Our Policy

Dogs

• Rabies vaccine (one or three year protocol) 
• Canine DHPP Combination vaccine (DHPP+L also accepted) 
• Bordetella vaccine 
• Canine Influenza H3N2 and H3N8 (Strongly encouraged but not mandatory at this time)
• Negative fecal parasite testing
• Negative heartworm test 
• Must be on a Flea, Tick, and Heartworm preventative 

Puppies

• Puppies under the age of 16 weeks will not be accepted. Puppies older than 16 weeks must have been administered a Bordetella Vaccine at 8 weeks or older, Rabies vaccine at 12 weeks or older, and their final DHPP vaccine at 16 weeks or older.
• Negative fecal parasite testing
• Current on flea, tick, and heartworm preventative 

Cats

• Rabies Vaccine (one or three year protocol)
• Feline Distemper Combination Vaccine (FVRCP) 
• Feline Leukemia Vaccine (FELV) 
• Feline Leukemia/ FIV Tested (Must be Negative) 
• Current on flea,tick, and heartworm preventative 

Kittens

• Kittens under the age of 16 weeks will not be accepted. Kittens older than 16 weeks must have been administered a Rabies vaccine at 12 weeks or older and their final FVRCP/Feline Leukemia vaccines at 16 weeks or older. 
• Negative fecal parasite testing 
• Current on flea,tick, and heartworm preventative

Veterinarian On Call

Lowcountry Vets at May River is located next door and is our emergency medical caregiver during business hours only. They are available for multiple veterinarian services, call them to book an appointment at (843-836-2082), or visit their website at: https://lowcountryvets.net

May River Pet Resort will utilize Carolina Vet Critical Care for all after hours medical emergencies. For more information visit their website at https://carolinavcc.com or call them at (843-706-9200).

Recent Medical Procedures

All health concerns including recent medical procedures must be documented during check in. Unfortunately, we cannot board or accomadate PlayDay for any pets within 21 days of invasive surgery. This includes but is not limited to recent spay and neutering.

Insulin Dependence

At this time we are not able to accommodate pets that are insulin dependent.

Tours are for adults ONLY (No kids or Pets). Tour times are by appointment ONLY. Please call (843)-757-6738 for availability.

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 7 am - 6 pm

• Pick Up 7am - 2pm

(Late Pick Up fee is $20 for each pet.)

Office Hours: Saturday-Sunday 9am - 4pm

• Pick Up & Drop Off: 9am - 4pm without fees.

May River Pet Resort requires a $100/per room deposit during holiday season dates below.

72 Hour Cancellation (Full Refund Deposit)

• Memorial Day: May 26 - May 31
• Fourth of July: June 29 - July 9
• Labor Day: September 1 - September 6

7 Day Cancellation (Full Refund Deposit)

• Thanksgiving: November 15 - November 26
• Christmas/New Year's: December 15 - January 3

• In order to maintain a safe and fun social gathering for our dogs, May River Pet Resort will not tolerate unruly or aggressive behavior. PLAYDAY IS VERY ACTIVE! Our staff has the discretion to separate your dog for "break time" or not allow them back into the social gathering. We will notify you immediately with any behavior issues or concerns. 
• Day Boarding is an option for your dog to come during PlayDay hours, and not be in the social group. We will rotate them outside multiple times a day. May River Pet Resort recommends this option if your dog does not play well with others or becomes stressed in group settings. Reservations are required for this option.
• Reservations are required for PlayDay and Day Boarding.
• A credit card is required to be on file when reservation is being made. 
• Flat collar required for PlayDay dogs.
• Our office is closed on major holidays, and will not offer PlayDay or Day Boarding on those specific days. Please check our website for our online holiday schedule.
• Because of our social setting, we do not allow unaltered (after one year old) dogs to be a part of PlayDay.
• We do not offer cat socialization at this time.
• We do not accept senior dogs above 12 years of age, please understand that PlayDay is highly active!
• Play Day and Day Boarding drop off and pick up Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:00am-6:00pm. We do not offer half day prices, all reservations will be charged the daily rate regardless of time spent. No weekend PlayDay or Day Boarding is offered.
• You must disclose any recent or ongoing medical related issues, such as hospitalization and/or treatments, upon check in. 
• Dogs may be wet for pick up, we use water sports and pool in the warmer months.
• PlayDay and Day Boarding dogs will be boarded after 6:00pm and a boarding charge will be added.
• PlayDay dogs are supervised, though during an active PlayDay, dogs can receive minor cuts and scratches. Your dog may drink a lot of water and may be lethargic after an active PlayDay. 
• Despite vaccinations, know that any pet can still contract canine cough or other illnesses as May River Pet Resort sanitizes and cleans kennels daily. 
• While your dog or cat is in the care of May River Pet Resort and the owner is unreachable, May River Pet Resort and its agents are authorized to seek immediate veterinary care for the dog or cat in the event of an emergency. The owner understands that all costs in connection with veterinary, medical, or other treatment shall be their responsibility. 
• May River Pet Resort will try to contact owners and emergency contacts in the case of an emergency.

