Pet Sitting and Boarding in Charleston

It's no secret that Charlestonians love their pets; in fact, this city was named one of the most pet-friendly places in the nation. Not all destinations are as accommodating to furry travelers, which is why many of Charleston's jet-set families have to find alternative arrangements for their fur-babies while they're away. 

Finding a pet care provider isn't as simple as typing into a search engine and picking the first local dog kennel that pops up. Strict boarding regulations, long waiting lists, temperament tests, and hidden fees are enough to make a pet parent want to cancel their flight and stay home. Don't fret — there are other options for Charleston's dog families! 

In-home dog sitting and boarding can be just as cost-effective as a kennel, especially if you have multiple pups. Private dog sitters and boarders offer a more relaxing atmosphere for your woofer and can minimize the occurrence of stress-induced digestive issues, anorexia, depression, excessive grooming, and self-harm. 

Having regular mental and physical stimulation is essential for a pet's overall wellbeing and can curtail destructive tendencies too. Opting for an in-home dog sitter can ensure Spot stays on that rigid schedule and prevent potty training regression. Another thing that in-home sitters offer that boarding kennels can't are field trips to dog-friendly destinations around town like the Hampton Park Dog Run. 

You're probably wondering how the rates of local dog sitters and dog boarders compare. Luckily, we did some investigating for you!

Average Cost of Dog Boarding in Charleston

Boarding services in the Holy City aren't as expensive as some tourist hotspots, but they aren't cheap either. A small run or kennel starts around $42 during the off-season and $46 from May to September. Holiday visits can tack an extra $5 to $15 per night to their check-out slip, too.

More luxurious Charleston dog boarding options with amenities like cable TV, twin-size beds, themed-rooms, and jazz music will set you back $65 per night. While these opulent doggy suites certainly look pleasant, they aren't necessarily the most comfortable setting. The standard rate typically only covers 3 potty breaks a day and 1 or 2 short stints of playtime. 

Another thing to know about dog boarding services in Charleston is there’s a lot of fine print. Pups who require special care or medical attention may be subject to a $15 "special needs fee" for every day of their stay. Most local dog boarders require a full evaluation before ever accepting a dog into their programs. Despite good intentions, the "meet and greet" test can complicate the process of finding last-minute care. Pick-ups and drop-offs can also be problematic. If you can't make the 9 AM pick up time, most boarders will charge you for a full or partial day of daycare.

Before you start shelling out for cookie-cutter care at dog kennels near you, let's take a look at your other options. Wag! overnight services can connect you with a private in-home dog boarder for just $39 a night. Aside from the optional $15 transportation fee, overnight services through Wag! are all-inclusive, so you don't have to stress about extra expenses to keep Fido comfortable. 

Average Cost of Dog Sitting in Charleston

A local dog sitter is a great option for dogs who prefer to stay on their own turf, but local services can be quite pricey too. The median rate for dog sitters in Charleston is around $12 an hour, which can take a toll on your checkbook for just a 12-hour night out. Even drop-in sitters charge $40 per 1-hour visit, which adds up just as quickly if you consider how many potty breaks Fido needs daily. 

All Charleston dog sitters on the Wag! app have the same $39 nightly rate as the dog boarders — the difference is a sitter will pamper Prissy at your place rather than theirs! The local dog sitters in our network will happily chauffeur your Collie from daycare and bring them back home to play for a $15 transportation fee. 

You won't find hidden charges on your bank statement, either. The transport fee is the only additional charge Wag! implements — and that's only if your pet needs it! The flat-rate covers all the necessities: snacks, snuggling, and playtime for the entirety of the visit. Seriously, who would charge for your precious Fifi for cuddles? 

Dog Boarding in Charleston 

If staying home without you sends Fido into a frenzy, an in-home border might be the perfect solution! When your dog is ready to meet their new best friend, log on to the Wag! app and click "Boarding" from the Overnight Services tab. 

After punching in your fur-baby's info, you'll arrange the boarding time, answer some open-ended questions like "Where does your pup like to sleep?” Use the "food or medication requests" section to alert the boarder about any daily medications or food sensitivities. Next comes the boarder selection process. 

As you scroll through the local listings, read up on each boarder's background and note their success score. Once Fido points out their favorite, use the chat option to discuss the details of your pet's stay directly with the boarder. Caregivers on the Wag! platform can accommodate special requests and needs, and many have certifications in canine CPR.

We know being away from your fur-babies can be tough, which is why boarders in our network are happy to oblige you with pictures and videos of your furbaby anytime you need a puppy pick-me-up! Vacations are a lot more enjoyable when you know your puppy pal is having a great time too. 

Dog Sitting in Charleston

If your pooch’s idea of a good time is staying in, watching movies, and cuddling, then a dog sitter might be your best bet! Finding one is simple. Just log into the Wag! app, type in your pet's info, and follow the prompts. Once you're into the main menu, tap Overnight Services then "Sitting" to schedule your pup’s sitter.  

Sitters on the Wag! platform come from a variety of backgrounds and have both personal and professional experience in animal care. Specialties of some sitters in our network include working with senior dogs and caring for those with behavioral issues, diabetes, and anxiety.

It's no coincidence that 95% of Wag! customers leave a 5-star rating. Wag! goes to great lengths to ensure the sitters on our platform are right for our furry clientele, and all applicants undergo an extensive interview process and background check before entering our database.

Whether your pup likes to luxuriate on the sofa or prefers long walks on the beach, local dog sitters with Wag! can make your pup's staycay dreams a reality. Download the Wag! app and let us put you in touch with a top-rated sitter who will love Digger (almost) as much you do!