Business Details
18 Years
experience
Your Trusted Pet Care Destination in Upstate SC
Astro Kennels is a full-service boarding, training, grooming, and pet supply facility serving the Upstate region with two locations in Simpsonville and Mauldin, South Carolina. Established in 2008, our state-of-the-art facilities cater to dogs through daycare, boarding, and specialized training programs designed to address behavioral challenges and enhance obedience. Our team includes experienced professionals with backgrounds in law enforcement, search and rescue, and canine training, ensuring expert care tailored to each dog's needs. We prioritize safety and socialization in all programs, offering amenities like indoor/outdoor kennels, dock diving, and Canine Good Citizen testing.With over 15 years of combined experience in canine care and breeding, we provide personalized solutions for pet owners seeking reliable, high-quality services. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our modern facilities, structured training methodologies, and dedication to fostering positive human-dog relationships. We maintain transparency in operations, emphasizing client education and satisfaction through clear communication and documented results. Recognized for our expertise in working dog development and family pet training, we serve as a trusted partner for pet owners across the region.
Services
Doggy Daycare
Pet Boarding
Obedience Training
Canine Grooming
Working Dog Development
Dock Diving
CGC Testing
K9 Summer Camp
Pet Supply Store
Scent Detection Classes
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- Our trainers have law enforcement and search & rescue experience
- State-of-the-art facilities with indoor/outdoor kennels and play areas
- Customized training programs for behavior modification and obedience
- Two convenient locations serving Simpsonville and Mauldin areas
- Certified Canine Good Citizen testing evaluators on staff
Associations and certifications
- AKC (American Kennel Club)
What people say
Excellent training results
Loved the staff
Well-maintained facilities
Knowledgeable trainers
Positive behavior changes
Services
Doggy Daycare
Our state-of-the-art daycare facility provides supervised socialization and exercise for dogs of all sizes. Dogs enjoy outdoor play areas with obstacle courses and indoor luxury kennels. We match play groups by size, temperament, and energy level to ensure safety. The program operates seven days a week during business hours.
Obedience Training
Customized programs address behavioral issues and teach essential commands using professional techniques. Services include board & train, in-home sessions, and group classes from beginner to advanced levels. Our trainers have backgrounds in law enforcement and search & rescue operations.
Pet Boarding
Spacious indoor-only and indoor/outdoor kennels provide comfortable stays with four daily play sessions. Additional services include training during boarding and specialty treats. Reservations require 50% deposit for peak days, with specific check-out times to avoid additional charges.
Canine Grooming
Full-service grooming includes baths, nail trims, ear cleaning, and FURminator treatments. We offer walk-in baths and package deals for regular maintenance. Services are available for all dog sizes with pricing based on weight and required treatments.
Working Dog Development
Specialized programs for working dogs include detection training, protection work, and handler education. We breed and train English Springer Spaniels and German Shepherds for professional applications. Available services cover prospect development and custom K9 solutions.
People
Jeff Fowler
Owner/Operator
Former Greenville County Coroner's Office supervisor with 13 years of cadaver dog handling experience. Active member of Foothills Search & Rescue with two human remains detection dogs. Brings extensive K9 expertise to daily operations.
Dave Milan
Founder
Established Astro Kennels in 2008 after 20 years of breeding and training working dogs. Specializes in search & rescue operations with decades of canine handling experience. Manages facility expansion and breeding programs for working K9s.
Cheri Milan
Founder
Certified human remains detection handler with extensive search & rescue experience. Active in facility operations with daily involvement in daycare programs. Brought 20 years of canine training expertise to co-found Astro Kennels.
Samantha M.
Director of Operations
Manages daily operations at both locations since 2019. Former preschool teacher with exceptional organizational skills. Oversees staff training and maintains quality standards across all services while personally knowing every client's dog.
Lisa Kennel
Kennel Supervisor
Certified in animal search & rescue with 15+ years of experience. Supervises Five Forks location with expertise in emergency response techniques. Maintains high care standards while balancing operational efficiency and animal welfare requirements.
Questions
What services does Astro Kennels offer?
We provide doggy daycare, boarding, grooming, obedience training, working dog development, dock diving, CGC testing, and pet supply sales at two Upstate South Carolina locations.
Are your trainers certified professionals?
Our team includes certified AKC evaluators with backgrounds in law enforcement, search & rescue, and professional dog training. All programs follow industry-standard safety and training protocols.
What are your boarding facility hours?
Office hours are Monday-Friday 7AM-8PM, Saturday 8AM-6PM, and Sunday 1PM-6PM. Boarding check-out after 12PM incurs additional charges except on Sundays.
Do you offer dog training programs?
Yes, we offer board & train, in-home training, group classes, and customized behavior modification programs. Training assessments help determine the best approach for each dog's specific needs.
How do you handle dog socialization?
Our daycare program matches dogs by size, temperament, and energy level. Staff supervise all interactions while using structured play sessions to promote positive social behavior and prevent conflicts.
What vaccination records are required?
Dogs must have current Rabies, DHPP, and Bordatella vaccinations. Proof of vaccination is required for boarding, training, and daycare services to maintain facility health standards.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Christy Powell
Jun 07, 2022
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Shelby is a great dog trainer. She has helped us so much with our fur babies. Money well spent as far as I'm concerned. My best friend also brings her pupp3t here and loves the place.
Reza Moulaie
Feb 23, 2022
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My dogs were vey happy when I picked them up. Very friendly and caring staff. Thank you for keeping my dogs safe.
Sophie Baker
Feb 17, 2022
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Just came for the first time to use the dock diving pool. Terrible experience. Around 100 (according to receptionist) dogs in pens CONSTANTLY barking, very manic atmosphere. We stayed for about 20 minutes out of our rented hour before having to leave. My dogs were getting stressed just being there in that environment. Very strong dirty smell and didn't feel like a clean place. Nothing like the facility we used to use before moving to the area which was quiet, clean, and calm. We will not be back.
Debbie Cruz
Feb 07, 2022
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My big baby goes here for day board and train whenever I have to go out of town. 7am drop off and 7pm pickup. Work with various trainers during day. He's always worn out and ready to sleep when he comes home. Friendly staff. Easy parking. They also offer group obedience classes and individual training as well as day and overnight boarding. Cats and dogs.
Jerod Mann
Oct 18, 2021
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Great folks that spoil my two dogs while I'm at work. It's hard to find peace of mind that your pets are in good hands, but these folks are trustworthy.
