Setting your pet-sitting rates

“What should I charge for my pet-sitting services?”

It’s a question we hear a lot here at Pet Sitters International (PSI). To avoid the appearance of price fixing, service providers, such as pet sitters and dog walkers, are prohibited from collectively discussing specific pricing details. (This means it could be illegal for pet sitters to discuss the specific prices they charge in blog comments or even in a private forum or Facebook group).

Fortunately, PSI includes questions on rates and services in its State of the Industry Survey, which can be shared. PSI's survey information provides national averages. Keep in mind that pet-sitting rates vary depending upon where you live, so it's a good idea to take a look at what other pet sitters, boarding facilities and doggie daycares in your area charge to get an idea of local pricing. Also, keep in mind that almost all of the pet sitters completing PSI’s survey maintain pet-sitter liability insurance.

PSI members, log in to the Members Area to read this member exclusive post, Setting and raising your pet-sitting rates," with also includes sample rate-increase notifications for your pet-sitting clients.

According to PSI's 2023 survey, the average pet-sitting visit lasted 30 minutes and the average fee was $24.18 USD in the U.S. In Canada, the average visit was 28 minutes and the average fee was $24.13 (CAD). To learn the national average for pricing for other common pet-sitting services, including dog walking and overnight sits, download this free resource, "Setting Your Pet-Sitting Rates."

A word about setting your pricing…

Remember, when setting fees, you’ll want to do some calculations to anticipate what your overhead business costs will be. Expenses to consider include: insurance and bonding utilities phone bill printed literature advertising professional membership fees, etc. To be able to meet these expenses, you will need to factor a flat overhead cost and a margin of profit into each services fee.

“You have to remember all the expenses that go into this professional pet care service you’re providing. And you have to believe that you’re worth it and be ready to explain to surprised customers that there is more to this business that simply putting out some pet food. Once customers understand the value of your services, price is usually not a deterrent.” –PSI President Patti Moran