We are dog people and we build our trips around our dogs. But every once in a while the plan includes something that does not work with a dog in tow — a gold mine tour at Consolidated Gold Mine or Crisson Gold Mine in Dahlonega, a stop at the Dahlonega Gold Museum (they have a hydraulic cannon plunger you can push down like you are blasting a mountainside), a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway (no pets except service animals), a longer shopping day in Blue Ridge, a lunch or afternoon out at a spot that does not allow dogs. When that happens, you want to know there is a good place nearby that will take care of your dog for a few hours.
The good news: there are solid options in the area. Here is what is available.
Most daycare facilities in this area require:
Call ahead before your trip and ask specifically about their intake process. Showing up the morning of and expecting to drop your dog is not guaranteed to work, particularly in peak season.
The only dedicated doggy daycare and boarding facility in downtown Blue Ridge. Serves Blue Ridge, Ellijay, McCaysville, Blairsville, and surrounding communities. Being in downtown Blue Ridge makes drop-off convenient if you are spending the day in town.
barkandbrew.com →Daycare, boarding, and grooming. A safe and comfortable environment for dogs to play and interact with other animals. Good option if you need grooming alongside daycare — your dog comes back clean.
blueridgedogdaycare.com →A licensed, owner-operated facility with staff on-site 24/7. Offers daycare, boarding, and training in one place. If your dog has energy to burn or could use some structure, this is a strong option. Serves Blue Ridge, Ellijay, Blairsville, and Murphy, NC.
evolutionaryk9.com →Overnight boarding, daycare, and grooming for dogs and cats. A full-service kennel option if you need more than a few hours or are planning a longer outing.
briarcovekennels.com →Call before your trip. Peak weekends book fast.