Nashville's Kennel,
Since the 1950s.
For more than seven decades, Hillcrest Kennel has cared for generations of Nashville pet families from 3541 Dickerson Pike. Climate-controlled boarding, professional grooming, and the kind of dedicated small-staff attention you can't find anywhere else in Middle Tennessee.
Up on the hill since the 1950s.
Hillcrest Kennel opened at 3541 Dickerson Pike back when Dickerson Pike was a two-lane road out of downtown Nashville and the neighborhood was mostly open land. More than seventy years later, the kennel is still here. Same address, same purpose.
Hillcrest has been passed down like a piece of Nashville itself, from the previous owners who ran the kennel for more than twenty years to our family, who've carried it forward for another twenty-plus. What's never changed is who this place serves: generations of Nashville pet families who come back year after year, decade after decade.
We've cared for dogs whose grandparents boarded here decades ago. The parents who kept coming after them. And now, their grown kids, with dogs of their own.
Nashville has changed a lot. Dickerson Pike now runs through a busy North Nashville neighborhood. The downtown skyline has filled in. What hasn't changed is how we care for dogs and cats: small dedicated staff who learn every guest's name, indoor-outdoor climate-controlled runs year-round, and real attention, not assembly-line animal care.
If your parents boarded their dog with us, we'd love to take care of yours too.
The Hillcrest Kennel family
Four services. One dedicated staff.
Boarding, grooming, daycare, and cat condos, all under one roof at 3541 Dickerson Pike. Everything we offer, we've been perfecting for seven decades.
Dog Boarding
Climate-controlled indoor/outdoor runs, large exercise yards, and dedicated care. Multiple daily outdoor sessions. Bedding and food provided, or bring your own.
Dog Grooming
Full-service grooming for every breed. Warm baths, hand-drying, nail trims, ear cleaning, anal glands, and haircuts. Small-dog haircuts start at $95.
Dog Daycare
Full-day play for social dogs. Perfect for busy Nashville workdays, overnight travel, or a break from being alone at home while you're at work.
Cat Condos
Quiet, cat-only boarding area with comfortable condos and scenic outdoor views. Kept separate from the dogs, with staff who understand cat temperament.
Seven decades. One Nashville address.
The things you can't get anywhere else in Middle Tennessee.
Up on the hill for seventy years
Hillcrest has boarded Nashville's pets from 3541 Dickerson Pike for over seven decades, up on the same hill every neighbor knows. Most of our customers' parents and grandparents trusted us with their dogs, too. That kind of institutional knowledge is hard to teach, and impossible to replace.
Small staff who learn every pet's name
We're not a corporate chain. The same few people greet you at drop-off, walk your dog during their stay, and hand them back at pickup. Your dog's quirks, favorite treats, and anxiety triggers. We remember them.
Indoor-outdoor climate-controlled runs
Nashville summers hit 95°. Winters hit 20°. Our indoor-outdoor runs are climate-controlled year-round, with shaded outdoor exercise yards for multiple daily play sessions. Your dog stays comfortable no matter the weather.
Boarding, grooming, and daycare under one roof
Drop off for a weekend trip and pick up a freshly groomed dog. Book a grooming appointment for the same day as daycare. Most kennels in Nashville offer one service; we've been doing all of them, together, for seventy years.
Trusted by families across Middle Tennessee.
We have been taking Coby there for over 7 years when we're on vacation for his boarding. The staff are excellent and he loves going there. I think they spoil him when we leave. I wouldn't trust any other kennel with him. I can go on vacation with peace of mind knowing Coby is being well taken care of.
This was an amazing experience. My first visit but won't be my last. They did an amazing job on both my fur babies and one of them was a whole hand full! They were patient and caring. If you need anything grooming done this is the place to go.
Very doggy people, dog whisperers! I have had two difficult dogs and they have no problem with them. Now I have an easy dog and she loves going.
Nashville's kennel, for Nashville families.
We're located at 3541 Dickerson Pike in North Nashville, just off I-65 and a short drive from downtown, BNA airport, and the northern suburbs. Most of our customers come from across Davidson County, with plenty of regulars from Sumner and Wilson counties too.
Drop-off and pickup windows are quick, and we have plenty of on-site parking. Call ahead and we'll have your dog's paperwork ready when you arrive.
- North Nashville
- East Nashville
- Madison
- Goodlettsville
- Hendersonville
- Donelson
- Inglewood
- Belle Meade
- Green Hills
- Brentwood
- Franklin
- Gallatin
- Old Hickory
- BNA Airport Area
- Downtown Nashville
Hours & Location
| Tuesday & Friday | 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Mon, Wed, Thu | 7–9 AM & 4–5 PM |
| Sunday & Holidays | 7–8 AM & 3–4 PM |
Common questions from Nashville pet owners.
How long has Hillcrest Kennel been in Nashville?
Hillcrest has served Nashville families since the 1950s. That's more than seventy years of continuous operation from the same 3541 Dickerson Pike address. The current family has owned Hillcrest for more than twenty years and is now in its second generation of running the kennel.
What neighborhoods do you serve?
We serve pet families across Nashville and Middle Tennessee, including East Nashville, Madison, Goodlettsville, Hendersonville, Donelson, Inglewood, Belle Meade, Green Hills, Brentwood, Franklin, Gallatin, Old Hickory, and the Nashville International Airport (BNA) area.
Are the runs climate controlled?
Yes. Every run at Hillcrest is indoor/outdoor and fully climate-controlled year-round, so Nashville summers and winters never affect your pet's comfort.
What vaccinations does my dog need?
Dogs need current DHLPP, Rabies, and Bordetella (within 6 months). Cats need current FVCRP, Rabies, and an FIV/FeLV negative test. All boarding animals must be spayed or neutered.
How much does dog boarding cost?
Rates are $46/day for dogs up to 30 lbs, $54/day for 31–59 lbs, and $60/day for dogs 60 lbs and over. Dog daycare is $20/day. Cat boarding is $25/day. We provide bedding and food, or you're welcome to bring your own.
Do I need to book ahead for holidays?
Yes. Holiday periods (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, Spring Break, and summer travel) fill fast. Call as early as possible to reserve your pet's spot. We recommend booking at least 6 weeks ahead for major holidays.
The kennel your neighbors have trusted for seventy years.
Reservations fill fast during holidays and summer travel. Call now to reserve your pet's spot.
(615) 865-4413