Who Can Walk Your Dog in South Carolina

Dog walkers in South Carolina range from independent contractors working solo to employees of established pet-care companies, and knowing the difference matters for your dog's safety and your own liability.

When you hire someone to walk your dog, you're entering a relationship with either a self-employed person or a company employee. That distinction affects insurance coverage, background checks, what happens if something goes wrong, and how much you'll pay. South Carolina doesn't require dog walkers to be licensed or certified, so the person showing up at your door could be a teenager earning pocket money or a professional with years of experience and bonded insurance. Understanding who you're hiring—and what protections exist—helps you make a choice that fits your dog and your peace of mind.

Key Takeaways

• Independent dog walkers are self-employed and typically carry their own insurance, but you should ask to see proof before hiring.
• Pet-care companies employ walkers as staff and usually carry liability insurance that covers their employees' work, though coverage limits vary.
• South Carolina has no state licensing requirement for dog walkers, so background checks and experience verification depend entirely on what you ask for.
• Apps like Rover and Wag connect you with walkers but don't employ them; the app provides a platform and some insurance, but the walker is still independent.
• References from past clients and a trial walk before committing to regular service reduce the risk of hiring someone unreliable or unsafe.

Independent Dog Walkers and What They Carry

An independent dog walker is self-employed—they set their own rates, choose their own clients, and work without a company structure behind them. Many are reliable professionals who've built a reputation in their neighborhood or through word-of-mouth. Before you hire one, ask whether they carry liability insurance that covers injury to your dog or damage to property while they're walking. Some do; many don't. If they don't have insurance and your dog is injured or injures someone else during a walk, you may be responsible for the cost.

Ask an independent walker for references from current clients—people who can tell you whether their dog came back safe, on time, and happy. A good walker should be willing to provide at least two or three names and phone numbers. You can also ask how long they've been walking dogs, whether they've had any incidents, and what they'd do in an emergency (a dog getting loose, an injury, a confrontation with another dog). Their answers tell you whether they've thought through the job or are just showing up.

Payment to an independent walker is usually cash or Venmo, and there's no formal contract unless you create one. That flexibility is convenient, but it also means you have fewer protections if something goes wrong. Consider writing a simple agreement that includes your dog's name, the walking schedule, your emergency contact, your vet's number, and what you expect the walker to do if there's a problem.

Pet-Care Companies and Their Employees

A pet-care company employs dog walkers as staff or contractors and typically carries liability insurance that covers the work those walkers do. Companies like local Charleston or Greenville-based pet services, as well as national chains, vet their employees, provide training, and have a business structure that makes them easier to hold accountable if something goes wrong. If a company employee injures your dog or your dog injures someone else, the company's insurance usually covers it—though the amount of coverage and what it includes varies by policy.

When you hire through a company, you get a contract that spells out the service, the cost, cancellation terms, and what happens if there's an incident. The company has a phone number you can call if the walker doesn't show up or if you have a concern. They also typically run background checks on their walkers, though the depth of those checks varies. Ask what screening they do and whether walkers are bonded (meaning they've purchased a bond that protects you if they steal from you or damage your property).

Company rates are usually higher than independent walkers charge, but you're paying for the structure, the insurance, and the accountability. If you have a dog with behavioral issues, anxiety, or health problems, a company may be more reliable because they have systems in place and can swap in a different walker if one isn't working out.

App-Based Walkers and Platform Insurance

Apps like Rover and Wag let you book a dog walker through your phone, but they don't employ the walkers—they're platforms that connect you with independent contractors. The walker sets their own rate, you book through the app, and the app takes a cut. Rover and Wag both offer some insurance coverage, but it's limited and doesn't cover everything. Rover's coverage, for example, includes up to $1 million in liability for injury or property damage, but it doesn't cover theft, loss, or certain types of incidents. Wag's coverage is similar but has different limits and exclusions.

The advantage of using an app is convenience and a built-in review system—you can see ratings from other dog owners who've used the same walker. The disadvantage is that the walker is still independent, so you're relying on the app's vetting process and the reviews. Read the app's insurance policy carefully before you book, and understand what it does and doesn't cover. Ask the walker directly whether they carry their own insurance on top of the app's coverage.