• Make reservations as soon as possible, as holiday reservations book up quickly. 
• Holiday reservations will require a credit card on file and deposit when reservations are made. 
• A credit card is required to be on file when making any reservation. 
• Tours are offered by appointment only!
• Office hours are Monday through Friday 7:00am-6:00pm. Saturday and Sunday 9:00am-4:00pm.
• Pick up is 7:00am to 2:00pm.
• Saturday and Sunday drop off and pickup times are 9:00am until 4:00pm without late pick up fees.
• No overnight personnel are present. 
• Kennel Techs are on duty between the hours of 6:00am-7:00pm daily.
• All kennels are climate controlled.
• You must disclose any recent or ongoing medical related issues, such as hospitalization and or treatments, upon check in. 
• Complimentary baths are scheduled after the 3rd night stay, baths are given the night before or the morning of checkout. If extending your boarding reservation, complimentary baths can only be rescheduled if notice is given within a timely manner.
• We allow you to bring your pet’s favorite blanket, toy, and/or snack, please write your pet's name with permanent marker on each item. May River Pet Resort is not liable for any damaged and or lost items brought from home. This includes damage due to stress chewing or potty accidents.
• Please do not bring bowls from home. We will not accept any fragile or breakable dishes, feeding bowls, kitchen utensils.
• Please ensure that your pet has a durable BUCKLE collar with his/her name printed on it.
• You can bring your pets own food. Please portion each meal. If your pet requires a special diet, please bring their food and provide detailed instructions on how their food should be prepared. We have refrigerators and microwaves to accommodate most meals. House food (4health Chicken & Rice Blend) is available, for an additional $5 charge per meal.
• When using house kennel food, if a pet eats more than 2 cups of food per serving, additional food charge will apply. 
• We can administer most medication, there is a $5 charge for each dose, please indicate detailed instructions on how your pet’s medication must be handled and administered. We do not administer injectable medications. 
• You may call and check on your pet at any time during office hours Monday–Friday 7:00am-6:00pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00am-4:00pm. Please understand excessive calling cannot be accommodated.
• We cannot socialize unaltered male dogs, please understand that they will not be allowed into a social group with other pets. We cannot board a female dog that is in heat. 
• We do not board dogs above the age of 12, please understand we will not board a pet that has special needs or high stress anxieties. 
• Dogs and cats can experience stress when being kenneled; this can cause abnormal bowel movements and reduced appetites. 
• Understand that due to the way that pets interact with one another, minor cuts and scratches can occur even though the dogs are carefully supervised at all times. Your dog may drink a lot of water and may be lethargic after an active boarding experience.
• Despite vaccinations and daily sanitizations, know that any pet can still contract canine cough or other illnesses.
• While your dog or cat is in the care of May River Pet Resort and the owner is unreachable, May River Pet Resort and its agents are authorized to seek immediate veterinary care for the dog or cat in the event of an emergency. The owner understands that all costs in connection with veterinary, medical, or other treatment shall be their responsibility. 
• May River Pet Resort will try to contact Owners and or Emergency Contacts if an emergency arises.

