House & Hound: A Dog Walker's Guide to Pet-Sitting and In-Home Care in South Carolina

What House & Hound offers and who runs it

House & Hound is a pet-sitting and in-home dog care service operating across South Carolina, offering an alternative to traditional dog walking for owners who need longer periods of care or prefer someone to visit their home. The service handles daily visits, overnight stays, and extended care when owners travel or work long hours. Unlike a dog walker who takes your pet out for exercise, House & Hound staff stay at your home or visit multiple times daily to provide feeding, medication administration, bathroom breaks, and companionship.

The company operates through a network of independent pet sitters and caregivers licensed and vetted through the House & Hound platform. You book and manage your care through their website or mobile app, which shows available sitters in your area, their rates, and customer reviews. Payment is handled through the platform, and the service covers most populated areas of South Carolina, though availability depends on your zip code and the sitters active in your region.

Key Takeaways

• House & Hound connects you with vetted pet sitters for in-home care, overnight stays, and extended visits rather than traditional walks.
• You can book through their website or app by entering your location, preferred dates, and pet details to see available sitters and rates.
• Sitters handle feeding, medication, bathroom breaks, and companionship, and you can communicate directly through the platform about your pet's needs.
• Rates vary by sitter, location, and service type, so comparing profiles and reviews helps you find the right fit for your budget and pet's personality.
• The service works best for owners who need daytime visits while at work, overnight care during travel, or extended support for older or anxious dogs.

How to find and book a sitter through the platform

Start by creating an account on the House & Hound website or downloading their mobile app. You will enter your address, the dates you need care, and details about your dog—breed, age, temperament, any special needs, and whether your pet has met the sitter before. The platform then shows you available sitters in your area with their photos, rates, experience, and customer reviews.

Each sitter's profile includes their hourly or visit rates, cancellation policy, and what services they offer—some do walks and play, others focus on sitting and feeding, and some handle overnight stays. Read reviews from other dog owners in your area to understand how each sitter interacts with pets and handles emergencies. Once you select a sitter, you can message them directly through the app to discuss your dog's routine, any medications or behavioral quirks, and your expectations before confirming the booking.

Most sitters require a meet-and-greet before the first paid visit, either in person or via video call, so your dog can get comfortable with them and they can see your home, where you keep supplies, and how your pet behaves. This step is worth the time—a sitter who knows your dog's personality and your home's layout will provide better care and respond more confidently to any issues that arise.

What to expect during visits and overnight stays

During a standard visit—typically 30 minutes to an hour—the sitter will let your dog outside for bathroom breaks, provide fresh water and meals according to your instructions, administer any medications, and spend time playing or providing companionship. They will lock up your home, and most sitters send you a photo or message after each visit so you know your pet is safe and cared for. If your dog has anxiety, aggression, or medical needs, tell the sitter upfront so they can prepare and know when to contact you or a veterinarian.

Overnight stays work differently: the sitter stays at your home or visits multiple times throughout the day and evening, providing meals, outdoor time, and sleeping in your home if that is part of the arrangement. This is especially useful if your dog has separation anxiety or you are traveling for several days. Overnight rates are higher than single visits, but they give your pet continuity of care and someone present if an emergency happens at 2 a.m.

Communication is key. Before the sitter arrives, leave written instructions about feeding amounts and times, any medications with dosages, your dog's quirks (does he pull on the leash, jump on guests, have a favorite toy), and your veterinarian's contact information. Most sitters use the House & Hound app to send updates, photos, or alerts, so you stay informed even while you are away.

Pricing and how rates vary across South Carolina

House & Hound sitter rates vary widely depending on your location, the sitter's experience, and the type of service. A single 30-minute visit in a rural area might cost less than the same visit in Charleston or Greenville, where demand is higher and cost of living is steeper. Overnight stays cost significantly more than daytime visits—expect to pay roughly double or triple the hourly rate for an overnight stay, since the sitter is committing their entire evening and night.

Additional services—administering medications, caring for multiple pets, handling dogs with behavioral issues, or providing extra playtime—may increase the rate. Some sitters offer discounts if you book multiple visits per week or commit to regular, recurring care. Check each sitter's profile for their specific rates and what is included; the platform shows the total cost before you confirm, so there are no surprises.

