How much does pet sitting cost?

Visits can vary in length, from a few minutes, an hour, or even overnight. The length of the visit can greatly influence pricing. For example, the national average cost for an overnight stay is $305.

Pet-sitting services are available for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, rabbits, fish and other household animals. Services generally occur at the client’s home, and pet sitters either provide ongoing pet care for busy pet owners or as a one-time or short-term service as needed. 

Learn more about pet sitter costs and how to get estimates so you can plan and budget for services.

On average, pet sitters charge $25-$30 per hour to watch your furry friends. However, hourly rates can range from $18-$72.

Some pet sitters offer overnight services for pet owners on vacation or those who are otherwise away and don’t want their pets to be alone. Costs are higher than for a drop-in visit because the client has exclusive use of the pet sitter’s time. Some pet sitters include housesitting services such as bringing in the mail, safety checking the home and taking garbage to the curb.

>>Compare pros. Here are the best pet sitters near you.

For example, AngelsCare Pet Sitting charges $50 per night for overnight services. Coco & Boo Pet Concierge Plus charges $85 for a 10-hour overnight stay and $100 for a 12-hour overnight stay.

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

Pet sitters will often charge more for 24-hour care, additional pets and services provided on holidays. 

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. For example, Coco & 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 a higher rate for more animals. The added cost covers the extra time and effort required to care for the additional animals.

For example, AngelsCare 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. As more people go on trips and vacations during the holidays, the demand for pet-sitting services often increases as well.

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. AngelsCare Pet Sitting in Frisco, Texas, charges $17 for a 30-minute visit. Coco & Boo Pet Concierge Plus in Oceanside, California, charges $25 for a 30-minute visit, $28 for 45 minutes and $32 for 60 minutes.

These are the most commonly requested pet sitting services on Thumbtack:

• Give food and water
• Take pet outside
• Provide companionship
• Change litter or bedding
• Provide exercise
• Dispense medication

Also, some pet sitters might be willing to complete small errands — collecting mail, watering plants, taking out the trash, and checking windows and doors for security — in addition to the above pet-sitting services.

It's crucial to choose the right person to care for your pet while you're away. Not only will they be watching your pet, but they'll also likely have access to your home and belongings. So, whoever you hire should be trustworthy and reputable.

Here's how to make sure you hire the best pet sitter:

Have a clear understanding of why you’re 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.

Read client testimonials. Go online to find written reviews left by other customers. Does the pet sitter respond quickly to their clients? Are they willing to send their clients photos and videos of the pets while they're in their care? Do their clients have peace of mind?

Arrange a meet and greet. Make sure your pet is comfortable around this person by checking out your pet’s 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. What’s the contingency plan if you can’t make it? What’s your cancellation policy? What will you do if my pet becomes injured or ill? How do you prefer to be paid?

Pro tip: 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 didn’t poop.

>>Get free estimates. Contact top-rated pet sitters near you.

Whether you need a pet sitter for a week or a few hours, you can easily find a pro in your area. Search Thumbtack for the best pet sitters in your neighborhood, and start requesting free cost estimates today.