How much to charge for dog sitting
Overnight dog sitting is priced per night, whether in your home or theirs. House-sitting at the client's place usually commands more because you are also watching the home.
You should charge
$59
per night · typical $40–$95
Why this number. Add a clearly labeled holiday rate (e.g. +50%) in writing before peak season. Naming it in advance removes the awkward negotiation and clients expect it.
Typical dog sitting prices
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Overnight in your home | $40 – $75 |
| Overnight at client's home | $65 – $110 |
| Daytime drop-in visit | $18 – $35 |
What changes the price
- In your home vs. overnight at the client's house
- Number of pets and any medication or special needs
- Holidays (Thanksgiving and December book out and justify a premium)
- Daytime drop-in visits vs. true overnight stays
The pricing move most people miss
Add a clearly labeled holiday rate (e.g. +50%) in writing before peak season. Naming it in advance removes the awkward negotiation and clients expect it.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I charge for dog sitting?+
Most dog sitting is priced $40–$95 per night, with a typical rate around $60 per night. Where you land inside that range comes down mainly to in your home vs. overnight at the client's house and number of pets and any medication or special needs. Use the range as your anchor, then adjust up for experience, strong demand, and a higher cost-of-living area.
What is the best way to price dog sitting?+
Most dog sitting is priced per night, which is easy for clients to understand. Set a clear minimum so small jobs still cover your time and travel, and bundle add-ons into packages to lift the average ticket rather than discounting.
How much should I charge for dog sitting as a beginner?+
Starting out, price near the lower end of the range, roughly $40 to $60 per night. Resist going below that to win work: a price that is too low attracts price-shoppers, signals low quality, and is hard to raise later. Once you have a few happy clients and reviews, move toward $95.
What affects how much dog sitting costs?+
The biggest factors are in your home vs. overnight at the client's house; number of pets and any medication or special needs; holidays (Thanksgiving and December book out and justify a premium); daytime drop-in visits vs. true overnight stays. Two jobs that look alike can price very differently once these are accounted for, which is why a quick walkthrough or a few questions before quoting protects your rate.
How do I quote dog sitting so the client says yes?+
Add a clearly labeled holiday rate (e.g. +50%) in writing before peak season. Naming it in advance removes the awkward negotiation and clients expect it. Put the quote in writing with exactly what is included, state the price once without apologizing for it, and give one clear next step. A confident, well-structured quote wins jobs at a higher price than a vague one at a lower price.