What to Expect When Boarding Your Dog or Cat at a Kennel

Kennels provide short-term housing for your pet while you travel or handle an emergency

A kennel is a facility where your dog or cat stays overnight or for several days while you are away. Unlike pet sitting, where someone visits your home, kennels keep your pet on-site in a dedicated space. The kennel staff handles feeding, water, basic exercise, and monitoring. Most kennels operate year-round and charge by the night, making them useful for vacations, work trips, or situations where leaving your pet home alone is not safe.

South Carolina has kennels in most towns and cities, ranging from small family-run operations to larger boarding facilities. Some are attached to veterinary clinics, which can be helpful if your pet needs medication or develops a health issue while you are away. Others operate independently. The quality, cost, and services vary widely, so visiting in person before booking is the standard practice.

Key Takeaways

• Kennels charge by the night and require advance booking, especially during holidays and summer travel season.
• Your pet will need current vaccinations (usually rabies and DHPP for dogs, FVRCP for cats) documented by a veterinarian before most kennels will accept them.
• Visiting the kennel before drop-off lets you see the space, meet staff, and understand how your pet will be housed and cared for.
• Bring your pet's regular food, medications, comfort items, and emergency contact information on the first day of boarding.
• Some kennels offer add-on services like grooming, training, or extra playtime, which cost more but may suit your pet's needs.

What vaccinations and health records you need to bring

Nearly all kennels require proof that your dog or cat is current on vaccinations. For dogs, this typically means rabies and DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza). For cats, the standard is rabies and FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia). These records must come from a licensed veterinarian and show the date the vaccine was given and when it expires.

Some kennels also ask about flea and tick prevention and may require proof that your pet is on a current preventative. If your pet takes medication, bring the original bottle with the label intact—do not transfer pills to a container. Bring enough for the entire stay plus a few extra doses in case your return is delayed. Write clear instructions on how and when to give the medication, including dosage and any side effects the staff should watch for.

If your pet has a chronic condition, behavioral issue, or dietary restriction, tell the kennel staff in writing before drop-off. Some kennels will not board pets with certain medical needs or temperaments, so it is better to know this before you book.

How to choose a kennel and what to look for during a visit

Start by asking your veterinarian, friends, or neighbors for recommendations. Check online reviews, but remember that people often post after a bad experience, so read several before deciding. Call ahead to ask about availability, pricing, and whether they board the type of pet you have—some kennels specialize in dogs only, for example.

Visit the kennel in person before you book. Walk through the areas where pets stay and ask to see where your pet would sleep. Look for clean spaces, good ventilation, and outdoor areas for exercise. Ask how often staff check on pets, whether they separate dogs by size or temperament, and what happens if your pet gets sick or injured. Find out the kennel's policy on medication administration and whether they can handle special diets. A good kennel will welcome your questions and let you see the facility.

Ask whether the kennel offers any add-on services and what they cost. Some provide individual playtime, grooming, training sessions, or webcam access so you can see your pet during the day. Others offer only basic boarding. Decide what matters most for your pet and your peace of mind, then compare prices across a few kennels before deciding.

Pricing and booking during peak travel seasons

Kennel rates in South Carolina vary by location, facility size, and services offered. A basic overnight stay for a dog typically ranges from moderate to higher cost per night, depending on whether the kennel is in a rural area or a city. Cats often cost slightly less than dogs. Rates usually increase during holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break) and summer vacation months, sometimes by 25 to 50 percent, because demand is high and kennels fill up quickly.

Book as early as you can if you are traveling during a holiday or peak season. Many kennels accept reservations several months in advance and will hold your dates once you pay a deposit. If you wait until a week before your trip, you may find that your preferred kennel is full. Some kennels have a cancellation policy—read it before you book so you know what happens if your plans change.

Ask whether the kennel offers discounts for longer stays, multiple pets, or returning customers. Some do, and it can lower your total cost. Confirm the check-in and check-out times, and ask whether there are extra fees if you pick up your pet outside normal hours.