Hurricanes and events of inclement weather are a serious concern for you and your pets. May River Pet Resort takes safety very importantly. We cannot Board, Groom, nor have PlayDay during a mandatory evacuation. May River Pet Resort will not house or care for pets during a multi-day power and water outage. All pets must be picked up when a mandatory evacuation is ordered by our local government. Our hurricane and inclement weather policy stays in effect until a mandatory evacuation has been lifted. Pets left at May River Pet Resort during a hurricane or event of extreme inclement weather will incur a fee at our discretion and May River Pet Resort will seek guidance from local animal shelters and Beaufort County Animal Control.

72 Hour Cancellation (Full Deposit Refund)

• Memorial Day: May 26 - May 31
• Fourth of July: June 29 - July 9
• Labor Day: September 1 - September 6

7 Day Cancellation (Full Deposit Refund)

• Thanksgiving: November 15 - November 26
• Christmas/New Year's: December 15 - January 3

24 Hour Cancellation

Failure to notify May River Pet Resort within the required 24 hours for the cancellation, a PlayDay charge will applied to the account. A credit card is required for PlayDay booking.

48 Hour Cancellation

Failure to notify May River Pet Resort of a cancellation within 48 hours will result in a charge of one night’s stay. A credit card is required for Boarding, and will be charged for one night of Boarding if a 48 hour notice is not given.

Owners MUST inform May River Pet Resort if your pet bites, has bitten, or is aggressive to people or other pets. Muzzles may be used if necessary. Muzzling will not harm your pet, and protects both the pet and the staff. May River Pet Resort reserves the right to refuse or hault services for such pet at any time, before or during Boarding, and may charge a handling fee in addition to the regular Boarding charge.

• Please be on time for your grooming/spa appointment, we will need to reschedule your appointment if you’re more than 15 minutes late.
• A credit card is required to be on file for grooming appointments. 
• If you are a no show, your credit card will be charged a $25 fee.
• If fleas/ticks are found on your dog during grooming, your dog will be given a flea and tick bath. This will be at an additional expense.
• You must disclose any recent or ongoing medical related issues, such as hospitalization and/or treatments, upon check in.

Ear Washing/Cleaning: The outer ear canal is cleaned with an enzyme based cleaner for each groomed pet. May River Pet Resort will not pluck ear hair.

Health or Medical Problems & Senior Pets: Grooming procedures can sometimes be stressful, especially for a senior pet or pet with health problems, and can expose hidden medical problems or aggravate a current one during or after the groom. Senior pets and pets with health problems have a greater chance of injury, these pets will be groomed for cleanliness and comfort, in styles that will not add to their stress. In the best interest of your pet, this agreement will give May River Pet Resort permission to obtain immediate veterinary treatment for your pet should it be deemed necessary by May River Pet Resort. We will do our best to contact you first, and then take your pet to Lowcountry Vets at May River. It is agreed that all expenses for veterinary care will be covered by the pet’s owner upon signing this agreement.

Mat Removal: Pets with matted coats need extra attention during their grooming session. Mats left in a pets coat only grow tighter and can strangle the pet’s skin, or eventually tear it open. May River Pet Resort does not wish to cause serious or undue stress to your pet and will not continually de-mat your pet for you. Mats can be very difficult to remove, and may require the pet to be shaved. When necessary, removing a heavily matted coat includes risks of nicks, cuts or abrasions due to warts, moles or skin folds trapped in the mats. Heavy matting can also trap moisture and urine near the pet’s skin allowing mold, fungus or bacteria to grow, causing skin irritations that existed prior to the grooming process. Torn skin from mats can also harbor maggots. The effects of mat removal procedures can include itchiness, skin redness, self-inflicted irritations or abrasions and failure of the hair to re-grow. Shaved pets are also prone to sunburn and should either have sunscreen applied daily or should be kept out of the sun until the hair grows sufficiently to protect the skin. In some cases pets may also exhibit brief behavioral changes. Prevention is the best defense against matting by scheduling regular grooming appointments. There is an extra charge for dematting.

