When planning a trip, securing a dog sitter becomes essential to ensure your pet is cared for in your absence. Below, we’ll outline dog sitter prices based on various scenarios.
The cost of dog sitting services typically ranges from $30 to $170. However, if you prefer a sitter with experience and expertise in handling dogs, you might expect to pay on the higher end, around $90 to $100 or more. While drop-in visits are more affordable, they may not offer the same level of socialization that most dogs require throughout the day.
Exploring the various factors involved in dog sitting can help you determine the best option for your dog and your budget.
Dog Sitting Prices Based on the Sitter
A cost-effective option for finding a dog sitter is to reach out to friends, family, or neighbors. They may be willing to care for your dog at little to no cost.
There are several advantages to this approach, including the familiarity and trust you have with the sitter. Additionally, your dog may feel more at ease with someone they already know.
However, it’s essential to consider that non-professional sitters may not provide the same level of expertise or specialized care, particularly in emergencies.
If you’re unable to secure a sitter through your personal network, there are alternative options for pet sitting services, which we’ll explore below.
Boarding Facilities – $35-$120/day
The next cheapest option is a dog boarding facility, although prices and sizes can vary. Larger facilities are likely to charge less, but it’s essential to remember that you often get what you pay for – your dog may receive little, if any, one-on-one attention. Most boarding facilities house dogs in crates for much of the day.
If dogs are allowed to roam freely, it’s important to ensure that the facility requires proof of vaccination, screens for temperament, and adequately trains staff. The more interactions your dog has with others, the higher the risk of illness and conflicts.
Smaller facilities often offer more personalized care and smaller playgroups, reducing the risks mentioned above. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial for them to require vaccinations and have well-trained staff.
The experience provided by those caring for your dog will vary depending on the facility, so be sure to conduct thorough research. If your veterinarian offers boarding services, they are likely to be the most qualified, and you can trust that your dog will be safe. However, they may not have much time for one-on-one care, such as long walks, and may keep your dog crated for most of their stay.
Dog Sitters From Sites Such as Rover or Wag! – $30-$170/night
The advantage of finding dog sitters online is that they typically offer lower costs compared to independent sitters, although prices can vary widely. Some sitters may not even charge enough to make a living wage, while those who dog-sit professionally will charge adequately for their time and are consequently more expensive.
In contrast to boarding facilities, these sitters provide more one-on-one attention, especially if they stay overnight in your home or host your dogs in their own homes.
The downside is that you may not necessarily find someone with experience. It’s important to remember that anyone can sign up for these sites, and many view it as a side hustle for some extra income rather than a full-time career.
I recommend carefully reviewing reviews and not solely basing your decision on price, as more expensive sitters often have the experience and knowledge to justify their rates.
Dog Sitters From Local Businesses – $80-$125+ for several daily drop-ins
Finally, there are dog sitters available through local businesses. These sitters typically possess the most experience and knowledge, although this is not always the case.
They are likely to request paperwork to be filled out, which ensures that important information such as your dog’s primary veterinarian or their pet insurance details are not overlooked. Additionally, they are more likely to have a contract in place to protect both parties, knowledge of dog body language and first-aid procedures, among other things.
They may also be better equipped to provide specialized care such as administering medications, although some dog sitters found online may also offer these services.
However, the drawback is that many of them may not offer overnight stays in your home but only provide brief drop-in visits.
Dog Sitter Prices: Drop-Ins vs Overnight Stays
Certainly, arranging for a quick 30-minute drop-in visit is significantly less expensive than booking an overnight stay.
Drop-in visits typically range from $10 to $30 for a duration of 30 minutes, with longer visits incurring higher costs. Some individuals opt to have multiple visits throughout the day to spend time with their dog, but this leaves the pet alone for the remainder of the day – which may not be sufficient for most dogs.
This is why others prefer to have pet sitters stay during the day or night, or choose to board the dog in their own homes. The cost for such services can vary widely, ranging from $30 to $170 per night depending on factors such as the sitter’s experience level and your location.
Paying for Additional Pets
If you have multiple dogs or other pets like cats that require care, anticipate higher costs. Additional pet fees can vary significantly among sitters. Some may charge a nominal fee, such as $5 per extra pet, while others may charge the same rate for each additional pet as they do for the first.
Moreover, the pricing may also hinge on the specific needs of your additional pets. For example, walking an extra dog might incur higher charges compared to simply feeding a cat.
Paying for Additional Services
Additional services such as extended walks, medication administration, and other special requests typically incur extra charges. Base rates generally cover essential care like food and water replenishment, bathroom breaks, and brief daily walks.
Moreover, many sitters charge higher fees for puppy care due to the increased attention and care required compared to adult dogs. Similarly, seniors or dogs with health conditions or disabilities may also entail higher costs.