This guide is for informational purposes. Always contact providers directly for current pricing and availability.
Finding someone to watch your bearded dragon, parrot, or ferret while you travel in Nashville isn’t as simple as Googling “pet boarding near me.” Most standard kennels won’t take them. But Nashville has a solid set of options — from a dedicated exotic-only boarding facility to vet clinics that take in birds and reptiles — if you know where to look. This guide walks you through the real options, what they cost, and exactly what to ask before you hand over your pet.
If you’re new to boarding any pet, it’s worth understanding the fundamentals first: our guide on how to choose a pet boarding facility walks through what to look for regardless of species.
What Counts as an “Exotic Pet” for Boarding?
For boarding purposes, “exotic” typically means anything that isn’t a dog or cat. That covers a wide range: bearded dragons, ball pythons, leopard geckos, blue-tongued skinks, iguanas, tortoises, parrots, cockatiels, conures, ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, sugar gliders, and hedgehogs. Some facilities also take amphibians, koi, and small livestock.
The key practical point: even a facility that says it handles exotics may only mean rabbits and guinea pigs. A place that boards snakes and large parrots is a different operation entirely. Always confirm your specific species when you call — don’t assume.
Nashville has at least one facility that genuinely boards the full range, plus several vet clinics that offer boarding for their patients. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what’s available.
Where to Board Your Exotic Pet in Nashville
GreyHaven Exotic Pet Boarding — Nashville’s Dedicated Exotic Boarding Facility
GreyHaven is the standout option in Middle Tennessee for exotic boarding — it’s the state’s most experienced dedicated exotic boarding facility, and it boards everything except cats and dogs. Reptiles, birds, small mammals, ferrets, rabbits — if it’s exotic, GreyHaven has likely cared for it.
A few things to know before you reach out:
- By appointment only — no walk-ins or drop-ins
- Pricing is by quote — email or call to get rates for your specific animal
- Schedule a visit first — GreyHaven typically asks new clients to tour the facility before boarding
Address: 737 Due W Ave N, Nashville, TN 37115
Phone: (615) 594-3636
Email: [email protected]
Because they quote per animal and don’t publish a rate card, reach out early — especially before a holiday weekend when they fill up fast.
Priest Lake Veterinary Hospital — Vet-Supervised Boarding for Reptiles, Birds, and Ferrets
Priest Lake Vet in South Nashville provides veterinary care for exotic pets including ferrets, birds, and reptiles, and offers boarding as part of their services. Vet-supervised boarding is worth considering if your animal has a health condition, takes medication, or has ever had stress-related issues during boarding.
Address: 2445 Morris Gentry Blvd, Nashville, TN 37013
Phone: (615) 361-4646
In-Home Pet Sitters via Rover — For Low-Stress Reptiles and Small Mammals
Some reptiles and small mammals do better staying in their own enclosure at home rather than being moved to an unfamiliar facility. For those pets, an in-home sitter who comes daily (or stays overnight) can be the lower-stress option — as long as you find someone with actual exotic experience.
Rover Nashville has over 1,000 sitters as of 2026. The median drop-in visit rate runs around $20–$25 per visit, with overnight house-sitting averaging $35–$55/night. When filtering, look explicitly for sitters who list reptiles, birds, or ferrets in their profile — don’t assume general pet sitting experience translates.
For reptiles that need precise temperature and humidity management, in-home sitting is often the better call over any facility. It’s also worth comparing your options: our breakdown of boarding vs. pet sitting covers the tradeoffs in detail — the same logic applies to exotic pets.
Specialized Pet Sitters and Local Networks
Nashville has an active community of exotic pet owners — particularly in East Nashville, Green Hills, and the Bellevue corridor. Word-of-mouth referrals through local Facebook groups (search “Nashville exotic pets” or “Nashville reptile owners”) or through your vet’s office often surface experienced private sitters who don’t advertise broadly. These arrangements typically run $15–$25 per visit, negotiated directly.
Exotic Vet Clinics in Nashville (Essential Before You Board)
Before you board any exotic pet, you should know which vet to call if something goes wrong. Having an established relationship with an exotic vet — or at minimum their contact info ready for your boarder — is non-negotiable.
Avian & Exotics Center of Nashville — The Specialist Clinic
This is Middle Tennessee’s only veterinary facility serving exclusively avian and exotic clientele. They treat birds, reptiles (snakes, turtles, tortoises, bearded dragons, iguanas, chameleons, monitors, and more), small mammals, amphibians, and fish. If your exotic pet needs specialist-level care in the Nashville area, this is where you go.
