Camp Green Dog: Overnight Care and Training for Your Dog in South Carolina

What Camp Green Dog offers and where to find it

Camp Green Dog is a boarding and training facility located in Beaufort, South Carolina, that combines overnight care with structured training programs. The facility boards dogs while their owners are away and also runs day training and board-and-train options where dogs stay on-site while working with trainers on specific behaviors.

The facility operates year-round and accepts dogs of various ages and temperaments. Unlike a standard kennel, Camp Green Dog integrates training into the boarding experience, so your dog may work on obedience, leash manners, or other behavioral goals while you're away rather than simply being housed and fed.

Beaufort is in the Lowcountry, about 40 minutes south of Savannah and roughly two hours from Charleston. If you're traveling from elsewhere in South Carolina—the Midlands, Upstate, or the coast—you'll want to factor in drive time for drop-off and pickup.

Key Takeaways

• Camp Green Dog boards dogs overnight and combines care with training programs, so your dog works on specific behaviors while you're away.
• The facility offers board-and-train packages where trainers work with your dog daily, as well as standard boarding with optional training add-ons.
• Located in Beaufort, the facility requires advance booking, especially during peak travel seasons like holidays and summer.
• You should discuss your dog's age, health needs, temperament, and any behavioral goals before booking to ensure the right fit.

Types of programs and what each includes

Camp Green Dog typically offers several package options. Board-and-train programs run for a set number of days (often one to four weeks) and include daily training sessions focused on a goal you choose—such as loose-leash walking, recall, crate training, or managing jumping or pulling. Your dog lives at the facility during this time and returns home with new skills and a training plan for you to maintain them.

Standard boarding is available for dogs whose owners simply need overnight care while traveling. Dogs stay in a safe environment, receive meals and outdoor time, and may have access to play areas or group activities depending on the package level. Some owners add training sessions to boarding stays if they want their dog to work on something specific during the trip.

Before booking, ask about the facility's approach to training—whether they use positive reinforcement, what methods they employ, and whether they can handle your dog's specific needs. If your dog has anxiety, aggression, medical conditions, or is very young or very old, discuss these details directly with the staff to confirm they can provide appropriate care.

What to bring and how to prepare your dog

When you drop off your dog, bring enough food for the entire stay—the facility typically does not switch dogs to new food mid-visit to avoid digestive upset. Pack any medications, supplements, or special dietary items your dog needs. Bring a comfort item if your dog has one, such as a favorite toy or blanket, though ask first whether the facility allows these.

Provide clear written instructions about your dog's routine: feeding schedule, any behavioral quirks, medical alerts, and what to do if your dog becomes anxious or refuses to eat. Leave emergency contact information and the name and number of your veterinarian. If your dog has never stayed away from home, a shorter first stay (one or two nights) can help them adjust before longer trips.

Make sure your dog is up to date on vaccinations, particularly bordetella (kennel cough) and DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvo, parainfluenza). Most boarding facilities require proof of current vaccinations before check-in. If your dog is not yet vaccinated or is between vaccine rounds, discuss timing with your veterinarian and the facility.

Booking, pricing, and cancellation policies

Contact Camp Green Dog directly to check availability and discuss your dog's needs. Booking in advance is important, especially during peak seasons—holidays, summer vacation, and spring break fill up quickly. Many facilities require a deposit to hold your reservation, and some have minimum stay lengths for certain programs.

Pricing varies based on the program type, length of stay, and any add-on services. Board-and-train programs cost more than standard boarding because they include daily training time. Ask about their cancellation and refund policy before you book, particularly if your travel plans might change. Some facilities offer credits if you cancel with notice, while others may charge a cancellation fee.

Ask whether they offer any discounts for repeat customers, multiple-dog households, or longer stays. Some facilities also have package deals or seasonal promotions, so it's worth asking what options might lower your cost.

How to evaluate whether Camp Green Dog is right for your dog

Visit the facility in person if possible before booking. A good boarding and training environment should be clean, secure, and have adequate space for dogs to move around. Ask to see where dogs sleep, play, and train. Find out how many staff members are present during the day and overnight, and what the ratio of staff to dogs is.

Ask about their experience with your dog's breed, size, age, or any behavioral challenges. If your dog is anxious, reactive, or has never been boarded, ask how they handle nervous dogs and whether they offer shorter trial stays. If your dog is elderly or has health issues, confirm that staff can monitor and manage medications or special needs.

Read reviews from other dog owners if they're available online, and ask the facility for references—other clients who are willing to discuss their experience. Talk to your veterinarian about the facility as well; they may have feedback from other clients or know the facility's reputation in the Beaufort area.

Training methods and what to expect when your dog returns home

Ask Camp Green Dog to explain their training philosophy and methods in detail. Do they use positive reinforcement, corrections, or a combination? What happens if a dog doesn't respond to training? How do they handle dogs that are fearful or resistant? Understanding their approach helps you decide whether it aligns with your own values and your dog's temperament.

When your dog returns home after a board-and-train program, ask for a detailed summary of what was worked on, what progress was made, and what you need to do to maintain the training. The most successful outcomes happen when owners continue practicing at home. Ask whether the facility offers follow-up support, such as a training session with you present or written instructions for reinforcing what your dog learned.

Expect your dog to be tired after a stay, especially if they've been in training. They may sleep more than usual the first day or two after returning home. Some dogs are excited and energetic; others are calm. Both are normal. If your dog seems anxious, refuses to eat, or shows signs of illness after returning home, contact your veterinarian.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old does my dog need to be to attend Camp Green Dog?

Most boarding facilities accept puppies once they've had their initial vaccinations, typically around 12 to 16 weeks old. However, very young puppies may not be ready for training programs. Contact the facility directly about your puppy's age and vaccination status to confirm they can accommodate them.

What if my dog has never been boarded before?

Start with a short stay—one or two nights—to let your dog adjust. Bring a comfort item if allowed, leave detailed instructions about your dog's routine, and stay calm during drop-off. Many dogs settle in quickly once their owner leaves. If your dog has severe separation anxiety, discuss this with the facility beforehand so they can provide extra support.

Can I visit my dog while they're at Camp Green Dog?

Policies vary by facility. Some allow brief visits during business hours; others prefer no visits to avoid disrupting the dog's routine and causing anxiety at pickup time. Ask about their visitation policy when you book. If your dog is in a board-and-train program, you may be invited to a training session near the end of the stay.

What if my dog gets sick or injured while boarding?

Reputable facilities have a veterinarian on call or a relationship with a local emergency clinic. They should contact you immediately if your dog shows signs of illness or injury. Provide your veterinarian's contact information and authorize emergency care in writing before drop-off. Ask what the facility's protocol is for medical issues and who covers the cost of emergency treatment.

How do I know if the training will stick after my dog comes home?

Training is most effective when owners practice consistently at home. Ask for a detailed training plan, written instructions, and ideally a follow-up session where you learn how to reinforce what your dog learned. Dogs don't generalize skills automatically, so you'll need to practice the same commands and behaviors in your own environment for the training to last.