Finding a pet sitter1 is an important task. The person should be reliable and someone you can trust with your pet while you’re away. Maybe you work long hours, or perhaps you’re on vacation or a work trip. Many scenarios cause pet parents to seek reliable pet sitters, but how much does it cost? Is it expensive?
Pet sitting rates vary depending on where you live and how much time the sitter is spending with your pet, but the average rate is between $16 and $42 per visit. Join us in the quest to discover how much you should pay for petting sitting charges per hour and per day. Knowing this valuable information will help you find someone trustworthy rather than someone trying to rip you off. After all, you’re paying for someone to look after your beloved pet!
The Importance of a Pet Sitter
Some people work long hours, and your pet needs to be turned out at some point, especially if you have a dog. Pet boarding is usually expensive, and if you can find someone to be with your pet while you’re away, the less stress your pet will experience. Your pet will get love, attention, and playtime, all while staying in their familiar and comfortable environments.
A perk of hiring a pet sitter is you don’t have to bug your family, friends, or neighbors to watch your pet. A professional pet sitter will be equipped with the knowledge of what to do in an emergency, and you can rest assured that your pet will be well taken care of.
How Much Does a Pet Sitter Cost?
The national average for a dog sitter is $31 for a 30-minute walking session. The national average for 30-minute cat-sitting services is roughly $23. Some pet sitters charge $12 per hour, and some charge $20–$30 per day. However, prices may vary depending on where you live, what type of pet you have, and what services you need.
You’ll find a chart below to give you a better idea of what you can expect to pay in different regions of the U.S. for pet sitting services.
| 15 Minutes | 30 Minutes | 45 Minutes | 60 Minutes | |
| California | $19 | $32 | $34 | $42 |
| Minnesota | $18 | $24 | $31 | $40 |
| North Carolina | $19 | $23 | $27 | $36 |
| North Florida | $18 | $20 | $31 | $37 |
| Washington State | $16 | $33 | $33 | $37 |
| Utah | $17 | $28 | $30 | $36 |
Source: https://www.timetopet.com/dog-sitting-rate-calculator
Additional Costs to Anticipate
You may accrue additional costs if your sitter has to take your pet to the vet for an illness or injury that occurs while you’re away. In some instances, you may ask your pet sitter to stay the night at your home, which typically could cost anywhere from $45–$75 per night.
You may also pay more if you have more than one pet. For example, if you have three dogs with different exercise routines or a pet that needs various medications to be administered, your pet sitter may charge additional rates.
Your pet sitter may charge more if you live far away from their own home, which could prompt you to find a pet sitter closer to your home or region. A pet sitter may charge more if you live in a heavily congested area for traffic to cover transportation time.
How Often Should I Have the Pet Sitter Come to My Home?
Usually, you can ask a pet sitter to come to your home as often throughout the day as needed. For needy or senior pets, you may ask the pet sitter to come by at least twice a day, and depending on your region, you can expect to pay anywhere from $40–$60 per day.
Some pet owners only request once a day, but if you’re gone for a few days, having the sitter come two to three times a day should suffice.
What Tasks Does Pet Sitting Cover?
Pet sitters cover a wide range of tasks that include feeding, providing water, giving medications if needed, walks, cleaning cages if required, cleaning litter boxes, plant watering, grooming, teeth brushing, and mail collection.
Some include such tasks in their rates, and some may charge extra; it depends on your location and the individual pet sitter. When looking for a pet sitter, make sure you know what is included in their rate.
How Do I Find a Reputable Pet Sitter?
Finding a reliable pet sitter is crucial in ensuring your pets are well taken care of while you’re absent. You don’t want stress or anxiety wondering if your pet will be ok with the pet sitter, especially if your pet suffers from separation anxiety. You want to find a professional, certified pet sitter, preferably from a reputable company with references.
Online is an excellent place to start. The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters is a reputable site to check out. The site offers valuable information and includes a certification program if you’re interested in becoming a pet sitter. It also has a search tool to find professional, reliable, and certified pet sitters in your area. Pet Sitters International is another excellent site that offers courses, certifications, valuable info, and a search tool to find certified pet sitters in your region.
Conclusion
Pet sitting services vary depending on your location, with the national average at $31 for a quick walking session. When looking for a pet sitter, we recommend using one of the reputable sites mentioned above. You can always ask your veterinarian, family, or friends for pet sitter recommendations. Ensure the pet sitter is certified or comes from a trusted source before leaving your pet, and ensure you understand what tasks the rate includes.
Featured Image Credit: Josep Suria, Shutterstock