Porth Kennels: A Boarding and Grooming Facility in South Carolina

What Porth Kennels offers

Porth Kennels is a pet boarding and grooming facility located in South Carolina that cares for dogs while their owners are away or need professional grooming services. The facility provides overnight boarding in individual kennels, daycare options, and full-service grooming including baths, haircuts, and nail trimming. The staff handles both routine care and special requests for pets with specific dietary or medical needs.

The facility operates on a reservation system, so you book your dog's stay in advance rather than dropping in without notice. Boarding rates and grooming prices vary depending on the size of your dog, the length of stay, and the specific services you choose. The kennels are climate-controlled to keep dogs comfortable year-round in South Carolina's heat and humidity.

Key Takeaways

• Porth Kennels boards dogs overnight and offers daycare services for owners who need temporary pet care while traveling or working.
• The facility provides professional grooming services including baths, cuts, and nail care for dogs of different sizes and coat types.
• You must book your dog's stay in advance through the facility's reservation system rather than arriving without an appointment.
• Staff can accommodate dogs with special dietary needs or medical requirements if you provide detailed instructions when you book.
• The kennels are climate-controlled to protect dogs from South Carolina's heat and humidity during their stay.

Boarding options and what to expect

When you board your dog at Porth Kennels, your pet stays in an individual kennel during overnight hours. The facility separates dogs by size and temperament to reduce stress and prevent conflicts. Staff members feed dogs according to their regular schedule and provide water throughout the day. You bring your dog's own food to ensure they eat what they are used to, which also prevents digestive upset from sudden diet changes.

Daycare is available for owners who need care during business hours but do not need overnight boarding. Dogs in daycare spend time in supervised group areas rather than individual kennels, which suits some pets better than others. If your dog has anxiety, aggression toward other dogs, or medical conditions that require frequent monitoring, overnight boarding in a private kennel may be the better choice.

Before your first visit, the facility will ask about your dog's age, health history, behavior around other animals, and any medications or special care needs. Bring vaccination records showing current rabies and DHPP (distemper) protection, as most boarding facilities require these before accepting a dog. If your dog takes medication, provide clear written instructions with the exact dosage and timing.

Grooming services and scheduling

Porth Kennels offers full-service grooming for dogs of all sizes and coat types. Services include baths with your choice of shampoo, haircuts tailored to breed standards or your preference, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and anal gland expression if needed. The groomer can work with dogs that have matted coats, though severely matted dogs may require multiple sessions or shorter cuts to avoid skin irritation.

Grooming appointments are scheduled separately from boarding, though many owners combine both services during the same visit. Grooming typically takes several hours depending on your dog's size and coat condition, so you drop your dog off in the morning and pick up in the afternoon or early evening. If you are boarding your dog overnight, grooming can be done during the stay, which means your pet returns home clean and trimmed.

Pricing for grooming depends on your dog's size, coat length, and the specific services you request. Matted coats, aggressive behavior during grooming, or special requests like hand-stripping may add to the cost. Call ahead to discuss your dog's needs and get an estimate before booking.

How to book and what to bring

Contact Porth Kennels directly by phone to check availability and make a reservation. You will need to provide your dog's name, age, size, and any health or behavioral information the staff needs to know. Tell them about dietary restrictions, medications, anxiety triggers, or past experiences with boarding or grooming so they can prepare appropriately.

When you drop off your dog, bring enough food for the entire stay in a labeled container. Include any medications in their original bottles with clear instructions on dosage and timing. Bring a recent photo of your dog in case of emergency, your veterinarian's contact information, and an emergency contact number where you can be reached. Some owners bring a familiar toy or blanket to help their dog feel more comfortable, though the facility will let you know if this is allowed.

Pick up your dog at the scheduled time. The staff will update you on how your dog behaved, ate, and responded to grooming. If your dog had any issues or you noticed changes in behavior after boarding, mention this to your veterinarian, as stress from a new environment can sometimes trigger minor digestive upset or anxiety.

Special considerations for dogs with medical needs

If your dog takes medication, has a chronic health condition, or requires a special diet, inform Porth Kennels when you book. Bring medications in their original labeled bottles with clear written instructions on dosage, frequency, and any special handling (such as taking with food or at specific times). If your dog needs insulin injections or other complex medical care, ask whether the facility has experience with that type of care before booking.

Dogs with anxiety, aggression, or fear-based behaviors may not be good candidates for group daycare but can often do well in private overnight boarding where they have a quiet space. If your dog has a history of stress-related illness or has never been boarded before, consider a short trial stay to see how they adjust. Some dogs settle in quickly; others need time to acclimate.

Preparing your dog for their first stay

If your dog has never been boarded before, a short first visit can help them adjust. A daycare session or one-night stay lets your dog experience the facility, meet the staff, and learn the routine without a long separation. This is especially helpful for anxious dogs or puppies.

Before boarding, make sure your dog is up to date on vaccinations and has been to the veterinarian recently. A healthy dog handles the stress of boarding better than one with underlying illness. If your dog is on any new medication or has recently had surgery, check with your veterinarian about whether boarding is safe.

Exercise your dog well before drop-off so they are tired and more likely to rest during their stay. A tired dog is usually a calmer dog and adjusts more easily to the boarding environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Most boarding facilities require proof of current rabies and DHPP (distemper) vaccinations before accepting a dog. Bring the original vaccination records or a copy from your veterinarian. If your dog's vaccinations are not current, contact your vet to update them before your boarding date.

What if my dog has never been boarded before?

Call Porth Kennels and let them know this is your dog's first boarding experience. A short daycare visit or one-night stay can help your dog adjust. Bring a familiar toy or blanket if allowed, and exercise your dog well before drop-off so they are tired and calmer during their stay.

Can my dog stay if they are on medication?

Yes, as long as you provide the medication in its original labeled bottle with clear written instructions on dosage and timing. Tell the staff about the medication when you book so they can confirm they can administer it safely. For complex medical needs like insulin injections, ask about the facility's experience before booking.

How much does boarding cost?

Pricing varies based on your dog's size, the length of stay, and whether you add grooming services. Call Porth Kennels directly for current rates and to get an estimate for your specific needs.

What should I do if my dog seems stressed after boarding?

Some dogs experience mild stress after boarding, which usually passes within a day or two. If your dog shows signs of illness, refuses to eat, or has behavioral changes that last more than a few days, contact your veterinarian to rule out any health issues.