Total Pet Care of Sumter: What to Know Before You Board Your Pet

What Total Pet Care of Sumter Offers

Total Pet Care of Sumter is a veterinary clinic and boarding facility located in Sumter that combines medical care with overnight lodging for dogs and cats. The facility operates as both a full-service animal hospital and a boarding kennel, meaning your pet can receive vaccinations, dental work, or other medical services in the same location where they stay overnight. This setup appeals to owners who want their pet's regular veterinarian overseeing their animal's care during a boarding stay.

The boarding side of the operation houses dogs and cats in separate areas. Pets receive daily feeding, water, and outdoor time or exercise depending on their needs and the facility's schedule. The clinic staff monitors boarders throughout the day and can respond quickly if a pet shows signs of illness or stress, since veterinarians are on-site or on-call.

Key Takeaways

• Total Pet Care of Sumter combines veterinary medicine and boarding under one roof, so your pet's regular vet can oversee their stay.
• The facility boards both dogs and cats in separate areas and provides daily feeding, water, and exercise or outdoor time.
• You will need to provide your pet's vaccination records, feeding instructions, and any medications before drop-off.
• Rates and availability vary by season and pet size, so contacting the facility directly is the only way to confirm pricing and open dates.
• The facility is located in Sumter and operates during standard business hours, though you should confirm exact hours and holiday schedules before planning your trip.

What You Need to Bring and Know Before Drop-Off

Before boarding your pet at Total Pet Care of Sumter, gather your pet's vaccination records—particularly proof of rabies and DHPP (for dogs) or FVRCP (for cats). Most boarding facilities in South Carolina require these records to prevent disease spread among boarders. If your pet takes medication, bring it in its original labeled container with clear instructions on dosage and timing.

Write down your pet's normal feeding schedule, portion size, and any dietary restrictions or preferences. If your pet eats a special diet or has food allergies, bring enough food for the entire stay rather than relying on the facility to stock it. Include any behavioral notes—whether your pet is anxious around other animals, has house-training accidents under stress, or needs a quiet space to decompress.

Bring a familiar item from home if the facility permits it: a blanket, toy, or piece of bedding that smells like your house can reduce stress for some pets. Ask the staff what items are allowed before you pack them.

Pricing and How to Reserve a Spot

Total Pet Care of Sumter does not publish rates online, so you will need to call the facility directly to learn current pricing. Boarding costs typically depend on your pet's size, the length of stay, and whether your pet needs any special services like medication administration or extra exercise. Rates may also shift during peak travel seasons—holidays, summer vacation, and spring break often fill up faster and may cost more.

To reserve a boarding spot, contact the clinic by phone during business hours. Have your pet's name, age, species, and any medical or behavioral information ready. Ask about their current availability for your travel dates and what the total cost will be. Confirm their cancellation policy in case your plans change.

Location and Hours

Total Pet Care of Sumter is located in Sumter, South Carolina. The facility operates during standard veterinary clinic hours, though exact opening and closing times vary by day of the week. Many veterinary clinics close earlier on certain weekdays and have limited or no weekend hours, so confirm the schedule before you plan to drop off or pick up your pet.

Ask about holiday hours when you call to reserve, since many clinics close on major holidays or operate on a reduced schedule. If you need to board your pet over a holiday, mention that when you make your reservation so the staff can confirm they will be open and staffed.

Medical Care During Your Pet's Stay

Because Total Pet Care of Sumter is a veterinary clinic, the staff can monitor your pet's health during boarding and respond to minor issues without moving your pet to another facility. If your pet develops diarrhea, vomiting, or other signs of illness, the veterinarian can examine them and provide treatment. This continuity of care is one advantage of boarding at a clinic rather than a standalone kennel.

If your pet has a chronic condition or takes daily medication, the clinic staff will administer it as instructed. Make sure your medication is in its original labeled container and that you provide written dosing instructions. If your pet requires special handling—for example, if they are recovering from surgery or have mobility issues—discuss this with the staff before drop-off so they can plan appropriate care.

What to Expect When You Pick Up Your Pet

When you return to pick up your pet, the staff will give you a brief report on how your pet behaved during the stay: whether they ate well, had any accidents, seemed anxious, or showed any health concerns. Some facilities provide a written summary; others give a verbal update. If your pet seemed stressed or had any incidents, ask what happened and what you might do differently on the next stay.

Check your pet over before you leave—look at their paws, ears, and skin to make sure they are clean and free of any obvious problems. If you notice anything unusual, mention it to the staff right away. Once you get home, give your pet time to settle and return to their normal routine; some pets are tired or clingy after boarding, which is normal.

Alternatives if Total Pet Care of Sumter Is Full

If Total Pet Care of Sumter does not have availability for your dates, other boarding options in the Sumter area include standalone kennels, in-home pet sitters, and boarding facilities at other veterinary clinics. Standalone kennels are often less expensive than clinic-based boarding but do not have a veterinarian on-site. In-home pet sitters visit your house to feed, exercise, and care for your pet while you are away, which many pets prefer because they stay in their own environment.

Ask friends, family, or your own veterinarian for recommendations on other facilities in Sumter. Read online reviews, but remember that people are more likely to post after a bad experience than a good one. Visit any facility in person before you board your pet there so you can see the space, meet the staff, and ask questions about their practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to update my pet's vaccinations before boarding?

Yes. Most boarding facilities require proof of current rabies vaccination and other core vaccines (DHPP for dogs, FVRCP for cats). Vaccinations must usually be current within the past year, though rabies may be valid for three years depending on the vaccine type. Contact Total Pet Care of Sumter to ask their specific requirements and whether your pet's vaccines need updating before your stay.

What if my pet has never been boarded before?

Tell the staff when you make your reservation. Some facilities offer a short trial stay or a shorter first boarding period so your pet can adjust. Bring a familiar item from home if allowed, and provide detailed information about your pet's routine and any anxiety triggers. The staff can watch for signs of stress and let you know how your pet handles the experience.

Can I board my pet for just one night?

Many facilities accept one-night stays, though some have a minimum stay requirement. Call Total Pet Care of Sumter to ask whether they board for single nights and whether the rate differs from longer stays. Weekend and holiday single nights may have different pricing or availability than weekday stays.

What happens if my pet gets sick while boarding?

Because Total Pet Care of Sumter is a veterinary clinic, the staff can examine your pet and provide treatment on-site. You will be contacted if your pet shows signs of illness. Ask before boarding whether emergency treatment is included in the boarding fee or billed separately, and confirm that you authorize the veterinarian to treat minor issues without calling you first.

How far in advance should I book?

Booking at least two to four weeks ahead gives you the best chance of securing your preferred dates, especially during peak travel seasons. During holidays and summer, facilities often fill up weeks in advance. If you need boarding on short notice, call as soon as possible to see whether space is available.