Are you wondering what pet sitters charge?
Several factors determine the average rates of pet care.
Who will have the best pet sitting services for you?
Your pet sitting needs may require a higher level of care. Look at your needs to determine which pet sitter is a good fit.
Read this guide to help you decide how much to spend for your needs.
Table of Contents
What Do Pet Sitters Do?
First, let’s establish what pet sitters do. While most professionals offer different services, there are a few common expectations.
Sitters who work by the hour will often tend to a pet’s basic needs.
During a 15-minute visit, the sitter might talk to the dog for a short walk, administer medication or fill up the water bowl.
They can also make sure the pet has food and a chance to use the bathroom.
A 60-minute visit would also include exercise and maybe even some grooming.
Many sitters also offer additional services if you have other needs.
How Much Do Pet Sitters Charge Per Hour?
The average 30-minute drop-in is about $25.
That sounds like a lot, but remember that the sitter spends more than 30 minutes on your pet.
They may spend 20 minutes commuting or preparing to meet their pets.
Hourly rates should cover their time traveling as well as gas mileage.
The average hourly rate is $32. Daily rates average about $30 and overnight rates average $80.
However, many factors determine rates.
What Factors Into Pet Sitting Rates?
Location is a huge factor. Pet sitters in cities often have more competitive rates than those in rural areas.
In places with a higher cost of living, the average cost of a professional pet sitter will be higher.
The experience and skill levels of pet sitters also determine their rates.
A rookie sitter will have low rates compared to a long-time professional.
Many people may pet sit as a hobby. More affordable rates often correlate with less professional service.
If you have multiple pets or pets with higher needs, you may have additional costs.
The extra cost will improve the quality of service. Instead of an hourly rate, you may notice that your invoice includes a $10 injection or a $15 short notice fee.
The time of the year also plays a role in the price.
When more people are traveling, sitters can increase their rates. The standard rate during January is usually lower than most holiday rates.
In addition to the cost of living, your sitter will also need to pay pet sitting insurance and taxes. These are all things that may raise their rates.
When someone is offering a service, it is important to pay them what they’re worth.
How To Find A Pet Sitter
Now that you know the average rates, how can you find a responsilbe pet sitter?
The easiest way to find a trustworthy pet sitter is to use an online platform. Trusted Housesitters is one of the most popular websites for this.
However, if you only need someone to check in on your pets, there are better options. PetSitter and Rover are two popular websites for pet care services.
Many of these platforms require background checks and certain qualifications. This will ensure that your pet is in good hands.
Different websites may have different fees. The extra money goes a long way to ensure that you are hiring the best sitters available.
Communication With Pet Sitters
The most important thing to keep in mind when hiring a pet sitter is to have open communication.
The more you talk with the pet sitter, the more likely they will exceed your expectations.
House Sitting Instructions
You need to leave your house sitter with comprehensive instructions.
That way you set them up for success.
Here is a free printable pet sitter template. It will ensure your home and animals are looked after as you want.
Ensure They All The Supplies They Need
Another thing to keep in mind is that your pet is still your responsibility. Make sure the pet sitter has everything they need to care for your pet.
Leave extra food and supplies. Write notes to remind them about medication or where to find fresh water.
Put all the pet supplies in a convenient location out of the pet’s reach.
This will ensure that the sitter can spend more time caring for the dog than looking for the supplies.
Go Over Your Expectations
By going over all your expectations, you will set the sitter and your pet up for success!
Should You Tip?
Some people may tip the sitter 15%, cover travel costs, or leave them money. This is unnecessary through most sitting platforms.
However, tips go a long way to let the sitter know you appreciate them. And if you think you may run out of food, it doesn’t hurt to leave some money.
There are many things to consider when hiring a pet sitter. If you pay a fair rate, you will probably have a good experience.
If you prepare your sitter for success, you will probably have excellent service!
Author: Britt
I am Britt. I have been house-sitting and pet-sitting for the past seven years. I have cared for 25 dogs, 35 cats, one turtle, and one rabbit over 80+ houses in 15 countries.
The opportunity to experience different homes, cultures, and communities has been extraordinary.
I’ve connected with homeowners seeking reliable sitters through house-sitting platforms like Aussie House Sitters and Trusted House Sitters. This unique way of living has allowed me to save money on accommodation, explore new cultures, and meet new people.
Being a member of these platforms has broadened my horizons and opened doors to short- and long-term house-sitting jobs. I’ve found joy in providing excellent pet care and ensuring the home is well-maintained.
I get many questions about how to start as a housesitter, so please reach out if you have any questions! I want everyone to enjoy this incredible lifestyle as well!
You can read more about Jay and me here!
Or connect with me on Facebook or in our house-sitting community on Facebook.
