In South Carolina, commercial dog kennels must meet both state and county regulations. State law requires clean, temperature-controlled facilities, proper nutrition, and emergency veterinary care. Oversight is handled by the Commercial Kennel and Certified Animal Caretakers Examiners Board. Counties like Lexington and Richland add their own rules, such as inspection certificates or breeder licenses. Some areas also limit the number of pets that can be kept without a permit, and zoning laws may restrict where kennels can operate. Noncompliance can lead to fines or legal action.
Do I Need A Dog Kennel License in South Carolina?
Yes, if you operate a kennel in South Carolina, you’ll need to register it by paying a $20 fee and providing an identification marking for all dogs in the kennel. This marking is unique and recorded by the department. Single dog owners can register for $5, but custom ID markings are only available with kennel registration. Check with your local authorities for specific requirements.
Do I Need An LLC For A Dog Kennel?
You don’t need an LLC to start a dog kennel, but forming one is strongly recommended because it protects your personal assets from business-related liabilities. Unlike a sole proprietorship, an LLC separates your personal finances from your business, adding credibility and helping with tasks like securing loans. Most areas require a basic business license, and many also mandate a kennel license to ensure health and safety standards are met. You’ll need to check zoning laws, secure any necessary permits, and possibly pass health inspections. Always consult your local government to understand the specific regulations in your area.
How Many Dogs Can You Own in South Carolina?
Many South Carolina cities limit households to three dogs without a special permit. For example, Goose Creek allows up to three pets and permits up to six with a $25 fee per additional animal. Columbia requires a kennel license for more than three dogs, and Dillon prohibits keeping more than three dogs over six months old in residential areas. Local rules vary, so always check with your city.
Do Dogs Need To Be Registered In South Carolina?
Yes. In South Carolina, pet owners are typically required to register their dogs through their local city or county office. This usually involves obtaining a pet license or rabies identification tag, particularly for dogs over four to six months old. To complete registration, you’ll need to show proof of an up-to-date rabies shot from a certified vet. Licensing fees vary by location and often depend on factors like sterilization status or the duration of the license. Not registering your dog can lead to fines and, in some cases, legal action. Beyond compliance, registration supports public health and increases the chances of reuniting lost pets with their owners. For accurate details, reach out to your local animal control office or check your county’s website.
Is It Illegal To Leave Your Dog Outside In South Carolina?
It is not illegal to leave a dog outside in South Carolina, but there are strict rules, especially during extreme weather or if the dog lacks basic care. Dogs can’t be tethered for more than 5 hours a day, and an outdoor shelter must protect against heat, cold, and storms. Local ordinances, such as those in Horry County, may ban tethering in temperatures exceeding 90°F and require specific shelter materials. Dogs must always have food, water, shade, and be kept off public sidewalks. Letting a dog roam without a leash or neglecting its needs can lead to fines or jail time, so it’s important to check your local laws.
Dog Kennel Regulations By Industry in South Carolina
Dog Boarding Regulations in South Carolina
In South Carolina, boarding kennels aren’t overseen by a statewide regulatory body, but they must still comply with local zoning rules and obtain the proper business licenses. Instead of detailed state-level standards, kennel operations fall under broader animal welfare laws aimed at preventing neglect and cruelty. Local governments often set guidelines for where kennels can operate, how many animals are permitted, and noise management. Owners must register their business with the city or county offices.
While specific licensing for caretakers isn’t uniform, those working with animals may need relevant training and background checks. Additionally, boarding facilities typically require proof of vaccinations for diseases like rabies and distemper, along with documentation showing animals are parasite-free. Some facilities may also require pets to be spayed or neutered, especially in shared boarding spaces.
Dog Vet Regulations in South Carolina
In South Carolina, veterinarians must be licensed by the state’s Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners and follow AVMA ethical guidelines. They’re required to maintain accurate records, and unlicensed staff can only assist under supervision. Temporary licenses are available for recent graduates. Clinics and shelters offering vet services must register with the board. Vets cannot delegate diagnoses or surgeries to technicians, and rabies vaccinations for dogs, cats, and ferrets are mandatory by law.
