How much does dog sitting cost? How to compare rates
Compare dog sitting by service, dates and total price. Find out what to discuss before booking boarding, day care, walks or extra care.
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The cost of dog sitting depends on the care you choose, the sitter and the arrangements for your dog. An overnight stay is a different service from day care or a walk. Compare the total price for the same dates and the same care, rather than just the lowest rate on a profile.
A national average cannot tell you whether a sitter is right for your dog either. The steps below help you compare what each sitter offers, how long the booking covers and the total cost.
Choose the type of care first
| What do you need? | Which service suits that need? | What should you agree beforehand? |
|---|---|---|
| Your dog stays overnight with the sitter | Boarding | Arrival, collection, sleeping arrangements and daily routine |
| Care during the day | Day care | Drop-off and collection times and how the day is organised |
| Someone stays in your home | House sitting | Time spent at home, overnight stays and house arrangements |
| Someone walks your dog | Dog walking | Timing, duration, route and individual or group walks |
| Someone visits to provide agreed care | Home visit | Tasks, visit times and care needed between visits |
A home visit is not a full day of care. An overnight stay does not automatically mean the sitter is home all day either. Explain what your dog needs and ask whether the sitter can provide it.
Compare the same dates and care
Choose the same start and end dates for every comparison. Note your preferred drop-off and collection times too. This avoids comparing a short day of care with a much longer stay.
Then discuss what the price covers. Will you bring your own food? How are walks arranged? Will other dogs be there? What happens if you return later? Record any additional care arrangements before completing the booking.
Do you have more than one dog? Include them all and check the price for the whole group. A price for one animal is not a reliable estimate for several pets.
Look at the total price
Use the price shown for your specific booking. Check the breakdown and any additional costs before paying. Prices quoted in older articles may be out of date.
If useful, make a short comparison with four columns: sitter, care period, agreed care and total price. Add any conditions that matter to you, such as collection, cancellation or changes. This lets you compare more than a single daily or nightly rate.
Does the care suit your dog?
A low price tells you little about whether a sitter will suit your dog. Discuss how your dog gets on with other animals, how long they are used to being alone and their usual walking routine. Ask the sitter about their own daily schedule too.
A meet and greet helps make these arrangements clear. Bring your dog if appropriate for the care you have chosen, and show what works well for them. Our meet and greet guide explains what you can discuss.
Checklist before you book
Still deciding between staying with a sitter and boarding kennels? Read our comparison of care options. To help get everything ready, use the pet sitter checklist.
Explore care for your dog
Search for your dates and discuss the care your dog needs to find out what your booking would cost.
Sources and further reading
- LICG: holidays when your pet stays at home — preparation, choosing care and making arrangements.
- Petbnb: finding a sitter — see current availability and the price for your own request.