Pet Sitting Pricing by State

Pet sitting provides personalized care for your animals in the comfort of their own home. Rates are typically per visit or per night for overnight stays. The cost depends on the number and type of pets, the duration of the visits, and any special medical or dietary needs your pets may have.

What Affects the Price

Understanding these cost drivers helps you budget accurately and evaluate contractor quotes:

Number and type of pets
Duration of visits (30 min vs. 60 min vs. overnight)
Frequency of visits per day
Special needs (medication administration, puppy care)
Holiday or weekend surcharges
Travel distance for the sitter

Standard Inclusions

These items are typically included in a standard pet sitting quote:

Feeding and refreshing water
Dog walking or playtime
Litter box cleaning or waste pickup
Basic home tasks (bringing in mail, watering plants)

What's Typically Not Included

These items usually cost extra or require a separate contractor:

Grooming or bathing services
Training sessions
Veterinary transport (unless arranged)
Supply costs (food, litter)

Pro Tips for Pet Sitting

Expert advice to help you get the best value and results:

Meet the sitter beforehand to ensure they bond with your pet.
Leave detailed instructions for feeding, meds, and emergency contacts.
Book early for holidays as sitters fill up fast.
Ask for daily photo updates for peace of mind.

💰 Pricing Deep Dive: How Pet Sitting Costs Really Work

Pet sitting pricing depends on whether it's drop-in visits, daily walks, or overnight stays. Drop-in visits (30 minutes, feed and let out) run $15-$30 per visit. Dog walks cost $15-$30 for a 30-minute walk. Overnight stays in your home are the premium option at $50-$100 per night — you're paying for someone to sleep at your house and provide round-the-clock care. Holidays (Christmas, July 4th, Thanksgiving) universally carry a 50-100% surcharge. The biggest market shift is app-based platforms (Rover, Wag) competing with traditional pet sitting businesses — apps are usually cheaper but with less vetting and consistency.

⚠️ Common Mistakes When Hiring for Pet Sitting

❌Booking a pet sitter without a meet-and-greet first — personality fit between sitter and pet matters enormously

❌Not leaving detailed written instructions (medications, feeding schedule, vet info, emergency contacts)

❌Choosing the cheapest option from an app without checking reviews and verified identity

❌Not asking about their backup plan — what happens if the sitter gets sick during your trip?

❌Forgetting to test-run an overnight stay before a long trip — some pets react differently to overnight strangers

🔧 DIY or Hire a Pro? — Pet Sitting

✅ You Can DIY

Having a trusted friend or family member check on low-maintenance pets (fish, cats that are independent)
Using automatic feeders and water fountains for short trips (1-2 days max for cats)

🚫 Hire a Professional

Dogs that need regular walks and outdoor time
Pets on medication that requires timing and dosage precision
Multiple pets with different care needs
Trips longer than 48 hours (even independent cats need daily checks)
Puppies, senior dogs, or pets with separation anxiety

Our Take: Cats can manage 1-2 nights with an automatic feeder and a litter box, but any longer needs daily visits. Dogs almost always need at least daily visits, and dogs with separation anxiety or medical needs require overnight care.

📊 Real-World Pet Sitting Cost Scenarios

Here's what you might actually pay in common real-world situations:

Weekend Away

Total: $90-$180 for 6 visits

Cat needs two daily drop-in visits (morning and evening) for 3 days.

Vacation Dog Care

Total: $350-$700 for the week ($50-$100/night)

Dog needs overnight sitting for 7 nights. Includes walks and playtime.

Holiday Pet Sitting

Total: $500-$1,000+ with holiday premium and multi-pet surcharge

Two dogs and a cat over Christmas week (5 nights). Holiday surcharge applies.

📖 Pet Sitting Terms You Should Know

Understanding these industry terms helps you communicate with contractors and evaluate quotes:

Drop-In Visit

A 20-30 minute visit to feed, give water, and provide basic care. Not a walk — the pet stays home.

Overnight Sitting

The sitter stays at your home, typically arriving in the evening and staying through the morning. Provides the most continuity for pets.

Bonded and Insured

A surety bond protects against theft; liability insurance covers pet injuries or property damage during care. Apps like Rover provide basic coverage automatically.

