The Pet Mahal: Full-Service Grooming and Boarding in Columbia

What The Pet Mahal offers

The Pet Mahal is a full-service grooming and boarding facility in Columbia that handles dogs and cats. The grooming side offers baths, haircuts, nail trims, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing. The boarding side provides overnight and extended-stay care, with separate areas for dogs and cats, climate control, and outdoor play space for dogs.

The facility operates as a single location rather than a chain, so all services run through one team. That means the groomers and boarding staff know returning pets and their specific needs—anxious dogs, cats with dietary restrictions, or animals that need medication during their stay.

Key Takeaways

• The Pet Mahal combines grooming and boarding under one roof in Columbia, so you can drop off a dog for a bath and nails on the same day you board a cat.
• Grooming services include standard baths and cuts as well as specialized care like teeth brushing and ear cleaning.
• Boarding accommodations separate dogs and cats, with outdoor play time for dogs and climate-controlled indoor space for both.
• The facility keeps records of individual pet needs, so staff can follow medication schedules or dietary instructions without you repeating them each visit.

Grooming services and what to expect

Grooming appointments typically start with a bath, followed by drying and the cut or style you request. The facility offers breed-standard cuts as well as custom styles. If your dog has matted fur or skin sensitivity, tell the groomer when you book—some conditions require extra time or a gentler approach.

Nail trims, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing are add-ons to the basic groom or available as standalone services. Teeth brushing is useful for pets whose owners want to maintain dental health between vet visits. Ear cleaning helps prevent infections, especially in dogs with floppy ears or cats prone to wax buildup.

The facility recommends calling ahead to book, particularly during busy seasons like holidays or summer. Drop-off and pickup times vary depending on how full the schedule is, so confirm timing when you reserve the appointment.

Boarding: overnight and extended stays

Boarding accommodations separate dogs and cats into different areas. Dogs have access to outdoor play space during the day, weather permitting, and indoor climate-controlled kennels for rest and sleeping. Cats stay in a quiet, separate section designed to reduce stress from noise and unfamiliar animals.

The facility can handle pets on medication or special diets. When you drop off your pet, provide written instructions for any medications, feeding times, or behavioral notes. Staff will follow the schedule you provide, though you should confirm they can administer the specific medication type (some facilities cannot give injections, for example).

Boarding rates vary by pet size and length of stay. Contact the facility directly for current pricing, as costs change seasonally and may differ between dogs and cats.

How to book and what to bring

Call The Pet Mahal to check availability and reserve a grooming appointment or boarding dates. Have your pet's name, age, and any behavioral or health notes ready when you call. If your pet has never visited, the staff will ask about temperament, dietary needs, and whether they take medication.

For grooming, bring your pet clean or accept that a bath is part of the service. For boarding, pack enough food for the entire stay (the facility typically does not provide food unless you arrange it in advance), any medications in their original containers, and comfort items like a favorite toy or blanket if your pet is anxious.

Bring proof of current vaccinations, particularly rabies and DHPP for dogs or FVRCP for cats. Most boarding facilities require these before accepting a pet, and The Pet Mahal is no exception.

Location and hours

The Pet Mahal is located in Columbia. Hours and exact address are best confirmed by calling directly, as grooming and boarding may have different operating hours. Some facilities close on certain days or have limited hours on weekends, so check before planning your visit.

The facility is independently owned, so it does not have satellite locations. If you need services while traveling outside Columbia, you will need to find another groomer or boarding facility in that area.

When to book ahead

Grooming appointments fill quickly during holiday periods, summer vacation season, and before major events. If you need a groom for a specific date, book at least two weeks in advance during peak times. Boarding fills even faster—many facilities are fully booked weeks ahead during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and summer break.

If you have a regular grooming schedule (monthly or every six weeks), ask about standing appointments. Some facilities hold a regular time slot for repeat customers, which removes the guesswork from booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stay and watch the grooming?

Most grooming facilities ask owners to leave during the appointment so the groomer can work without distraction and the pet stays calm. Ask when you book whether The Pet Mahal allows observation or has a waiting area where you can stay on-site.

What if my pet has never been boarded before?

Tell the staff when you book. Many facilities recommend a short first stay—one night rather than a week—so your pet can adjust. Bring a familiar blanket or toy to reduce anxiety. Some pets settle in quickly; others need time. A trial run helps you know what to expect.

Do you board exotic pets or only dogs and cats?

The Pet Mahal boards dogs and cats. If you have a rabbit, bird, reptile, or other pet, call to ask whether they can accommodate it. Many grooming and boarding facilities specialize in dogs and cats only.

What happens if my pet gets sick or injured during boarding?

Ask about the facility's emergency protocol when you drop off your pet. Most facilities have a relationship with a local emergency vet and will contact you immediately if your pet needs care. You are responsible for emergency vet bills unless you have pet insurance that covers boarding-related incidents.

Can I bring multiple pets at once for grooming?

Yes, but grooming takes time per animal. If you have two dogs, the groomer will typically work on them sequentially, not simultaneously. Ask about pricing for multiple pets and how long the total appointment will take.