Dog boarding & grooming FAQs.
Straight answers from Southern Paws Spa about vaccines, rates, hours, what to bring, grooming services, and more.
Helpful information before your visit
Everything you need to know before boarding or grooming.
Still unsure about something? Call 931-520-7297 and the Southern Paws Spa team will be happy to help.
Getting started
How do I book with Southern Paws Spa?
Call 931-520-7297 to book boarding or grooming. The Southern Paws Spa team can help you find the right appointment or boarding dates.
Where is Southern Paws Spa located?
Southern Paws Spa is located at 1988 Browns Mill Road, Cookeville, TN 38506.
Ready to book?
Call for grooming appointments or boarding availability.
We can answer questions about your dog, give a grooming estimate, and help you plan an upcoming boarding stay.
Boarding FAQs
Planning your dog’s stay.
Rates, vaccine requirements, drop-off times, daily routines, and what to pack.
What vaccines are required for boarding?
Dogs must be current on three vaccines before boarding: Rabies, Bordetella (kennel cough), and Distemper/Parvovirus (DHPP or DAPP). We require proof of vaccination at check-in to keep every guest healthy and safe.
Is there overnight staff on site?
Staff don’t stay inside the facility overnight, but the property is monitored 24/7 by a security camera system, and the owner lives directly behind the facility for added peace of mind.
What are your boarding rates?
Boarding is priced per night by weight: $24 per night for small dogs (0–39 lbs), $26 per night for medium dogs (40–74 lbs), and $28 per night for large dogs (75+ lbs). A $2 per day surcharge applies during major holidays.
What should I bring for my dog’s boarding stay?
Bring your dog’s regular food, pre-portioned into individual meals or in a container with their usual scoop, plus favorite toys and treats—just no rawhides, for safety. Bedding is optional because we provide clean, comfortable bedding, but a familiar blanket from home is always welcome. Please leave bowls at home; we provide sanitized food and water bowls for every guest.
What are your drop-off and pick-up hours?
Monday through Friday, drop-off and pick-up run from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Saturday arrivals and departures are by appointment only, at 11:00 AM or 4:00 PM sharp, and Sunday at 4:00 PM sharp. We’re closed for pick-up and drop-off on major holidays.
How often do the dogs go outside?
Every boarding guest goes outside four times a day for exercise, bathroom breaks, and fresh air—at 6:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 4:00 PM, and 8:00 PM.
Grooming FAQs
Before your dog’s grooming appointment.
What a full groom includes, vaccine requirements, nail grinding, pricing, and salon socialization.
What vaccines are required for grooming?
Tennessee state law requires proof of current Rabies vaccination before any grooming service. We also recommend keeping your dog current on Bordetella and DHPP/DAPP for their overall protection, though only Rabies is legally required.
What is included in a full groom?
A full groom is a head-to-tail service that includes a bath with premium shampoo and blow dry, nail trimming and grinding, ear cleaning, paw pad trimming and a sanitary tidy, a full haircut or style of your choice, and anal gland expression available on request.
Do you grind or Dremel dogs’ nails?
Yes. We use a Dremel to smooth and grind nails close to the quick for a cleaner, rounded finish, as long as your dog tolerates the process comfortably and safely.
How much does grooming cost?
Pricing varies by your dog’s size, coat condition, temperament, and any extra care needed, such as de-matting or flea treatment. Call us at 931-520-7297 and we’ll give you an accurate estimate based on your dog’s specific needs.