A BLOG FOR CHARLESTON PET PARENTS 

If you’ve ever come home to find your plants knocked over, a mug shattered, or your cat sitting smugly on the kitchen counter like he pays rent, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, more than once, with my cat, Charlie, who has perfected the art of controlled chaos. Here in Charleston, many indoor cats struggle with boredom, especially during hot summers or rainy weeks when the windows stay closed and the wildlife is just out of reach. Charlie’s always been a curious guy, but a

It’s tempting to think your independent kitty will be just fine on their own for a couple of days. After all, they nap 18 hours a day, right? Just leave out a little extra food and water, scoop the box before you leave, and they’ll hardly notice you’re gone . . . right? Not. So. Fast. While cats may seem low-maintenance compared to their canine counterparts, the truth is that even short absences can cause big stress for your feline friend, and health or behavioral issues can

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

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 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

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,...

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