The Cottage Grooming & Daycare in South Carolina: What to Know Before You Go

What The Cottage Grooming & Daycare offers

The Cottage Grooming & Daycare is a pet care facility in South Carolina that combines grooming services with daycare for dogs. The business operates as a day program where your dog can spend time in a supervised environment while you work or run errands, with grooming available either during the stay or as a separate service. Unlike boarding facilities that keep pets overnight, The Cottage focuses on daytime care and professional grooming in one location.

The facility handles both routine grooming—baths, nail trims, ear cleaning—and full grooming packages. Dogs attending daycare have access to supervised play, socialization with other dogs, and indoor facilities. The business accepts dogs of various sizes and ages, though specific policies about puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with behavioral concerns vary and should be confirmed directly with the facility.

Key Takeaways

• The Cottage offers daycare for dogs during business hours plus grooming services, making it useful for owners who need both care and grooming on the same day.
• Daycare is a daytime program only—the facility does not provide overnight boarding, so you pick up your dog by closing time.
• Grooming can be scheduled during your dog's daycare stay or booked separately, depending on your schedule and the facility's availability.
• Before your first visit, contact The Cottage directly to confirm current hours, pricing, vaccination requirements, and any restrictions based on your dog's age or temperament.

How daycare works at The Cottage

Dogs attending daycare spend the day in a supervised environment where they interact with staff and other dogs. The facility typically operates during standard business hours, though exact hours should be confirmed by calling or visiting their location. You drop off your dog in the morning and pick up by the end of the business day—this is not an overnight service.

During daycare, dogs have access to indoor play areas and supervised socialization. The staff monitors behavior and energy levels to keep the environment safe for all dogs present. If your dog has specific needs—medication, dietary restrictions, behavioral concerns—discuss these with The Cottage before enrollment so staff can accommodate them during the day.

Grooming services and scheduling

The Cottage provides grooming services that can be combined with daycare or booked on their own. Full grooming typically includes bathing, drying, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and styling based on your dog's breed or your preferences. Grooming appointments may be scheduled while your dog is already in daycare, which can simplify your schedule if you need both services.

Grooming duration depends on your dog's size, coat type, and the services requested. A full groom can take several hours, so if you schedule grooming during a daycare day, your dog will be cared for before and after the appointment. Pricing for grooming varies by service level and dog size—contact The Cottage for their current rate sheet.

What to bring and prepare

Before your dog's first daycare visit, The Cottage will likely request vaccination records, proof of a recent rabies vaccine, and information about your dog's temperament and any medical conditions. Bring any medications your dog needs during the day in their original containers, clearly labeled with your dog's name and dosage instructions. Include written instructions for staff about feeding, bathroom breaks, or behavioral cues specific to your dog.

Pack a collar and leash for pickup, and consider bringing a favorite toy or blanket if The Cottage allows it—this can help your dog feel more comfortable in a new environment. Wear comfortable clothes on your first visit so you can walk around the facility and see where your dog will spend the day. Ask staff to show you the play areas, rest spaces, and where grooming takes place.

Cost and payment

Daycare rates and grooming prices vary based on your dog's size, the services requested, and how frequently you use The Cottage. Many facilities offer discounts for multiple-day packages or regular customers, so ask about options if you plan to bring your dog regularly. Some locations accept multiple payment methods including cash, card, and digital payments—confirm what The Cottage accepts before your visit.

Grooming costs typically increase for larger dogs, dogs with matted coats, or specialized cuts. Ask for a price estimate when you call to schedule, and clarify whether grooming during daycare costs the same as a standalone appointment or if there is a package rate available.

Questions to ask before your first visit

Contact The Cottage directly to confirm their current location, hours of operation, and whether they are currently accepting new dogs. Ask about their vaccination requirements—most facilities require proof of rabies, DHPP (distemper/parvovirus), and sometimes Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccines. Inquire about their policy on dogs with behavioral issues, aggression, or anxiety, and whether they offer any behavioral assessment before enrollment.

Ask how staff handle conflicts between dogs, what happens if your dog gets injured during daycare, and whether they have pet insurance or liability coverage. Find out their cancellation policy if you need to cancel a daycare day or grooming appointment, and whether they offer makeup days if your dog is sick and cannot attend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does The Cottage offer overnight boarding?

No. The Cottage is a daycare facility only, so your dog must be picked up by the end of the business day. If you need overnight boarding, you will need to use a different facility that offers that service.

What if my dog has never been to daycare before?

Contact The Cottage to discuss your dog's experience level. Many facilities recommend a trial day or a shorter first visit to help your dog adjust. Staff can tell you whether they recommend a gradual introduction or if your dog can start with a full day.

Can I schedule grooming on the same day as daycare?

Yes, many owners do this for convenience. Your dog will be in daycare while waiting for their grooming appointment, then return to daycare or be picked up after grooming is complete. Confirm with The Cottage that they can accommodate this schedule before you book.

What vaccinations does my dog need?

Most daycare facilities require proof of rabies and DHPP vaccines. Some also require Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine. Call The Cottage to confirm their specific requirements and whether your dog's vaccines are current before your first visit.

What if my dog gets sick or injured during daycare?

Ask The Cottage about their emergency protocol before enrollment. Find out whether they have a veterinarian on call, whether they will contact you immediately if your dog shows signs of illness, and who pays for emergency veterinary care if it becomes necessary.