12/16/2024
Taken from another
What are you paying your pet sitter for?
At first glance, the average rates for pet sitting—ranging from $50 to $100 per night or $25 to $30 per visit for basic feeding and potty breaks—may seem a little high. But let’s break it down. When you hire a pet sitter for overnight care in your home, they're not just caring for your pets—they’re also looking after your house and sacrificing the comfort of their own home and bed while you're away.
Pet sitters often provide 12+ hours of service for overnighs, which works out to less than $8 per hour. Yes, even while you're sleeping, they’re still working—waking up in the middle of the night to take your dog out for a p*e break, comforting them during an upset tummy, or simply give them attention when needed.
Additionally, pet sitters offer the peace of mind that your home is safe and secure and that your pets are enjoying the familiarity and comfort of home while you’re gone. When you think about it, the cost of an in-home sitter can be about the same as a nice dinner with drinks.
The sitter’s expenses quickly add up—gas for their vehicle can shave $10 off their earnings, so a $25 visit may only bring in $15. Then, when you factor in their expertise with different breeds, behavioral issues, and medical needs, they’re adding even more value. In reality, pet sitters are typically earning $10 to $20 per hour, even before you account for costs like advertising, business cards, or insurance. After all those expenses, they're often working for less than $10 per hour on a good day.
At the end of the day, pet sitters aren't in it for the money—they’re in it for their love of animals. So, next time you hire one, take a moment to thank them for all the care, effort, and passion they put into looking after your pets and home.
