Dog Boarding in Watkinsville & Athens, Georgia
When you leave your dog at Old Salem Kennel, you are not leaving them in a high-volume daycare or a chaotic boarding environment. You are leaving them in a working kennel built on structure, routine, and decades of real-world dog handling experience.
We provide limited-capacity dog boarding for owners who value calm care, consistent routines, and responsible handling. Old Salem Kennel proudly serves dog owners in Watkinsville, Athens, Bishop, Bogart, Greensboro, Madison, and surrounding North Georgia communities.
Our Boarding Philosophy
Good boarding is not about constant stimulation or group play.
It is about structure, calm leadership, and consistency.
Dogs settle best when expectations are clear and routines remain steady. Boarding dogs at Old Salem Kennel are handled daily by experienced professionals who understand canine behavior, body language, and pack dynamics.
We do not operate as a dog daycare.
We operate as a structured working kennel with standards.
What Your Dog Can Expect
Every boarding dog receives:
- Clean, secure kennel accommodations
- Daily feeding according to owner instructions
- Structured turnout and exercise several times a day.
- Calm, consistent handling
- Close observation for health and well-being
Dogs are never mixed indiscriminately. Safety and stability always come first.
This environment is especially well-suited for:
- Active dogs and hunting & working breeds
- Dogs accustomed to structure
- Dogs that do not thrive in chaotic or overstimulating settings
Boarding Requirements
To maintain a safe, stable environment for all dogs and staff, every boarding dog must meet the following requirements:
- Current Rabies (a must), Distemper/Parvo, and Bordetella vaccinations (please consult with your vet on their recommendations
- Non-aggressive toward people
- Manageable on leash and during routine handling
- Free of Ticks & Fleas. If Ticks & Fleas are present, admittance will be denied
Important:
Old Salem Kennel does not accept dogs with human-directed aggression or severe behavioral issues. Behavior modification services are not offered.
Dogs with special medical needs are best boarded in the care of a veterinarian facility with qualified staff, or an in-home pet sitter
These standards are firm and are in place to protect your dog, other dogs, and our staff.
Boarding & Board-and-Train Options
Standard Boarding
$40 per day
Standard boarding is ideal for dogs that are already trained and simply need a safe, structured place to stay while their owners are away. Dogs are cared for in a calm environment with consistent routines and responsible supervision.
Short-Term Board & Train (Limited Availability)
Short-term board-and-train options may be available on a case-by-case basis for dogs that already have prior obedience training.
- Trainer approval required
- Reinforcement only — not initial training
- Availability is limited
Pricing and suitability are discussed during evaluation.
For full obedience, truffle dog or gundog training programs, please visit the appropriate training pages.
Why Owners Choose Old Salem Kennel
- Over three decades of professional dog handling experience
- Limited enrollment — no overcrowding
- Clear expectations and firm standards
- Calm, disciplined kennel environment
- Honest communication with owners
Many of our boarding clients return year after year because their dogs settle quickly and come home stable, not anxious or overstimulated.
Scheduling Boarding
Boarding space is limited and fills quickly, especially during holidays and hunting season.
To request boarding, please contact us with:
- Your dog’s breed and age
- Requested boarding dates
- Any relevant handling notes
Boarding is by appointment only.
Unscheduled drop-offs are not accepted.
📞 Call: 706-614-0217
📧 Email: oldsalemkennel@gmail.com
Serving North Georgia Dog Owners
Old Salem Kennel proudly provides professional dog boarding for clients in:
Watkinsville • Bishop • Bogart • Athens • Greensboro • Madison • surrounding areas


Old Salem Kennel, Inc.
Todd Harvey
2122 Old Salem Rd.
Watkinsville, Ga. 30677
