Call to Book: (615) 865-4413
Pet Care Blog

Tips, guides, and stories
from the kennel.

Everything we've learned about boarding, grooming, and caring for Nashville's pets. Written by the folks who actually do it.

Articles

Browse the archive.

Grooming

What Happens During a Full Dog Groom, Step by Step

What Happens During a Full Service Dog Groom in Nashville The full dog groom process covers a lot more ground than most owners…

Read Article →
Cat Care

How to Keep Your Cat Calm During a Boarding Stay

Why a Reduce-Stress Boarding Service Matters More for Cats Than Dogs in Nashville Cat stress during boarding starts before…

Read Article →
Pet Care

Summer Dog Safety Nashville: 7 Heat Tips That Work

Summer Dog Safety in Nashville: Why the Heat Here Is Harder on Dogs Than Most Owners Realize Summer dog safety in Nashville is a…

Read Article →
Boarding

Dog Boarding Options in Nashville: How to Choose

How to Find the Right Boarding Kennel in Nashville Not all dog boarding options are the same, and the differences matter more…

Read Article →
Cat Care

Cat Boarding vs. Pet Sitter: Which Is Right for Your Cat?

How Nashville Cat Owners Are Thinking About the Boarding vs. Pet Sitter Decision Planning a trip and need someone to care for…

Read Article →
Pet Care

New to Nashville Dog Owner? 6 Things to Know First

How Nashville's Neighborhoods Stack Up for Dog Owners If you're a new dog owner settling into Nashville, the neighborhood you…

Read Article →
Boarding

Nashville Pet Boarding Blog: Week-Long Stay Checklist

How Hillcrest Became Nashville's Most Trusted Boarding Facility If you're researching pet boarding options and reading through…

Read Article →
Nashville

Pet Friendly Restaurants Nashville: 12 Patios & Breweries

Where Nashville Actually Welcomes Dogs at the Table Nashville restaurants that welcome dogs operate under a clear legal…

Read Article →
Grooming

Dog Grooming Frequency: A Breed-by-Breed Guide

How Often Your Dog Actually Needs Grooming in Nashville How often you should groom your dog comes down to one factor more than…

Read Article →
Boarding

Holiday Dog Boarding Nashville: Book 6 Weeks Ahead

Why Nashville Holiday Boarding Fills Up Before Most People Start Looking Every holiday season, the same thing happens. Dog owners…

Read Article →
Boarding

Nashville Dog Boarding Vaccination Requirements at Drop-Off

What Vaccines Nashville Kennels Actually Require at Drop-Off Most dog owners are surprised to learn that boarding vaccination…

Read Article →
Nashville

Nashville Dog Parks: A Neighborhood-by-Neighborhood Guide

Nashville's Off-Leash Dog Parks, Organized by Neighborhood Finding the right off-leash park for your dog in Nashville depends on…

Read Article →
Boarding

Dog Boarding for the First Time: Nashville Owner's Guide

How First-Time Dog Boarding Actually Works in Nashville Most first-time owners feel some version of the same thing: uncertainty…

Read Article →
Boarding

Hillcrest Kennel: Nashville Boarding Since the 1950s

How Hillcrest Has Stayed Nashville's Go-To Kennel Since the 1950s Some businesses survive decades by staying relevant. Others do…

Read Article →
Cat Care

How to Prepare Your Cat for Their First Boarding Stay

Getting Your Cat Ready for a Boarding Stay in Nashville Most cat owners feel genuine anxiety before their cat's first boarding…

Read Article →
Boarding

Dog Kennels in Nashville: Seasonal Boarding Guide

How Nashville's Year-Round Pace Drives Demand for Quality Dog Boarding Nashville generates consistent boarding demand across…

Read Article →
Cat Care

Cat Boarding Nashville: $25/Day, Calm Private Suites

What Nashville Cat Owners Should Know Before Their Next Trip A lot of cat owners in Nashville assume their only real option is…

Read Article →
Grooming

Groomers Detecting Health Issues in Dogs: 4 Nashville Finds

What Nashville Groomers Catch That Most Owners Miss A grooming table is one of the most reliable places to spot early health…

