How much does dog sitting cost in the US?

Are you going someplace where you cannot bring your furry friend? A dog sitter—one you can rely on to care for your pet while you are away—is probably the answer to your problem. But what does dog sitting truly entail and how much do pet sitters charge?

This article reveals the average dog sitting cost in various US cities and discusses the service’s typical inclusions.

What are the average costs of dog sitting in the US?

The table below shows the average dog sitting prices per hour in the US’s major areas.

What factors affect the costs of dog sitting?

Why do dog sitting rates vary? Here are six major factors affecting the cost of this increasingly in-demand service:

Location

There are several reasons why one’s location can influence dog sitting fees. Firstly, a dog sitter’s travel costs are taken into account; the farther they are from you, the higher their travel expenses and pet sitting charge will be.

Secondly, your area’s cost of living can affect the price of the service. As seen in the example above, Seattle, one of the priciest cities in the US, has steeper dog sitting charges than other places.

Duration

A dog observing the outside world through a window (Source: iStock)

Usually, shorter service duration translates to lower charges. This means you should expect the cost of dog sitting overnight to be greater than the average cost of a dog sitter for a few hours. Moreover, dog sitting prices per day should be significantly lower than the average cost of dog sitting for a week.

Dog size and breed

Two dogs lounging comfortably on a couch (Source: iStock)

A pooch’s breed partly dictates its needs and, therefore, the average cost of dog sitting. For instance, the Belgian Malinois and the labradoodle are known as high-maintenance dogs. Meanwhile, shih tzus are homebodies that are easy to care for.

Additionally, size can be a factor in pet sitter charges since bigger dogs may need more attention and have higher energy levels.

Special needs or behaviors

A dog sitter administering medication (Source: iStock)

Most of the time, dog sitters charge more if looking after your pet has particular demands. These may involve the need to feed your dog at specific times, administer medication, or care for their wounds.

In terms of behavior, it requires less effort to deal with well-trained dogs compared to unruly ones.

Additional services

A dog sitter gently brushing a dog's head (Source: iStock)

A pet sitter, similar to a dog kennel or a dog daycare facility, may charge more if you want them to perform extra services for your pet, such as dog walking, bath, or grooming. Most also ask for additional fees if you have more than one dog.

The table here shows the average prices of dog care services on top of pet sitting costs. Note that dog walking fees are already typically included in the cost of in-home dog sitting.

Seasonal demand

How much does a dog sitter cost in certain months? During peak times, pet sitters may charge more than the average due to high demand; more people are going away for vacation or family visits during summertime and on holidays.

What are some ways to save on dog sitting?

You can follow these tips if you want dog sitting to be a cost-effective solution whenever you need someone to look after your pet for a short period:

• Check out different options: Don’t go with the first pet sitter you see; scope out several service providers and compare their rates before making a choice.

• Book early: Booking early means the affordable options are likely to be still available and you won’t be charged a last-minute fee. 

• Be a regular: Going to the same dog sitter every time you need one may result in loyalty discounts and promos.

What should you look for in a professional dog sitter?

The signs of an excellent professional pet sitter include:

• Having glowing online reviews from previous customers;

• Possessing good communication skills (which is important if they have to contact you in case of questions or emergencies);

• Having years of experience and relevant training (e.g., first aid, pet CPR); and

• Not charging excessive dog sitting fees.

Keep your dog safe and happy with Airtasker

A dog sitter rewarding a dog with treats (Source: iStock)

If you are looking for a sitter for your pet, you may be able to locate one on the Airtasker website. The dependable dog sitters on the platform are experts at handling male and female adult dogs and puppies.

Link up with a Tasker by making a post with all the important details, such as your location and budget, as well as photos of and info about your dog. You can also connect with house sitters on Airtasker if you are searching for someone to keep an eye on your home temporarily.