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CHAPIN PET LODGE

Animal Boarding Kennels, Animal Grooming,

About us

LICENSE #03605188-7.

Business highlights

38 years of experience

Services we offer

BOARDING, FULL SERVICE GROOMING BY TRACY SIMMONS, RETAIL, PLAYTIME, TRANSPORTATION TO & FROM THE AIRPORT.

Amenities

Free Estimates

Yes

Accepted Payment Methods

  • Check
  • Visa
  • Discover
  • MasterCard
Reviews
4.08 Reviews
Number of StarsImage of DistributionNumber of Ratings
5
75%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
25%

Filter reviews by service

Showing 1-8 of 8 reviews
Andrew H.
Jul 2019
1.0
Animal Boarding Kennels
We recently had our three dogs booked at Chapin Pet Lodge for Thursday night through Sunday afternoon. We had three gift certificates each for a 3 day weekend stay. My wife dropped the dogs off on Thursday afternoon around 1pm. She then met me for an out of town weekend trip. After getting back into town, I went to pick up the dogs on Sunday around 1:30pm. We would have picked them up earlier, but they do not open until 1pm on Sunday. When I arrived I was asked about the gift certificates, and whether I wanted to buy some. I explained that I was trying to redeem the gift certificates, and not buy any. The woman at the counter said she wasn't familiar with the certificates and would have to call the owner. When the owner arrived, he got very defensive about the gift certificates, and stated they were for 3 days, Friday-Sunday, regardless of what time you picked up the dogs on Sunday. I explained that I didn't agree with this, and I thought they should be good for any three days. I said it wasn't fair to have to pay for Sunday when they do not open before the required check-out time (12pm). After disagreeing with him, I said I would pay for Thursday night's stay. I then asked about the play times and wanted to make sure we charged only for the times they were actually played with. They should have had 2 play times for the full days, but I expected they only had one play time for Thursday and Sunday. At this time, the owner, Jeff, became very angry and told the woman at the counter to just give me my dogs and not charge me anything. He said our dogs were no longer welcomed back there, and I apparently wanted everything for free. I was kind of shocked in disbelief with how the owner of a business could act like this. With the assistance of the woman at the counter and one of the owners son's, I got my three dogs and all their belongings. As I tried to get all the dogs and their belongings situated in my vehicle, the owner came out to leave in his vehicle. I told him I had planned on paying for services we had, and he abruptly told me that I never planned on paying and got in his car and drove off. I am still shocked at how an owner can act like this. After getting home, I read another review on Angie's list about how the owner, Jeff, treated a retired military veteran the same way when he questioned the military discount policy. I was disgusted at how he treated a member of our armed services. I understand as a business owner you can make your own pricing policies and rules, but there is no excuse at how this owner reacts when a customer questions the policies. He may need to attend an anger management course!
Response from CHAPIN PET LODGE
"Dear Mr. [Member Name Removed], I am very sorry your first and last visit with Chapin Pet Lodge was less than satisfactory with you. Rather than to pick apart your story which is very well laid out I simply downloaded the video and audio version of your visit and will let it speak for itself. The one thing you have done with your visit is we have changed our policy concerning gift certificates. We will no longer be GIVING them out to charities and or fund raisers but will instead give a small donation. Thank you and God Bless Jeff S. Murray Owner Chapin Pet Lodge"

