Topic
Pet sitting and dog sitting: rates, services and business
Quick answer
Dog sitting rates depend on the service (drop-in visit, overnight in the client's home or boarding at yours), the number and needs of the pets, your local cost of living and your experience. Price from your real costs and time, check what established sitters near you charge, and remember that self-employment taxes and insurance come out of what you earn.
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Common dog sitting services
| Service | What it includes |
|---|---|
| Drop-in visit | 20 to 60 minutes for feeding, potty break, play and medication |
| Dog walking | A scheduled walk, alone or in a small group |
| House sitting | You stay overnight in the client’s home |
| Boarding | The dog stays in your home |
| Doggy day care | Daytime care, usually in your home |
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics groups pet sitters with animal caretakers, and the IRS self-employed tax center explains what independent sitters owe.
In this section you will find a guide to pricing dog sitting services.
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