Read Article →
Pet Care

Do Dogs Need Routine? What Every New Owner Should Know

Why Your Dog's Need for Routine Goes Deeper Than You Think A dog's attachment to routine isn't a personality quirk. It's biology.…

Read Article →
Cat Care

Cat Boarding in Nashville: What to Expect

Why Nashville Cat Owners Are Choosing Professional Boarding If you own a cat in Nashville and travel regularly, you've probably…

Read Article →
Pet Care

Back-to-School Blues: How Changes in Routine Affect Your Dog

Every August, backpacks come out of storage, alarm clocks start ringing earlier, and families shift from summer freedom to…

Read Article →
Grooming

Post-Summer Coat Care: How to Refresh Your Dog’s Skin and Fur

After a long summer of heatwaves, splash sessions, hikes, road trips, and maybe even a few sandy beach days, your dog’s coat…

Read Article →
Boarding

August Travel Plans? Here’s Why Now Is the Best Time to Board Your Dog

Summer might be winding down, but August is prime time for last-minute vacations, long weekends, and spontaneous getaways. If…

Read Article →
Boarding

Why Hillcrest is the Trusted Name for Dog Boarding in Nashville

Choosing the right dog boarding facility involves more than convenience or affordability. Trust is paramount. Nashville pet…

Read Article →
Pet Care

Beating the Heat: How to Keep Your Dog Safe in August Weather

August may bring end-of-summer vibes, family vacations, and long weekends, but it also brings some of the hottest, most dangerous…

Read Article →
Boarding

Customer Stories: Why Nashville Pet Owners Choose Hillcrest Kennel

Finding trustworthy dog boarding in Nashville often starts with reviews and recommendations from fellow pet owners. At Hillcrest…

Read Article →
Grooming

Groomers Detecting Health Issues in Dogs: Nashville Guide

How Nashville Groomers Catch Health Issues Before You Do Professional groomers spend 60 to 90 minutes working hands-on through…

Read Article →
Boarding

Dog Boarding Nashville: Affordable Options at Every Price

What's Included in the Nightly Rate at Hillcrest Kennel in Nashville Boarding prices here are set by weight because a 20-pound…

Read Article →
Boarding

Grooming & Boarding Combo: Pamper Your Pet at Hillcrest in Nashville

Finding quality grooming and boarding services in Nashville separately can be time-consuming and inconvenient. Hillcrest Kennel…

Read Article →
Grooming

Why Regular Grooming Is Key to Your Dog’s Health, Not Just Looks

When people think of grooming, the first thing that comes to mind is usually a freshly trimmed pup with a shiny coat and a cute…

Read Article →
Boarding

A Day in the Life at Hillcrest Kennel: Nashville Dog Boarding Experts

Leaving your beloved pet at a boarding facility can cause some anxiety, even when you know they’ll be well cared for. Pet owners…

Read Article →
Boarding

The Ultimate Checklist: Preparing Your Dog for Boarding in Nashville

Leaving your beloved pet at a boarding facility can feel daunting, especially if you're unsure how to prepare. Nashville pet…

Read Article →
Grooming

Bathing Your Dog at Home: Mistakes to Avoid and How to Do It Right

If you’ve ever attempted to bathe your dog at home and ended up drenched, scratched, or still wondering why your pup smells a…

Read Article →
Boarding

10 Essential Tips for Choosing Nashville Dog Boarding

Finding the perfect place for your dog to stay while you're away can feel overwhelming. With countless options available, making…

Read Article →
Grooming

Nail Trimming Without the Drama: 10 Tips to Keep It Stress-Free for You and Your Dog

Why Nail Trimming Matters More Than Most Owners Think For many dog parents, nail trimming ranks right up there with giving…

Read Article →
Grooming

Long-Haired vs. Short-Haired Dogs: Grooming Needs by Coat Type

Just like people have different hair types, dogs have a wide variety of coats, each with its own grooming needs. Some pups have…

