Kipling Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 I'm sure this varies by region, but I need to know what is the going-rate for pet-sitting. We have two occasions coming up this summer when we will be away from the house (one for 3 days, the other for a week). I have a very nice 20-year old young lady who will stay at the house to take care of our animals (1 dog, 1 cat). But she's never done this before and neither have we, so she doesn't know what to charge and we don't know what to pay her. She will sleep at our house and take care of the animals, but I've encouraged her to keep her regular routine, so she'll still go to work and socialize, etc. What do you think?:bigear: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 Baxter has doggie-daycare one day a week and the sitter charges $13.00 for sitting 7a to 7p. She is a professional with a state license. One time we left Baxter with a teen girl for three days. It was basically a house and dog sitting gig. I paid her $50.00 for the long weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kim.4dogs Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 A professional pet sitter charges me $65/night, or $30 per visit if she's not staying in my house. I've also paid a neighborhood college student $40/day to either stay here or come twice a day. We *do* have quite a few pets, though. (That's why I don't go out of town very often!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QueenCat Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 (edited) I'm sure this varies by region, but I need to know what is the going-rate for pet-sitting. We have two occasions coming up this summer when we will be away from the house (one for 3 days, the other for a week). I have a very nice 20-year old young lady who will stay at the house to take care of our animals (1 dog, 1 cat). But she's never done this before and neither have we, so she doesn't know what to charge and we don't know what to pay her. She will sleep at our house and take care of the animals, but I've encouraged her to keep her regular routine, so she'll still go to work and socialize, etc. What do you think?:bigear: My 20 year old son does this, in fact, he has been housesitting at someone's house for the past 9 days. He charges $20/day. If he is there before 3pm on the first day, he is paid for the full day. And after 3pm on the last day. No one ever balks at his prices, and he is often told he does not charge enough (often gets paid extra). The families always leave him food (most ask him his favorite cereal, snacks and other basics), and he is always told to help himself to any food in the house. One of his few requirements is that they have internet access he can use his computer with, as he does schoolwork, including one online class, while there. He is not licensed or bonded so he charges less than the professional services around here. They charge $40-50/day. Edited April 15, 2011 by CathieC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mejane Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 I just googled pet-sitting in our area, and sitters here in CT charge $45-65 per day. Wow. I was going to suggest $25/day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anita in NC Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 I think $35 or $40 is reasonable. That is what it would cost you to board your animals. Plus the sitter has the freedom to come and go and hang out at your house which is not a bad way to earn some extra money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 The company I work for charges $75 a day. That's overnight, 7p-7a, plus the sitter comes back twice for a midday and an afternoon walk. Walks alone (without spending the night) are $17, so you get 4-5 walks, company, feeding, playtime...all for a reasonable price. Or so they say around here! LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alicia64 Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 In two different states, I received the same price quotes and ended up using both for years. The pet sitters are "professionals" (ie. responsible moms). They wouldn't spend the night, but they'd visit throughout the day at $15/a visit. I was bummed I couldn't get an overnight person. I would recommend paying AFTER the service -- don't leave the check on the counter for her. (I did that and regretted it dearly.) I would also ask that a friend or neighbor "check up." Sounds rude, but it's the only way you have of knowing anything. Alley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anotherbrother Posted April 16, 2011 Share Posted April 16, 2011 The company I work for charges $75 a day. That's overnight, 7p-7a, plus the sitter comes back twice for a midday and an afternoon walk. Walks alone (without spending the night) are $17, so you get 4-5 walks, company, feeding, playtime...all for a reasonable price. Or so they say around here! LOL :iagree: It cost at least that much here. There was no way we could afford that. We looked long and hard for someone that would take her in their care for $25 a day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
choirfarm Posted April 16, 2011 Share Posted April 16, 2011 Ok, I cannot imagine.. But then maybe it is because we live out in the country and have a HUGE yard. We just have a neighbor kids stop by and feed the dogs and water our few potted plants. We pay them 50 dollars for the week. But our dogs really don't need walking. They normally just get let out to run when we are here. I figure they can survive a week or a long weekend without that. Christine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnM Posted April 16, 2011 Share Posted April 16, 2011 A professional pet sitter charges me $30/day ($15 per visit) for 2 dogs. I think her rate for one dog is $12 per visit. However, I usually get the neighbor teen and she is great. She charges $10/day for 2 30 min. visits, so $10/hour. I have decided she is worth more and pay her $15/day as she is so good with them and if she can't come, her mom fills in. They are very responsible. Dawn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyandbob Posted April 16, 2011 Share Posted April 16, 2011 Overnight. $20-$30/day Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kipling Posted April 16, 2011 Author Share Posted April 16, 2011 Wow! That is quite a range! Thanks for all the replies. It seems maybe professionals run 50-75 for overnight and nonprofessionals run 20-40 for overnight. If we had neighbors who could run over and let the dog out and check on them periodically, that would be my preference, but I don't, and the dog has bladder issues that means she HAS to go outside early in the AM. So, the young lady will stay overnight. Hopefully, she'll think around $30/night is reasonable. Thanks, everyone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truscifi Posted April 16, 2011 Share Posted April 16, 2011 We paid a friend's 18yo daughter $50 for the week last fall, but she had unlimited use of our electronics, books, cds, and netflix account, we stocked up on her favorite foods, and she got a week on her own away from her little brother out of the deal (which in her opinion was the best part). And back then we only had one dog and a lizard. I would imagine she'll charge more now that we have a pig and chickens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.