Dog Grooming Regulations in South Carolina
Dog groomers are not required to hold a state license, and there are no statewide regulations governing grooming as a profession. However, local governments may have rules that impact where grooming businesses can operate, such as zoning restrictions or facility standards. For example, some areas may not allow grooming services in residential zones. Groomers must still comply with state animal cruelty laws, which apply to all aspects of animal care. While not mandatory, carrying liability insurance is strongly recommended to protect the business. Groomers can also pursue voluntary certification through professional organizations to boost credibility and refine their skills.
Dog Shelter Regulations in South Carolina
In South Carolina, dog shelters adhere to both state laws and local regulations. Statewide, shelters must provide clean, safe housing, proper care, and keep records. They must scan for microchips, follow rabies protocols, and hold unclaimed dogs for a set period before adoption, transfer, or euthanasia. Local ordinances may set additional requirements, like shelter standards in Spartanburg or impound timeframes in Sumter and Hampton counties. Regulations vary, so shelters must comply with both state and local guidelines.
Dog Trainer Regulations in South Carolina
Dog trainers in South Carolina are not required to be licensed, as there are no state regulations overseeing the profession. Anyone can legally offer dog training services, but many professionals choose to earn certifications from organizations like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) or the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) to enhance their credibility and demonstrate expertise. While service dog trainers also aren’t subject to formal licensing, they must follow public access laws once the dog is trained. In contrast, law enforcement K-9 teams must meet specific training and certification standards for patrol and detection work.
Dog Breeder Regulations in South Carolina
Dog breeding in South Carolina is primarily governed by local laws, with counties and municipalities setting their own regulations. While the state provides general guidelines for animal care, specific rules, such as licensing, inspections, and operational standards, are determined locally. Breeders who sell dogs as part of a business are usually classified as commercial breeders and may be required to obtain a license, maintain clean and humane facilities, and undergo regular inspections.
These operations must follow proper care standards, including adequate shelter, food, sanitation, and access to veterinary care. Breeders are also expected to keep detailed records of their dogs and breeding activity, and they must provide proof of vaccinations when selling animals.
K-9 Dog Facilities in South Carolina
Across South Carolina, a wide range of K-9 facilities caters to both pet owners and professionals. These include upscale dog boarding centers, obedience schools, and advanced training hubs for working dogs in law enforcement and personal protection roles.
Dog Resorts & Training Centers:
- K9 Cabana (Myrtle Beach): Offers daycare, grooming, training, and a water park for dogs.
- K9 Resorts (Bluffton & Mount Pleasant): Provides cage-free boarding, large play areas, and personalized care.
- Astro Kennels: Combines training, daycare, boarding, and grooming at multiple locations.
- Howling Good K9 (Gray Court): Specializes in personalized, positive-reinforcement training.
- Willow Haven K9 Retreat (Piedmont): Offers quiet, on-site care in a rural setting.
- Harrison K-9 (Aiken): Trains imported German Shepherds for family protection and police work.
- High Drive K-9 (Greenville): Focuses on law enforcement and military K-9 training.
Law Enforcement K-9 Units:
- Greenville Police Department: Uses dogs for detection, tracking, searches, and apprehension.
Other Services:
- Camp Bow Wow (Columbia): Boarding with integrated playtime.
- Alpha K9 (Murrells Inlet): Offers daycare, training, and boarding.
Dog Kennel Laws By County in South Carolina
Dog kennel regulations in South Carolina vary by county and can include restrictions on the number of dogs, kennel size, location, and other requirements. For the most accurate information, contact your county’s planning department using the link provided.
