NEW to Southport?

Everything you need to know before your pet’s first stay with us.

 Welcome to Southport Kennel

We know leaving your pet can feel like a big step. This page answers our most common questions so you can feel confident from day one.

Ready to get started? Schedule a meet & greet and review our Boarding Agreement before your first visit.


Before You Book

  • All guests must be up to date on required vaccinations and complete a Boarding Agreement before their first stay.

  • We take the health of every guest seriously. Please bring proof of current vaccinations at check-in or have your vet fax records to 864.585.1020 ahead of your visit.

    All pets must be up to date on the following vaccines before attending:

    Dogs

    • Bordetella

    • Rabies

    • DHLPP

    Cats

    • Rabies

    • FVRCP

    The Canine Influenza vaccine is strongly recommended. Our team will advise you on whether it is required prior to your pet's first visit.

  • Yes. Our staff will administer medications on schedule throughout your pet's stay. Please list all medications and clear instructions on your Boarding Agreement (link) so we can follow your pet's routine exactly.

  • We proudly serve Nature's Select dry food – a premium, gluten-free, highly digestible blend that helps minimize stomach upset. Meals are included in your stay rate. If your pet has a preferred food or a sensitive stomach, bring their own food, and we'll serve it at no extra charge.

  • Drop-off and pick-up times are the same as our normal hours of operation:

    Monday – Friday
    7:30 AM – 6:00 PM

    Saturday            
    7:30 AM – 12:00 PM

    Sunday                
    2:00 – 6:00 PM

  • Your emergency contact information lives on your Boarding Agreement (link). Please keep it current. If your pet needs veterinary care, we'll transport them to your personal vet during business hours or to an emergency clinic after hours. We're conveniently located a half mile from Palmetto Animal Clinic and maintain a close working relationship with their staff for urgent situations.

  • We invite all new families to schedule a meet & greet before their first stay. You'll tour the facility, meet our team, and we'll spend a little time getting to know your pet. It's a low-key visit that helps your pet feel familiar with the space and gives us a chance to note any quirks or preferences before day one. Schedule a visit by calling 864.585.1050.

HEALTH & TEMPERAMENT

  • Please let us know about any health concerns when you book, ex: heart conditions, breathing issues, allergies, seizures, recent surgeries, or anything your pet's vet has flagged. The more we know, the better we can care for your pet while you're away.

  • Honesty helps everyone – including your dog. If your dog has known behavioral tendencies like biting, climbing fences, or digging, please tell us upfront. We'll assess during the meet & greet whether our environment is the right fit and make any necessary accommodations.

DURING THEIR STAY

  • We don't currently offer live webcams, but we're happy to send photo updates on request. Just let us know at check-in!

  • Yes. We can board up to two pets from the same household together in one suite. Dogs and cats are always boarded in separate areas for the comfort of all guests.

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • Think of it like sending a kid to summer camp for the first time. New sounds, new faces, and new furry neighbors can be a lot to process. Some dogs run and bark more than usual; others get quiet and reserved. Eating a little less or mild digestive upset is common and nothing to worry about. All of these are normal responses to a new environment.

  • The excitement of seeing you again after any length of time can trigger some interesting behavior. Your dog may guzzle water. This is totally normal after all the jumping and wiggling, not a sign of dehydration. Avoid letting them drink too much at once to prevent an upset stomach. Similarly, if your dog ate lightly during their stay, wait at least three hours before feeding them a full meal at home, or offer a small portion (about a quarter of their normal serving) to ease them back.

  • After pickup, keep your cat indoors for a few days before letting them outside. This gives them time to re-establish that "home" feeling and settle back into their comfort zone more quickly.