Short Clips: Please understand a short clip on a pet can cause issues, even after multiple short clips in the past. Possible after effects of a short clip can include; itchiness, skin redness, self-inflicted irritations or abrasions and failure of the hair to re-grow. Shaved pets are also prone to sunburn and should either have sunscreen applied daily or should be kept out of the sun until the hair grows sufficiently to protect the skin. In some cases pets may also exhibit brief behavioral changes.

Accidents: There is always the possibility an accident could occur. Grooming equipment is sharp, even though we use extreme caution and care in all situations, possible problems could occur including cuts, nicks, scratches, quicking of nails, etc. In most cases this can happen when a pet is wiggling or moving around. If you arrive to pick up your pet and it is still being groomed, please do NOT talk to them or allow your pet to see you as this can cause injuries from over excitement. Sit quietly or step outside for a few moments. Every effort will be made to insure your pet is groomed as safely as possible, but an excited pet can be dangerous to continue to work on. If you insist on talking to your pet, or the groomer, we reserve the right to end the grooming session, even if the groom is not completed, and the full grooming price will be charged.

Aggressive or Dangerous Pets: Owners MUST inform May River Pet Resort if your pet bites, has bitten, is aggressive to people, other pets or specific grooming procedures. Muzzles may be used if necessary. Muzzling will not harm your pet, and protects both the pet and the groomer. May River Pet Resort reserves the right to refuse/stop services for such pet at any time before or during the grooming process, and may charge a handling fee in addition to the regular grooming charge.

Parasites: If you suspect your pet has fleas or ticks, please inform us. Flea infestations can lead to tapeworm and other health problems. Prompt and thorough action on YOUR part is needed. If fleas or ticks are found during the grooming process, your pet will be treated with a product to kill the parasites and you will be charged for the flea treatment. This only takes care of the parasites on your pet. May River Pet Resort recommends year round monthly protection for parasites. Ticks found will be removed for an additional charge. If ticks are found, we strongly suggest you have your pet tested for Lyme disease. Please note that parasites are a health hazard to your pet as well as to humans.

No-shows & Cancellations: Please be respectful of our time, as we are respectful of yours. We are a by-appointment business, so if you are a “No Show”, then we miss serving another client. Pre-Payment for your next appointment will be required before another appointment is booked. We understand there may be emergency situations and will work with you, but not on a continued basis. Note: Clients 15 minutes late, risk losing their appointment without notice.

Photos and Other Media: May River Pet Resort loves your pet and loves to show them off. By signing this agreement, you agree to allow May River Pet Resort to take photos and display them publicly, on Facebook, on our website, or in any other media. Pet’s first name and biography may be displayed, owner’s name will NOT be made public.

For Returned Checks, May River Pet Resort charges a $50.00 fee.

By utilizing May River Pet Resort's services you (or your Agent) agree, to hold May River Pet Resort, its owners, operators, and employees, harmless from any damage, loss, or claim arising from any condition of the undersigned pet, either known or unknown. If my pet should injure itself in an escape attempt, refuse food, become ill or become deceased while in the kennel or premises, I will not hold May River Pet Resort for any responsibility or liability in the absence of gross negligence. It is also further understood and agreed that the terms of this agreement can change at any time, without notice, and will overwrite any and all prior signed agreements or releases. It is understood this clause applies to any and all pets groomed, boarded or day boarded.

We take abandonment of pets very seriously! We are not a shelter or rescue for pets, however we are blessed that there are many great shelters and rescues in the area. If you are experiencing difficulties or hardship we recommend contacting Palmetto Animal League or the Hilton Head Humane Association.

May River Pet Resort will consider your pet abandoned 3 consecutive days after your initial checkout date, with no communication from owner or emergency contacts. The card on file will be charged the total amount due. An additional fees will also be applied for the relocation logistics of your pet.