Elizabeth S.
Jun 2017
1.0
Animal Boarding Kennels
$59
When I dropped our dog off for the weekend I was impressed with how friendly and courteous Tracy was. The problem we encountered was with pick-up. My husband picked up our dog after the dog's weekend stay and waited several minutes to be greeted while staff busied themselves with other tasks in front of him. My husband then noticed on the wall that the pricing states that military discounts are offered. He inquired about the discount since he is a guardsman who just returned from his third deployment. Jeff, the owner, proceeded to yell that it was for active military only and continued to yell and berate my husband when my husband informed him that he had just come off of active military orders. All my husband did was inquire about the discount. Perhaps the sign should read "For Active Military Only" so that Jeff does not break into screaming fits of rage? Just a suggestion. My husband did tell the woman at check out that we would not be returning. We were appalled at such treatment of customers. Not to mention that our dog's belongings were soaked in urine. We generally do not write bad reviews but felt this review was one that needed to be written. I noticed that there is another reviewer who wrote that they were screamed at as well so we know this is not the first time it has happened to a CPL customer. We thought the pricing was fair. Treatment of customers? Not so fair.
Response from CHAPIN PET LODGE
"I am deeply sorry that your experience at CPL was a bad one. It is and always has been our policy to handle ourselves and the pets in our care with the utmost respect. During the summer time we are very busy and especially the week before and following July 4th. Nevertheless we always try to handle ourselves in a professional manner. Over the past years since 2001/9/11 we have and continue to honor those who serve in the military forces giving all active military discounts of $1.00 per pet per day. When the gentleman ask about it I ask if he was active and he replied no he was retired but had just gotten home only a few months ago from a nine month deployment. I thanked him for his service but told him it was for active service members only. The gentleman disagreed with the policy and started explaining what he had gone through for me to be able to sit comfortable and said I should give all military retired and active discounts. He begin to get irritated and begin to raise his voice at which point I allowed him to get me upset which was the wrong thing to do. For that I apologize but the rant continued and I told him that we at CPL had been supporting the soldiers by supplying those who didn't have family with FREE pet care while they were deployed and when they return I ask only that they spread the word that we are here to help and a hand shake. Our sign clearly says All Active Military $1.00 off normal rates. A picture can be supplied if needed. Again it is and always has been our policy to provide quality pet care with a professional atmosphere and in this instance I Jeff S. Murray failed. For this I feel it only right to refund the entire amount of the services charged for. A check for $59.00 and a copy of the bill will be sent today. Had I known about this earlier I would've handled it earlier. I wish the retired gentleman the best and hope that he finds a pet care provider to better suit his needs."

Markus K.
Jan 2017
5.0
Animal Boarding Kennels
Yes, I recommend this pro
unknown

Stephen B.
Oct 2014
1.0
Animal Boarding Kennels
$390

On retrieving our felines on the morning of 09/29/2014, I attempted a discussion with Jeff about my displeasure with the events that had taken place. In my opinion, Chapin Pet Lodge, in their professional capacity, is the legal fiduciary for our animals, and as such, is legally responsible for their care, custody, and control. It is my opinion, and only my opinion, that if our friend had needed to remove our female cat, for whatever reason, then she possibly could have exited the premises with someone else's cat. Legally, in my opinion, the responsibility of knowing without doubt whose animal was whose rested solely with CPL.

I mentioned to Jeff that he should have felt empathy for our situation. Just a note back that it was a mistake, and that all was well, was all that was needed. But he exploded in anger and claimed that over the past nine years of taking my pets to CPL, that somehow we never trusted him (we drive 60 miles round trip from Cayce to get to/from CPL). My wife suggested that we leave, as Jeff was shouting, and phone back later to further the discussion. But Jeff insisted he wanted to conclude the discussion at that moment, and strangely in front of one of his employees, rather that in his private office.

So what started as my suggestion to Jeff that he should have taken our situation and distance away in consideration, and displayed some empathy for our situation, ended up with him angrily shouting over me. He finally stated that he didn't want my business any further, and he angrily punched at his computer, stating that he just eradicated our November reservation.

In closing, let me state that this incident was the third incident where one of our cats was injured at CPL. Several years ago we returned from a five day stay at Myrtle Beach to find our female cat huddled on the screen porch. In my effort to get her into her carrier, I was bitten severely on my left hand not knowing that she was in extreme pain. After leaving her with CPL, she had managed to work her collar into her mouth while it was still around her neck in the back, similar to a horse's bridle. She was not able to eat, and her mouth was severely infected. Not one of CPL's staff checked her closely enough to notice this in the time that she was in their care. On another incident, our male cat sustained a medium size scrape on his neck and back, in my opinion due the door to the porch area not being raised up far enough for him to exit with scraping his back (a situation that I reported to the employee with me when I retrieved him).

Needless to say, I would never entrust my cats to CPL's care ever again.


