Pet Sitting & Walking Services in Columbia, SC
At Masters' Guild, we provide professional pet sitting and walking services to ensure your pets receive the care, attention, and exercise they need. Whether you’re away for a short trip or require regular walks for your dog, our experienced pet sitters and walkers are here to help. With us, your furry friends are in safe and loving hands.
Pet Sitting and Walking in Columbia, SC: Drop-in visit (30 min) typically runs $20–$35 USD in 2026; the other common jobs below range from $20 to $460, depending mostly on number and length of visits. Post your job free on Masters' Guild to get offers from ID-verified local pros; payment is held until the work is done.
What pet sitting and walking costs in Columbia, SC (2026)
| Job | Typical range (USD) | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Drop-in visit (30 min) | $20–$35 | per visit |
| Dog walk (30 min) | $20–$30 | per visit |
| Overnight sitting (sitter's home) | $70–$140 | per night |
| Full-day care (multiple visits, meds, playtime) | $30–$95 | per day |
| Vacation week (2 visits/day) | $260–$460 | per job |
Estimates: typical US ranges adjusted for Columbia's regional price level (about 6% below the national average; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024, all items, Columbia SC MSA). Get two or three quotes for your exact job.
Our Pet Sitting & Walking Expertise in Columbia, SC
Our Pet Sitting & Walking Expertise
Personalized Pet Sitting Services
Every pet has unique needs, and our pet sitting services are tailored to meet them. From feeding and playtime to providing companionship, we ensure your pets are happy and well-cared-for while you’re away.
Professional Dog Walking
Keep your dog active and healthy with our professional dog walking services. Our walkers ensure your pet gets the exercise and attention they need, whether it’s a brisk walk around the block or an extended outdoor adventure.
Flexible Scheduling
We offer flexible scheduling to fit your busy lifestyle. Whether you need daily dog walks, occasional pet sitting, or last-minute assistance, our services are designed for your convenience.
Affordable & Transparent Pricing
Our competitive and transparent pricing ensures you know the cost upfront. No hidden fees—just reliable care for your beloved pets.
Why Choose Masters' Guild for Pet Care?
- Trusted Professionals: Our carefully vetted sitters and walkers are experienced in pet care, ensuring your pets are safe and happy.
- Tailored Services: We customize our services to meet the unique needs of your pets.
- Convenient Booking: Easily schedule pet care services through our user-friendly app.
- Reliable & Caring: We treat your pets like our own, offering the love and attention they deserve.
Get Started Today!
Post your Pet Care Quest through our app and connect with trusted sitters and walkers. Whether it’s pet sitting or dog walking, Masters' Guild ensures your furry friends are well cared for while you’re away.
Pet Sitting & Walking Services We Offer
Masters' Guild provides a variety of pet care solutions tailored to your needs:
- Pet Sitting: Personalized care for your pets in the comfort of their own home.
- Dog Walking: Regular walks to keep your dog active, healthy, and happy.
- Playtime & Exercise: Engaging activities to ensure your pets stay entertained.
- Flexible Scheduling: Book services as needed, from one-time visits to daily care.
- Mobile-Friendly Platform: Easily book, track, and manage your pet care services through our app.
What's different about pet sitting and walking in Columbia
Columbia has hot, humid summers (average July high ~91°F/33°C) and mild winters (average January low ~34°F/1°C); annual precipitation runs ~46-49 inches with roughly 1-3 inches of snow, occasional freeze-thaw cycles, high summer humidity, and periodic remnant-hurricane rainfall/flooding (e.g., Oct 2015).
About 40% of Columbia's housing stock predates 1970 (9.8% built 1939 or earlier, 30.5% from 1940-1969), 28.3% from 1970-1999, and 31.4% built 2000 or later; single-family detached homes are 49.5% of units and apartments 33.4%, with only 45.5% owner-occupied reflecting the large University of South Carolina renter population.
What moves the price in Columbia
- Number and length of visits (60-min visits add 50-75% over the 30-min base rate)
- Overnight in-home stays vs. quick drop-ins (overnight is the premium tier)
- Extra pets (+$5-15/visit), holidays/summer weeks (+$10-25 surcharge)
- Medication or injections, and other special-needs care
- Professional/insured/certified sitter vs. informal or hobby sitter
- Metro vs. small-town location (rates 20-30% lower outside major cities)
Licensing and permits in South Carolina
Pet sitting and dog walking are largely unlicensed trades in the US and Canada; look for sitters who carry liability insurance/bonding and pet first-aid certification, and treat overnight in-home care as requiring a higher trust bar (background check, references, key handling) than a licensed trade would.
Residential building permits in South Carolina are issued by the local city or county building/code enforcement department (not the state); requirements vary somewhat by jurisdiction, so confirm with the local office. In Columbia, permits come from the City of Columbia Planning & Development, Development Center (Building Permits).
Tax: Pure labor-only services are generally not taxable, but for construction/repair contractors SCDOR treats separately-stated, reasonable installation/repair labor as non-taxable while materials and any labor not clearly broken out on the invoice can be swept into the taxable sale — always ask for a proposal that itemizes labor vs. materials.
Best time to book in Columbia
July and August are peak vacation season and holiday weekends also surge; book 3-4 weeks ahead in busy cities for summer or major holidays. Peak demand: July and August. Typical job length: 30 min per visit; overnight jobs run nightly; a vacation-coverage job typically spans 5-7 days.
DIY or pro? A trusted neighbor or friend can informally cover feeding/walks for short trips, but hire an insured, background-checked professional for overnight stays, medication administration, or trips longer than a few days.
Areas we cover in Columbia
Pros on Masters' Guild take pet sitting and walking jobs across Columbia neighborhoods including Shandon, Old Shandon, Rosewood, Five Points, Devine Street, Elmwood Park, Earlewood and Olympia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does pet sitting and walking cost in Columbia, SC?
Drop-in visit (30 min) typically runs $20–$35 USD for Columbia homeowners, and dog walk (30 min) $20–$30. Local prices are about 6% below the national average.
What should I check before hiring for pet sitting and walking in Columbia?
Pet sitting and dog walking are largely unlicensed trades in the US and Canada; look for sitters who carry liability insurance/bonding and pet first-aid certification, and treat overnight in-home care as requiring a higher trust bar (background check, references, key handling) than a licensed trade would.
When is the best time to book pet sitting and walking in Columbia?
July and August are peak vacation season and holiday weekends also surge; book 3-4 weeks ahead in busy cities for summer or major holidays.
Sources: Our Pet Sitting and Walking cost guide. Updated 2026-09-02.
We Also Serve These Nearby Satellite Cities
In addition to Columbia, SC, we also offer Pet Sitting and Walking in nearby areas, including the following satellite cities:
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Lexington, SC
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West Columbia, SC
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Cayce, SC
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Irmo, SC
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Blythewood, SC
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Forest Acres, SC