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Since getting started as a professional pet sitter over a decade ago, Meghan Funkhouser, co-owner of Funky Bunch Petcare, has seen a dramatic increase in the demand for dog sitting and walking services.
“Early on, pet sitting was often viewed as a luxury service, but today, it’s considered an essential part of pet ownership — especially for busy professionals and families who travel,” says Funkhouser who also co-hosts the podcast Pet Sitters Confidential with her husband Collin. “The biggest change came after the pandemic as pet adoption rates skyrocketed and people’s work routines shifted. More pet parents are now looking for reliable care solutions as they return to offices or increase their travel.”
So what does this increased demand for dog sitters mean for how much you should be charging? Here, experts offer a look at average dog sitting rates in 2025, plus the types of services today’s dog owners are looking for so you can price your offerings accordingly.
Average dog sitting rates in 2025
According to recent Care.com data, the average posted dog sitting rate for a one-hour visit in the US is between $16 and $24. But where you live can make a big difference in what you’ll pay. “Currently, dog sitting rates vary widely based on location,” Funkhouser says. “In major cities, you might see dog sitting visits starting at $25 to $40 per 30-minute visit, while in smaller towns, $15 to $25 is more common.”
Here’s a snapshot of dog sitting rates across the country:
Current posted dog sitting rates per hour in top U.S. cities*
| City, State | Average hourly dog sitter rate |
| Atlanta, Georgia | $14.22/hour |
| Brooklyn, New York | $18.39/hour |
| Charlotte, North Carolina | $13.25/hour |
| Chicago, Illinois | $17.67/hour |
| Denver, Colorado | $19.23/hour |
| Las Vegas, Nevada | $15.15/hour |
| Los Angeles, California | $19.33/hour |
| Minneapolis, Minnesota | $17.16/hour |
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | $13.83/hour |
| Phoenix, Arizona | $16.95/hour |
| Portland, Oregon | $18.00/hour |
| San Antonio, Texas | $12.42/hour |
| Seattle, Washington | $21.16/hour |
| Tampa, Florida | $14.88/hour |
Understanding the cost of a standard dog sitting visit
According to Dr. Kelly Hood, a veterinarian at Highlands Veterinary Center in Chesapeake Bay, Virginia and consultant for California Dog Kitchen, a standard dog sitting visit will include the following to ensure a pup’s health and safety:
- Regular feeding and fresh water refills. Dog sitters must stick to the dog’s usual schedule and recommended portion sizes for meals.
- Exercise and potty breaks. “Dogs need daily walks or at least some form of active play to keep them physically and mentally stimulated,” Hood says.
- Status updates from your visit. Dog sitters are responsible for keeping owners updated via a text, picture or a short video.
- Medication administration (if needed). Pet sitters must be comfortable giving meds and understand dosing instructions.
When it comes to the cost of a standard dog sitting visit, there are a few basic situational factors that may incline sitters to increase their rates, Funkhouser explains. These include:
- Number of pets. Sitters typically add $5 to $10 per additional dog.
- Location. If a client lives outside a sitter’s service area, a travel fee may be added.
- Time of year. Increased holiday pet sitting rates are common due to increased demand during peak travel times.
“Many pet owners today expect a higher level of care and, because of that, a lot of pet owners are willing to pay higher rates.”
— Kristin Morrison, pet business coach and founder of Six-Figure Pet Business Academy
Factors increasing dog sitting rates throughout the industry
Not only has the demand for dog sitting increased, but so too have the expectations of pet owners, explains pet business coach and author Kristin Morrison. “Many pet owners today expect a higher level of care and, because of that, a lot of pet owners are willing to pay higher rates for those specialized and professional pet care services,” says Morrison who is also the host of the Prosperous Pet Business Podcast and founder of Six-Figure Pet Business Academy.
Here, experts offer a closer look at these types of services increasing the dog sitting rates:
Longer and overnight visits
Longer or overnight visits will naturally include more in-depth care so pet sitters will price them higher, Funkhouser explains. According to Pet Sitters International (PSI), an educational association for professional pet sitters, the average dog sitting rate for an overnight visit is $96.66. “The more time-intensive the service, the higher the rate,” Funkhouser says.
Customized service options
“Many pet sitters now also offer daily dog walking services focused just on walks, and potty break services designed for quick potty breaks which are great for puppies who are being potty trained,” explains president of PSI Beth Stultz-Hairston. “Pet parents should discuss the specific needs of their pets with professional pet sitters so they can book the appropriate services.”
Pet care certifications and professional memberships
More pet sitters are now investing in pet care certifications and memberships which helps justify higher rates since they can offer more specialized knowledge, Funkhouser explains. For example, both she and her husband are both Fear Free Certified and Pet First Aid and CPR Certified as pet sitters, and their company is a member of multiple organizations, including PSI. “The cost difference isn’t just about the minutes spent in the home — it’s about expertise, reliability and the overall quality of care,” Funkhouser says.
Medical care for dogs with special needs
Certain behavioral or medical care services tend to have higher fees because they demand additional time, knowledge and resources, Hood says. “For example, administering injections, caring for special-needs pets and extended one-on-one exercise sessions for high-energy dogs often come at a higher rate,” she notes.
“Ultimately, pricing should align with your expertise, your costs and the level of care you offer.”
— Meghan Funkhouser, pet sitter and co-owner of Funky Bunch Petcare
How to set your dog sitting rates when you’re getting started
Startthe process by researching local dog sitting rates in your area, recommends Funkhouser. “Look at what established, professional pet sitters charge in your area, not just hobby sitters on apps,” she says. This will ensure you are pricing in the highest range.
From there, you should make a strategic plan that reflects your beginner status, Morrison explains. “I am usually not an advocate for pricing low as a pet sitter — except when you’re new to pet sitting,” Morrison says. “Pricing on the low end of the standard rates you see with your competitors will help you quickly get your first client as well as begin to gain pet care experience, skills, knowledge and reviews. After you’ve gotten your first few clients and reviews then you can — and should — raise your rates.”
So that you’re not locked into this low rate for your first clients, it’s a good idea to let new clients know that this is your “introductory rate” and that you will be raising it with time, Morrison says. For example, let new clients know your rate will increase $5/per visit in six months, or whatever amount and time frame you feel is best.
“Pet owners are often willing to pay more for those pet sitters who are vetted by other pet owners and who have a lot of references to back up their experience,” Morrison says. But once you have adjusted your rates, Morrison recommends keeping them steady for at least a year to be fair to existing clients. If you do increase again down the road, it’s best to give at least a month’s notice, she adds.
What to know about dog sitting rates moving forward
The average dog sitting rate per hour is between $16 and $24, according to recent data. But today more than ever, many pet owners are willing to pay higher rates for dog sitters who offer longer visits and customized services, as well as sitters who have obtained specialized pet care training certifications.
“Ultimately, pricing should align with your expertise, your costs and the level of care you offer,” Funkhouser says. “The best clients aren’t looking for the cheapest sitter — they’re looking for the best fit for their pet’s needs.”