Response from CHAPIN PET LODGE
"Mr. & Mrs [Member Name Removed] were long time clients and had always been very mistrusting from day one. They both had never before owned ANY animals dog or cat and were therefore fairly uninformed about the proper care of a cat or in this case a feral cat that was very unsocial. I'll not bore you with all of the details but cut to the case at hand. The [Removed Member Name] went on a rather lengthy vacation out of the country and told us when they came in that their best friend was going to come by and check on the cats and my reply was that's perfectly fine tell they to come anytime they wish. A lady shows up to see the cats and a employee that had Never dealt with the cats before took her to see them. The lady saw the one and then the other saying they looked fine. she left and that was the end until the next morning when I came in and found missed calls and a email from Mr [Member Name Removed] wanting to know what was going on with his cat and why it had open gaping wounds on its neck and body. He was referring to Gracie. A cat that wasn't even his cat. You see Gracie belonged to another client that had brought her in because she had been attacked by what they thought was another cat or raccoon leaving her with many open wounds at the vets request. She was there for rest in a comfortable area so she could heal slowly as we took her to and from the vet while they were away. Mr Burgers cat is named Gray C!!!!! Similar in color but different cats, different owners, different temperaments. His BEST FRIEND didn't know the difference because we found out later she didn't know what they looked like as she had only vaguely seen them twice before. She didn't say anything when she left the facility but rather sent an email informing them of her findings. If I were in his shoes and had heard something like this I would be very upset too but when you find out the facts and understand that your cats are indeed fine you would think he would calm down. I on the other hand was very upset that the BEST friend had done something like that knowing it was going to ruin their vacation. I told him he had indeed been misinformed and he immediately started yelling that I should have empathy for he and his wife in this delicate situation. I was very upset that he never acknowledged his friend was wrong and that he was wrong for being upset with CPL and mostly Me. We did absolutely what we were ask to do which was care for his pets while they were away and when he returned his pets were just fine and in perfect condition. I have always and will always be a very caring person especially when it comes to pets. CPL has been in business since 1987 and in all those years we have set ourselves over and above the expectations of our clients going beyond the normal realms of pet care to provide the best experience for our clients but mostly our animals. They are Helpless! They need our tender loving care and that is exactly what we strive to provide on a daily basis. If you or anyone have any questions please call me at 803-345-5082 My name Is Jeff S. Murray Owner of Chapin Pet Lodge Inc."

Jacqueline D.
Jun 2014
5.0
Animal Boarding Kennels
Yes, I recommend this pro
$187
unknown

Patricia J.
Apr 2013
5.0
Animal Grooming
Yes, I recommend this pro
$20
They provided excellent service and have great prices.

Natalie A.
Mar 2013
5.0
Animal Boarding Kennels
Yes, I recommend this pro
$220
Very well. This was the first time she had stayed there. When we went to pick her up, they gave us a and quot;report cardand quot; on how she ate, if she acted nervous or scared, if she exhibited any health issues. Overall, she did very well and and we were very pleased with her treatment, and ours! The price is very reasonable and they give you options regarding walks and playtime.

Nancy L.
Mar 2013
5.0
Animal Boarding Kennels
Yes, I recommend this pro
$16
Chapin Pet Lodge is absolutely wonderful. They have a boarding kennel that is a very clean, nice well kept facility. They take them out a couple times a day for walk and play time and they just basically show the dogs love when their human parents are not there. They are the best kennel I've ever used. I've lived in Miami, Homestead Florida, Savannah and here and it's the best one I've ever found. I will continue to use them again in the future. A+ for Jeff and Julie all the way around!

Pat B.
Feb 2008
5.0
Animal Boarding Kennels
Yes, I recommend this pro
$100
The folks at Chapin Pet Lodge have always taken great care of our dog. Runs are clean and large. We once came back to find our dog sleeping in the office in a recliner with the elder Mr. Murray, now retired. The Murrays seem to truly care about animals. I never worry about our dog when we're on a trip, knowing he's secure.

Licensing

Bonded

Insured

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FAQ

CHAPIN PET LODGE is currently rated 4.0 overall out of 5.

Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Sunday: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM

CHAPIN PET LODGE accepts the following forms of payment: Check, Visa, Discover, MasterCard

Yes, CHAPIN PET LODGE offers free project estimates.

No, CHAPIN PET LODGE does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.

No, CHAPIN PET LODGE does not offer a senior discount.

No, CHAPIN PET LODGE does not offer emergency services.

No, CHAPIN PET LODGE does not offer warranties.

CHAPIN PET LODGE offers the following services: BOARDING, FULL SERVICE GROOMING BY TRACY SIMMONS, RETAIL, PLAYTIME, TRANSPORTATION TO & FROM THE AIRPORT.