So, what to charge for dog sitting when it includes staying the night? A common range for the average cost of dog sitting overnight is between $50 and $100 per night. However, this price can change a lot based on many things. Let’s break down how to figure out the right price for your dog sitting services. This guide will help you set fair dog sitting rates per night.
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Finding the Right Price
Picking a price for watching dogs overnight can feel tricky. You want to be fair to the dog owner. You also want to make sure you get paid fairly for your time and care. Many things play a part in setting sleepover dog sitting cost. Knowing these parts helps you set your dog sitting service rates.
Grappling the Factors That Shape Prices
Many things can make the price of dog sitting go up or down. Thinking about these will help you set your overnight pet care cost.
Where You Live Matters
Prices change a lot based on location.
- Big Cities: If you live in a large city, things cost more. Rent is higher, and so is the general cost of living. This means you will likely charge more for dog sitting.
- Smaller Towns or Rural Areas: In smaller places, costs are usually lower. Your prices might be less than in a city.
- Local Demand: Is dog sitting very popular where you are? If many people need sitters, prices might go up. If there are many sitters, prices might be more competitive.
What the Dog Needs
Every dog is different. Some need more care than others.
- Puppies: Young dogs need a lot of work. They need potty breaks often, training, and constant watching. This extra effort means a higher price.
- Older Dogs: Senior dogs might need medicine, help moving around, or special food. They might also need more potty breaks at night. This extra care should cost more.
- Dogs with Health Problems: Dogs needing shots, pills, or other medical care take more time and skill. If you need to give medicine, especially shots, charge extra for this skilled task.
- Dogs with Behavior Issues: Dogs that are scared, shy, aggressive, or have anxiety need special handling. If you have the skills to care for these dogs, you should charge more for the extra work and risk.
- Energy Levels: A dog needing long walks and lots of playtime takes more energy and time than a low-energy dog.
How Many Dogs
Watching more than one dog from the same home means more work.
- One Dog: This is your base price.
- Two Dogs: You won’t just double the price. But you should charge a clear extra fee for the second dog. They need separate food bowls, maybe separate walks, and just add to the general watchful eye you need to keep.
- Three or More Dogs: The extra fee per dog might be a little less than for the second dog. But the total price will be much higher than for one dog. Watching many dogs is a lot more work.
How Long You Stay
The length of the job can change the per-night price.
- Short Stays (1-2 nights): You might charge your full nightly rate.
- Longer Stays (a week or more): Some sitters offer a small discount per night for longer jobs. This makes it nicer for the owner and gives you steady work.
- Very Long Stays (weeks): For very long jobs, you might work out a special weekly or monthly rate.
What Services You Do
Overnight sitting usually means more than just being there at night.
- Basic Overnight: Being at the house from evening until morning, letting the dog out for potty breaks.
- Full Day & Night: This means you stay at the house for almost 24 hours, covering daytime walks, feeding, playtime, and the overnight stay. This is more common for in-home dog sitting rates. It’s a full service.
- Extras: Do you also walk the dog during the day? Play fetch for an hour? Give baths? Water plants? Bring in mail? Each extra task adds to your value and the price.
Your Skills and Experience
Are you just starting out? Or have you been doing this for years?
- New Sitters: You might start with a slightly lower price to get your first few clients and reviews.
- Experienced Sitters: If you have cared for many types of dogs, know dog behavior, or have training (like pet CPR), you can charge more. Your experience is valuable.
- Professional Business: If you run a real business with insurance, background checks, and a website, your professional pet sitting fees will be higher. This covers your business costs and gives owners peace of mind.
Time of Year
Prices often go up during busy times.
- Holidays: Christmas, New Year’s, Thanksgiving, Easter, and other major holidays are peak times. People travel more. You should charge a holiday premium (often 10-25% extra per night).
- Summer Vacation: Summer is another busy travel time. Prices can be higher than in slower months.
How Sitters Set Prices
There are a few ways to figure out your pet sitter pricing guide. The most common for overnight care is a per-night rate.
Charging Per Night
This is the standard for overnight stays. You set one price that covers your time from evening to morning.
