What should I pay my pet sitter?

Suggested pay rates for

$870.00

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Top 20 Cities and Rates from Care.com

Pet owners: When figuring out how much to pay a professional pet sitter, it's important to offer fair, competitive pet sitting rates or pet walking rates. After all, this person is taking care of your precious furry friend. There are many factors that influence the costs of a pet sitter, including location, type of care and the number and needs of your pets. Use the going pet sitting rates below to help determine the proper hourly wage to pay in your city.

Professional pet sitters: Use the going rates below to help determine how much to charge for pet sitting services where you live.

Average Posted Rates for Top Cities

City Pet Sitters Dog Walkers
New York, NY $17.75/hr $17.50/hr
Chicago, IL $17.25/hr $17.00/hr
Los Angeles, CA $20.00/hr $21.00/hr
Brooklyn, NY $17.75/hr $17.50/hr
San Diego, CA $18.25/hr $18.25/hr
Denver, CO $18.25/hr $19.25/hr
Houston, TX $13.75/hr $13.00/hr
Miami, FL $16.50/hr $16.00/hr
Austin, TX $14.75/hr $14.50/hr
Philadelphia, PA $13.00/hr $14.00/hr
Orlando, FL $14.50/hr $14.75/hr
Seattle, WA $20.50/hr $20.00/hr
Phoenix, AZ $17.50/hr $16.00/hr
Tampa, FL $14.75/hr $14.50/hr
Portland, OR $18.00/hr $17.75/hr
Atlanta, GA $15.50/hr $15.00/hr
San Antonio, TX $13.50/hr $13.25/hr
Charlotte, NC $14.00/hr $13.25/hr
Las Vegas, NV $15.00/hr $16.50/hr
Fort Lauderdale, FL $14.50/hr $15.00/hr

What impacts pay rates

Several factors can impact what you pay from type of care to location. First calculate your basic pay rate. Then adjust your rate as needed with the factors listed below.

Amount of care

  • Are you offering regular work, or do you just need an occasional hand?
  • If you only need part-time help, is it for the same days and times each week?
  • How many pets need to be cared for?

Geographical location

  • Major metropolitan areas tend to have higher rates than rural areas.
  • Suburbs can also have higher rates than rural areas, especially if they serve a large commuter population and are near a major city.

Additional responsibilities

  • Some caregivers are happy to help with light grooming or cleaning.
  • Asking your caregiver to help with things like transportation may increase costs or require reimbursement.
  • In general, be sure your caregiver knows what your expectations are. Asking them to go above and beyond may call for extra pay.

Experience

  • Experienced caregivers get paid more than those with less experience. Paying more for experience can get you someone who better fits your needs.
  • Hiring someone with specific certifications or licensing (like a bonded and insured pet sitter) may cost more.