What to Ask Before You Hire

Regardless of whether you're hiring an independent walker or going through a company, ask these questions: How long have you been walking dogs? Do you have liability insurance, and can you show me proof? What's your experience with dogs like mine (size, age, temperament, any health issues)? What do you do if my dog gets loose or is injured? What's your cancellation policy? Can you provide references? How will you communicate with me—text, email, photos?

A good walker will answer these questions directly and won't be offended by asking. They'll also want to meet your dog before the first walk, ask about your dog's habits and any triggers, and confirm your emergency contact and vet information. If someone seems annoyed by questions or vague about their experience, that's a sign to keep looking.

Do a trial walk if possible—have the walker take your dog out once while you're home or nearby, so you can see how they interact with your dog and whether your dog seems comfortable. Pay attention to whether they use a leash, how they handle your dog, and whether they seem attentive or distracted. A walker who's on their phone the whole time or doesn't seem to know how to hold a leash isn't the right fit.

Background Checks and Bonding

South Carolina doesn't require dog walkers to pass a background check or be bonded, so it's up to you to ask. A reputable company or independent walker should be willing to disclose whether they've had a background check and what it showed. Some walkers will have a criminal history that doesn't disqualify them from the job—a misdemeanor from years ago, for example—but you deserve to know what you're getting into.

Bonding is insurance that protects you if the walker steals from you or damages your property. It's not common in the dog-walking industry, but it's worth asking about, especially if you're hiring someone to come into your home while you're not there. A bonded walker has purchased a surety bond, which means if they steal your TV or your dog's expensive medication, you can file a claim and recover the cost (up to the bond limit).

What Happens If Something Goes Wrong

If your dog is injured during a walk, the first step is to get your dog to a vet immediately. Then, depending on who you hired, you'll either contact the walker directly or the company. If you hired an independent walker without insurance, you'll need to decide whether to pursue them for the vet bill—which can be expensive and may require small claims court. If you hired through a company or an app with insurance, you'll file a claim with the insurance and let them handle it.

If your dog injures someone else—bites a person or another dog—the liability falls on you as the dog's owner, not the walker. That's why having your own homeowner's or renter's insurance is important; it usually covers dog-related liability. If the walker was negligent (let your dog off-leash in a public area, for example), you might have a claim against them or their insurance, but that's a separate issue from your liability to the injured party.

Document everything: take photos of your dog before and after walks, keep records of any incidents, and save all communication with the walker or company. If there's a dispute, that documentation will help you prove what happened.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to do a background check on a dog walker myself?

South Carolina doesn't require it, but you can request one. Many independent walkers won't have had a formal background check, so ask directly about their history. If you hire through a company, ask what screening they do. For peace of mind, you can run a background check yourself through a service like Checkr or Instant Checkmate, though that costs money and the walker may not consent.

What if my dog gets loose during a walk?

That's the walker's responsibility. A good walker will have a secure leash, won't let your dog off-leash in unfenced areas, and will know what to do if your dog slips the collar. Ask the walker directly how they'd handle it—would they chase your dog, call you immediately, contact animal control? A prepared walker should have a plan. If your dog is lost because of the walker's negligence, you may have a claim against them or their insurance.

Can a dog walker be held liable if my dog bites someone?

Legally, you as the owner are liable for your dog's actions. However, if the walker was negligent—for example, they let your dog off-leash or ignored warning signs that your dog was about to bite—you might have a claim against them or their insurance for your own costs. The injured person's claim goes against you, not the walker.

Is it cheaper to hire an independent walker or a company?

Independent walkers are usually cheaper because they don't have overhead or insurance costs to pass on. A company charges more, but you're paying for liability insurance, background checks, and accountability. The price difference varies by location and the walker's experience, but expect to pay 20 to 40 percent more for a company.

What should I do if I'm not happy with my dog walker?

Talk to them first—maybe your dog had an off day or there was a miscommunication about the route or schedule. If the problem continues or you don't feel comfortable, stop using them. If you hired through a company or app, you can leave a review and request a different walker. If you hired independently, you can simply find someone else. You don't owe anyone an explanation, but a quick message is professional.