Sundowner Kennels: Boarding, Grooming, and Training for Dogs in South Carolina

What Sundowner Kennels Offers

Sundowner Kennels is a dog boarding, grooming, and training facility in South Carolina that serves owners looking for care while they travel, professional coat work, or behavioral training. The kennel operates as a full-service facility rather than a drop-off-only boarding house, meaning staff spend time with dogs beyond basic feeding and housing.

The facility handles short-term boarding for dogs whose owners are away, professional grooming services ranging from basic baths to full breed cuts, and obedience training programs that run from a few days to several weeks. Dogs stay in individual kennels with scheduled outdoor time, and the staff monitors health and behavior throughout their stay.

Key Takeaways

• Sundowner Kennels combines boarding, grooming, and training under one roof, so you can address multiple needs in a single facility.
• The kennel houses dogs individually and provides outdoor time and staff interaction, not just kenneling in a warehouse setting.
• Training programs range from short behavioral sessions to longer obedience courses, depending on what your dog needs.
• Grooming services include everything from basic baths to full breed-standard cuts, so you should describe your dog's coat and any specific requests when you contact them.
• You will need to provide vaccination records and information about your dog's diet, medications, and behavior before boarding or training.

Boarding Services and What to Expect

When you board your dog at Sundowner Kennels, the facility keeps dogs in individual kennels with climate control and regular outdoor time. Staff feed dogs according to their owner's instructions and monitor them for signs of stress or illness. The length of stay can be a single night or several weeks, depending on your travel plans.

Before your dog arrives, you will need to provide current vaccination records (typically rabies, DHPP, and bordetella), information about your dog's regular food and feeding schedule, any medications and how to administer them, and details about your dog's temperament and any behavioral issues. This information helps staff care for your dog safely and catch problems early.

Boarding rates vary based on the dog's size and the length of stay. You should contact the facility directly for current pricing and availability, especially if you are boarding during peak travel seasons like holidays or summer vacation.

Grooming Services for All Coat Types

Sundowner Kennels' grooming services range from basic baths and nail trims to full breed-standard cuts. Groomers work with dogs of different sizes and coat types, including double-coated breeds, curly coats, and short-haired dogs. If your dog has matting, skin conditions, or behavioral sensitivities around grooming, tell the groomer when you book so they can plan accordingly.

Grooming appointments are typically scheduled in advance, and turnaround time depends on how busy the grooming schedule is and how much work your dog's coat needs. A full bath and dry may take a few hours, while a complete breed cut can take most of a day. You can drop your dog off in the morning and pick up later that day, or leave your dog for boarding if the appointment runs long.

Training Programs and Behavioral Work

Sundowner Kennels offers obedience training and behavioral training programs that can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on what you want to work on. Common programs address basic commands (sit, stay, come), leash walking, jumping, aggression, and anxiety. Trainers work with your dog while the dog is boarded at the facility, so your dog lives there during the training period.

Before enrolling your dog in training, you should discuss your specific goals with the trainer. Some programs focus on teaching your dog new behaviors; others work on reducing problem behaviors. The trainer will also want to know about your dog's history, any triggers, and what methods have or have not worked in the past. After the training period ends, you will need to practice what your dog learned at home to maintain progress.

How to Contact and Book Services

To book boarding, grooming, or training at Sundowner Kennels, contact the facility directly by phone or in person. You will need to provide your dog's name, age, breed, size, and vaccination records. For boarding and training, have information ready about your dog's diet, medications, behavior, and any special needs.

Availability varies by season and by which services you need. During busy times like holidays, boarding spots fill up quickly, so book as far in advance as you can. Grooming appointments also book ahead, especially if you want a specific groomer or a particular time of day.

What to Bring When You Drop Off Your Dog

When you drop your dog off for boarding, grooming, or training, bring vaccination records, any medications your dog takes (in their original labeled bottles), and enough of your dog's regular food for the entire stay. If your dog eats a special diet or has food sensitivities, bring enough food from home rather than asking the facility to source it.

You should also bring a collar and leash, any comfort items like a bed or toy your dog is attached to, and written instructions about your dog's routine, any behavioral quirks, and how to reach you in an emergency. Leave a phone number where you can be reached during business hours and provide an emergency contact if you will be unreachable.

Health and Safety Considerations

Sundowner Kennels requires current vaccination records before boarding or training to protect all dogs at the facility from contagious disease. Rabies, DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza), and bordetella (kennel cough) are standard requirements. If your dog's vaccinations are not current, you will need to have them updated by a veterinarian before your dog can stay at the facility.

If your dog has a medical condition, takes medication, or has had recent surgery, tell the staff before drop-off. Provide clear written instructions about medications, feeding restrictions, or activity limits. If your dog becomes ill or injured while at the facility, staff will contact you and may take your dog to a veterinarian at your expense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring my dog's own food, or can Sundowner Kennels provide it?

You should bring your dog's regular food from home. If your dog eats a special or prescription diet, bringing food is essential. Standard commercial dog food is available at most facilities, but using your dog's regular brand prevents digestive upset from a sudden diet change.

How often will my dog go outside during boarding?

Dogs receive scheduled outdoor time for bathroom breaks and exercise, typically multiple times per day. The exact schedule depends on the facility's routine and your dog's age and energy level. Ask about the outdoor schedule when you book so you know what to expect.

Can I visit my dog while it's boarding or in training?

Policies on visits vary. Some facilities allow brief visits to reduce separation anxiety; others prefer minimal contact during training to avoid confusion about who is in charge. Ask about the facility's visitation policy when you book, especially if your dog has severe separation anxiety.

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

Staff will contact you immediately if your dog shows signs of illness or injury. You authorize the facility to seek veterinary care, and you are responsible for paying the veterinary bill. Provide emergency contact information and the name of your regular veterinarian so staff know where to take your dog if needed.

How much does boarding cost, and are there discounts for longer stays?

Pricing varies based on your dog's size and the length of stay. Contact Sundowner Kennels directly for current rates and information about discounts for extended boarding or multiple dogs. Prices may also differ during peak travel seasons.