How Much Should I Charge for Dog Walking and Pet Sitting?
Dog walking is priced per walk, usually 30 or 60 minutes, and pet sitting per visit or per night. Your drive between clients is part of the cost, and extra dogs, medication or late-night visits are reasons to charge more.
Reference Rates: Dog Walking & Pet Sitting
Based on a reference of $25 an hour for dog walking & pet sitting at an intermediate level, in a state with average living costs. These are starting points, before materials, travel and card fees.
| Experience | Per hour | 30-min walk | 1-hour visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Just Starting less than 1 year | $17.50 | $10 | $20 |
| Intermediate 1 to 3 years | $25 | $15 | $25 |
| Experienced 3 to 8 years | $33.75 | $20 | $35 |
| Expert top of your field | $45 | $25 | $45 |
By State (Intermediate Level)
| State | Per hour | 30-min walk | 1-hour visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $28 | $15 | $30 |
| New York | $27 | $15 | $30 |
| Texas | $24.25 | $15 | $25 |
| Florida | $25.50 | $15 | $30 |
| Illinois | $25 | $15 | $25 |
| Pennsylvania | $24 | $15 | $25 |
| Ohio | $22.50 | $15 | $25 |
| Georgia | $23.50 | $15 | $25 |
Working in a big city or its metro area, add about 8%. For your exact case, including any other state, use the calculator above.
Per Walk, Per Visit and Overnight
Most walkers sell 30-minute walks, with a lower price for each extra dog from the same home. Drop-in visits for cats or feeding are shorter, but you still drive there, so set a minimum price per visit.
Overnight pet sitting is priced per night. It ties up your evening and morning, so it costs much more than a single visit. Holidays are your busiest days, and many sitters add a holiday surcharge.
Group Walks Pay Better
Walking two or three dogs at once raises what you earn per hour, but only if the dogs get along and you can handle them safely. Always do a meet-and-greet before the first walk, and ask about behavior, leash manners and health.
What's Usually Included
- The walk or visit
- Fresh water and feeding
- Picking up after the dog
- A quick update or photo for the owner
What to Charge Extra For
- Each extra dog
- Giving medication
- Overnight stays
- Holidays and last-minute bookings
- Bathing or brushing
Common Pricing Mistakes
- Not charging for the drive between clients
- Keeping the same price for 1 dog and 3 dogs
- Skipping the meet-and-greet
- Working holidays at the regular price
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I charge for a 30-minute dog walk?
Set 30 minutes in the calculator and add your gas under "Travel". In big cities, walkers often charge more because of parking and demand.
How much should I charge for pet sitting overnight?
Count the hours you are tied to the job, not only the active time. Overnights are usually priced well above a single visit.
Should I get insured?
Pet care insurance and bonding are common in the US and help you win clients. Add the yearly cost to your business costs when you work out your hourly rate.