House Sitting

Similar to pet sitting but includes home care tasks — watering plants, getting mail, adjusting thermostats. A dual-purpose service.

Complete Guide to Hiring Pet Sitting Services

Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, professional pet sitting provides peace of mind that your furry family members are safe, comfortable, and well-cared for. Options range from in-home visits to overnight stays to boarding facilities. Understanding what to look for ensures your pet receives the care they deserve.

Before You Hire: Preparation Checklist

Taking these steps before contacting contractors will help you get accurate quotes and avoid surprises:

✓Assess your pet's needs—medical conditions, anxiety, socialization
✓Decide between in-home care (less stress for pet) vs. boarding (more supervision)
✓Prepare written instructions for feeding, medications, and routines
✓Gather vet contact information and authorization for emergency care
✓Arrange a meet-and-greet before booking

Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring

These questions help you evaluate contractors and protect yourself from poor service:

"What is your experience with my type of pet?"

Why this matters: A dog walker may not know how to handle a reactive dog or elderly cat

"Are you insured and bonded?"

Why this matters: Protects you if something goes wrong in your home or with your pet

"How will you communicate during my trip?"

Why this matters: Photo updates and check-ins provide peace of mind

"What's your emergency protocol?"

Why this matters: Know they have a plan if your pet becomes ill or injured

When to Call a Professional

While some tasks can be DIY, these situations typically require professional expertise:

⚠️Traveling and want your pet in their home environment

⚠️Pets with medical needs requiring medication or special care

⚠️Anxious pets who don't do well at boarding facilities

⚠️Multiple pets who need to stay together

⚠️Need for daily visits when working long hours

DIY vs. Professional: What You Can Do Yourself

Having a friend or family member pet-sit seems cheaper but consider the reliability and their comfort with your pet's needs. Professional pet sitters are accountable, insured, and experienced. For occasional overnight care, trusted neighbors may work; for extended trips or pets with needs, professionals are worth it.

🚩 Red Flags: Warning Signs of Bad Contractors

Watch out for these warning signs that may indicate an unreliable or dishonest contractor:

✗No meet-and-greet offered or requested
✗Refuses to provide references from other pet owners
✗Not insured or bonded
✗Vague about their experience or training
✗Doesn't ask detailed questions about your pet's needs

Seasonal Timing Tips

The best time to schedule service can save you money and ensure better availability:

Summer

Peak travel season—book well in advance for holidays and vacations

Fall

Thanksgiving and holiday travel fills up fast

Winter

Holiday season is busiest; book 4-6 weeks ahead

Spring

Spring break travel increases demand

⚡ Safety Considerations

Secure toxic items, medications, and small objects before sitter visits
Provide clear instructions on doors/gates that must stay closed
Share information about any fear triggers or behavioral issues
Ensure sitter has contact information for you and your vet

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others' mistakes—these are the most common errors homeowners make:

⚠Not doing a trial visit before a long trip
⚠Forgetting to leave enough food, medication, and supplies
⚠Not providing clear emergency contact and vet authorization
⚠Choosing based on price alone without checking references

💰 Cost-Saving Strategies

Smart ways to reduce costs without sacrificing quality:

Book regular standing visits for discount rates
Have sitter care for multiple pets at same visit cost
Mid-week travel is often cheaper than weekends
Ask about package deals for extended trips

Get Pet Sitting Cost Estimates by State

Select your state below to view estimated costs adjusted for your local cost of living. Our estimates use official government data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis and Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Understanding Pet Sitting Costs Nationwide

Pet Sitting costs vary significantly across the United States based on regional labor rates, cost of living differences, and local market conditions. States with higher costs of living, like California and New York, typically see higher service prices, while more affordable regions offer lower rates.

Beyond geography, the actual cost of your project depends on factors specific to your situation: the scope of work, accessibility, materials required, and the timing of your project. Emergency or after-hours service typically commands premium rates, while scheduling during a contractor's off-peak season may offer savings.

To get the most accurate pricing for your specific needs, we recommend requesting quotes from at least three local contractors. Use our estimates as a starting point to understand whether the quotes you receive are in line with typical market rates for your area.