A BLOG FOR CHARLESTON PET PARENTS 

Bringing home a new dog is always emotional, but adopting one who spent nearly three months in a shelter? That’s something else entirely. There’s joy, uncertainty, stress, and hope all tangled together in those early days. This is the story of Maggie’s first week with us and what we learned from welcoming her into our home. How We Found Maggie We first saw Maggie (formerly known as Becca) on the Dorchester Paws website. Her bio mentioned she had spent time with children, othe

Bringing a new dog home is one of life’s greatest joys. But let’s be honest, it is also a big shift, especially for your new pup and any pets already living in your home. A thoughtful introduction helps everyone feel safe, secure, and comfortable right from the start. Whether you are adopting a puppy, fostering a rescue, or welcoming a second or third dog into your pack, these seven tips will help create a smooth transition for your new dog, your current pets, and your entire

Finding pet care you can truly trust is harder than it should be. You’re not just hiring someone to let the dog out or top off the food and water, you’re trusting them with a member of your family. And in a city like Charleston, where options are plenty but consistency isn’t, that decision can feel like a leap of faith. If you’ve ever felt uneasy booking a pet sitter or struggled to find a dependable dog walker, you’re not alone. When you’re juggling a full calendar, a high-e

Why Sniffing Matters More Than Miles Dogs experience the world through scent, not sight. Their sense of smell is tens of thousands of times stronger than ours. Where you see a tree, your dog smells a detailed story of who’s been there and what they were doing. Sniffing provides: Mental enrichment: Sniffing challenges your dog’s brain in ways physical movement alone cannot. Stress relief: It lowers heart rate and helps dogs self-soothe. Confidence building: Especially helpf

Looking for something fun to do with your dog this season? Whether you’re a longtime local or new to the Lowcountry, Charleston is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the country, and there’s no shortage of dog-friendly things to do in Charleston SC for pups who love adventure and people who love spending time outdoors. From scenic waterfront trails and historic gardens to pet-welcoming patios and sandy paws at sunrise, this city is packed with places to explore with your

Handing over the leash, or the litter scoop, is a big deal for any Charleston pet parent. You’re not just looking for someone to “stop by” and feed your pets or let your dog out. You’re looking for someone you can trust to love, protect, and understand your four-legged family member as much as you do. At Paws Up!, we get it. Pet care is deeply personal. That’s why we’ve built a thorough training program that blends hands-on experience, expert guidance, and a whole lot of loca

Set Your Pets Up for Success with a Calm, Confident Introduction Adding a kitten to your home? Get ready for big energy, adorable chaos, and a few adjustment moments along the way. Whether you're welcoming your very first feline or expanding your existing feline family, introductions matter.  A calm, thoughtful approach sets the tone for trust and long-term harmony between your new kitten and your resident pet(s). Here’s how to help your pets start strong and avoid unnecessar

The school year is about to slam back into gear across Charleston – early alarms, carpool chaos, packed afternoons, and homework marathons. But while you're juggling your new routine, there’s one family member who’s about to get seriously confused: your dog. Summer’s been all about playtime, snuggles, and constant company. Then, seemingly overnight, the house is quiet and the humans are gone. Your pup’s like, “ Wait... did I miss a memo? ” As your trusted dog walker in Charle

If your dog loses their mind every time they see a stroller, skateboard, or schnauzer, it’s not just frustrating—it’s a sign they need better socialization! Socialization isn’t a “nice to have”; it’s a must-have. It’s the secret to raising a calm, confident, well-behaved pup who doesn’t turn every outing into a circus. Especially here in Charleston, where patios, parks, and dog-friendly events are basically a lifestyle! So how do you raise a dog who can handle it all? Whether

If your dog hates fireworks, you’re not alone. And you’re not overreacting by preparing ahead. Here in Charleston, 4th of July celebrations rarely stay confined to a single night. Fireworks start days in advance and often continue well into the weekend. From neighborhood cul-de-sacs to downtown rooftops, the booms can happen anywhere, at any time. For pets, that unpredictability is terrifying. Every year, shelters across the country see a spike in lost pets over the July 4th

A Charleston Pet Parent’s Guide to Smooth, Stress-Free Travel When it’s time to head out of town, whether for a weekend getaway or a longer trip, you want your pets to feel secure, comfortable, and cared for. That’s where your professional pet sitter comes in. At Paws Up!, we’re here to be your pet’s trusted companion while you’re away, but a smooth visit starts with a little preparation. Here’s how to get everything ready before your sitter arrives. 1. Update Your Pet Profil

At Paws Up!, we know that your pets are family. Whether you're scheduling daily dog walks, cat care visits, or in-home pet sitting, our...

When Charleston’s summer heat hits hard, outdoor adventures with your dog can quickly become unsafe. But that doesn’t mean your pup has to be bored or restless inside! With a little creativity, you can turn those hot days into enriching indoor experiences that keep your dog happy, healthy, and mentally stimulated. Here are our favorite games and activities to try when it’s just too hot to head outdoors plus essential summer safety tips for local pet parents. Fun Indoor Dog Ga

If you’re reading this, chances are you already adore your pup and want to give them the best life possible. And one of the simplest,...

When the temps start to climb and watermelons show up at every cookout and picnic, it’s only natural to wonder, “Can my dog have a bite...

Living in the Lowcountry means sunshine, sweet tea, and . . . hurricane season. As pet parents in Charleston, we know that storms aren’t...

If you work long hours, whether you're commuting to the office or working from home, you know how tough it can be to give your dog the...

If you're a Charleston-area pet parent, you know a tired dog is a happy dog, and there's no better way to burn off that zoomie energy...

Looking for spots where you can grab a bite or sip a coffee with your pup? Charleston has no shortage of dog-welcoming patios and...

Looking for the perfect trail to explore with your dog? Whether you’re after a quiet neighborhood path or a long scenic hike,...