Business Details
23 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Doggie Daycare & Boarding in Asheville
At Play with Sparky has been Asheville's premier doggie daycare and boarding facility since 2003. Founded by Tara Horne and her father, our family-owned business prioritizes the safety, happiness, and socialization of every pet in our care. Our experienced team, including managers Ann and Marlayna, provides personalized attention to dogs of all ages and sizes. With large indoor playrooms and expansive outdoor fenced yards, we create an environment where dogs can exercise, play, and form lasting bonds with their furry friends.Our facility features play equipment, wading pools, and structured playgroups to accommodate energetic puppies and more relaxed senior dogs. We maintain rigorous cleanliness standards using hospital-grade disinfectants and provide 24/7 emergency care through trusted veterinary partners. Our commitment to quality has earned us recognition as the region's leading dog daycare, with consistent hours from early morning to late evening for client convenience.
Services
Doggie Playcare
Crateless Boarding
Cat Boarding
Bath Services
Playcare Passes
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We offer 16+ years of specialized pet care experience since 2003
- Our facility features 2,000+ sq ft of indoor play space and shaded outdoor yards
- We maintain 12-hour daily operating hours with emergency protocols
- Our staff includes certified pet care specialists with ongoing training
- We implement structured playgroup management for dog safety
Associations and certifications
- North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
What people say
Super friendly staff
Dogs love it
Well taken care
Excited to go
Happy and tired
Services
Doggie Playcare
Our supervised daycare program provides structured socialization and exercise for dogs of all ages. With separate playgroups for different energy levels, we ensure safe interactions while preventing overexertion. The facility features both indoor playrooms and shaded outdoor yards with water features for temperature regulation.
Crateless Boarding
Our boarding service offers a cage-free environment where dogs sleep in communal kennel areas with comfortable bedding. Pets receive continuous social interaction while maintaining separate eating and sleeping spaces. We accommodate special dietary needs and provide regular updates to owners during extended stays.
Bath Services
Professional bathing and brushing services remove dirt and loose fur after active play sessions. Our technicians use gentle techniques to clean pets while minimizing stress, with pricing based on size and coat type. Appointments must be scheduled at drop-off to ensure adequate time allocation.
Playcare Passes
Prepaid pass system offers discounted rates for frequent visitors. Options include 30-day unlimited access plans and customizable packages that can be applied toward both daycare and boarding services. Passes include additional overnight fees when used for boarding.
Special Needs Care
Tailored programs for puppies and senior dogs include modified play sessions and specialized supervision. We implement gradual socialization for anxious pets and provide separate play areas for geriatric animals. Our staff receives specific training to handle age-related requirements and mobility challenges.
People
Tara Horne
Owner
Tara has operated At Play with Sparky since 2003, building on her family's pet care expertise. She oversees daily operations while maintaining hands-on involvement with the animals. Her leadership focuses on creating a safe, enriching environment for all pets.
Ann
Manager
Ann manages daily operations and client interactions as one of our lead staff members. With extensive experience in animal behavior, she ensures each dog receives appropriate socialization and care. Clients frequently recognize her for exceptional service.
Marlayna
Manager
Marlayna coordinates staff activities and maintains facility standards as a senior manager. Her expertise in canine behavior helps match dogs with appropriate playgroups. She works closely with Tara to maintain consistent service quality across all operations.
Questions
What makes your facility unique compared to other pet care services?
Our playgroup management system allows dogs to socialize in mixed-age groups with structured breaks. We maintain separate areas for senior dogs and puppies while implementing strict safety protocols for all interactions.
What are your vaccination requirements for daycare participation?
Dogs must have current Rabies and DHLPPC vaccinations. Puppies under six months require age-appropriate boosters. We also require proof of spaying/neutering for dogs over six months and flea prevention during active seasons.
Do you offer flexible payment options?
We accept cash and all major credit cards. Payment is required at drop-off for services rendered. We also offer prepaid playcare passes with discounted rates for frequent visitors.
How do you handle medical emergencies?
Our staff contacts owners immediately for non-emergency situations. For urgent care, we transport pets to Cedar Ridge Animal Hospital or Reach Animal Hospital with prior owner authorization. Minor injuries receive immediate on-site treatment.
Can I schedule last-minute daycare visits?
While we recommend advance reservations, we accommodate last-minute requests when space allows. Boarding reservations require prior booking, especially during holiday periods when we often fill months in advance.
What happens during inclement weather?
We monitor weather conditions and maintain indoor facilities for all-day use. Clients receive updates through our Facebook page during severe weather events. Our staff adjusts play schedules to ensure pet safety during extreme temperatures.
