People you can trust with somebody you love

FIND YOUR DOG'S PEOPLE.

Grooming, daycare, boarding, training and supplies around Hickory. The useful details are here so you can compare places without opening fourteen tabs.

Happy golden retriever Dog outdoors Two dogs running together Dog looking at camera
When your dog needs a day out too

DAYCARE.

For a lot of people this isn't “somewhere to put the dog.” You're handing over a family member. Ask how dogs are grouped, supervised, introduced, rested and handled when they're uncomfortable.

Canine Comfort

1206 Fairgrove Church Rd, Hickory, NC 28602
828-404-8964

Daycare, boarding, grooming and positive training. They describe temperament-based daycare groups and staff trained to read canine body language.

Published hours:
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Weekend service by appointment / check when booking.

Paw Tales Lodge & Spa

1575 25th Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601
828-327-7711

Doggy daycare, overnight boarding and grooming. A useful all-in-one option when your dog already knows the facility and staff.

Before you go: daycare, boarding drop-off and grooming can have different service windows. Confirm the current time when booking.

Kanupp Kennels

8574 NC Hwy 127 N, Hickory, NC 28601
828-635-4127

Daycare, boarding, training and grooming. Local owners have specifically mentioned temperament evaluation for group play.

General published hours:
Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Sat-Sun 8am-noon
Confirm boarding/service windows.
Ask before daycare: How are playgroups chosen? Is there enforced rest? What happens if your dog wants no part of another dog? How many people supervise a group? What vaccines are required? Who calls you if your dog isn't acting like themselves?
Going somewhere without your dog

BOARDING.

The goal isn't merely that your dog remains present until you return. Look for a place where their routine, medication, temperament, sleep and stress level are actually considered.

Canine Comfort

Boarding with daycare included, plus early drop-off/late pickup options advertised for some services.

Paw Tales Lodge & Spa

Overnight boarding with daycare and grooming available at the same Hickory facility.

Viewmont Animal Hospital

Veterinary hospital that also offers boarding. Worth considering for dogs whose medical needs make veterinary proximity especially reassuring.

Bring the boring stuff. Your dog's food, medication instructions, veterinarian information, emergency contact, feeding routine and anything the facility explicitly requests. The boring stuff becomes extremely interesting when somebody needs it at 10:30 at night.
Baths, nails, haircuts and dignity

GROOMING.

Canine Comfort

1206 Fairgrove Church Rd, Hickory
828-404-8964

One-on-one grooming with the same groomer throughout the appointment. Their published approach specifically emphasizes anxious dogs, breaks, gentle handling and nail grinding.

Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Grooming appointments commonly run 90-180 minutes depending on coat and service.

Paw Prints Pet Boutique

2607 N Center St, Hickory, NC 28601
828-324-7811

Long-running local pet boutique with an in-house grooming salon.

Current listing:
Mon-Fri 9:30am-5:30pm
Sat 8am-3pm

Pet Supplies Plus

2441 N Center St, Hickory, NC 28601
828-548-3300

Useful when your dog doesn't need a haircut but absolutely does need a bath: this location offers a self-service dog wash.

Mon-Sat 9am-9pm
Sun 10am-6pm
Have a nervous, senior or medically complicated dog? Say so before the appointment. Ask how the groomer handles breaks, dryers, mobility limitations and stress. A beautiful haircut is not more important than your dog feeling safe.
Communication, manners and making life easier together

TRAINING.

Canine Comfort

Positive-reinforcement training and puppy programs with an emphasis on trust and communication.

Kanupp Kennels

Local training programs including board-and-train options.

Petco Dog Training

2239 US Hwy 70 SE, Hickory
828-322-4590

Group and private training options; the Hickory program describes a positive-reinforcement approach.

Store listing: Mon-Sat 9am-9pm; Sun 10am-7pm. Class schedules vary.
Training should improve your relationship with your dog. Before paying, ask what methods and equipment are used, whether you participate in the process, and how the trainer handles fear, reactivity or a dog who simply says “nope.”
Food, treats, toys and emergency replacement leashes

DOG STUFF.

The Natural Dog Pet Food Market

1916 Catawba Valley Blvd SE, Hickory
828-322-5283

Specialty pet nutrition, treats and supplies, including premium and raw/frozen options.

Mon-Sat 9am-7:30pm
Sun 11am-6pm

Pet Supplies Plus

2441 N Center St, Hickory
828-548-3300

Everyday supplies, food and a self-service dog wash.

Mon-Sat 9am-9pm
Sun 10am-6pm

Pet Supermarket

3000 N Center St, Hickory
828-270-2036

Food, supplies and dog-oriented services including a self-wash.

Mon-Sat 10am-8pm
Sun 10am-7pm