Summary: An hourly rate for dog sitting varies between £10 and £15 per hour. Overnight boarding costs approximately £25 per night.
Whether you are traveling for work or pleasure, need to run errands during the weekend, or have an emergency, a dog sitter is a great option.
If you decide to hire a dog sitter, you will have several other questions, such as: How much does the dog sitter charge? What services would they provide? What are their actual responsibilities? So on and so forth. On your behalf, we've sniffed around. Find out more by reading on.
What does a dog sitter do?
Dog sitters provide care for your furry friend while you are away. They are responsible for all primary animal care and should be able to give them the necessary attention in your absence.
How much do dog sitters charge in the UK?
As with any other service, dog sitting is no different. In bigger cities, they are more expensive than in smaller ones. Demand plays a role. The following is an overview of the average cost of dog sitting. Depending on the type of service you need, these will vary.
Dog Walking
Due to its short duration, this category of service falls under the lower price range. The cost of walking a single dog is around £14 per hour. Prices are usually discounted if you opt for memberships with dog sitting companies or require sitters for regular walks.
Dog Boarding
The term "dog boarding" refers to an overnight stay for your dog. There are also terms like dog hotel, kennel, and resort to describe these facilities. For this service, the size and needs of your dog are critical factors.
When a dog sitter looks after a dog for a few hours, they charge between £10-£15 per hour. Overnight boarding costs around £25 on average. There will be an increase in costs if you add extra walking time, activities, or food to your package. Alternatively, the dog may be boarded at your house, in which case you will be expected to cover the sitter's travel costs.
Dog Daycare
For dogs, it's like a nursery. If you plan to be away for the day and want your furry friend to be cared for while you are away, dog daycare facilities are perfect. Their hours are usually 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. A half-day session costs around £9. For a full day, you'll need to budget £15.
Other factors influencing dog sitter costs
The price of dog sitting can be affected by a variety of factors. Here are a few of them summarized for your convenience:
- Type and Temperament - The type and age of the dog determine its energy levels and exercise needs. Are you the owner of a calm and cuddly French bulldog or an energetic terrier? Does your pet need constant attention or is hyperactive? Taking into account all these factors will determine how much you end up paying your dog sitter.
- Location - Dog sitting prices will vary based on your location. There will be a higher cost for sitters in urban areas and larger cities.
- Duration - How long will the dog sitting last? What level of engagement should the dog sitter have? It will cost extra if you want them to be active and present for your pet the entire time.
- Special Care- Medically complex dogs, dogs who require constant monitoring, or dogs who require medication administration will cost you more.
- Extra Dogs- There is normally an additional charge for each additional dog to watch.
- Holidays- If you need dog sitting during the holiday season, you can expect to pay higher fees.
- Special Skills- Some sitters may have additional experience working with animals. There may be veterinary attendants, behavior therapists, or even volunteers who have worked at animal shelters. Depending on their experience and knowledge, some pet sitters may charge extra for these additional skills.
- Travel expenses- If your chosen pet sitter lives quite far away, but has rave reviews, you will have to pay the sitter's travel expenses too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that you have a fair idea about the dog sitting price range, you might be wondering about a few other things like tipping, sitter duties, and so on. Below are a few answers to common dog sitter questions.
Should I tip my dog sitter?
There is no right or wrong answer here. The tip will be appreciated whether the sitter is a salaried employee or does dog sitting as a side business. However, it is not always expected or required.
The majority of service providers offer all-inclusive prices, which means that all costs are included, so tipping is completely your choice.
However, you might want to tip your sitter if he or she has gone above and beyond for your beloved pet. The payment can be made while the bill is being settled.
Remember to thank the sitter for a job well done even if you decided not to tip. It's always nice to receive compliments.
Should I bear my dog sitter's travel costs?
There are some dog sitters who include travel costs in their prices. In which case, this won't be a concern. Make sure you discuss this with your dog sitter beforehand.
Should I leave money for the dog sitter?
A dog sitter may have some financial responsibilities if he stays for an extended period of time. There may be extra supplies your dog needs, such as food, poo bags, or toys. Or there could be unanticipated situations like an emergency. Ensuring that your dog sitter has the necessary funds might be your preferred option but, in any case, stock up before you leave and keep your sitter posted about these arrangements.
Is a sitting service practical if I am away for a long time?
For a longer period, dog sitting can be an expensive service. You can cut your costs by booking in advance to make it more budget-friendly without sacrificing quality. Save money by choosing sitters who live nearby or consider Trusted House Sitters.
Final Thoughts
Verify the service is worth the price by checking reviews and/or visiting the location. The more options you have, the better. Finding the best service at the right price is crucial when hiring any pet sitter.
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