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What to Expect at Paws Inn Kennels & Pet Center in Summerville

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

Paws Inn offers boarding, daycare, and grooming under one roof in Summerville

Paws Inn Kennels & Pet Center, located in Summerville, combines pet boarding, daycare, and grooming services in a single facility. The center boards dogs and cats overnight, runs a daycare program for dogs during business hours, and provides grooming services on-site. If you're looking for a place to leave your pet while you travel or work, or need grooming done while your pet stays nearby, this is a full-service option rather than a single-service kennel.

The facility operates as a traditional kennel with climate-controlled indoor and outdoor spaces. Dogs and cats stay in separate areas, and the center maintains vaccination records and health requirements before accepting any animal. Owners can drop off and pick up during posted business hours, and the staff handles feeding according to your pet's regular schedule and dietary needs.

Key Takeaways

  • Paws Inn boards both dogs and cats overnight and runs a separate daycare program for dogs during the day.
  • The facility requires current vaccinations and health records before your pet can stay, so bring documentation at drop-off.
  • Grooming services are available on-site, so you can have your pet bathed and trimmed while boarded or during a daycare visit.
  • You'll need to provide your pet's regular food and any medications, along with information about feeding schedules and behavioral notes.

Boarding and overnight stays

Overnight boarding at Paws Inn means your pet stays in a climate-controlled kennel while you're away. Dogs and cats are housed separately, and the staff feeds them according to the schedule and diet you provide. You bring your pet's own food to avoid digestive upset from a sudden diet change, and you can also bring comfort items like a bed or toy from home.

The center requires proof of current vaccinations before check-in, typically rabies and DHPP for dogs or FVRCP for cats. If your pet takes medication, bring it in its original labeled bottle with clear instructions. The staff will administer medications as directed, but you need to communicate any special handling or behavioral concerns when you drop off—for example, if your pet is anxious in kennels or has a history of not eating away from home.

Daycare for dogs during business hours

Paws Inn runs a separate daycare program where dogs spend the day in a supervised environment while their owners work or run errands. Daycare is different from boarding: your dog goes home with you at the end of the day rather than staying overnight. The center provides water and typically a midday meal if you request it, though many owners bring their dog's food from home.

Daycare works well for dogs that do better with activity and social interaction than they would alone at home. The facility has both indoor and outdoor space, so dogs get time to move around rather than staying in a single kennel all day. Like boarding, daycare requires current vaccinations and a completed intake form with information about your dog's temperament, any behavioral issues, and emergency contact information.

Grooming services at the facility

Grooming happens on-site, so you can drop your pet for a bath, trim, or full grooming while it's already at the facility for boarding or daycare. This eliminates an extra trip and means your pet doesn't have to travel to a separate groomer. The grooming staff can work with your pet's existing kennel stay or schedule grooming as a standalone service.

Bring specific instructions about how you want your pet groomed—coat length, style preferences, whether you want nails trimmed short or left longer. If your pet has skin sensitivities or matted fur that needs special handling, mention this when you schedule. Grooming typically takes a few hours, so if you're boarding your pet, you can arrange grooming for a specific day during the stay.

What to bring and how to prepare

Pack your pet's regular food in a labeled container or bring the original bag so the staff feeds exactly what your pet eats at home. Sudden diet changes can cause digestive upset, especially when a pet is already stressed by being in a new environment. If your pet eats a prescription diet or has food allergies, this is even more important.

Bring any medications in their original labeled bottles with clear written instructions about dosage and timing. Include your pet's vaccination records or have them sent directly from your veterinarian before drop-off. Write down your pet's normal feeding schedule, any behavioral quirks (like not eating the first day away from home), and emergency contact information beyond your own phone number—a trusted friend or family member the staff can reach if you're unavailable.

You can bring comfort items like a bed, blanket, or toy from home, though the facility may have its own bedding. Ask when you call whether bringing items from home is recommended or if the center prefers to use its own materials for sanitation reasons.

Hours, location, and how to book

Paws Inn is located in Summerville and operates during standard business hours for drop-off and pick-up. Call ahead to confirm current hours, as they may vary by season or day of the week. The facility typically requires advance notice for boarding, especially during peak travel seasons like holidays, so don't wait until the day before your trip to contact them.

When you call, ask about current rates for boarding, daycare, and grooming, as prices vary based on pet size, length of stay, and the specific services you need. Some facilities offer discounts for multiple pets or extended stays. Ask whether they have availability for your specific dates and what their cancellation policy is if your plans change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring my pet's vaccination records?

Yes. Paws Inn requires proof of current rabies and DHPP vaccinations for dogs, or FVRCP for cats, before your pet can stay. Bring the records with you at drop-off, or ask your veterinarian to send them directly to the facility ahead of time. This protects all the animals at the kennel from disease.

What if my pet won't eat away from home?

Tell the staff when you drop off. Some pets are anxious eaters in new environments, and the staff can try different strategies like feeding at quieter times or in a separate space. Bring your pet's regular food from home rather than having the facility provide something unfamiliar, which can make the problem worse.

Can I pick up my pet outside of regular business hours?

Call the facility to ask about after-hours pick-up options. Some kennels offer this for an additional fee, while others have strict drop-off and pick-up windows. It's worth asking when you book, especially if your travel schedule doesn't align with their standard hours.

How far in advance do I need to book boarding?

Call as soon as you know your travel dates. During busy seasons like holidays and summer vacation, the facility may fill up weeks ahead. Even during slower times, a few days' notice gives the staff time to prepare and ask questions about your pet's needs.

Can my pet stay in daycare multiple days in a row?

Yes, many owners use daycare as a regular service while they work. Ask about weekly rates or packages if you need daycare several days a week. The facility can discuss what works best for your pet's age, energy level, and social needs.