Four Paws Animal Clinic in South Carolina: Services, Hours, and What to Expect

What Four Paws Animal Clinic offers

Four Paws Animal Clinic is a full-service veterinary practice in South Carolina that handles routine care, preventive medicine, and urgent animal health needs. The clinic treats dogs, cats, and other companion animals, with services ranging from vaccinations and wellness exams to dental work, surgery, and laboratory diagnostics. They also offer boarding and grooming services at some locations, though availability varies by branch.

The clinic operates multiple locations across South Carolina, so the specific services and hours depend on which branch you visit. Before your first appointment, it's worth calling ahead to confirm that your nearest Four Paws location offers the particular service you need—not every branch provides every service.

Key Takeaways

• Four Paws Animal Clinic has multiple South Carolina locations, each with its own hours and service offerings, so call ahead to confirm availability.
• The clinic provides preventive care (vaccinations, wellness exams), surgical services, dental care, and laboratory work for dogs, cats, and other companion animals.
• Many Four Paws locations offer boarding and grooming, but you should verify this service is available at your branch before dropping off your pet.
• Emergency services and after-hours care vary by location; ask your regular veterinarian which emergency clinic to contact if Four Paws is closed.

Finding your nearest Four Paws location and hours

Four Paws Animal Clinic operates several branches throughout South Carolina. To find the one closest to you, search online for "Four Paws Animal Clinic" plus your city or zip code, or call the main clinic line to be directed to your nearest location. Each branch keeps its own schedule, and hours often differ between weekday and weekend.

Most veterinary clinics in South Carolina are closed on Sundays and some Mondays, though a few locations may have limited weekend hours. If you need care outside regular hours, ask your veterinarian which emergency animal hospital serves your area—many Four Paws clinics partner with or refer to after-hours emergency facilities.

What to bring to your appointment

For your first visit, bring your pet's medical records from any previous veterinarian, if you have them. This helps the Four Paws team understand your animal's health history and any ongoing conditions or medications. If you're adopting a new pet or don't have prior records, that's fine—the clinic will start fresh with a complete exam.

Bring a current photo ID and your payment method (cash, card, or check, depending on what the clinic accepts). If your pet is anxious in the car or around new people, let the staff know when you arrive so they can work with your animal at a comfortable pace. For surgical procedures, the clinic will give you specific pre-appointment instructions, usually including fasting your pet the night before.

Preventive care and wellness services

Four Paws offers routine wellness exams, which are the foundation of keeping your pet healthy. During a wellness visit, the veterinarian checks your pet's weight, heart rate, teeth, ears, and overall body condition, and discusses any behavioral or dietary changes you've noticed. These exams are especially important for puppies and kittens (who need multiple vaccine series) and for senior pets (over age 7), who benefit from twice-yearly checkups.

Vaccinations are a core part of preventive care. Four Paws administers vaccines for rabies, distemper, and other diseases based on your pet's age, lifestyle, and risk factors. The veterinarian will recommend a vaccination schedule tailored to your animal. Preventive care also includes parasite control—treatments for fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms—which the clinic can discuss during your visit.

Surgical and dental services

Four Paws performs spaying and neutering, which are among the most common surgical procedures. These surgeries reduce the risk of certain cancers and prevent unwanted litters. The clinic also handles other surgical needs, such as removing growths, repairing injuries, or addressing orthopedic problems. Before any surgery, the veterinarian will discuss the procedure, recovery time, and post-operative care instructions.

Dental health is often overlooked but critical to your pet's overall wellbeing. Four Paws offers professional dental cleanings, which remove tartar and plaque buildup that brushing alone cannot reach. The clinic can also extract diseased teeth and treat dental infections. If your pet has bad breath, difficulty eating, or visible tartar, a dental exam is a good first step.

Boarding and grooming availability

Some Four Paws locations offer boarding services for dogs and cats when you travel or need temporary care. Boarding typically includes feeding, water, and supervised time in a safe enclosure. Many locations also provide grooming—bathing, nail trimming, and coat work—though grooming availability and pricing vary widely by branch. Call your local Four Paws to ask whether they board or groom, and to reserve space in advance, especially during holidays or peak travel seasons.

When you board your pet, bring any medications your animal takes, along with clear instructions on dosage and timing. Provide food your pet is accustomed to, or ask the clinic whether they can feed the brand you use at home. Let staff know about any behavioral quirks, dietary restrictions, or medical conditions so they can care for your pet appropriately.

Cost and payment options

Veterinary costs in South Carolina vary based on the service, your pet's size, and the clinic's location. A routine wellness exam typically costs between $50 and $150, while vaccinations, dental cleanings, and surgical procedures cost more. Four Paws accepts most major payment methods, though specific options depend on your location. Some clinics offer payment plans or work with pet insurance companies to reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Before scheduling a major procedure like surgery or dental work, ask for an estimate so you know what to expect. Many clinics will provide a written quote after an initial exam. If cost is a concern, discuss it with your veterinarian—they may suggest a phased approach or lower-cost alternatives that still address your pet's health needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to schedule an appointment or can I walk in?

Most Four Paws locations operate by appointment only, though some may hold time for urgent cases. Call ahead to schedule your visit. Walk-in availability varies by location and time of day, so calling first saves you a trip and ensures the veterinarian has time to see your pet.

What should I do if my pet needs care after Four Paws closes?

Ask your Four Paws veterinarian which emergency animal hospital serves your area. Many South Carolina communities have 24-hour emergency clinics that handle urgent cases outside regular business hours. Keep that clinic's phone number and address handy in case your pet has a sudden illness or injury.

Can Four Paws refill my pet's prescription without an appointment?

Most clinics can refill routine medications over the phone if your pet has been seen recently and the prescription is current. Call your local Four Paws to request a refill. If your pet hasn't been examined in over a year, the veterinarian may ask you to schedule a wellness visit before renewing certain medications.

Does Four Paws work with pet insurance?

Many Four Paws locations accept major pet insurance plans and can file claims on your behalf. Call your branch to confirm which insurers they work with. Even if they don't file directly, they can provide an itemized receipt that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

What's the best age to start bringing my puppy or kitten to Four Paws?

Puppies and kittens should have their first veterinary exam by 6 to 8 weeks of age. At that visit, the veterinarian will check for congenital issues, start the vaccination series, and discuss parasite prevention and nutrition. Young animals need multiple exams and vaccine boosters over their first year, so scheduling early establishes a good preventive care routine.