Pet Sitting Prices
How much does Pet Sitting Prices cost?
Pet sitters charge $20-$40 a day on average, depending on the services involved. The average cost of a 30-minute visit is $25, while overnight pet-sitting costs $75-$85. Pet sitters will often charge more for 24-hour care, additional pets, and services provided on holidays. Pet-sitting services are available for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, rabbits, fish and other household animals. Services generally occur at the clients home, and pet sitters either provide ongoing pet care for busy pet owners or as a one-time or short-term service as needed. Services may involve a series of visits to care for an animal in the home, either once a day or multiple times per day, or pet sitters may stay overnight at the clients home while theyre away.
- #what-does-a-pet-sitter-do?'>What Does a Pet Sitter Do?
- #overnight-pet-sitting-rates'>Overnight Pet Sitting Rates
- #additional-costs'>Additional Costs
- #how-to-choose-a-pet-sitter'>How to Choose a Pet Sitter
- #video:-spotlight-on-a-top-rated-pet-sitter'>Video: Spotlight on a Top Rated Pet Sitter
What Does a Pet Sitter Do?
According to Pet Sitters International, pet sitting is characterized by in-home care for a pet while the owner is away. Pet sitters visit their clients homes either once per day or multiple times per day to provide exercise, offer fresh food and water, change litter boxes, clean out cages, administer medications and provide companionship. Visits vary in length, with longer visits costing more. Pet Sitting in Frisco, Texas, charges $17 for a 30-minute visit. & Boo Pet Concierge Plus in Oceanside, California, charges $25 for a 30-minute visit, $28 for 45 minutes and $32 for a 60 minutes.
These are the most commonly requested pet sitting services on Thumbtack
- Giving food and water
- Taking pet outside
- Providing companionship
- Changing litter or bedding
- Providing exercise
- Dispensing medication
- TackTip: Many pet sitters will complete small errands, such as collecting mail, watering plants, taking out trash, and checking windows and doors for security, in addition to the above pet sitting services.
Overnight Pet Sitting Rates
Some pet sitters offer overnight services for pet owners on vacation or those who are otherwise away and dont want their pet to be alone. Costs are higher than for a drop-in visit because the client has exclusive use of the pet sitters time. Some pet sitters include housesitting services such as bringing in the mail, safety checking the home and taking garbage to the curb. Pet Sitting charges $50 per night for overnight services. & Boo Pet Concierge Plus charges $85 for a 10-hour overnight stay and $100 for a 12-hour overnight stay.
| Length of sitting | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 30 minutes | $25 |
| 60 minutes | $32 |
| Overnight | $75-$85 |
Additional Costs
Most pet sitters have standard rates for the pet sitting services they offer, and will charge extra for additional services, such as 24-hour care, additional pets, and long-distance travel to the client's home.
24-hour care
Some animals, such as puppies, kittens, sick or elderly animals, or pets recovering from surgery, may require more attention and care. Some pet sitters offer around the clock pet-sitting, and costs are generally higher because this service requires the full attention of the pet sitter. & Boo Pet Concierge Plus charges $200 for 24-hour pet care.
Additional pets
Many pet sitters base their rates on caring for just one or two animals and typically charge more for more animals. The added cost covers the extra time and effort required to care for the additional animals. Pet Sitting charges $5 for each additional animal for drop-in visits as well as for overnight services.
Location
Pet sitters in large cities and regions with a higher cost of living typically have higher rates for services than those living in rural areas or small towns. In addition, sitters required to travel in areas with high volumes of traffic and congestion may charge higher rates to cover the additional time and transportation expenses involved in getting to and from clients homes.
Holidays
Many pet sitters charge an additional fee for services provided on holidays.
How to Choose a Pet Sitter
- Have a clear understanding of why youre looking for a pet sitter. This will help the pet sitter give you advice as to how much time he or she should spend with your pet and how to spend that time. After all, some pets just need a 15 minute potty break whereas others need a full two hour adventure.
- Arrange a meet and greet. Make sure your pet is comfortable around this person by checking out your pets body language and observing how the sitter interacts with your pet. This is also a good time to show the pet sitter around your home, and go over where essential items like towels and treats are located.
- Check their references. Ask for references and find out if the pet sitter is licensed and insured.
- Ask logistical questions. Whats the contingency plan if you cant make it? Whats your cancellation policy? What will you do if my pet becomes injured or ill? How do you prefer to be paid?
TackTip: Ask the pet sitter to leave a note every single time they come to confirm that he or she actually was there, and relay any information, like if your dog peed, but didnt poop.
Video: Spotlight on a Top Rated Pet Sitter
Voices of Independence: Kate O'Neal's Thumbtack Review
Video: Kate at Feathers and Tails Hideaway explains why she joined Thumbtack as a pet sitter