Read Article →
Grooming

The Basics of Dog Grooming: What Every Pet Parent Should Know

Dog grooming isn’t just about making your pup look good, it’s about helping them feel good, stay healthy, and avoid potential…

Read Article →
Boarding

How to Choose the Right Boarding Facility for Your Dog

Leaving your dog behind while you travel isn’t easy. Whether it’s for a weekend getaway or an extended trip, you want to know…

Read Article →
Grooming

Why Enrichment Matters: Simple Ways to Prevent Boredom at Home

We all know dogs need exercise, but what about their minds? A tired dog isn’t always a well-behaved dog if their brain isn’t…

Read Article →
Pet Care

Myth: Table Scraps Are Fine, Dogs Can Eat What We Eat

We get it, those puppy-dog eyes are hard to resist. A little bite of your burger, a few leftover fries, or the last bit of bacon…

Read Article →
Grooming

Myth: All Dogs Hate the Groomer

You've probably heard someone say it, or maybe you've said it yourself: "My dog hates the groomer ." It’s a common belief that…

Read Article →
Grooming

How to Tell If Your Dog Needs Grooming, Even If They Don’t Look Messy

When most people think “ grooming,” they picture fluffy show dogs with fancy haircuts. But grooming isn’t just for the shaggy or…

Read Article →
Grooming

Myth: Short-Haired Dogs Don’t Need Grooming

When you think of dog grooming, you probably picture a fluffy Poodle or a long-haired Shih Tzu on the grooming table. And if…

Read Article →
Grooming

Myth: Dogs Only Need Grooming If They Look Dirty

If your dog’s fur looks fine and they don’t smell, you might assume grooming can wait. After all, why fix what isn’t broken,…

Read Article →
Pet Care

The Importance of Routine: Dogs Thrive on Schedules

Ever noticed how your dog seems to “know” when it’s mealtime or walk time? That’s not a coincidence, dogs are creatures of habit.…

Read Article →
Pet Care

Feeding Fido: How to Choose the Right Diet for Your Dog

Choosing what to feed your dog can feel overwhelming. Shelves are lined with kibble, raw diets, grain-free blends, and a thousand…

Read Article →
Boarding

Dog Boarding Checklist: 17 Tips for a Stress-Free Stay

How to Plan Ahead Before Your Dog's Boarding Stay Good boarding experiences don't happen by accident. They start with a checklist…

Read Article →
Grooming

17 Dog Grooming Tips From a Groomer With 70 Years of Experience

What Professional Groomers Know About Keeping Dogs Healthy Year-Round The grooming tips that matter most aren't about aesthetics.…

Read Article →
Grooming

From Grimy to Glam: How Professional Grooming Keeps Your Dog Happy While You're Away

Discover why grooming during boarding is more than just pampering. Learn how professional dog grooming enhances comfort, health,…

Read Article →
Boarding

Skip the Flight Drama: Why Boarding Your Dog Beats Flying Together Every Time

Flying with a dog might sound like a dream, especially if you're picturing them snuggled at your feet while you sip a coffee at…

Read Article →
Boarding

The Ultimate Guide to the Benefits of Boarding Your Pet While You Travel

Discover the key benefits of boarding your pet while you travel. From safety to socialization, find out why pet boarding is a…

Read Article →
Pet Care

Your First Dog? Here’s What Every New Owner Should Know

So you finally brought home your first dog, congrats! Whether it’s a playful puppy or a calm rescue, your life just got way more…

Read Article →
Grooming

The Ultimate Guide to Dog Grooming: Tips, Tools, and Techniques for Every Breed

Whether you're a first-time dog owner or a lifelong pup parent, one thing remains true across all breeds, ages, and coat types:…

Read Article →
More articles coming as we migrate. We're in the middle of moving 54+ pet care articles from our old blog to this new site. Every guide on grooming, boarding, cat care, and Nashville pet life will land here shortly, with better formatting and faster load times.

Have a Question About Your Pet?

Our team has been caring for Nashville pets since the 1950s. We're happy to talk.

(615) 865-4413

3541 Dickerson Pike, Nashville, TN 37207