A Pet Sitter's Guide to Setting Your Service Rate

Do you love animals and are thinking of starting a pet sitting business? That's great! But before you can give your furry friend affection and get paid for it, you need to crack the following code... Pricing!

The reality is that pricing for pet sitting gigs is a delicate balancing act. You want to be competitive, attract customers, and ensure that you are properly compensated for your time, skills, and love for animals. It's not just about walking the dog or feeding the cat. It's about providing peace of mind to pet owners. It's about being responsible for someone's family.

What influences your rates?

Various factors come into play when determining the rates. Consider the following key factors:

• Location: this is huge! Pet sitters in New York City can (and should) charge significantly more than pet sitters in small rural towns. The difference in cost of living affects everything.
• Services offered: Is it a stop-by-only visit? Lodging? Walking the dog? Medication? Each service requires different time and responsibilities, so does the price range.
• Experience and qualifications: Certified pet sitters with years of experience and glowing reviews can charge more than those who are just starting out. Certifications such as pet first aid and CPR are invaluable.
• Number and type of pets: A household with three rowdy golden retrievers requires more effort than one well-behaved cat. Exotic pets (reptiles, birds, etc.) often require specialized care and knowledge, justifying the higher rates.
• Time commitment: A 30-minute dog walk has a different price than a 1-hour visit with play, feeding, and medication. Holidays usually warrant higher rates too.
• Travel time: Consider the distance traveled to each client. Factor in gasoline, car wear and tear, and time it takes to get back and forth.

Market research and setting your base rate

Do your homework before pulling numbers out of thin air. Find out what other pet sitters in your area charge. Sites like Rover and Care.com are good starting points, but also check the websites of local pet sitting businesses.

Once you have a rough idea of the market rate, determine the base rate for standard services, such as a 30-minute visit for one cat. This is the basis for pricing for other services.

Below is an example price list (don't forget to adjust based on your specific situation!).

Service	Fee (example)	Notes
30-minute drop-in visit (1 cat)	$25	Includes feeding, playing, and cleaning the litter box.
30-minute dog walk	$30	Private walk. Group walks can be cheaper per dog.
Overnight stay (your home)	$50	Per night, it includes feeding, walking, and lots of cuddles.
Overnight stay (client's home)	$75	Fees are higher due to increased responsibilities and travel.
Holiday surcharge	+$15 per night	Applies to major public holidays.

Don't be afraid to negotiate (within reason!)

In some cases, clients may try to negotiate rates. Be prepared to discuss the price and justify the value. You may be willing to offer small discounts for long-term customers or multiple pets, but don't underestimate yourself. My personal rule is to never fall below a certain threshold that covers my expenses and hourly rate. If the client is not willing to pay a fair price, it is okay to walk away.

A word of advice: Track your time and expenses

Keep detailed records of the time, mileage, and other associated expenses (e.g., pet supplies, cleaning products, etc.) for each visit. This data helps refine pricing strategies and ensure the profitability of your business.

After all, setting a price for a pet sitter is an ongoing process. Be flexible, adaptable, and don't be afraid to adjust your rates as needed. Good luck and happy pet sitting!