What to pack and how to prepare your pet

Bring enough of your pet's regular food for the entire stay. Kennels do not always have the brand or type your pet eats, and switching food suddenly can upset their stomach. Pack it in a labeled container or bring the original bag. If your pet eats a special diet (prescription food, raw, homemade), confirm with the kennel that they can handle it before you book.

Include comfort items like a favorite toy, blanket, or bed that smells like home. Some pets settle better with something familiar. Bring any medications in their original bottles, along with written instructions. Include your pet's collar and leash, even if the kennel provides them. Bring a recent photo of your pet in case they escape or get lost.

If your pet has never been boarded before, consider a short trial stay—one or two nights—before a longer trip. This helps your pet adjust and lets you see how they handle the kennel environment. Some pets get anxious or stressed in kennels, and knowing this in advance means you can work with your veterinarian on solutions or find a different care option for future trips.

Drop-off and pick-up procedures

Arrive for drop-off at the time the kennel specifies. Bring all paperwork: vaccination records, medication, feeding instructions, emergency contact information, and your veterinarian's phone number. Fill out any forms the kennel provides, including your pet's name, age, any behavioral notes, and what to do if your pet gets sick or injured. Most kennels will contact you before making any medical decisions, but confirm this.

Say goodbye to your pet calmly and do not linger—a long, emotional farewell can make separation anxiety worse. The kennel staff will take your pet from there. Ask when you can call for updates and whether they offer photo or video updates during the stay.

Pick up your pet at the scheduled time. Ask the staff how your pet did—whether they ate well, seemed comfortable, and had any issues. If your pet seems stressed or injured, mention it to the kennel and to your veterinarian. Most pets adjust quickly to kennels, especially if they have stayed before, but some remain anxious. If that is the case, pet sitting or a trusted friend watching your pet at home might be a better option next time.

When a kennel might not be the right choice

Kennels work well for most healthy adult dogs and cats, but some pets do better with other care options. Very young puppies or kittens (under 12 weeks) may not have completed their vaccination series and cannot board at most kennels. Senior pets with multiple health conditions may need more monitoring than a kennel can provide. Pets with severe separation anxiety, aggression, or behavioral issues may not be safe in a kennel environment.

If your pet has a serious medical condition, is on multiple medications, or needs frequent monitoring, ask your veterinarian whether boarding is safe or whether in-home pet sitting would be better. Some veterinary clinics offer boarding specifically for pets with medical needs, with staff on-site around the clock. This costs more but may be necessary for your pet's safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I board my cat at the same kennel as my dog?

Most kennels board both dogs and cats, but they house them separately to reduce stress and prevent injury. Ask whether the kennel keeps cats in a quiet area away from dogs and whether they have experience with both species. Some smaller kennels board only dogs, so confirm before booking.

What happens if my pet gets sick while boarding?

The kennel should contact you immediately if your pet shows signs of illness. Ask before drop-off what the kennel's policy is and whether they have a veterinarian on call. If the kennel is attached to a veterinary clinic, your pet may be seen by a vet on-site. You will likely be responsible for any medical costs, so ask whether the kennel can charge your credit card or whether you need to pay when you pick up your pet.

How long can I leave my pet at a kennel?

Most kennels board pets for days or weeks without issue. However, extended stays (more than two or three weeks) can stress some pets. If you are planning a very long trip, ask the kennel whether they recommend a break or whether your pet can stay the entire time. Some kennels offer discounts for stays longer than a week.

What if my pet refuses to eat at the kennel?

Some pets are too stressed to eat during their first stay. This is usually temporary and not dangerous for a few days, but tell the kennel staff so they can monitor your pet. If your pet has a history of not eating when stressed, ask whether the kennel can hand-feed or offer treats to encourage eating. Bring high-value foods your pet loves.

Can I visit my pet while they are boarding?

Most kennels discourage visits because they can make separation harder when you leave again. Ask the kennel's policy before booking. Some offer webcam access or photo updates instead, which lets you check on your pet without disrupting their stay.