Hounds Town: What to Expect at This South Carolina Dog Boarding Chain

Hounds Town is a franchise dog daycare and boarding operation with locations across South Carolina

Hounds Town operates indoor dog daycare and overnight boarding facilities at multiple locations throughout South Carolina, including Charleston, Columbia, and the Midlands region. The chain focuses on supervised group play in climate-controlled spaces, with overnight boarding available for dogs whose owners need extended care. Each location operates as an independently owned franchise, so specific services, pricing, and policies vary by facility.

The core service is group daycare—dogs spend the day in play areas with other dogs and staff supervision, typically from morning drop-off to evening pickup. Overnight boarding extends that care into the evening and overnight hours. Most locations also offer grooming services, though not all franchises provide this add-on.

Because Hounds Town locations are franchises rather than a single corporate operation, you'll need to contact your local facility directly to learn about their specific hours, pricing, capacity, and any restrictions they maintain on dog size, age, or temperament.

Key Takeaways

• Hounds Town operates multiple South Carolina locations as independently owned franchises, so hours, pricing, and services differ by facility.
• The primary service is supervised group daycare in climate-controlled indoor spaces, with overnight boarding available at most locations.
• Dogs must be current on vaccinations (typically rabies and DHPP) and pass a temperament assessment before their first visit.
• You'll need to contact your local Hounds Town directly to confirm availability, pricing, drop-off and pickup times, and any breed or size restrictions they enforce.

What happens during a daycare visit

When you drop your dog off for daycare, staff assess the dog's energy level and temperament, then place it in an appropriate play group. Dogs spend the day in supervised indoor play areas with other dogs and trained staff members. The facility typically provides water and monitors for signs of stress, injury, or illness. Most locations allow you to pick up your dog at a set evening time, though some offer extended hours for an additional fee.

Group play is the main activity—dogs interact with each other under supervision rather than being kenneled individually during the day. This works well for social dogs but may not suit dogs with aggression issues, extreme anxiety, or medical conditions requiring isolation. Before your first visit, the facility will ask about your dog's history with other dogs, any behavioral concerns, and medical needs.

Overnight boarding and what to bring

Overnight boarding extends daycare into the evening and overnight hours. Your dog typically spends the day in group play, then moves to a kennel or sleeping area for the night. Staff provide water and monitor the dog overnight, though the level of overnight supervision varies by location. Morning drop-off times and evening pickup times are set by each facility and may not be flexible.

You'll need to bring your dog's regular food (or the facility will feed a standard diet for an additional cost), any medications, and information about feeding schedules and behavioral quirks. Bring a comfort item like a blanket or toy if your dog has separation anxiety. Most locations require proof of current vaccinations before the first visit—typically rabies and DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza).

Vaccination requirements and health screening

Hounds Town locations require dogs to be current on core vaccinations before attending daycare or boarding. Rabies and DHPP are standard requirements. Some facilities also require Bordetella (kennel cough vaccine), particularly if your dog will be in close contact with many other dogs. You'll need to provide proof of vaccination—a copy of your veterinary records or vaccination certificate.

Beyond vaccinations, staff will conduct a temperament assessment during your dog's first visit or before booking. This involves observing how your dog interacts with staff and other dogs in a controlled setting. Dogs showing signs of aggression, extreme fear, or inability to tolerate group play may be declined or placed in a separate, smaller group. If your dog has a history of biting, resource guarding, or severe anxiety, mention this upfront so the facility can decide whether they can safely accommodate your dog.

Pricing and booking a stay

Hounds Town pricing varies significantly by location and depends on whether you're booking daycare only or overnight boarding. Daycare typically costs less per day than overnight boarding. Some facilities offer package pricing if you book multiple days in advance, and a few offer membership plans for regular customers. Grooming add-ons, if available, cost extra.

To book a stay, contact your local Hounds Town facility directly by phone or through their website. Many locations require advance notice, especially for overnight boarding during busy seasons or weekends. Some facilities maintain a waitlist during peak times (holidays, summer vacation, weekends). Ask about their cancellation policy—most require notice if you need to cancel or reschedule.

Finding your nearest Hounds Town location

Hounds Town has multiple franchises across South Carolina, with established locations in the Charleston, Columbia, and Midlands areas. To find the facility nearest you, search online for "Hounds Town" plus your city or region. Each location has its own phone number, website, and social media presence, so you'll need to contact the specific facility serving your area.

When you call, ask about their current hours, whether they have availability for your dog's needs, what their vaccination requirements are, and whether they have any restrictions based on your dog's size, age, or temperament. Some locations may have a waitlist for peak times, so booking in advance is wise if you have a specific date in mind.

What to do if your dog has special needs

If your dog requires medication, has dietary restrictions, or has behavioral or medical conditions, tell the facility during your initial inquiry. Some Hounds Town locations can administer medications, but not all—ask specifically. Dogs with severe separation anxiety, aggression, or medical fragility may not be suitable for group daycare and might need a different boarding option, such as in-home pet sitting or a facility offering individual kenneling with more one-on-one attention.

Senior dogs, puppies, and dogs with chronic health conditions can sometimes be accommodated, but policies vary by location. A facility may accept your senior dog for daycare but decline overnight boarding if staff cannot monitor the dog closely enough overnight. Discuss your dog's specific situation with the facility manager before booking to avoid disappointment or a stressful experience for your dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use the same Hounds Town location every time?

No, but each location is independently owned and operated, so they may have different policies, pricing, and availability. If you travel between locations, your dog may need to go through a temperament assessment at the new facility. It's easiest to stick with one location so staff become familiar with your dog's needs and personality.

What if my dog gets injured or sick while at Hounds Town?

Staff will contact you immediately if your dog shows signs of injury or illness. Most facilities have a relationship with a local veterinary clinic and can transport your dog for emergency care, though you will be responsible for veterinary bills. Ask your facility which veterinarian they work with and what their protocol is for medical emergencies before your first visit.

Can I watch my dog during daycare?

Most Hounds Town locations do not allow owners to observe daycare sessions, as this can distract dogs and disrupt group dynamics. Some facilities may offer a brief tour or video monitoring for anxious owners, but policies vary. Ask your local facility what they offer.

What if my dog doesn't get along with other dogs?

Group daycare is not a good fit for dogs that are aggressive toward other dogs or extremely fearful in group settings. Talk to the facility about your dog's history before booking. Some locations may decline your dog, or they may offer a smaller, calmer group or one-on-one care at a higher price. If group play is not an option, consider in-home pet sitting or boarding at a facility with individual kennels instead.

How far in advance do I need to book?

Booking requirements vary by location and season. During slow periods, you may be able to book same-day or next-day daycare. During holidays, summer vacation, or weekends, many facilities require booking a week or more in advance. Call your local Hounds Town to ask about their current availability and booking timeline.