Paws Up Dog Walking in Charleston: What to Expect and How It Works

Paws Up offers dog walking and pet care services in the Charleston area

Paws Up is a dog walking and pet sitting service based in Charleston that handles daily walks, drop-in visits, and overnight care for dogs in the downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. The service operates through a mobile app where you can book walks, track your dog's location in real time, and receive photo updates during visits. Paws Up walkers are background-checked and insured, and the company maintains a standard rate structure based on walk length and frequency.

The service covers most of Charleston's central areas, including the Historic District, James Island, and parts of Mount Pleasant. Before booking, you'll need to complete a meet-and-greet with your assigned walker so they can learn your dog's temperament, leash habits, and any behavioral notes. This initial visit is required and typically happens within a few days of your first booking request.

Key Takeaways

• Paws Up books through a mobile app where you can schedule walks, see real-time GPS tracking, and receive photo updates from your dog's visit.
• All walkers are background-checked and insured, and you'll meet your assigned walker in person before your first paid walk.
• Walk lengths range from 15 to 60 minutes, with pricing that changes based on duration and how often you book.
• The service covers downtown Charleston, James Island, and parts of Mount Pleasant, though availability varies by neighborhood.
• You can pause or cancel walks through the app, and Paws Up holds a cancellation policy that typically requires notice within a set timeframe.

How to book a walk through the Paws Up app

Download the Paws Up app from your phone's app store and create an account with your name, address, and payment method. The app will show you available time slots in your neighborhood and let you choose a walk length—typically 15, 30, or 60 minutes. After you select a time, Paws Up will assign a walker and send you their profile, which includes their photo, experience level, and reviews from other dog owners.

Before your first paid walk, you'll schedule a free meet-and-greet. During this visit, the walker will spend time with your dog, learn about any behavioral quirks or health concerns, and confirm your home access (keys, gate codes, or door locks). You can message your walker directly through the app to share details like "he pulls left on the leash" or "she's nervous around other dogs." Once the meet-and-greet is complete, you can book future walks immediately through the app.

Walk lengths, pricing, and frequency discounts

Paws Up offers three standard walk lengths: 15 minutes, 30 minutes, and 60 minutes. A single 30-minute walk costs more per walk than booking five walks a week, so the app shows you the per-walk price based on your frequency. Pricing varies slightly by neighborhood—walks in the Historic District may cost more than walks on James Island—and the app displays your exact rate before you confirm a booking.

If you book recurring walks (for example, every weekday at 10 a.m.), you'll see a lower per-walk rate than one-off bookings. You can change your recurring schedule through the app at any time, and Paws Up typically allows you to pause walks for up to two weeks without losing your recurring slot. Payment is charged automatically to your card on the day of each walk.

Real-time tracking and photo updates during walks

Once your walker picks up your dog, the app displays a live GPS map showing your dog's location and route in real time. You can watch the walk happen from your phone, and the map updates every few seconds as the walker moves through the neighborhood. This feature lets you see which parks or streets your walker visits and how long your dog spends in each area.

At the end of each walk, your walker uploads photos or a short video clip to the app, usually within an hour of returning your dog home. These updates show your dog playing, walking, or resting, and you can save or share them. If your dog had any issues during the walk—limping, refusing to walk, or unusual behavior—the walker will note it in the app message or call you directly.

What happens if your dog has special needs or behavioral concerns

During the meet-and-greet, tell your walker about any health issues, medications, anxiety, or aggression. If your dog is reactive to other dogs, the walker can plan a route that avoids peak park times or other dogs. If your dog has joint problems or is recovering from surgery, the walker can do a slow, short walk or a bathroom break instead of a full outing. Paws Up asks that you disclose any history of biting or severe aggression upfront so they can decide whether the service is a good fit.

If your dog develops a new behavioral issue during a walk—for example, limping or refusing to move—the walker will contact you immediately and ask how you'd like to proceed. Most walkers carry pet first aid supplies and know basic dog body language, but they are not veterinarians. If your dog seems injured or ill, the walker will stop the walk and wait for your instructions.

Cancellation policy and what to do if you need to reschedule

Paws Up typically allows you to cancel or reschedule a walk through the app up to a certain number of hours before the scheduled time—check your local terms, as this window varies. If you cancel within that window, you won't be charged. If you cancel after the deadline, you'll be charged the full walk fee. If your walker cancels (for example, due to illness), Paws Up will offer you a refund or credit toward a future walk.

If you need to pause walks for a week or two—say, because you're traveling or your dog is recovering from a vet visit—you can suspend your recurring schedule through the app. Paws Up typically holds your recurring slot for up to two weeks. If you need to pause longer, contact Paws Up support through the app to discuss options.

Service areas and neighborhood availability

Paws Up operates in downtown Charleston, the Historic District, James Island, and parts of Mount Pleasant. The app will tell you immediately whether your address is in a service area. If you're on the edge of a service zone, you may see limited availability or higher pricing. Paws Up occasionally expands into new neighborhoods, so if your address isn't currently covered, you can join a waitlist through the app to be notified when service becomes available in your area.

Peak times—typically weekday mornings and early evenings—fill up faster than midday or weekend slots. If you book recurring walks, you'll secure a consistent time slot even during busy periods. One-off bookings may have fewer options, especially if you're booking within 24 hours of the walk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my dog gets sick or injured during a walk?

Your walker will contact you immediately and describe what they're seeing. If your dog seems to be in pain or distress, the walker will stop the walk and wait for your instructions. Paws Up walkers carry basic first aid supplies but are not veterinarians. You are responsible for authorizing and paying for any emergency vet care. Make sure your walker has your phone number and your vet's contact information.

Can I request the same walker every time?

Yes. After your first walk, you can mark your walker as a favorite in the app, and Paws Up will try to send the same person for future walks. If your favorite walker is unavailable, the app will offer you an alternative. Building a relationship with one walker helps your dog feel more comfortable and gives the walker a better sense of your dog's habits.

What if I'm not home when the walker arrives?

You'll need to provide access to your home before the walk—either by leaving a door unlocked, giving the walker a key, or providing a gate code. The walker will let themselves in, pick up your dog, and lock up when they leave. During the meet-and-greet, you'll confirm how the walker will access your home and what to do if there's an emergency.

Does Paws Up offer services other than dog walking?

Yes. Paws Up also offers drop-in pet sitting (usually 30 minutes to an hour) where a sitter visits your home to feed your dog, refresh water, and provide bathroom breaks. Some locations also offer overnight pet sitting if you're traveling. Pricing and availability for these services vary, and you can view options in the app.

What if I have a question or problem during a walk?

You can message your walker directly through the app at any time. For urgent issues, call the number listed in your walker's profile. Paws Up also has a support team you can reach through the app's help section, though response times are usually faster if you contact your walker first.