To keep costs manageable, consider whether you need daily visits or can stretch to three times a week. If your dog is young and healthy, a midday visit plus your morning and evening care might be enough. If your dog is elderly, has medical needs, or severe anxiety, daily visits or overnight stays may be worth the investment for your peace of mind.

When House & Hound makes sense versus a traditional dog walker

A traditional dog walker takes your pet out for exercise and bathroom breaks, usually for 20 to 45 minutes. House & Hound sitters stay at your home and focus on care, feeding, and companionship—they may or may not take your dog for a walk, depending on what you request. Choose House & Hound if your dog needs medication administered, you work long hours and your dog cannot hold their bladder, your pet has anxiety and does better with someone present, or you are traveling and need overnight supervision.

Choose a traditional dog walker if your dog is young, healthy, and mainly needs exercise and bathroom breaks during your workday. Many owners use both: a dog walker comes midday for exercise, and a House & Hound sitter provides an evening visit for feeding and companionship. The combination keeps your dog active and cared for without you paying for overnight or extended sitting.

Safety, trust, and what to do if something goes wrong

House & Hound vets sitters through background checks and customer reviews, but you are still trusting someone with access to your home and pet. Before booking, read reviews carefully—look for comments about punctuality, how the sitter handles your dog's personality, and whether they communicate well. Ask the sitter questions during the meet-and-greet: How long have they been sitting? What training do they have? How do they handle emergencies or behavioral issues?

Protect yourself by leaving clear written instructions, removing valuables from sight, and installing a pet camera if you want to monitor visits. Most sitters understand this and expect it. If a sitter cancels last-minute, misses a visit, or your dog seems stressed after visits, message them through the app to discuss what happened. If the issue is serious—your dog is injured, medication was missed, or you feel unsafe—contact House & Hound's support team through the app or website to report it and explore your options, which may include a refund or reassignment to a different sitter.

Preparing your home and pet for the first visit

Before your sitter arrives, walk through your home and prepare: leave out your dog's food, water bowls, and any medications with clear labels and instructions. Write down your dog's routine—feeding times, outdoor schedule, any behavioral triggers—and post it somewhere visible. Make sure your sitter knows where the leash, treats, and first-aid supplies are, and leave your veterinarian's phone number and your own contact information in an obvious spot.

Introduce your dog to the sitter in a calm, neutral way. Some dogs warm up immediately; others need a few visits to trust a new person. Let the sitter spend time with your dog during the meet-and-greet without pressure—playing, offering treats, and observing how your pet responds. If your dog is nervous or reactive, tell the sitter and agree on a plan: maybe the sitter keeps visits short at first, or uses high-value treats to build trust.

On the day of the first visit, try to be home or nearby so you can answer questions and your dog is not stressed by a stranger arriving alone. After the sitter leaves, check in with your dog—is he calm, anxious, or energized? Ask the sitter how it went and whether they noticed anything you should know. A smooth first visit sets the tone for a good working relationship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use House & Hound if my dog is aggressive or has behavioral issues?

Yes, but you must disclose this upfront in your pet profile and during the meet-and-greet. Some sitters have experience with reactive or anxious dogs and will take them on; others will decline. Be honest about your dog's behavior so the sitter can prepare and you both stay safe. If your dog has serious aggression, ask the sitter what training or experience they have before booking.

What happens if my sitter cancels at the last minute?

Contact House & Hound's support team immediately through the app. They will try to find you a replacement sitter, but availability may be limited depending on your area and how short the notice is. This is why it is good to have a backup plan—a friend, family member, or second sitter you can call if your regular sitter falls through.

Do I need to provide food and supplies, or does the sitter bring them?

You provide your dog's regular food, medications, leash, and any toys or treats. The sitter brings nothing except themselves and their phone to communicate with you. Stock your home with everything your sitter will need, and label it clearly so there is no confusion during visits.

Can my sitter take my dog to the dog park or off my property?

Only if you request it and the sitter agrees. Some sitters will take your dog for a walk or to a dog park; others prefer to stay at your home. Discuss this during the meet-and-greet and include it in your written instructions. If you want off-property activities, make sure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations and that the sitter knows your dog's comfort level with other dogs.

How far in advance should I book a sitter?

Book as early as possible, especially if you need care during peak travel seasons (holidays, summer) or in areas with fewer available sitters. A week or two ahead is ideal, but many sitters accept bookings with shorter notice if they are available. Last-minute bookings may have limited options or higher rates.