What to Expect at Four Paws Boarding and Grooming in South Carolina

Four Paws Boarding and Grooming offers both overnight boarding and same-day grooming services at locations across South Carolina, with separate facilities designed for dogs and cats

Four Paws operates multiple locations throughout South Carolina, each with dedicated spaces for dogs and cats to keep animals separated by species and temperament. The boarding side provides overnight care in climate-controlled kennels, while the grooming side handles bathing, nail trimming, haircuts, and other coat work. Both services run year-round, and you can book either service alone or combine them — many owners board their dog for a weekend and have grooming done before pickup.

The specific services, pricing, and hours vary by location, so calling ahead or visiting the facility nearest you is essential before your first visit. Four Paws locations are independently operated, meaning each one may have different staff, amenities, and policies around vaccination requirements or special diets.

Key Takeaways

• Four Paws has multiple South Carolina locations with separate areas for dogs and cats, so call your nearest facility to confirm services and current hours before booking.
• Boarding includes overnight care in climate-controlled kennels, while grooming covers baths, nail trims, and haircuts — you can book either service separately or together.
• Most Four Paws locations require proof of current vaccinations (especially rabies) before boarding, so bring records with you or have your vet send them ahead.
• Grooming appointments often fill up during holidays and weekends, so booking at least a week in advance increases your chances of getting your preferred date and time.

What to bring when you board your pet

Pack your pet's regular food in its original bag or container, because switching to an unfamiliar brand during boarding can upset their stomach. If your pet eats a prescription diet or has food allergies, bring enough for the entire stay and label it clearly with your pet's name. Four Paws staff will feed according to your pet's normal schedule, but they need to know the exact amount and any special instructions.

Bring a comfort item — a blanket, toy, or bed that smells like home — to reduce stress during the stay. Include any medications your pet takes, along with written instructions on dosage and timing. A recent photo of your pet on your phone is also helpful in case of emergency, so staff can describe your pet accurately to a veterinarian if needed.

Vaccination and health requirements before boarding

Four Paws locations typically require proof of current rabies vaccination and up-to-date shots for diseases like distemper and parvovirus in dogs, or feline distemper and feline leukemia in cats. These requirements protect all animals at the facility from contagious illness. Your veterinarian can provide vaccination records, and you can bring a printed copy or have the vet fax it directly to the Four Paws location where you plan to board.

If your pet is due for vaccines or if records are missing, contact your vet at least two weeks before your boarding date to schedule an appointment. Some Four Paws locations may turn away pets without current records, even if you have an appointment, so confirming requirements with your specific location ahead of time prevents last-minute cancellations.

Grooming services and what happens during a session

A typical grooming appointment starts with a bath using pet-safe shampoo, followed by drying and brushing to remove mats or tangles. The groomer then trims nails, cleans ears if needed, and performs the haircut or style you requested. For dogs, this might mean a breed-standard cut, a sanitary trim, or a full shave depending on coat type and your preference. For cats, grooming usually focuses on nail trimming and mat removal, since most cats do not tolerate full baths well.

Appointments typically last one to three hours depending on your pet's size, coat condition, and the complexity of the cut. If your pet has matted fur, the groomer may recommend a shorter cut to avoid painful mat removal or skin irritation. Discuss any concerns — such as sensitive skin, anxiety, or previous bad experiences at groomers — when you book, so the groomer can adjust their approach.

Booking and cancellation policies

Call your nearest Four Paws location directly to book boarding or grooming, since each facility manages its own schedule. Many locations fill up quickly during summer vacation season, holiday weekends, and around major events, so booking two to four weeks ahead when possible gives you more date options. Some locations may offer online booking through their website or social media pages, but phone calls are the most reliable way to confirm availability and discuss your pet's specific needs.

Ask about the cancellation policy when you book — most facilities require at least 24 to 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule, or you may lose your deposit or be charged a cancellation fee. If your pet becomes ill or injured before a boarding stay, call immediately to cancel and explain the situation; most facilities understand emergencies and will work with you.

Pickup and drop-off procedures

Drop-off times are usually in the morning, often between 7 and 9 a.m., though this varies by location. Bring your pet in a secure carrier or on a leash, and plan to spend a few minutes with staff going over feeding instructions, medications, and emergency contact information. Staff will ask for your cell phone number and a backup contact in case they cannot reach you during the stay.

Pickup is typically in the late afternoon or early evening on your pet's last day. Call ahead if you will be late, because some locations charge an after-hours fee if you pick up outside normal business hours. When you arrive, staff will give you a brief update on how your pet behaved, ate, and slept — this information helps you know whether your pet was comfortable and may guide future boarding decisions.

Pricing and payment methods

Boarding rates depend on your pet's size, the length of stay, and the specific Four Paws location. Grooming prices vary based on your pet's breed, coat condition, and the type of cut you request. Call your local Four Paws facility for current pricing, since rates change and may differ between locations. Most facilities accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards, though it is worth confirming payment methods when you book.

Some locations may offer discounts for multiple pets, frequent customers, or package deals if you book several services at once. Ask about any current promotions when you call, and keep receipts in case you need to reference pricing for future visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I board my cat and dog together at Four Paws?

Four Paws keeps dogs and cats in separate areas for safety and stress reduction, so they will not be housed together. However, you can board both pets at the same location during the same dates — staff will care for them in their respective areas and you will pick up both at the end of your stay.

What if my pet has never been boarded before?

Tell staff when you drop off that your pet is new to boarding. A shorter first stay — one or two nights — helps your pet adjust. Bring a comfort item from home and ask staff to call you with an update after a few hours so you know your pet has settled in.

Do Four Paws locations offer playtime or exercise during boarding?

Many Four Paws locations provide supervised play or exercise time for dogs, though the amount and type vary by facility. Ask your specific location what activities are included in their boarding package and whether additional playtime or special services cost extra.

What happens if my pet gets sick or injured while boarding?

Staff monitor pets for signs of illness or injury throughout the day. If your pet becomes unwell, Four Paws will contact you immediately. You authorize emergency veterinary care by signing a form at drop-off, so staff can take your pet to a vet without waiting for your approval if the situation is urgent.

Can I bring special requests for grooming, like a specific shampoo or style?

Yes — discuss any special requests when you book or when you drop off your pet. Bring your own shampoo if your pet has sensitive skin or allergies, and show the groomer photos of the style you want. The groomer will let you know if a particular cut is not practical for your pet's coat type.