Address: 3806 Old Hickory Blvd, Old Hickory, TN 37138
Phone: (615) 360-0944
Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (call to confirm)
Exam fees at dedicated exotic clinics nationally run $90–$135 for a wellness exam and $100–$135 for a sick exam. AECN does not publish their fee schedule online — call ahead to confirm current pricing.
Belle Forest Animal Hospital — Full-Service with Exotic Coverage
Belle Forest handles a wide range of exotic species alongside standard pets: parrots, finches, ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, gerbils, sugar gliders, hedgehogs, lizards, turtles, tortoises, and snakes. Located in Bellevue — call ahead to confirm an exotic-trained vet is available the day you need.
Address: 154 Belle Forest Cir, Nashville, TN 37221
Phone: (615) 662-1700
Hours: Mon–Fri 7:00 am–6:00 pm; Sat 8:00 am–1:00 pm
Migratory Avian Services — Bird and Exotic Specialty Practice
Dr. Kirk at Migratory Avian Services provides specialty-level care for avian, reptile, amphibian, small mammal, and aquatic species in the Nashville area — a smaller specialist practice ideal for birds and reptiles that need deep expertise.
How Much Does Exotic Pet Boarding Cost in Nashville?
Published pricing for exotic boarding is harder to find than for dog kennels — most facilities quote individually. Here’s a realistic picture based on what’s available locally and from comparable facilities nationally.
| Service / Animal Type | Typical Nashville Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rabbit boarding (facility) | $16–$25/night | Second rabbit in same pen often discounted 50% |
| Small exotic (guinea pig, hamster, chinchilla) | $14–$20/night | Typically requires owner-supplied enclosure |
| Bird boarding (small — cockatiel, parakeet) | $16–$25/night | Price rises with size and care complexity |
| Bird boarding (large — parrot, macaw) | $25–$45/night | Large parrots require significant daily handling time |
| Reptile boarding (small — leopard gecko, corn snake) | $15–$22/night | Enclosure usually travels with the animal |
| Reptile boarding (large — bearded dragon, ball python) | $20–$35/night | Feeding schedules and temps must be documented |
| Ferret boarding | $18–$28/night | High activity needs — verify daily playtime |
| In-home drop-in visit (Rover or private) | $18–$30/visit | Good for animals better off in their own setup |
| Overnight house-sitting (in-home) | $35–$60/night | Best for multiple exotics or high-maintenance animals |
Important note: GreyHaven Exotic Pet Boarding — Nashville’s primary dedicated facility — does not publish rates and quotes individually. The ranges above are drawn from regional comparison data and comparable facilities nationally. Call or email GreyHaven directly for an accurate quote for your specific animal. Don’t book on assumptions.
For context, dog boarding nationally runs $45–$85/night — exotic pet boarding is generally cheaper, though facilities with genuine expertise are fewer and often book up faster.
What to Ask Before You Board
The biggest mistake exotic pet owners make: assuming “we board exotics” means the same thing at every facility. Before you commit, ask these directly — any reputable facility will answer without hesitation.
Species and Experience Questions
- “Have you boarded [my specific species] before?” — Experience with bearded dragons differs from iguanas or ball pythons. Be specific.
- “Who handles my animal day-to-day?” — Is there a designated exotic caretaker or does responsibility rotate?
- “What happens if my animal stops eating or seems ill?” — They should have a protocol and a vet relationship. Vague answers are a red flag.
Husbandry Questions
- “How do you maintain temperature and humidity for reptiles?” — Most reptiles have specific ranges critical to their health.
- “Can my animal stay in its own enclosure?” — Familiarity reduces stress. Confirm this upfront.
- “How often will my animal be fed, and what do you feed?” — Bring your own food if there’s any doubt.
Emergency and Vet Access
- “Which vet do you contact in an emergency?” — The answer should include an exotic-capable vet, not just the nearest general animal hospital.
- “Do you require vet records or a health certificate before boarding?” — A good sign, not a hassle.
How to Prepare Your Exotic Pet for Boarding
Pre-Boarding Vet Visit
Book a pre-boarding wellness check at least 2–3 weeks before your trip. The Avian & Exotics Center of Nashville at (615) 360-0944 is the most thorough option; Belle Forest Animal Hospital at (615) 662-1700 is a solid backup on the west side. For ferrets, confirm whether current distemper and rabies vaccines are required — many boarding facilities ask for this.
Bring Their Own Setup (Where Possible)
For reptiles, the enclosure, substrate, hides, and basking setup are part of their normal environment. Moving them to an unfamiliar enclosure is an added stressor. Where the boarding facility allows it — and GreyHaven and most dedicated exotics boarders do — bring the whole setup. Include food, supplements, and a written care sheet.
