The short answer
Pet sitting prices depend on the service, how much time it takes and how many pets you have. At Pooch N Pounce, home visits start from $35, overnight house sitting from $80 a night and dog walks are $35 per 30 minutes, with discounts for longer bookings.
What affects the price
- The type of service: a quick visit, a walk or an overnight stay
- Time: how long each visit or walk takes
- Your pets: how many you have and what they need, such as medication
- Public holidays: often charged extra
- Booking length: longer bookings may earn a discount
Prices listed online are usually starting prices. A home with two dogs and a cat on medication needs more time than a single cat, so expect a quote once the sitter knows your pets.
The three main types of pet sitting
Home visits
A sitter pops by to feed your pet, refresh water, clean up, play and give some love. Visits suit cats and dogs who are relaxed on their own between visits.
Overnight house sitting
The sitter stays at your home. It costs more per day than visits, but it covers the whole day and night, and your home looks lived-in.
Dog walking
Usually priced per walk or per half hour. Some walkers take dogs in groups, so check whether you’re paying for a one-on-one walk.
Worked examples
These examples use Pooch N Pounce prices, in Australian dollars.
| Booking | How it’s worked out | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cat, one visit a day for 7 days | 7 × $35 | from $245 |
| Cat, two visits a day for 5 days | 10 × $35 | from $350 |
| House sitting for 7 nights | 7 × $80 | from $560 |
| House sitting for 14 nights | 14 × $80, less 10% | from $1,008 |
| 10 × 30-minute walks | 10 × $35, less 5% | $332.50 |
| 30-minute walk on Christmas Day | $35 + $20 public holiday | $55 |
Prices depend on the service, time, and number of pets, so treat these as a guide and ask for a quote.
What does a pet sitter cost per day?
It depends on how many visits your pet needs. With Pooch N Pounce, one home visit a day starts from $35, two visits a day from $70, and an overnight house sit from $80 a night, with walks included for dogs.
Cancellations
Check a sitter’s cancellation policy before you book. At Pooch N Pounce there’s no charge if you cancel with more than 24 hours’ notice. With less than 24 hours’ notice, the full fee applies, because that time has been reserved just for you and your pet.
What’s usually not included
Most sitters, including Pooch N Pounce, don’t supply pet food, as most pets do best staying on the food they’re already familiar with. Leave enough food, treats and litter for the whole booking, plus a little extra.
Questions to ask any sitter
- Is the price per visit, per night or per pet?
- Are walks included in house sitting?
- Is there a public holiday surcharge?
- Is there a discount for longer bookings?
- What’s the cancellation policy?
- Who will actually care for my pet?
- Will I get updates, and how often?
- Can we meet before I book?
Sources
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If you’re worried about your pet’s health, speak to your vet.