Wondering what’s the going rate for a pet sitter or dog sitter in your area? With prices varying widely, it can be tricky to know how much you should budget when you need someone to care for your furry friend. This comprehensive guide breaks down the average pet sitting rates and factors that impact cost, so you can make an informed decision when hiring a sitter.
Pets are part of the family, so making sure they are cared for in your absence brings peace of mind. But with the average pet sitter charging anywhere from $10-$40 per 30-minute visit, or $25-$75+ per overnight stay, pet sitting rates can really add up. Know what to expect to pay before locking in a professional pet sitter or dog walker.
What Impacts the Cost of a Pet Sitter?
Many factors affect what a pet sitter will charge to care for your pet while you’re away. Prices are typically influenced by:
· Type of pet – Dogs usually cost more than cats, small pets or fish. Special needs pets also command higher rates.
· Level of care needed – The more involved the care (medications, exercise, cleanup), the higher the rate.
· Overnight/24-hour care vs short visits – Full-day rates are usually more than a quick 30-minute visit.
· Number of pets – Most pet sitters charge extra per additional pet.
Other considerations like experience, certifications, location and demand also sway price. Weekends, holidays and popular seasons like summer tend to net higher premiums too.
What’s the Going Rate for Pet Sitters?
Pet sitting rates can range widely, but according to the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS), the average pet sitter will charge the following:
· 30-minute dog walking visit: $20 per 30-minute visit ($10-$40 range)
· 30-minute pet visit/check-in: $15 for one pet, $2 per additional pet ($10-$40 range)
· Overnight pet sitting: $40 for one pet, $5 per additional pet ($25-$75 range)
· 24-hour/live-in pet sitting: $100+ per day ($75-$150+ range)
· Weekly or extended pet sitting: May offer discounts from daily drop-in rate
To compare with non-pro rates, Care.com notes that the average cost reported by pet sitters on their platform are $14 per 30-minute visit, $37 for overnight, and $117 per week.
Of course, prices ultimately come down to each individual sitter – whether a full-time professional, part-time hobby sitter or helpful neighbor. lean towards the higher end for certified, bonded and insured pro pet sitters.
What Should You Pay a Dog Sitter or Walker?
For dog-specific care like walks and play, Rover reports average dog sitting rates:
· 30-minute dog walking: $20 per 30-minute walk ($15-$25 typical)
· 60-minute visit: $26 average ($20-$30 typical)
· Overnight dog boarding: $41 average per night ($25-$75+ typical)
Because dogs have more complex care needs like walking, cleanup and training, expect to pay a premium over basic cat care. As noted though, each pet sitter sets prices independently based on experience, services offered and demand.
Skip the Pricey Dog Sitters with WoofConnect
If your jaw dropped at some of the typical dog sitting rates noted here, know there are budget-friendly alternatives to explore before locking in care. One such option is WoofConnect, an app connecting local dog owners for free dog boarding and sitting swap arrangements. Their model pairs dog owners together based on compatible pet temperaments, breeds, ages and care needs. This allows dogs to stay in a home environment with personalized attention, rather than kenneling them during travel stints.
The WoofConnect community operates on a pay-it-forward system, where you agree to host other dogs in exchange for free care for your pooch when needed. Of course, compatibility matching are still key parts of their process. But for those with flexible travel timelines or willing to swap sitting duties, WoofConnect dog boarding could be a cost-effective alternative to budget for.
Tips for Calculating Pet Sitter Cost
Tracking all the influential factors, here are some tips for estimating your pet sitting rates:
· Overnight pet sitting usually starts around $25-30 per night for one pet, plus $5-15 per additional pet. This provides around three 30-minute visits for feeding, play, potty walks and any medications.
· Expect to pay a premium for 24/hour care at $75 per night and up, where the sitter stays on-site overnight with round-the-clock care.
· During major holidays, prices can run $5-20 higher per night due to peak demand.
· If you need a sitter for an extended period of 1-2 weeks, longer-term discounts may apply, but expect to pay $30+ per night.
· For a pet sitter providing daily 30-minute visits, costs run $15-$25 per 30-minute visit depending on care needs and location.
· Sitters routinely charge $5-15 more per additional pet needing care.
· Expect to pay at least 20%+ higher than base rates for puppies, senior pets or special needs care.
Knowing typical pet sitting rates in your area code, use the averages above as a baseline for comparison when hiring a sitter. Just be sure to confirm exactly which services are covered at which rate beforehand. Many pet sitters also offer discounts if you book repeat visits or provide a tip.
With proper care, your pet stays safe and happy while you’re away! Just be sure to research sitter options including experience, background checks and certifications. And don’t hesitate to ask for references to find the best pet sitter match for your needs.
