Pet care is one of the easiest businesses to start, which also means plenty of people undercharge to get going. Clear prices for each type of visit, plus a few sensible extras, will keep your schedule full without burning you out.
Typical dog walking rates
- 20 to 30 minute walk: about $18 to $30
- 45 to 60 minute walk: about $28 to $45
- Group walks: often a little less per dog, if your area and insurance allow them
Typical pet sitting rates
- Drop-in visit (feed, water, potty, play), about 30 minutes: about $20 to $35
- Overnight stay in the client’s home: about $60 to $120 a night
- Cat-only visits: often a bit less than dog visits
These are rough US ranges. City rates can run well above them. Look at local walkers and the big pet-care apps to see what owners near you already pay.
Extras worth charging for
- Additional pets: a small fee per extra dog or cat, often $5 to $15 per visit
- Medication: pills are often free, injections are often an add-on
- Holidays: many sitters add 25% to 50% on major holidays
- Last-minute bookings: a same-day or next-day fee
- Puppies and special needs pets: extra time and care
- Travel: a fee for clients outside your normal area
Sell weekly packages
Weekday walk clients are your foundation. Offer a small discount for five walks a week, billed weekly or monthly in advance. It locks in your schedule, cuts down on chasing payments, and makes it less likely the client tries another walker.
Policies that protect your income
- Cancellation policy: a fee for cancellations inside 24 hours, and a longer window for holiday bookings
- Payment up front: especially for overnights and holidays
- Meet-and-greet first: free and short, so you can check the pet’s behavior and get keys and vet details
- Written service agreement: covers emergencies, vet authorization and key handling
Insurance changes your pricing
Pet care liability insurance and bonding usually cost a few hundred dollars a year, and many clients will ask whether you have them. Mention it on your website. It is one of the main reasons owners pay an independent sitter more than a stranger on an app.
Want the booking and pet profiles done for you?
Our pet sitting and dog walking starter kit includes booking with pet profiles, a meet-and-greet request, visit report templates and a service agreement template. It gets built once 25 people vote for it, and voters get 20% off at launch. Vote for the pet care kit, or read how to start a pet sitting and dog walking business.
Rates here are rough US ranges to help you plan. They vary a lot by area, so check local rates before you set yours.
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