The Barking Lot Pet Grooming & Boarding in Chattanooga: Full-Service Grooming with Boarding Flexibility

The Barking Lot is a full-service grooming facility that handles bathing, haircuts, and nail care for dogs of all sizes, with on-site boarding available for clients who need their pets cared for overnight or longer. Located in Chattanooga, it positions itself as a one-stop destination for owners who want grooming and lodging from the same provider rather than coordinating multiple vendors.

What The Barking Lot actually is

This is a single-location, locally-owned grooming shop paired with boarding kennels. It differs from chain franchises like PetSmart Grooming by operating independently and maintaining fuller control over staffing and scheduling. The facility functions as both a drop-in grooming destination and a short- or long-term boarding option, making it useful for owners juggling tight schedules or traveling locally.

Grooming services and pricing

The Barking Lot charges for grooming by dog size: small dogs (under 25 lbs) typically run between $50 and $70, medium dogs (25 to 50 lbs) between $65 and $85, and large dogs (over 50 lbs) between $85 and $110. These rates cover a standard bath and haircut. Additional services like nail trimming, ear cleaning, or de-shedding treatments add $10 to $20 each. Cats are groomed for $60 to $80 depending on coat condition and length. Prices shift seasonably and may reflect coat condition, so call ahead to confirm current rates before booking.

Boarding rates run approximately $35 to $50 per day depending on dog size and whether you add premium services like extra playtime or special dietary accommodations. Multi-day stays sometimes receive modest discounts.

How it compares to other Chattanooga groomers

The Barking Lot's main advantage over competitors like Petropolis (which offers grooming but no on-site boarding) is the ability to drop a dog off for both services in one trip. For owners who need boarding and don't have a separate trusted boarding facility, this consolidation saves time and eliminates coordination friction. Petropolis tends to maintain shorter grooming wait times and may suit owners with flexible schedules who prioritize faster turnaround. Mobile groomers operating in Chattanooga (such as individual contractors advertising through Rover or Wag) offer convenience for owners with anxious dogs or mobility constraints, but usually charge 15 to 25 percent more than facility-based shops and cannot provide multi-day boarding.

Who it suits and who it does not suit

The Barking Lot works best for owners who need both grooming and boarding, live or work nearby enough to drop off and pick up during stated hours, and have dogs comfortable in a kennel environment. It is practical for owners of multiple dogs needing grooming on the same visit. Owners with extremely anxious or senior dogs who do poorly in kennels may prefer a mobile groomer or in-home pet sitter. Dogs with complex medical needs during boarding should confirm staffing availability before committing to a multi-day stay.

What the first visit involves

Call ahead to schedule a grooming appointment; walk-ins are often accommodated but may face longer waits. At drop-off, you will provide your dog's name, age, any behavioral notes (fear of nail trims, for example), and specific grooming requests (nail length, coat style, whether to leave the tail long). If you are boarding, confirm vaccination records are on file and discuss dietary needs, medications, and any behavioral considerations. Grooming typically takes two to four hours depending on dog size and coat condition. Boarding dogs are usually released mid-morning to late afternoon; confirm pickup hours during booking.

Hours, parking, and logistics

The Barking Lot operates Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday and holiday hours should be verified. On-site parking is available. The facility does not require advance grooming appointments on weekends, but weekend availability fills quickly during peak seasons (fall and spring). Confirm current hours by phone before visiting, as seasonal adjustments do occur.

The Barking Lot fills a practical role for Chattanooga dog owners who value single-stop convenience and local ownership. It is neither the cheapest groomer in the city nor the most specialized, but the integrated grooming and boarding setup justifies its position for owners managing both services regularly.