Our Story
A working kennel since 1972, and a family business today.
Thirty five years in dogs, and counting
Hilde Haakensen has spent over 35 years breeding, showing, training and competing with dogs, and more than a decade owning Best In Show. That background shows up in the details: the way coats are handled, the way playgroups are matched, the way a nervous dog is introduced to the pack.
Noelle has been grooming with Best In Show for ten years and brings deep experience with Afghan Hounds, Poodles and Miniature Schnauzers. We are independently owned, not a franchise.
In June 2026 we reopened the nine acre Fairburn property as Best In Show Paws & Pastures. FOX 5 Atlanta covered the grand opening.
The property has a longer story than we do
Dogs have been cared for on this land for more than fifty years.
1972
A professional kennel opens on the Fairburn property as Celebrity Kennels. It has operated as a kennel ever since.
The Beagle Brigade years
The property later housed the USDA's Beagle Brigade, the detector dog teams that work the nation's ports of entry.
13 years on Cascade Road
Best In Show Pet Care opens on Cascade Road in Atlanta and builds a loyal following of Atlanta pet families.
June 2026
Hilde Haakensen reopens the nine acre Fairburn property as Best In Show Paws & Pastures. FOX 5 Atlanta covers the grand opening.
Around the property
About the Fairburn property
The Fairburn Property
Where is Best In Show Paws & Pastures?
We are at 6285 Short Rd, Fairburn, GA 30213, just off South Fulton Parkway in southwest Fulton County, with easy access from I-85 and I-285. We are convenient for residents of Fairburn, Union City, South Fulton, Palmetto, Peachtree City, Newnan, Camp Creek and Cascade Heights.
How big is the property?
About nine acres, which makes it one of the largest facilities in the southwest Atlanta region.
What is the history of the property?
The kennel has run continuously since 1972, originally as Celebrity Kennels. It later became connected to the USDA Beagle Brigade programme, and reopened as Best In Show Paws & Pastures in June 2026 under Hilde Haakensen's ownership.
Do you board cats at Fairburn?
Yes. Our cat facility has five large enclosures, each with its own corresponding outdoor area.
Are you affiliated with any other locations?
Yes. Fairburn is the second location for Best In Show Pet Care, which has operated on Cascade Road in Atlanta for over 13 years.
Have you been featured in the media?
FOX 5 Atlanta covered the grand opening of Best In Show Paws & Pastures in June 2026.
What services do you offer?
We offer overnight dog boarding, cat boarding, dog daycare, and grooming for dogs and cats.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Fairburn, South Fulton, Union City, Palmetto, Peachtree City, Newnan, Chattahoochee Hills, Cascade Heights, Camp Creek, and greater southwest Atlanta.
Is this the best boarding kennel in southwest Atlanta?
We believe so, and so do our clients. Best In Show Paws & Pastures is the only boarding kennel in southwest Atlanta operating on a historic nine acre property with over 50 years of kennel heritage. Our owner has 35 years of experience as an AKC breeder and exhibitor. We are not a franchise or chain. We are a genuine kennel, owned and operated by someone whose life has been dedicated to dogs.
What is the best boarding kennel south of Atlanta?
Best In Show Paws & Pastures in Fairburn, GA. Located at 6285 Short Rd off South Fulton Parkway, the facility offers dog and cat boarding on nine historic acres with over 50 years of kennel heritage, owned by 35 year AKC breeder and exhibitor Hilde Haakensen.