What would/do you charge for pet sitting?

[Robin'sBrood]

Quote:
I was going to suggest $25, which I guarantee will be cheaper for them than any pro petsitter, especially at Christmas!

 

[chickerdoodle]

Its all location, location, location! In our area (Portland OR) they charge $15-20 per visit if within a certain distance-some discount if 2 visits in one day. This typically includes a 15-30 minute walk and depends on how many pets. Portland is fairly expensive for this but most sitters are trained in pet first-aid and bonded. We actually hire a married couple I've used for many years whom stay at our house the entire time. They do go to work of course but sleep at our house in the spare bedroom when we are gone. Our home is also fully fenced and they let the girls put frequently (they can take for walks if they want to), feed twice daily, give meds to our ancient terrier (took her to vet once when she cut her foot), feed the small parrot, feed the 2 cats and clean the litterbox daily. Most of the year they have to feed our pond fish (we prepackage the daily amount so they just toss in) and water the garden and lawn. They have a small, older home with few amenities so its like a mini vacation for them (she says). It would be sooo expensive for someone else to do (50-75/+day) but with allowing them to eat anything we have we in the place we also let them spend a week or two at our luxury oceanfront condo every year depending on how many vacations we take (typically 4-5 weeks a year). We also give them a gift card for a nice dinner to a good restaurant for Christmas. I've offered money instead but they want the vacation as they couldn't find or afford such a place to vacation. I thank God I have them as they are reliable, the fur kids LOVE them and they love doing it for us. Everyone wins.

For your situation if the time and gas back and forth is not much $25/day seems reasonable.

 

[ChickenFanaticAB]

I house and pet sit fairly often, and it sounds to me like $25/day would be a fair price. I charge $50/day when I house sit (stay at their house 24/7) versus $20-$30 depending on the number of pets when I just stop by to feed and walk or whatever. These prices may be a little higher than in some areas, I am in Atlanta, and all of the people that I house sit for have fur "kids" not just pets, so they are willing to pay pretty generously, and can afford to do so.

 

[dntd]

I would see if you can keep the dog at your place if possible so you only have to make one trip and the dog gets company, a lonely dog is a distructive dog I'm paying $100 for 2 weeks to feed and care for my beasts though most of mine are every other day feeding and almost no cleaning with most.

 

[Bantamlover23]

This is an interesting topic for me because I housesit on the side. But I am usually taking care of horses, dogs, and cats. I usually charge $30 to $35 a day. One house I used to housesit for was generous and paid $50 a day but I that was their choose. The houses I housesit for usually are within about 2 or 3 miles from my house so I do not have much gas expense.

 

[erthymom2]

For two trips a day, I charge $35.00 per day for care of up to three animals at their home.
I limit myself to a distance of 5 miles from my home. I have several clients that have horses and/or dogs & cats. I feed, water ,let out ,clean litter boxes & cages and play with them. i also bring in their mail.

 

[FireTigeris]

Well theres a whole nother botle of wax if there are animals big enough to hurt you/me (livestock). but mine for this many works out ...

12 two visits (for dog) -(I usually write up "15 two visits" then instantly discount that to 12...)
+5 additional visit for dog/cats (mileage) - (this only discounts if they are 'feeding' me food I want and I stay at the house for that length og time, (form morn to lunch or from lunch to night - you know to get away from everything else)
+7 visits for cats (one each) includes playtime and scritches (here if there's is one that hates ppl or is antisocial, it can be discounted or charged more for (like if it attacks like my cat used to)
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24 (+/-) per day AND you can write it up then show whatever discount you want



with a 'price scheme' you have a "reason" for what you are asking for.

Now I have had ppl ask me to dust and vacuum and sweep while they were gone, @ 1$ they got a good deal...

Oh don't forget to ask where the cleaning supplies are 'just in case there's an accident' - you can clean up anyway... always leave the place cleaner then you start.

 

[amity3520]

I charge about $20 a day for family/friends, and they usually leave some form of a tip which works out. I also prefer to house sit at the same time as I pet sit, just to make it easier for me with my busy work/school schedule than going back and forth, plus it's kind of nice to get away from the house a bit, though that only works out when you don't have animals of your own, I suppose. I would charge extra for gas though, or if I were caring for horses as opposed to just dogs and cats.

 

[Dar]

can anyone of you come house sit for me?

I have 17 chickens and 2 dogs and 2 cats

My house sitter is charging me $50 a day for 3 visits she said she may do 4 if she is in the area
my problem is no one wants to look after chickens
the link will outline her "job"
and i told her all the eggs that week are hers.. take 'em

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=273475