Dog sitting prices

You have to book a dog walker to take your dog out once or several times a day. Or you are going on vacations and need to find a dog sitter to look after your furry friend while you are away. And naturally, you are wondering how much it will cost you. Let us give you an overview of the average dog sitting prices

What are the dog sitting prices?

Just like with virtually anything else, from housing to groceries, dog sitting services are more expensive in big cities than in smaller towns. Not that city dogs are higher maintenance than their countryside fellow four-legged friends: this is simply the strict application of the law of demand and offer. Besides your location, the prices will vary depending on the type of dog sitting services you are after.

Dog walking

This is the cheapest service of all due to the fact that it is the shortest duration-wise. Prices start at about $12 for a 30-minute walk. If you need someone on a regular basis, prices are usually discounted and you may end up paying $9 per walk if you book several walks per week with the same dog walker or via the same pet sitting company.

Dog boarding

Prices for this dog sitting service vary depending on your dog’s size and needs. On average, you can expect to pay $20 per night. If the boarding takes place in your own home, you are also expected to cover the pet sitter’s travel expenses. Whether in your home or in the pet sitter’s home, you have to provide enough dog food for the whole duration of your absence or be prepared to refund the pet sitter if s/he has to buy some more.

Dog daycare

Almost like a nursery for dogs, dog daycare facilities are great if you have to be away for the day and want your furry friend to be entertained, pampered and walked. Dog daycare facilities are usually open from 8:00am to 6:00pm on weekdays. Half a day costs around $9 while a full day cost about $15.

Kennel

Kennels are a great boarding solution for dogs that are used to being in crates and those that are sociable. They are all over the country so you should be able to find one near you quite easily. Prices depend on the level of comfort and extra services that are provided. The average price for a standard kennel is $18 per night. Extra services such as extra walking time, activities or even food add to the bill.

Dog sitting prices: a few tips

Unless you are in an absolute rush, always take your time before booking any services. This is not only a matter of money but also a matter of choosing well the person you will entrust your dog to. For dog sitting at home or with a host family and dog walking, it is best to meet in person, check the references or relevant qualifications and work out all the details such as your preferred route, your dog’s habits and needs.

For kennels, it is recommended to go view a few facilities if you can before booking anything. You want to check the cleanliness of the crates, the outside areas and see for yourself how the staff interacts with dogs.

If you leave your dog in the care of a friend or family member, you most likely do not have to pay a penny (a bottle of wine to say thanks will do). This does not mean, however, that you should not take the necessary precautions, even if the person that will do the dog sitting know your dog.

Start offering dog sitting services

After having read the article above, you might think that you yourself could offer dog sitting services.With 9.9 million dogs in Australia and dog owners living a busy life, the demand for dog sitting service is very high. There are several ways to find dog sitting jobs depending on where you live, your level of experience and your availability.

You can also create a profile on specialised pet sitting websites. Make sure you pick a reputable company that has a large user base. Holidog is a good go-to place to get started. You can create your dog sitter profile for free and be discovered by thousands of dog parents in your area. Holidog offers you the freedom to choose which services you wish to offer, for which price and when you are available to do so.

To orientate yourself, we suggest you have a look at our general dog sitting guide, where you can find a rich amount of material that can help you get started in your quest to become a dog sitter!