Hound About Town: A Dog Walker and Pet Sitter in Charleston

What Hound About Town offers

Hound About Town is a pet-sitting and dog-walking service based in Charleston that handles daily walks, overnight stays, and drop-in visits for dogs and cats. The service operates throughout Charleston and the surrounding areas, with staff who come to your home rather than requiring you to transport your pet elsewhere. They handle feeding, medication administration, and exercise tailored to your pet's age and energy level.

The business focuses on individual attention—walkers typically take one or two dogs at a time rather than large group walks, which means your dog gets personalized exercise and interaction. For overnight pet-sitting, a caregiver stays in your home or visits multiple times daily, depending on what you arrange. This setup works particularly well if your pet has anxiety about kennels or needs medication on a specific schedule.

Key Takeaways

• Hound About Town sends a caregiver to your home for walks, overnight stays, or drop-in visits, so your pet stays in a familiar environment.
• Dog walkers typically take one or two dogs per outing, meaning your dog receives individual attention rather than being part of a large group.
• The service covers feeding, medication administration, and exercise matched to your pet's needs and temperament.
• You can schedule regular weekly walks, occasional visits, or extended care while you travel, with pricing that varies by service type and frequency.
• Booking happens through their website or phone, and they ask for a meet-and-greet before the first visit so the caregiver can learn your pet's habits and your home setup.

How to book a walk or sitting visit

Start by contacting Hound About Town through their website or phone number to describe what you need—whether that is a daily 30-minute walk, a weekend overnight stay, or a one-time visit while you are away. They will ask about your dog's age, size, temperament, any behavioral quirks, and whether your pet takes medication or has dietary restrictions. This conversation helps them match you with a caregiver who is a good fit.

Before your first appointment, Hound About Town schedules a meet-and-greet at your home. During this visit, the caregiver meets your dog, learns where you keep food and supplies, reviews your pet's routine, and gets a key or learns your access code. This step matters because it lets your dog become comfortable with the person who will be caring for them, and it gives the caregiver a chance to see your home layout and any special instructions you have written down.

Once the meet-and-greet is complete, you can schedule walks or sitting visits through their online booking system or by calling. Many clients set up recurring weekly walks and then add extra visits as needed for travel or schedule changes.

Pricing and service options

Hound About Town charges different rates depending on the type of service. A standard 30-minute dog walk costs less than a full hour, and overnight pet-sitting (where a caregiver stays at your home) costs more than a single drop-in visit. Prices also vary based on how many pets you have and whether your pet requires medication administration or special handling.

If you book walks on a regular schedule—say, three times a week every week—many pet-sitting services offer a discount compared to booking single walks. Ask about their pricing structure when you call, because rates can change based on your neighborhood within Charleston and the specific services you need. Some clients find that a combination of weekly walks plus occasional overnight sitting during travel works best for their budget and their pet's needs.

What to expect during a walk or visit

During a 30-minute walk, the caregiver will take your dog out for exercise and bathroom breaks, typically in your neighborhood or at a nearby park. They will keep your dog on a leash unless you have agreed otherwise, and they will watch for signs of fatigue, overheating, or distress. Most walkers carry water and waste bags, and they will text or call you with updates, especially if something unusual happens.

For overnight pet-sitting, the caregiver arrives at your home in the evening, feeds your pet according to your instructions, takes dogs out for evening and morning walks, and may sleep at your home or visit multiple times throughout the night depending on what you arrange. They will keep your home secure, feed cats or other pets on schedule, and administer any medications. Before you leave, you should leave written instructions about feeding amounts, medication timing, emergency vet contact information, and your own contact details.

Drop-in visits—typically 15 to 30 minutes—work well if you need someone to check on a pet during a workday. The caregiver will let your dog out, provide fresh water, and offer some interaction or a short walk, depending on what you have arranged.

Meeting your caregiver and building trust

The meet-and-greet is your chance to ask questions and see whether you feel comfortable with the person who will be caring for your dog. You can ask about their experience with dogs of your pet's age or size, how they handle behavioral issues, and what they would do in an emergency. A good caregiver will be patient with your questions and will take time to observe how your dog responds to them.

Many clients ask for the same caregiver each time, which builds consistency for the pet. If you have a dog with anxiety or behavioral challenges, this continuity matters—your dog learns to trust one person, and that person learns your dog's specific needs and quirks. If your regular caregiver is unavailable, Hound About Town will send a backup, but you can ask to meet that person beforehand as well.

What to prepare before your first visit

Before the caregiver arrives, make sure your home is secure and that your dog has access to water. Leave out any medications your pet takes, along with clear written instructions on dosage and timing. Write down your vet's name and phone number, your own contact information, and any emergency instructions—for example, if your dog has a history of seizures or allergies, make sure the caregiver knows.

If you have a cat or other pet in addition to your dog, mention that during booking so the caregiver knows to expect them. Leave treats or toys the caregiver can use to build rapport with your pet. If your dog has a favorite walking route or park, mention that too. The more detail you provide, the smoother the first visit will go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Hound About Town care for cats or other pets besides dogs?

Yes, they work with cats and other pets. Mention all the animals in your home when you contact them, and they will include care for each pet in their plan. Overnight sitting often includes feeding and water changes for cats, and some caregivers will play with or give medication to cats as well.

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

The caregiver will contact you immediately. Before your first visit, make sure they have your phone number and your vet's contact information. If you cannot be reached and your dog needs emergency care, most caregivers are authorized to take the pet to an emergency vet clinic and will bill you for the visit. Discuss this scenario during your meet-and-greet so you both understand the plan.

Do I need to be home for the meet-and-greet?

Yes, the meet-and-greet requires you to be present so you can show the caregiver around your home, explain your pet's routine, and hand over keys or access codes. This is also when you can ask questions and watch how your dog reacts to the caregiver. Plan for about 30 minutes for this visit.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule a walk?

Contact Hound About Town as soon as you know you need to change plans. Most services ask for cancellation notice within a certain timeframe—often 24 hours—to avoid a cancellation fee. Check their cancellation policy when you book so you know what to expect.

Can the caregiver give my dog treats or take them to a specific park?

Yes, if you request it. During the meet-and-greet, tell the caregiver which treats your dog can have, which parks you prefer, and any places to avoid. Leave treats at home for the caregiver to use, or ask whether they should bring their own. The more specific you are about your preferences, the better the experience will be for your dog.