| Abbeville County | Abbeville County Planning & Zoning Department |
| Aiken County | Aiken County Planning & Development Department |
| Allendale County | Allendale County |
| Anderson County | Anderson County Planning & Development Department |
| Bamberg County | Bamberg County Building & Planning Department |
| Barnwell County | Barnwell County Building Inspector & Zoning Department |
| Beaufort County | Beaufort County Zoning Department |
| Berkeley County | Berkeley County Planning & Zoning Department |
| Calhoun County | Calhoun County Building & Planning Department |
| Charleston County | Charleston County Zoning & Planning Department |
| Cherokee County | Cherokee County |
| Chester County | Chester County Building & Zoning Department |
| Chesterfield County | Chesterfield County Building Codes Department |
| Clarendon County | Clarendon County Planning Commission |
| Colleton County | Colleton County Zoning Administration |
| Darlington County | Darlington County Code Enforcement |
| Dillon County | Dillon County Building Code Enforcement, Planning & Zoning Department |
| Dorchester County | Dorchester County Planning & Development Department |
| Edgefield County | Edgefield County Building & Zoning Department |
| Fairfield County | Fairfield County Planning & Zoning Division |
| Florence County | Florence County Planning Department |
| Georgetown County | Georgetown County Building, Planning & Zoning Department |
| Greenville County | Greenville County Zoning Administration |
| Greenwood County | Greenwood County Planning Department |
| Hampton County | Hampton County Building & Planning Department |
| Horry County | Horry County Planning & Zoning Department |
| Jasper County | Jasper County Planning & Building Services |
| Kershaw County | Kershaw County Planning & Zoning Department |
| Lancaster County | Lancaster County Zoning |
| Laurens County | Laurens County Planning Department |
| Lee County | Lee County Planning & Zoning Department |
| Lexington County | Lexington County Zoning Division |
| Marion County | Marion County Planning & Zoning |
| Marlboro County | Marlboro County Planning Commission |
| McCormick County | McCormick County Planning & Zoning |
| Newberry County | Newberry County Planning & Zoning |
| Oconee County | Oconee County Planning & Zoning |
| Orangeburg County | Orangeburg County Zoning Department |
| Pickens County | Pickens County Planning Department |
| Richland County | Richland County Planning & Development |
| Saluda County | Saluda County Building Codes |
| Spartanburg County | Spartanburg County Planning & Development |
| Sumter County | Sumter County Planning Department |
| Union County | Union County Code Enforcement |
| Williamsburg County | Williamsburg County Code Enforcement |
| York County | York County Planning & Development |
Dog Kennel Laws By City in South Carolina
Kennel regulations in South Carolina vary by city and may be based on the number of dogs, facility size, and other local requirements. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, contact your city’s planning or zoning department using the chart below.
| Aiken | Planning |
| Anderson | Planning & Development |
| Bluffton | Planning & Community Development |
| Charleston | Planning, Permitting, & Engineering Department |
| Clemson | Planning & Development |
| Columbia | Zoning |
| Conway | Planning & Development |
| Easley | Planning & Development |
| Florence | Planning & Development Department |
| Fort Mill | Planning Department |
| Goose Creek | Planning & Zoning Department |
| Greenville | Planning & Development Department |
| Greer | Planning & Development |
| Hanahan | Planning & Zoning |
| Hilton Head Island | Community Development Department |
| Lexington | Planning & Building |
| Mount Pleasant | Zoning Department |
| Myrtle Beach | Planning & Zoning Department |
| North Augusta | Planning & Development |
| North Charleston | Zoning Department |
| Rock Hill | Planning & Development |
| Simpsonville | Planning & Development |
| Spartanburg | Planning Department |
| Summerville | Planning & Zoning Department |
| Sumter | Planning & Zoning Department |
Are You Ready To Start Your Dog Kennel Business?
Thinking about launching your own dog kennel business? Now’s the perfect time to turn that vision into reality. With the right setup, you can create a professional, comfortable, and efficient space for canine care.
At The Dog Kennel Collection, we offer expertly built commercial kennels designed to meet the needs of boarding, breeding, grooming, or training operations. Our Amish-crafted kennels aren’t just durable, they’re fully customizable to fit your business goals and local regulations. From climate control and wash stations to feeding systems and spacious runs, every feature is crafted for safety, comfort, and easy maintenance.
Whether you’re just getting started or expanding an existing operation, investing in a high-quality kennel gives you the foundation to offer top-tier care and build trust with your clients. Explore the options and start building your future today.
