Everyone loves a great trip. Vacations, getaways, and family holidays are a fun way to break up the monotony of everyday schedules, but they aren’t always as much fun for your pet. Not all pets travel well and they may not even be welcome where you are going.

Not only is travel itself sometimes difficult, but many pets aren’t happy in an unusual location, with strangers, or being left alone for long periods in a place away from home. When you take a dog on a trip with you they may have negative reactions, such as:

• Motion sickness during travel.
• Digestive issues.
• Refusal to eat. 
• Temperament problems.

Some dogs make great traveling partners. However, if your pet can’t or doesn’t want to go on a trip, you should consider placing them in your local boarding kennel while you are away.

Boarding kennels are a great option because they:

• Help to socialize your dog.
• Give your dog plenty of fun and exercise.
• Provide safety for your dog. 
• Ensure your dog is correctly fed and cared for. 
• Prevent loneliness and anxiety.
• Save money over Doggy Daycare.

How to Find the Best Boarding Kennel for Your Dog

You might feel a little of your own anxiety about leaving your fur baby at a boarding kennel for the first time. That is a perfectly normal feeling and easy to mitigate by making sure that you choose a great boarding kennel where your dog will be happy.

Here are a few tips for finding the best boarding kennel for your dog.

1.Ask for Recommendations 

Word of mouth and recommendations from family and friends is often the best and easiest way to find a new service provider of any kind. This is especially true in this case. You will feel better leaving your pet somewhere you know has done a good job with the pets of others in the past. 

2. Don’t Make Price the Main Factor

You will spend much more time worried about your pet if you choose a boarding kennel based solely on its having a cheap price. While it is okay to use price as a factor to measure one place against another, do your due diligence in checking a place out first. There may be a reason why it is so cheap (such as playtime being considered an extra amenity, billed separately). 

3. Visit the Boarding Kennel Before You Decide.

Things might look great on paper (or online), but the reality might be different. Check out any facility before you decide to leave your dog there. If you will be away for an extended trip, it can be a good idea for the dog to spend a night at the kennel as a trial before you leave them there for the duration of your trip.

4. Look For a Boarding Kennel with Live Feed.

Not all boarding kennels have live feeds, but it is a fantastic feature. Being able to look in on your dog at any time will give you a better sense of security. It also ensures that your pet is being cared for to the exact standards that you agreed to when you left them in the kennel’s care. 

Boarding kennels can be a great option for busy pet parents or during a trip. If you decide a kennel is a good option for your dog, make sure to visit your local veterinarian to ensure your dog is healthy and properly vaccinated for their stay. Your vet may also have good recommendations for finding a boarding kennel near you. 

When it comes to spending time with our furry friends, there are few things more enjoyable than taking them out to eat with us. Fortunately, Nashville, Tennessee is a city that loves dogs, and there are plenty of restaurants and patios where you and your pet can enjoy a great meal or drink together.

Whether you're looking for a casual spot to grab a burger and a beer or a more upscale restaurant to celebrate a special occasion, there are plenty of options to choose from in Nashville. To help you get started, we've compiled a list of some of the best dog-friendly patios and restaurants in the city.

How to Enjoy a Social Life with Your Dog

Before we dive into our list, however, it's important to keep in mind a few tips for taking your dog out to eat. First and foremost, make sure that the restaurant or patio you're planning to visit allows dogs. While many places in Nashville are dog-friendly, not all are, so it's always a good idea to call ahead and confirm.

Additionally, make sure that your dog is well-behaved and comfortable in social situations before taking them out to eat. It's also a good idea to keep your dog on a leash and bring along any supplies you might need, such as water and waste bags.

8 Best Dog Friendly Patios and Restaurants in Nashville, TN

Here are some of the best dog-friendly patios and restaurants in Nashville:

• TailGate Brewery, 1538 Demonbreun Street: This popular brewery has a spacious patio where dogs are welcome. They offer a great selection of beers and pub food, and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.
• Von Elrod's Beer Garden & Sausage House, 4th Avenue North: This popular Germantown spot has a huge outdoor beer garden with plenty of space for dogs to play. The menu features a variety of sausages and other German-inspired dishes, as well as a great selection of beers.
• The Wild Cow, 1100 Fatherland Street, Suite 104 – This vegetarian restaurant in East Nashville has a spacious outdoor patio where dogs are welcome. The menu features a variety of delicious plant-based dishes, as well as a selection of beers and cocktails.
• Acme Feed & Seed, 101 Broadway: This popular downtown spot has a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city. Dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio, and the menu features Southern-inspired dishes and a great selection of cocktails.
• The Filling Station, 1118 Halcyon Avenue: This popular pizza joint has several locations throughout Nashville, and all of them are dog-friendly. The outdoor patios are spacious and shaded, and the pizza is delicious.
• 312 Pizza Company, 371 Monroe Street: This cozy pizza spot in Germantown has a small outdoor patio where dogs are welcome. The pizza is delicious, and the atmosphere is laid-back and casual.
• Urban Cowboy Public House, 103 N 16th Street: This trendy East Nashville spot has a spacious outdoor patio where dogs are welcome. The menu features a variety of creative cocktails and Southern-inspired dishes.
• Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant, 500 Church Street: This popular restaurant has several locations throughout Nashville, and all of them are dog-friendly. The menu features classic Southern dishes like fried chicken and barbecue, and the atmosphere is casual and friendly.

Nashville is a great city for dog lovers, and there are plenty of restaurants and patios where you and your pet can enjoy a great meal or drink together. Just remember to follow our tips for taking your dog out to eat, and you're sure to have a fun and enjoyable experience.

In case you have any worries regarding the health of your dog, the safety of the food they consume, or the need for updated vaccinations, contact your local veterinarian.