Let’s be real—pricing your pet sitting services can feel tricky. You want to be competitive, but you also don’t want to sell yourself short. You want to attract clients, but you also want to earn what you deserve for your time, effort, and love for animals.
Whether you’re new to Rover or looking to update your rates, this guide will help you price your services with confidence and clarity.
1. Know Your Local Market
– Start by researching what other pet sitters in your area are charging:
– Go on Rover and search for similar services near you.
– Look for sitters with similar experience, reviews, and offerings.
– Take note of high, average, and low price points.
Pro Tip: If you’re just starting out, it’s okay to price slightly under the average—but don’t go too low. You want to be seen as valuable, not desperate.
2. Factor in Time & Effort
– A 30-minute drop-in visit might sound quick, but factor in:
– Travel time
– Communication with the owner
– Cleanup and pet messes
– Time spent writing Rover reports or sending photos
– If you’re spending an hour total for a 30-minute visit, your pricing should reflect that.
3. Consider the Level of Care
– Not all jobs are created equal! Consider raising your rates for:
– Puppies or senior pets
– Multiple pets
– Pets with medical needs or special instructions
– Holidays or last-minute bookings
– These types of visits take more energy and responsibility—your price should match.
4. Offer Tiered Services
– Create clear, tiered pricing for:
– Dog walking (30 vs. 60 minutes)
– Drop-in visits
– Day care
– Overnight boarding or house sitting
– Make it easy for clients to understand the value of each tier. And if they want “extras” (baths, medication, etc.), list them as add-ons.
5. Update Rates Regularly
– Your time becomes more valuable as you gain experience. It’s okay (and necessary!) to raise your rates as:
– You receive more positive reviews
– You earn repeat clients
– Your schedule fills up
– Start by increasing rates for new clients first. For loyal clients, give a friendly heads-up before adjusting prices.
6. Be Confident When Talking Money
– It’s normal to feel awkward about money—but remember: You’re offering a professional service.
– When clients ask, confidently explain what your rate includes:
– “That includes a 30-minute visit with a full walk, feeding, fresh water, playtime, and a detailed update with photos!”
– You’re not just “watching pets.” You’re providing peace of mind, safety, and love.
7. Think Long-Term Sustainability
– If your rates don’t support your expenses (gas, time, supplies), you’ll burn out. Your pricing should:
– Reflect your quality of care
– Support your financial goals
– Allow you to continue doing what you love long-term
– Example Starting Rate Ranges (for reference):
(These vary widely by location)
– Service Starting Range
30-min Dog Walk $15–$25
Drop-In Visit $18–$30
Overnight House Sit $50–$90+
Dog Boarding $40–$75+
Use these as a guide, but adjust for your area and your experience.
Final Thoughts
Setting your prices isn’t just about what people are willing to pay—it’s about knowing the value of the service you provide.
– You’re dependable.
– You keep pets safe and happy.
– You give peace of mind to pet parents.
That’s worth charging for. So do your research, trust your instincts, and price your services with pride.
Download:
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