Paying a pet sitter is a serious and intimidating task. Fortunately, we’re here to help. The first thing you should know is that — except for licensed veterinarians — the majority of professionals you’ll come into contact with (e.g., pet groomer or trainer) are self-employed, meaning they set their own rates for their services. This puts the entire pricing structure in their hands, so it’s important to consult them in order to set an accurate fee schedule. Pet sitting is a large and growing industry, but it is not regulated at all. This means anyone can claim to be a “professional pet sitter” with no qualifications or legal repercussions. There are no formal standards for training, vetting, licensing, or if the individual saw a single one of your pets. Because pet owners are idiots who place too much trust in their fellow man/woman.
There are a lot of factors that go into determining how much you should pay your pet sitter.
First and foremost, the value of your pet is going to determine how much you should pay. If your dog is worth $1,000 and you want someone to watch him while you’re out of town, then it’s reasonable to expect them to charge more than if they were watching a fish tank. You should also consider what kind of service they’re offering: If they’re coming over every day for 5 hours a day for 10 days, that’s going to cost more than if they’re just coming over for one day and feeding your fish once or twice.
You’ll also need to take into account whether or not this is something the person does regularly, or if it’s just for one time. If it’s only for one time, then it’s probably reasonable not to pay as much as if this was something they did all the time (although there will still be some variation depending on how much work is involved).
Lastly, you’ll want to think about whether or not you’ve used this person before or if this is your first time hiring them. If it’s
How much do i pay a pet sitter
How often you hire a pet sitter
If you only need a pet sitter occasionally, it’s likely that your sitter’s hourly rate will be higher. This is because they don’t earn as much from each visit as those who have regular clients.
If you’d like to negotiate a lower rate for your pet care services, ask about the possibility of hiring them for longer periods or more days per week.
What services you require
When you specify what services you require, it’s easier for the pet sitter to know what you expect. For example, if nighttime care is needed and overnight stays aren’t an option, then the service provider can factor in more time for sleep rather than leaving your dog alone all night. If your dog needs medical care and you are not comfortable administering any medications yourself, then make sure the people who come into your home have those skills as well.
How long you need care for your pets
The more time your pet sitter needs to spend with your pets, the higher the price. Daily visits are usually the cheapest option, followed by overnight stays. Overnight stays can be more expensive because there’s an extra day of food and care involved. Petsitting services also charge for travel time to get to your house and back if needed—so if you live far away from their average route, it’s worth asking about this cost before choosing a service provider.
Whether your pets are seniors and require special care, or if they’re young and rambunctious
Whether your pets are seniors and require special care, or if they’re young and rambunctious, it’s important to think about the type of care they’ll need. For example, senior pets may need special medicines or require more frequent feedings. Young or active pets might need more time outdoors or more exercise. Some pets have trouble adapting to new people and might require more patience. By identifying these factors upfront, you can ensure that your pet sitter is equipped with the right knowledge before agreeing on a schedule for them to visit your home on a regular basis.
Whether you have any emergency procedures that must be followed if a pet gets sick or injured.
Whether you have any emergency procedures that must be followed if a pet gets sick or injured. You should know where the nearest emergency vet is located, and have emergency contact numbers for the vet, owner, and your own home in case of an emergency.
The cost of hiring a pet sitter varies by location, but the typical rate is $15 to $25 per visit.
The cost of hiring a pet sitter varies by location, but the typical rate is $15 to $25 per visit.
That can be a lot more than you think, though—especially if your dog or cat requires constant attention and you’re paying for multiple visits a day. It’s important to understand what factors can influence the price of hiring someone to care for your pet while you’re away.