- What it Covers: Usually includes being present at the home overnight, evening and morning potty breaks, feeding the dog (if needed), and general care.
- What it Might NOT Cover: Daytime walks, long playtime sessions during the day, administering complex medication, or caring for other pets (cats, birds, etc.). These are often extra fees.
Charging Per 24 Hours
Some sitters charge a rate that covers a full 24-hour period.
- How it Works: If you start at 3 PM on Monday, your first 24-hour charge covers you until 3 PM on Tuesday. If the owner returns at 5 PM on Tuesday, you might charge for the extra two hours or a half-day rate.
- Good for: This model works well for full in-home dog sitting rates where you are responsible for the dog for almost a full day and night cycle.
Charging Hourly (Less Common for Overnight)
Hourly rates are usually for drop-in visits or walks. They aren’t typical for the main overnight fee itself.
- When Used: You might use an hourly rate for extra tasks requested outside the core overnight care, like an extra-long mid-day walk.
Package Deals
For longer sits, you can offer a slightly reduced dog sitting rates per night if the owner books a week or more.
- Example: Your rate is $80/night. For a 7-night stay, you might offer a rate of $75/night, making the total $525 instead of $560.
Typical Average Costs
Let’s look at some numbers for the average cost of dog sitting overnight. Remember, these are just averages. Your price will depend on all the factors we talked about.
Average Overnight Dog Sitting Rates (General Range):
| Service Type | Low End | Average | High End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Overnight | $50 | $70 – $90 | $120+ |
| Holiday Overnight | $65 | $90 – $110 | $150+ |
| Adding a 2nd Dog | +$15 | +$25 – $35 | +$50+ |
| Administering Meds | +$5 | +$10 – $20 | +$30+ |
| Puppy Care Extra | +$10 | +$20 – $40 | +$60+ |
| Special Needs Extra | +$15 | +$25 – $50 | +$70+ |
Note: These are just estimates. Prices vary greatly.
These numbers give you a starting point for your pet sitter pricing guide.
Figuring Out Your Own Price
Now, how do you set your specific price? Use the factors we discussed.
Step 1: Check Local Rates
Research what other dog sitters in your area charge.
- Look on pet sitting apps (like Rover or Wag!). See what sitters near you charge for overnight care. Look at sitters with similar experience levels.
- Ask local pet stores or vet clinics if they know what local sitters charge.
- This gives you a baseline for dog sitting rates per night in your specific area.
Step 2: Think About Your Costs
If you run a business, you have costs.
- Insurance: Protects you if something happens. This costs money.
- Supplies: Leashes, waste bags, treats you might provide.
- Gas: Driving to and from the client’s house.
- Training or Certifications: CPR, pet first aid, dog behavior classes cost money and add value.
These costs should be part of your price. This is key for professional pet sitting fees.
Step 3: Value Your Time and Effort
Overnight sitting is a big time commitment. You are spending your night (and possibly your day) away from home.
- How much do you want to earn per hour or per day?
- Think about the hours you are actively working (walks, feeding, playtime) and the hours you are simply “on duty” or sleeping at the client’s home.
- Calculate if your per-night rate feels fair for the total time spent away and the responsibility you hold.
Step 4: Consider the Dog’s Needs
Go back to the dog’s specific needs.
- Is it a very easy dog? Maybe you charge your standard rate.
- Is it a puppy needing potty breaks every 2 hours all night? This is hard work. Charge more!
- Does the dog have separation anxiety and cry all night? This is stressful. Charge more!
Step 5: Decide on Extra Fees
Make a list of things that cost extra.
- Extra dog fee.
- Holiday fee.
- Medication fee (maybe different fees for pills vs. shots).
- Extra walk fee (if walks aren’t included in the base rate).
- Care for other pets (cats, etc.).
- Key pickup/drop-off fee (if you have to make special trips).
Be clear about these extra fees in your pet sitter pricing guide.
Setting Your Pricing Structure
Once you have a general rate in mind, write down your price list. This makes it clear for you and the client.
