Dog Sitter Prices 2024: How Much You Should Pay Based on the Scenario

If you’re going away on a trip, you’ll need a dog sitter to care for your dog while you’re away. Below, we’ll discuss dog sitter prices based on the scenario.

Dog sitting can cost anywhere from $30-$170, though you can expect to pay on the higher end (around $90-$100+) if you want a sitter with experience and dog knowledge. Drop-ins are cheaper but don’t provide the level of socialization most dogs need throughout the day.

The global pet-sitting market is worth over 2 billion and is expected to grow to 5.41 billion by 2030. Prices will vary by location. Let’s dive into the variables regarding dog sitters to help you decide what’s best for your dog–and your budget!

Dog Sitting Prices Based on the Sitter

The cheapest way to find a dog sitter is to ask friends, family, or neighbors. They may be willing to watch your dog for free or for a very cheap price!

Other benefits include knowing the sitter personally, which gives you more trust in them. If your dog knows the sitter, they’ll also be more comfortable while you’re away.

However, you likely won’t get professional-level services, which can be especially important during an emergency or if your dog requires specialized care.

If you can’t find someone you know to watch your dog, we’ll go over the other ways to pay for pet sitting below.

Boarding Facilities – $35-$120/day

The next cheapest is a dog boarding facility, though they range in price and size. Larger facilities are likely to charge less, but you do tend to get what you pay for–your dog will get little if any, one-on-one time. Most boarding facilities house the dogs in crates for much of the day.

If the dogs are allowed to free-roam, you’ll want to ensure the facility requires proof of vaccination, screens for temperament, and trains staff accordingly. The more interactions your dog has with others, the higher the risk of illness and fights.

Smaller facilities often offer more personalized care and also smaller playgroups, lessening the risks we discussed above. Of course, you’ll still want them to require vaccinations and have trained staff.

The experience of those watching your dog will vary depending on the facility, so be sure to do your research! If your veterinarian offers boarding services, they’ll likely be the most qualified, and you’ll know your dog is safe–though they probably won’t have much time for one-on-one care such as going for long walks and will keep your dog crated for most of their stay.

Dog Sitters From Sites Such as Rover or Wag! – $30-$170/night

The good thing about dog sitters you find online is that they tend to be lower in cost than sitters running a business independently, though prices vary widely. Some sitters don’t even charge enough to make a living wage, while those dog-sitting professionally will charge adequately for their time and are more expensive as a result.

Compared to boarding facilities, these sitters provide more one-on-one attention–especially if they stay in your home overnight or host your dogs in their homes.

The bad thing is that you won’t necessarily get someone with experience. Remember that anyone can sign up for these sites, and many see it as a side hustle for a bit of extra income–it’s not their full-time career.

We recommend reading reviews carefully and never choosing solely based on price, as the more expensive sitters often have the experience and knowledge to back up their rates.

Dog Sitters From Local Businesses – $80-$125+ for several daily drop-ins

Lastly, there are dog sitters from local businesses. These sitters tend to have the most experience and knowledge, though not always.

They’re likely to have you fill out paperwork, which ensures you don’t forget important information such as your dog’s primary veterinarian or pet insurance information. They’re also more likely to have a contract to protect you both, knowledge of dog body language and first-aid, and more.

They may also be more able to provide specialized care, such as giving medications–though some dog sitters you find online may also offer these services.

The downside is that many of them won’t stay in your home overnight but only offer brief drop-ins.

Dog Sitter Prices: Drop-Ins vs Overnight Stays

Of course, having someone stop by for a quick, 30-minute drop-in costs much less than an overnight stay.

Drop-ins cost anywhere from $10-$30 for 30 minutes, with more extended visits costing more. Some people choose to have someone stop by a few times a day to visit with their dog, but this does leave them alone the rest of the day–which isn’t going to meet the needs of most dogs.

This is why others choose to have pet sitters stay during the day or night or board the dog in their homes. This can cost anywhere from $30-$170 a night, depending on the sitter, their experience level, and your location.

Paying for Additional Pets

If you have more than one dog, or if you have cats or other pets who need care, expect to pay more. Some sitters charge a very low rate for additional pets, such as $5, while others might charge the same for additional pets as they do for the first.

It may also depend on the care your additional pets require–walking an additional dog may cost more than simply feeding the cat, for instance.

Paying for Additional Services

Taking your dog for long walks, administering medications, and other extras will also cost more. Base rates tend to include basic care such as refilling food and water, potty breaks, and a short daily walk.

Most sitters also charge more for puppies since they need more care than adult dogs. The same might go for seniors or dogs with illnesses or disabilities.

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