Dog Sitting Rates (See What The Average Cost Is)

Running a pet care business means finding the right balance with your pricing. Charge too little and you’ll struggle to cover expenses and make it worth your time. Charge too much and you might lose clients to more affordable competitors.

Setting fair rates that reflect the value of your services while remaining competitive in your area is essential for building a sustainable pet sitting business. This guide breaks down average rates, key pricing factors, and how to determine what you should charge for your pet care services.

Average Pet Sitting Rates 

The average rate for a dog sitter is;
$19 per 15-minute visit
$25 per 30-minute visit,
$32 per 60-minute visit.
For overnight pet sitting, the average is between $30 to $85. 

These rates can vary significantly based on your location, experience level, and the specific services you provide. Some clients may also request additional tasks like bringing in mail, watering plants, or taking out garbage.

What Does a Pet Sitter Do?

A pet sitter provides care for animals while their owners are away. The level of care varies depending on the pet’s needs and the owner’s preferences. Some pets need just one daily visit, while others require multiple check-ins or overnight care.

A typical pet sitting visit includes:

• Walking the dog or providing exercise
• Feeding and providing fresh water
• Administering medications if needed
• Cleaning litter boxes or cages
• Playing and providing companionship
• Basic home security checks

Price Factors for Dog Sitting

When calculating your daily rate or hourly rate for house sitting, it’s important to consider these various factors: 

Location

Your geographic area significantly impacts what you can charge. Pet sitters in major cities with high costs of living typically charge more than those in smaller towns or rural areas. Factor in travel time and gas costs if clients live far from you or in high-traffic areas that require longer commutes.

Time and Frequency

Different pets need different levels of care. A low-maintenance cat might only need a quick 15-minute visit for feeding and litter box cleaning. An active dog may need a full hour for exercise and play.

Consider how many visits per day are required. A single drop-in visit while the owner is at work costs less than multiple daily visits or overnight care when they’re traveling. Some puppies, elderly dogs, or pets with medical needs may require 24-hour supervision, which commands premium rates.

Clarify whether you’ll stay at the client’s home or bring their pet to your place for overnight services, as this affects your pricing structure.

Responsibilities 

Tasks beyond standard pet care should be priced accordingly. These might include:

• Transporting pets to vet appointments or grooming
• Administering complex medications or treatments
• Bathing or grooming
• Caring for pets with behavioral issues or special needs
• Training or working with reactive dogs

If a pet is aggressive, has severe anxiety, or is difficult to handle, charge more than your base rate to reflect the additional challenge and potential risk.

Number of Pets 

Having to care for more than one pet will take extra time and effort.

As a result, you should be charging more. Most dog sitters will charge an extra $5 per visit for each additional pet. Caring for multiple pets requires extra time and effort. Most pet sitters add $5 to $10 per additional pet per visit. Make sure your pricing reflects the actual time needed to properly care for each animal.Having to care for more than one pet will take extra time and effort.

As a result, you should be charging more. Most dog sitters will charge an extra $5 per visit for each additional pet. 

Holidays 

Charging holiday rates during Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year’s, and other major holidays is standard practice in the industry for house sitting services. Demand increases significantly during these periods, and you’re sacrificing your own holiday time. A 25-50% holiday surcharge is reasonable and expected.

Experience 

Your background, expertise and house sitting references can justify higher rates. Highlight special qualifications such as:

• Pet first aid and CPR certification
• Professional dog training experience
• Veterinary assistant background
• Years of pet sitting experience
• Excellent reviews and references
• Specialized knowledge (senior pet care, medical needs, specific breeds)

Experienced sitters with proven track records can charge premium rates compared to those just starting out.

Cancellation Policy 

Every pet sitting business needs a clear cancellation policy. Last-minute cancellations mean lost income and missed opportunities with other clients who needed your services.

A fair cancellation policy might include:

• Full refund for cancellations made 7+ days in advance
• 50% refund for cancellations made 3-6 days in advance
• No refund for cancellations made less than 48 hours before service
• No refund for same-day cancellations

Make sure clients understand and agree to your policy before booking.

It’s Okay to Say No

Not all clients will be a great fit for your pet sitting services. Some clients will look to haggle on price, while others may be difficult to work with. 

Consider saying no to the client under the following circumstances: 

• The client is unwilling to pay full price for your pet sitting services 
• The client lives over an hour away from you 
• Upon meeting the pet, they seem overly aggressive 

Turning down business can be difficult. But remember, one bad client can hurt your reputation. Bad reviews stick around for a long time, and word can spread quickly.

Getting Started with New Clients

Always schedule a meet and greet before agreeing to a booking. This initial consultation helps you:

• Meet the pet and assess their temperament
• Tour the home and locate supplies
• Discuss the client’s specific needs and expectations
• Provide an accurate cost estimate
• Determine if it’s a good fit for both parties

This meeting is essential for setting clear expectations and ensuring you can provide the level of care the pet needs.

Final Thoughts

Pet sitting is rewarding work for animal lovers, whether you’re building a full-time business or earning extra income. The key to success is charging rates that fairly compensate you for your time, effort, and expertise while remaining competitive in your market.

Don’t undervalue your services. Professional pet care requires responsibility, reliability, and genuine commitment to animal welfare. Price your services accordingly, communicate clearly with clients, and build a business that’s both profitable and sustainable.