Pet Sitting Cost

Typical costs:

• Pet sitting costs $10-$65 per day, depending on the location, length of the visit and number of sitter's duties.
• A 15-minute visit, during which the sitter would refill food bowls and tend to the pets' bathroom needs, costs $10-$18.
• A 30-minute visit from services from businesses like Central Ohio Pet Sitters^[1] costs $15-$25. The more common length of time that sitters offer, 30 minutes is enough time not only for food and bathroom duties, but also a few minutes of mental and emotional stimulation like petting and playing.
• A 60-minute visit typically costs $25-$35. Again, this offers more attention and exertion for the pet or pets.
• An overnight stay costs $50-$75. This option is available for those not wanting their pet to be alone overnight. The Affordable Home Sitter^[2] in Arizona offers the service for $65.
• Prices remain the same for most pets, although some sitters charge less for small rodents like gerbils and hamsters.

• For the pet's well being and safety, many sitters require a minimum of one visit per day during the duration of the trip, with some sitters requiring two minimum visits for dogs.
• The longer the visit, the more duties the sitter will be able to perform.
• Sitters usually also perform housesitting duties such as checking the mail, bringing in newspapers, and altering lighting and curtains to give the appearance that someone is home. Be sure to have a clear conversation with the sitter on what duties of this kind they will perform each visit.

• Most sitters charge extra for additional dogs or cats. Sitters often charge the same rate for two cats, and charge extra for a third or more. For example, Prairieville, Louisiana's Geaux Sit Stay^[3] charges $5 more per visit for three or more cats.
• Some sitters charge extra for administering medicine. The fee is about $5 to $10 per pill, ointment application or injection.
• Most sitters, like Las Vegas Pet Sitting^[4] , charge a fee for holiday service, and sometimes for weekend service as well. This is about 25 to 50 percent more than the usual price.
• Some sitters charge about $40 for an emergency veterinary visit, if needed.

• Some sitters offer rates on a sliding scale: the more visits per day, the smaller the daily fee. For example, Boise Pet Care in Idaho offers a minimum of two visits per day for dogs at $30, while four visits per day cost $40.

• To find a sitter, try the member directory^[5] at the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters.
• PetsitUSA, an online pet sitter directory, provides a detailed list^[6] of what to look for in a pet sitter, including a positive reaction when your pet meets the person, references, and a license or insurance, if desired.
• The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters has a list of guidelines when preparing for a pet sitter, such as communicating responsibilities and letting the sitter know where food, toys and medications are.
• Be sure the sitter knows where the pet's travel carrier is, and has emergency veterinary contacts if needed.
• Most sitters require the pet have a clean bill of health from their veterinarian, and some want require a waiver that the pet is not aggressive.

1.  www.centralohiopetsitters.com/
2.  www.theaffordablehomesitter.com/services.html
3.  www.geauxsitstay.com/sitting.htm
4.  www.lasvegaspetsitting.com/rates.html
5.  www.petsitters.org/
6.  www.petsitusa.com/articles/owner-resources/recommendations-for-pet-owners.html

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