How Paws Up! Delivers Five-Star Pet Care with Expert Training in Charleston, SC
- Kimberly Layman
- Oct 4
- 5 min read
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 local Charleston know-how. We don’t just show up, we show up prepared, professional, and ready to provide care that goes the extra mile.
Week 1: Building the Foundation
Before any team member sets foot in a client’s home, they start with the Paws Up! way: professional, reliable, and always pet-first.
Thorough Background Checks
Your peace of mind is non-negotiable. Every new hire passes a comprehensive background check before training begins.
Living Our Values
During orientation, we dig into what makes us Paws Up!: comfort, compassion, and community. We don’t just say it, we live it, whether we’re on a long walk or cleaning up a “surprise” in the living room.
Policies, Protocols, and Pet Care Basics
From secure key handling and pet safety to communication and emergency procedures, we cover every detail that keeps your pets safe and your mind at ease.
Professional Online Certification
Each new team member completes a curated training program as well as ongoing continuing education courses through PetSitPro, including:
Dog walking and equipment fundamentals
Safe handling techniques
Fear free medication administration
Cat body language
Canine behavior and communication
Dog Body Language Expertise
We go further with a specialized Dog Body Language Course taught by a certified professional trainer to ensure our walkers and sitters can read subtle signs of stress, excitement, or discomfort and respond with calm, capable care.
Shadowing and Hands-On Experience
Trainees join experienced team members (including yours truly) for real visits. They learn how to adapt to different pets, personalities, and home setups while maintaining the highest safety and care standards.
Week 2 and Beyond: Refinement, Specialization, and Real-World Practice
Once the basics are mastered, we take training up a notch.
Mentored Field Visits
Trainees work directly with our experienced Charleston dog walkers and cat care team members, gaining insight into animal behavior, home dynamics, and client expectations.
Communication Training
From sending adorable photo updates to quickly flagging concerns, we train our team to keep pet parents in the loop at all times.
Bite Prevention and Safe Handling
Our bite prevention module teaches how to recognize red flags, manage reactive pets, and handle tense situations, while keeping pets (and people) safe, even in unpredictable moments.
Dog and Cat Fluency
We train in both canine and feline care – from managing leash reactivity to coaxing even the shyest cat out for a cuddle.
Final Evaluation and Certification
Only those who pass our final assessment, covering knowledge, skill, and professionalism, officially join the Paws Up! Charleston team.
Ongoing Training for Continued Excellence
We don’t stop at “good enough.” The Paws Up! team has continuous access to updated training modules and monthly courses and industry best practices, so your pets always get the best care possible.
Why Charleston Pet Parents Choose Paws Up!
Our training program is designed to create confident, capable, and compassionate professionals who understand both pets and people. Whether you’re in Downtown Charleston, North Charleston, Hanahan, Park Circle, Goose Creek, or Ladson, you can count on us for:
Clear communication every time
Professional, enrichment-based care
Local, caring, dependable service you can count on
From daily dog walks to vacation cat care, we show up prepared, passionate, and pet-first – every single time!
Frequently Asked Questions About Paws Up! Training and Care
How does Paws Up! train dog walkers and pet sitters in Charleston?
New hires complete a multi-step program that includes background checks, orientation on values and safety protocols, PetSitPro online certification, a Dog Body Language Course taught by a certified trainer, shadowing with senior team members, and a final skills assessment.
What certifications do Paws Up! caregivers have?
Team members complete curated PetSitPro coursework in dog walking and equipment, safe handling, customer service, feline body language, and canine behavior, plus a specialized Dog Body Language Course led by a certified professional trainer.
How long is the training before a sitter walks my dog or visits my cat?
Week 1 covers foundation training and supervised shadowing. Week 2 focuses on mentored field visits, bite prevention, communication, and dog and cat fluency. Only after passing a final evaluation do caregivers serve clients.
Are Paws Up! sitters background checked and insured?
Yes. Every team member passes a comprehensive background check before training begins, and Paws Up! operates as a professional, insured pet care company.
How does Paws Up! handle emergencies during a visit?
We follow a clear protocol: assess and stabilize, contact the client, contact the veterinarian on file or an emergency clinic if needed, document actions taken, and provide timely updates.
How do you prevent bites or manage reactive dogs on walks?
Training includes bite prevention, equipment checks, route planning, and safe handling techniques, plus dedicated dog body language training taught by a certified trainer. Caregivers learn to read stress signals, recognize red flags, and adjust quickly.
What communication can I expect after each visit?
You receive timely visit notes with photos, behavior observations, feeding or medication confirmations, and any concerns that need your attention.
Can Paws Up! administer medications or support special needs pets?
Yes. We can administer oral medications and certain topical treatments, follow specific routines, and support seniors, shy pets, and reactive dogs. Details are set during your consultation.
Do the same people always care for my pet, or do you work as a team?
We work as a trained team. Any caregiver who serves your home has completed the same training, follows the same protocols, and uses shared care plans and notes so service stays consistent.
Which areas do you serve in the Charleston region?
We serve Downtown Charleston, North Charleston, Park Circle, Hanahan, Goose Creek, and Ladson. If you are nearby and unsure, contact us to confirm availability.
Experience the Paws Up! Difference
When you choose Paws Up!, you’re not getting “just a dog walker” or “just a cat sitter”. You’re getting a trained, trusted professional who treats your pets like family and shows up ready to deliver five-star care every time.
Schedule your New Client Consultation today or contact us with questions. We’re here to make your days easier and your pets’ lives happier: one tail wag, purr, and paw shake at a time.
With Paws Up!, your dogs will get the exercise they need, your cats will get the care they deserve, and you’ll get total peace of mind.