- Base Overnight Rate: $[Your Price] per night for one dog.
- Additional Dog Fee: +$[Your Price] per night, per extra dog.
- Holiday Rate: Base rate + [Percentage]% or +$[Amount] per night.
- Medication Fee: +$[Your Price] per day (or per dose if complex).
- Puppy/Senior/Special Needs Fee: +$[Your Price] per night.
- Extra Service Rates:
- Mid-day walk (if not included): $[Your Price] for [Length] minutes.
- Bringing in mail/papers: Included in base.
- Watering plants: Small number included, extra fee for many.
- Long Stay Discount: [Percentage]% off for stays over [Number] nights.
This clear structure helps owners understand the total overnight pet care cost. It also shows your professionalism.
Being a Professional Sitter
If you want to charge professional pet sitting fees, you need to act like a professional.
- Get Insurance: This protects you if a dog gets hurt or causes damage while you are watching it. This is a must for serious sitters.
- Use Contracts: Have a written agreement with the owner. It should cover dates, times, your duties, fees, emergency contacts, and vet information.
- Get a Background Check: Many owners feel safer hiring sitters who have passed a check.
- Know Pet First Aid/CPR: Taking a class shows you are ready for emergencies.
- Communicate Well: Send updates to the owner. Respond quickly to messages.
- Be Reliable: Show up on time. Follow all instructions.
These steps add to your value and support higher dog sitting service rates.
In-Home vs. Your Home
There’s a difference in price if you watch the dog at their house (in-home dog sitting rates) versus your house.
- In-Home (Their House): This is often what people mean by overnight sitting. You stay in the client’s home. You care for the dog in its usual place. This is generally charged per night. You are also often doing light house-sitting tasks (mail, plants, security).
- Your Home (Boarding): The dog comes to your house. You care for the dog in your own space. This is more like home-style boarding. Prices for boarding can sometimes be slightly different than in-home sitting, but they are still often charged per night. The main difference is you are hosting the dog, which might affect your own home/pets.
The sleepover dog sitting cost applies to both, but the logistics and your duties can vary. In-home dog sitting rates often mean you are also securing the owner’s home.
Table Example: Sample Pricing Guide
Here is an example of how you might present your pet sitter pricing guide:
| Service Type | Description | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overnight Stay (Base) | 7 PM – 7 AM, includes evening/morning potty + feed | $85/night | For one dog |
| 24-Hour Care | Full 24-hour period, includes walks, feed, play, stay | $120/day | Covers arrival time to same time next day |
| Additional Dog | Per extra dog from same household | +$30/night | |
| Holiday Rate | Added to base rate on major holidays (e.g., Christmas, 4th of July) | +$20/night | |
| Medication Admin | Giving pills or simple liquid meds | +$10/day | Per visit, complex meds may cost more |
| Puppy Care Extra | For dogs under 1 year needing extra potty breaks/supervision | +$25/night | |
| Senior/Special Needs Care | Extra care for older dogs or those with health issues | +$35/night | Based on specific needs |
| Extra Daytime Visit (if needed) | Mid-day check-in/walk (e.g., 30 min) | $25/visit | Only applies if 24-hour care isn’t booked |
| Key Pickup/Drop-off | If required outside of initial meeting | $15/trip |
This table makes it easy for owners to see the total potential overnight pet care cost.
Getting Paid Fairly
Don’t be afraid to charge what you are worth. Dog sitting, especially overnight, is a big job. You are responsible for a family member and their home.
- Know Your Worth: Think about the effort, time, and skill involved. Compare it to other services.
- Be Confident: State your rates clearly.
- Explain Your Value: Tell clients why your price is fair. Talk about your experience, your reliability, and the personalized care you offer.
- Don’t Undercut Too Much: Charging much less than others can make people wonder why. It can also make it hard to raise your prices later.
Your professional pet sitting fees reflect the quality and trust you provide.
Factors Affecting Dog Sitting Prices – A Recap
Let’s quickly look again at the main things that change the price:
- Location: City vs. town.
- Dog Details: Age, health, behavior, how many dogs.
- Job Length: How many nights.
