Palmetto Boarding Kennel in Columbia: What to Know Before You Leave Your Dog

What Palmetto Boarding Kennel offers

Palmetto Boarding Kennel is a dog boarding facility in Columbia that houses dogs while their owners travel or manage temporary situations. The kennel provides overnight and extended stays in individual kennels, with daily feeding and water. The facility operates year-round and accepts dogs of various sizes, though you will need to bring vaccination records—particularly proof of current rabies vaccination—before drop-off.

The kennel does not offer training, grooming, or medical care on-site. If your dog needs medication during a stay, you can provide it and leave written instructions, but the facility is not a veterinary clinic. For dogs with serious health conditions or behavioral concerns, you may want to discuss your dog's specific needs when you call to book, since staff can tell you whether they can accommodate your situation.

Key Takeaways

• Palmetto Boarding Kennel houses dogs in individual kennels and requires current rabies vaccination records at drop-off.
• The facility provides basic boarding only—no training, grooming, or veterinary services—so plan accordingly for any special needs.
• You can bring medication and leave instructions, but staff will not administer injections or manage complex medical care.
• Rates and availability change seasonally, so calling ahead during peak travel times (holidays, summer) is important for booking.

Location and hours

Palmetto Boarding Kennel is located in Columbia. The facility operates during standard business hours, though exact hours and holiday schedules vary. Call ahead to confirm hours before you visit or drop off your dog, especially around major holidays when the kennel may close or operate on a limited schedule.

If you are planning a trip during a busy season—Thanksgiving, Christmas, summer vacation—book several weeks in advance. Popular dates fill quickly, and the kennel may turn away last-minute requests if kennels are full.

What to bring and prepare

Bring your dog's vaccination records, especially proof of current rabies vaccination. The kennel will not board a dog without this documentation. If your dog takes medication, bring it in its original labeled container along with written instructions that include the dog's name, medication name, dosage, and times to administer it.

Pack any food your dog normally eats if it has a sensitive stomach or is on a special diet. The kennel provides standard dog food, but bringing your own prevents digestive upset during the stay. Include a collar and leash for drop-off and pick-up. Leave a contact number where you can be reached in case of emergency, and provide the name and phone number of your veterinarian.

Cost and payment

Rates vary based on the length of stay and the size of your dog. Call the kennel directly for current pricing, as costs may differ between standard boarding and holiday rates. Ask whether they accept cash, check, or credit card, and whether they require payment at drop-off or allow billing after pick-up.

Some owners find it helpful to ask about discounts for multiple dogs or for stays longer than a week. Clarify the kennel's cancellation policy before you book, in case your travel plans change.

Health and safety considerations

Boarding facilities are communal environments where dogs spend time near other animals. If your dog is aggressive toward other dogs, has a contagious illness, or is recovering from surgery, mention this when you call. The kennel staff can tell you whether they can safely house your dog or recommend alternatives.

Ask about the facility's cleaning practices and how often kennels are sanitized. Dogs in boarding can pick up minor illnesses like kennel cough, which is usually mild but contagious. If your dog has a weak immune system, is very young, or is elderly, discuss these risk factors with the kennel before booking.

Alternatives if Palmetto is full

If Palmetto Boarding Kennel is booked, other boarding options in the Columbia area include private kennels, veterinary clinics that offer boarding, and pet sitters who care for dogs in their own homes. Some veterinary offices board dogs as a service to their patients, which can be helpful if your dog has medical needs. Pet sitters typically visit your home once or twice daily, which some dogs prefer to a kennel environment.

Ask your veterinarian for recommendations, since they often know which local facilities have good reputations and which are best suited to dogs with specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to update my dog's vaccinations before boarding?

Yes. Most kennels require proof of current rabies vaccination and often ask for records of other vaccines like DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza). Contact your veterinarian if your dog's vaccines are due soon—you may need to schedule an appointment before your trip.

What happens if my dog gets sick while boarding?

Contact the kennel immediately if you learn your dog is ill. The kennel will notify you and may recommend you pick up your dog or take it to a veterinarian. The kennel is not equipped to treat serious illness, so you may need to arrange emergency care. This is why leaving your veterinarian's contact information is critical.

Can I bring my dog's bed or toys?

Call ahead to ask. Some kennels allow personal items to help dogs feel more comfortable, while others prefer not to because items can get lost or soiled. If the kennel allows toys, bring ones your dog is unlikely to destroy or choke on.

How far in advance should I book?

For off-season travel, a week or two ahead is usually fine. During holidays and summer, book at least three to four weeks in advance. Peak dates can fill months ahead, so the earlier you call, the better your chances of getting the dates you need.

What if I need to pick up my dog early?

Call the kennel as soon as your plans change. They will do their best to accommodate an early pick-up, though availability depends on their schedule. Some facilities charge a partial refund if you pick up early; others do not, so clarify their policy when you book.