What to Know About Southern Country Pet Care in South Carolina
Southern Country Pet Care offers boarding, daycare, and grooming services in a rural setting
Southern Country Pet Care is a pet boarding facility located in South Carolina that combines overnight boarding with daycare and grooming options. The facility operates in a country setting rather than an urban kennel environment, which shapes how the space is laid out and how animals spend their time during a stay. If you're looking at boarding options and want to understand what this particular facility offers before contacting them, here's what matters to know.
The facility accepts dogs and typically boards them in individual spaces while offering group play and exercise time during the day. Grooming services are available on-site, so you can have your dog cleaned up before pickup or arrange grooming during a longer stay. Daycare is also an option if you need drop-off care for a few hours or a full day without overnight boarding.
Key Takeaways
- Southern Country Pet Care operates in a rural South Carolina setting with both overnight boarding and daycare options for dogs.
- The facility offers grooming services on-site, which you can schedule independently or combine with a boarding stay.
- Dogs typically spend time in individual spaces but also have group play and exercise periods during the day.
- You should contact the facility directly to confirm current rates, availability for your travel dates, and any specific care needs your dog may have.
What to expect during a boarding stay
When you drop off your dog, the staff will need information about feeding schedules, any medications, behavioral quirks, and emergency contact details. Bring enough food from home if your dog has a sensitive stomach or eats a specific brand—most facilities will feed what you provide rather than switching to their own supply. Pack any comfort items like a bed or toy that smells like home, though not everything you bring will necessarily be returned in the same condition.
During the day, dogs typically have access to outdoor space and time with other dogs if they're social. The country setting means more room for exercise than you'd find at an urban facility. Staff will monitor your dog's behavior and eating habits, and most facilities will contact you if something seems off. Overnight, dogs are usually in individual kennels or runs to prevent conflicts and keep them safe while unsupervised.
Grooming services and add-ons
Grooming at Southern Country Pet Care can be scheduled as a standalone service or timed with your boarding dates. A full groom typically includes a bath, nail trim, ear cleaning, and a haircut or hand-strip depending on your dog's breed and coat type. If you're boarding your dog for a week or longer, you might schedule grooming for mid-stay so your dog arrives home clean, or arrange it for the day before pickup.
Pricing for grooming varies by dog size and coat condition. A matted coat takes longer to work through and may cost more than a well-maintained one. Ask about pricing when you call, and mention your dog's breed and current coat condition so the groomer can give you an accurate estimate.
Daycare as an alternative to boarding
If you only need a few hours of care—say, while you're at work or running errands—daycare is often less expensive than overnight boarding and gives your dog social time and exercise. Daycare typically runs during business hours and requires pickup by a set time in the evening. Some facilities offer extended daycare that runs into early evening, though you should confirm hours when you call.
Daycare works well for dogs that are social and do fine in group settings but may not be the right fit for dogs that are anxious around other animals or have medical needs that require quiet rest. If your dog is elderly, recovering from surgery, or has behavioral issues, overnight boarding in a quieter environment might be better.
How to prepare your dog for boarding
Dogs that have boarded before adjust faster than those experiencing it for the first time. If this is your dog's first stay, consider a short daycare visit first so they get used to the space and staff without the stress of an overnight separation. Bring your dog to the facility a day or two before your trip if possible so they can see the space and meet the people who'll be caring for them.
Make sure your dog's vaccinations are current—most facilities require proof of rabies, DHPP (distemper), and bordetella (kennel cough) vaccines. Bring vaccination records with you at drop-off. If your dog is on medication, provide clear written instructions with the exact dosage and timing, and bring the medication in its original labeled bottle. Leave detailed notes about your dog's routine, any behavioral triggers, and what calms them down if they get anxious.
Questions to ask before booking
Call Southern Country Pet Care directly to confirm they have availability for your dates and to ask about their current rates for boarding, daycare, and grooming. Ask whether they accept your dog's breed—some facilities have restrictions on certain breeds or sizes. Confirm what vaccinations they require and whether they need proof in advance or at drop-off.
Ask about their policy if your dog gets sick or injured during a stay, and whether they have a veterinarian on call or a preferred clinic nearby. Find out what happens if you're delayed picking up your dog—some facilities charge hourly fees for late pickup, while others build a grace period into their rates. Ask whether they offer any discounts for longer stays or for multiple pets.
Pricing and payment
Boarding rates at pet facilities in South Carolina vary based on facility type, location, and services included. Southern Country Pet Care's pricing depends on whether you're booking overnight boarding, daycare, or grooming, and rates may differ for dogs of different sizes. Contact the facility to ask about their current rates and what's included in each service.
Most facilities accept cash, card, or check, though you should confirm their payment methods when you book. Some offer discounts if you pay in advance or book multiple days. Ask whether they require a deposit to hold your reservation, especially if you're booking during a busy travel season like holidays or summer vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring food, or does the facility provide it?
You can bring your own food, and most facilities recommend it if your dog has a sensitive stomach or eats a specific brand. If you don't bring food, ask what the facility feeds and whether your dog can eat it. Bring enough for the entire stay plus a little extra in case you're delayed picking up.
What should I pack for my dog's boarding stay?
Bring vaccination records, any medications in original bottles with clear instructions, food, water bowl, leash, and collar. You can include a comfort item like a bed or toy, but understand it may get dirty or damaged. Leave written notes about your dog's routine, behavioral quirks, and what to do if they get anxious.
Can I visit my dog while they're boarding?
Most facilities discourage visits during a stay because it can upset dogs and make pickup harder. Ask the facility's policy when you book. Some allow brief visits if your dog is struggling, while others prefer you stay away so your dog settles in faster.
What if my dog has never been boarded before?
Consider scheduling a short daycare visit first so your dog gets used to the space and staff without overnight separation. Bring your dog to meet the staff a day or two before your trip if possible. Leave detailed notes about what calms your dog down, and ask staff to contact you if your dog seems very distressed.
How far in advance should I book?
During busy seasons like holidays and summer, book at least two to three weeks ahead. During slower times, you may be able to book a week or two out. Call Southern Country Pet Care to ask about their current availability and how far ahead they recommend booking for your travel dates.