Write a Care Sheet
- Species and age
- Feeding schedule, food type, and quantity
- Temperature and humidity targets
- Handling instructions (or “do not handle” if your animal is stressed by it)
- Normal behavior vs. warning signs
- Emergency vet contact: Avian & Exotics Center of Nashville (615) 360-0944
- Your phone number and a backup contact
Do a Trial Run
If your animal has never been boarded before, try a short 1–2 night stay before a longer trip. It lets you see how your pet handles the experience and builds confidence in the facility before you’re on a 10-day vacation.
Timing Your Drop-Off
Drop off on a weekday morning when staff are fully present — not a Friday afternoon or holiday morning. You want maximum staff attention during that critical first 24 hours while your animal is adjusting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exotic Pet Boarding in Nashville
Is there an emergency exotic vet in Nashville?
There is no 24/7 emergency exotic vet in Nashville as of early 2026. The Avian & Exotics Center of Nashville (615-360-0944) is the closest to a full-service exotic specialist, but operates standard business hours (8am–5pm). For after-hours emergencies, your best option is BluePearl Nashville (general emergency) combined with a call to your regular exotic vet’s after-hours line — many will provide guidance by phone even outside business hours.
Can I board my snake or bearded dragon at a regular pet hotel in Nashville?
Most standard dog and cat boarding facilities won’t accept reptiles, and you should be cautious about any that say yes without being able to answer specific husbandry questions. GreyHaven Exotic Pet Boarding (615-594-3636) is the right call for reptiles in Nashville. Priest Lake Vet (615-361-4646) is another option, particularly if your reptile has an ongoing health issue.
Do birds need a health certificate to board in Nashville?
No state-mandated certificate is required for boarding companion birds within Tennessee, but individual facilities may require it. GreyHaven typically asks for veterinary documentation for new boarding clients. It’s good practice regardless — a pre-boarding exam at AECN or Belle Forest Animal Hospital will catch any health issues before they become a boarding emergency.
What’s the cheapest way to board an exotic pet in Nashville?
In-home sitting through Rover or a private sitter is typically the lowest-cost option — drop-in visits run $18–$25 in Nashville as of 2026. The catch is finding someone with genuine exotic experience; most Rover sitters work with dogs and cats. Filter carefully and confirm experience directly before booking. For reptiles needing precise heat and humidity, in-home is often the better option regardless of cost.
How far in advance should I book exotic boarding in Nashville?
For GreyHaven, book at least 2–3 weeks out for standard trips and 4–6 weeks out for holiday travel (Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break). Dedicated exotic facilities have limited capacity compared to large dog kennels — spots go quickly. If GreyHaven is full, ask them for referrals; they know the local exotic pet community well.
What if my exotic pet won’t eat while boarding?
Many reptiles and some birds temporarily refuse food when stressed by a new environment — this is normal for short trips (2–5 days). Inform the boarding facility of your animal’s normal feeding schedule so they can distinguish temporary stress from a health issue. If a reptile goes more than 10–14 days without eating, or a bird stops eating entirely within 24–48 hours, that warrants a vet call. Make sure your boarder has the number for Avian & Exotics Center of Nashville (615) 360-0944.
Are there exotic boarding options for sugar gliders or hedgehogs in Nashville?
GreyHaven accepts sugar gliders and hedgehogs along with most other exotics. For these animals in particular, an in-home sitter is worth considering — both species are small, stress-sensitive, and often do better staying in their home environment with a familiar sitter visiting daily. Check the Middle Tennessee Pocket Pet Rescue (mnpocketpetrescue.org) for Nashville-area sitter recommendations.
Bottom Line
Nashville has real options for exotic pet owners who need reliable care while they travel. GreyHaven Exotic Pet Boarding (615-594-3636) is the gold standard — the only dedicated exotic boarding facility in Middle Tennessee, with experience across reptiles, birds, ferrets, and small mammals. Book early, especially before holidays. For owners who prefer vet oversight, Priest Lake Veterinary Hospital offers boarding for reptiles and birds with a clinical safety net.
For reptiles that do poorly with environmental change, in-home sitting from an experienced exotic sitter is worth pursuing seriously — start your search through Rover and ask directly about species experience before booking.
Whatever you choose: tour the facility before your trip, bring your animal’s food and setup, and make sure your boarder has the Avian & Exotics Center of Nashville on speed dial just in case.
Ready to find a trusted exotic pet boarder in Nashville? Browse all pet boarding services in Nashville on HeiBob and filter by the care type that fits your animal.
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