real Vacation

Your dog deserves a spring break too — not just a place to wait until you get home. Ask about extras that turn a standard stay into a real getaway: pup cups, extra playtime sessions, cuddle time, enrichment activities like puzzle toys and scent games, splash play, and even bedtime tuck-ins. The pet care industry continues to move toward experience-driven services, with pet parents investing more in amenities that match the care they’d give at home.⁴ The right add-ons keep your dog stimulated, active, and content — so when you walk back through the door, you’re greeted by a happy pup instead of a stressed one.

At Pooch Playhouse, we think every dog deserves a spring break of their own. Want to learn more about our boarding, grooming, and daycare options? Explore our services or give us a call to reserve your pup’s spot.

Sources

1.Forbes Advisor. “Best Cities for Pet Owners.” 2024. Via WKRN Nashville.

https://www.wkrn.com/news/tennessee-news/2-tennessee-cities-rank-among-top-20-cities-for-pet-owners/

2.The Zebra. “Pet Ownership Statistics in 2026.”

https://www.thezebra.com/resources/research/pet-ownership-statistics/

3.Grand View Research. “Pet Boarding Services Market Size & Share Report, 2030.” 2025.

‍https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/pet-boarding-services-market-report

4.IBISWorld. “Pet Grooming &Boarding in the US Industry Analysis, 2026.”

‍https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/industry/pet-grooming-boarding/1735/