- Your Tasks: What you are asked to do besides just being there.
- Your Background: Your experience, training, and if you are a formal business.
- Timing: Is it a holiday?
All these points come together to set the right dog sitting rates per night.
Summary of Average Costs and Key Terms
We’ve talked about the average cost of dog sitting overnight. It’s helpful to remember the key terms:
- Average cost of dog sitting overnight: The typical price range people pay ($50-$100+).
- Dog sitting rates per night: Your set price for one night’s stay.
- Factors affecting dog sitting prices: All the things that change the rate (location, dog needs, etc.).
- Professional pet sitting fees: Higher rates charged by sitters with insurance, business costs, and more experience.
- Overnight pet care cost: The total price for the stay.
- In-home dog sitting rates: Prices for watching the dog at the owner’s house.
- What to charge for dog sitting: The main question this guide answers.
- Pet sitter pricing guide: A clear list of your services and rates.
- Sleepover dog sitting cost: Another way to say overnight price.
- Dog sitting service rates: The different prices for various services you offer.
Using these terms helps you talk clearly about your prices.
Making Your Services Stand Out
How can you show you are worth the price you charge?
- Offer a Meet-and-Greet: Meet the dog and owner before booking. This builds trust. It also lets you see the dog’s needs firsthand.
- Send Updates: Text messages or photos during the stay make owners happy.
- Leave the House Tidy: Clean up after yourself and the dog. Leave the house better than you found it.
- Be Prepared: Have a plan for emergencies. Know where the vet is.
- Get Reviews: Happy clients can write reviews. This helps you get more business at your set rates.
These small things add big value to your dog sitting service rates.
Final Thoughts on Pricing
Setting your overnight pet care cost is a business choice. Research local rates. Figure out your costs and value. Be clear with clients about your pet sitter pricing guide. As you get more experience and happy clients, you might slowly increase your rates.
Don’t just pick a number out of the air. Use this guide to think through all the parts. This helps you set fair dog sitting rates per night for both you and the dog owners you serve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This section answers common questions about sleepover dog sitting cost and services.
Q: Is the average cost of dog sitting overnight the same everywhere?
A: No, the average cost of dog sitting overnight changes a lot based on location. Prices are usually higher in big cities than in smaller towns.
Q: Should I charge more for holidays?
A: Yes, it is normal to charge a holiday fee. Holidays are busy travel times, and you are giving up your own holidays to work. A fee of 10-25% extra is common for dog sitting rates per night during holidays.
Q: What if the dog has an accident in the house?
A: Your contract should cover this. Usually, cleanup of normal accidents is part of the service. However, if there is damage to furniture or carpets, the contract should state who is responsible (usually the owner, but insurance helps for sitters). This is why professional pet sitting fees often include insurance costs.
Q: Do I need insurance to be a dog sitter?
A: If you are charging professional pet sitting fees and doing this regularly, insurance is strongly recommended. It protects you if the dog gets hurt, hurts someone else, or causes damage to the owner’s home.
Q: How do I handle getting paid?
A: Agree on payment terms upfront. Some sitters ask for a deposit, others ask for full payment before the sit starts, and some ask for payment upon return. Use payment apps, checks, or cash. Keep records.
Q: What is the difference between overnight sitting and boarding?
A: Overnight sitting usually means the sitter stays in the client’s home (in-home dog sitting rates). Boarding means the dog stays at the sitter’s home or a special facility. Both involve sleepover dog sitting cost but in different locations.
Q: Should my price include walks?
A: For in-home dog sitting rates that cover a full 24 hours, daily walks are typically included. For a basic “night only” sit, evening and morning potty breaks are included, but longer mid-day walks might be an extra charge. Make it clear in your pet sitter pricing guide.
Q: What if the dog is harder to care for than I thought?
A: This is why a meet-and-greet is important. If you find out the dog has issues you weren’t told about (like bad behavior), you need to decide if you can handle it. Your contract can state that extra fees may apply for unexpected difficult behavior or needs, or you may need to end the service if you cannot safely care for the dog. This affects your dog sitting service rates.