What to Expect at The Ultimate Pet Lodge in South Carolina
The Ultimate Pet Lodge offers boarding, daycare, and grooming under one roof in South Carolina
The Ultimate Pet Lodge is a full-service facility that combines overnight boarding, daytime daycare, and professional grooming in a single location. Rather than shuttling your pet between separate businesses, you can drop off your dog or cat at one place for any combination of services. The facility handles the logistics—your pet stays in the same environment whether you're leaving for a weekend or just a workday.
The lodge operates as a boarding kennel with integrated grooming services, meaning your pet can arrive for a multi-day stay and leave freshly bathed and trimmed. This model works especially well for owners who want grooming done during a boarding period, since your pet doesn't have to travel between locations or spend extra time in a car.
Key Takeaways
- The Ultimate Pet Lodge provides boarding, daycare, and grooming services at one location, reducing the need to coordinate multiple facilities.
- Overnight boarding and daytime daycare are separate services with different schedules and pricing structures.
- Grooming can be scheduled during a boarding stay or booked independently for pets that live at home.
- Advance notice and vaccination records are typically required before your first visit, so contact the facility early if you're planning a trip.
- The facility's hours and availability vary by season and day of the week, so confirm dates before making travel plans.
Boarding and Overnight Stays
Overnight boarding at The Ultimate Pet Lodge means your pet stays in a kennel or suite while you're away. The facility provides food, water, and shelter; you bring your pet's regular food or the lodge supplies it. Most boarding facilities ask you to provide any medications, special dietary items, or comfort items like a blanket or toy from home.
Check-in and check-out times are fixed—typically morning drop-off and afternoon pickup on specific days. If you need to pick up your pet outside regular hours, ask about after-hours fees when you book. The lodge will ask for your pet's vaccination records (usually rabies and DHPP for dogs, rabies and FVRCP for cats) and a signed waiver before the first stay.
Pricing for boarding varies by the size of your pet and the type of accommodation—a standard kennel costs less than a larger suite. Multi-day stays sometimes offer per-night rates that are lower than single-night bookings. Call ahead to ask about current rates and whether discounts apply for longer stays or multiple pets.
Daytime Daycare and Drop-In Services
Daycare at The Ultimate Pet Lodge is separate from overnight boarding and runs during business hours only. This service works for owners who work full-time or need supervision for their pet during the day. Your pet arrives in the morning, spends the day in a supervised environment (often with other dogs in a play area), and goes home in the afternoon.
Daycare pricing is usually charged per day or per half-day, and some facilities offer weekly packages if you need care on a regular schedule. Unlike boarding, daycare does not include overnight accommodation, so your pet comes home each evening. Ask whether the facility offers drop-in daycare (available same-day) or requires advance booking, since many facilities limit daily capacity.
Daycare is often combined with grooming—you can drop your pet off for daycare in the morning, have grooming done mid-day, and pick up a clean, tired pet in the afternoon. This arrangement works well if your pet needs a full groom and you want to avoid a separate trip.
Grooming Services and Add-Ons
Grooming at The Ultimate Pet Lodge includes baths, haircuts, nail trimming, and ear cleaning. The groomer will discuss your pet's coat type, any matting, skin sensitivities, and your preferred style before starting. Bring photos of the cut you want if you're unsure how to describe it verbally.
Grooming can be booked as a standalone service for pets that live at home, or scheduled during a boarding stay. If you're boarding your pet and want grooming included, mention this when you book so the facility can schedule the groomer accordingly. Grooming during a boarding stay may cost slightly less than a separate grooming appointment, since your pet is already on-site.
Additional services may include de-shedding treatments, flea baths, or specialty shampoos for sensitive skin. Ask about these options and their costs when you call. Some facilities charge extra for heavily matted coats or pets that are anxious during grooming, so be upfront about your pet's temperament.
What to Bring and How to Prepare
For boarding stays, bring your pet's regular food in its original bag or container (the lodge may supply food if you prefer, but check first). Pack any medications in their original bottles with clear instructions, a comfort item like a blanket or toy, and a recent photo of your pet in case of emergency. Leave your contact information and the name and number of a local emergency contact.
Vaccination records must be current—rabies and DHPP for dogs, rabies and FVRCP for cats. Some facilities require proof of a negative fecal test (to rule out intestinal parasites) before boarding. Ask what records you need to bring when you book, and bring originals or copies from your veterinarian.
For daycare, bring a collar and leash, any medications, and a small amount of your pet's food if the facility doesn't provide it. Wear comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting dirty, since you'll be handling your pet during drop-off and pickup.
Hours, Location, and How to Book
The Ultimate Pet Lodge's hours and location vary depending on which South Carolina facility you're using, as the business may operate multiple locations or have seasonal hours. Call or visit their website to confirm the address nearest you, current hours of operation, and whether they're open on the days you need.
Booking is usually done by phone or online through their website. For boarding, book as far in advance as possible, especially during holidays or summer vacation season when facilities fill up quickly. For daycare or grooming, some facilities accept same-day bookings but may have limited availability.
Ask about their cancellation policy when you book. Most facilities require 24 to 48 hours' notice to cancel without a fee. If your travel plans change, contact the lodge immediately to avoid being charged for a stay you don't need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use the same facility for boarding and grooming, or can I book them separately?
You can book either service separately or together. Many owners book grooming during a boarding stay to save a trip, but you can also bring your pet in for grooming only if it lives at home. Pricing and availability may differ depending on whether you're combining services.
What happens if my pet gets sick or injured while boarding?
The facility will contact you immediately using the phone number you provided. Ask about their veterinary protocol when you book—some have a relationship with a local emergency vet, while others will take your pet to the nearest clinic. You're responsible for veterinary bills, so make sure the lodge has your authorization to seek care if needed.
Can my pet stay longer than a weekend, or is there a maximum stay?
Most boarding facilities accommodate stays of any length, though pricing may change for extended stays. Ask about weekly rates or discounts for stays longer than a few days. Some facilities also offer special arrangements for pets whose owners are away for months at a time.
What if my pet has never been boarded before?
Start with a short stay—one or two nights—to see how your pet adjusts. Some facilities offer a trial daycare visit first, which lets your pet get used to the environment and staff without the stress of an overnight stay. Bring a comfort item from home and stay calm during drop-off, since pets pick up on owner anxiety.
Is there a difference between boarding and daycare pricing?
Yes. Daycare is usually cheaper because it's daytime only and doesn't include overnight care, meals, or bedding. Boarding includes all of those, so it costs more per day. Some facilities offer discounts if you book multiple days of daycare or combine daycare with grooming.