SitSignalSitSignal's recommendation for new sitters
Starting out, competitive pricing gets you booked, earns reviews, builds experience, and improves search visibility. Early momentum matters most — your first few bookings count the most. A simple starting point: $30/night for house sitting and boarding, $20 for walks and drop-ins.
Recommended starter pricing
Overnight stays:
| Service | Dog | Add'l dog | Cat | Add'l cat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boarding | $30/night | $20 | $25/night | $15 |
| House sitting | $30/night | $20 | $22/night | $15 |
Visits and walks:
| Service | Standard (30 min) | Recurring (30 min) |
|---|---|---|
| Drop-in visit | $20 | $18 |
| Dog walking | $20 | $18 |
Research your local market
See what nearby sitters charge for boarding, house sitting, drop-ins, and walks. Compare sitters with similar experience — don't just match the cheapest. Differentiate on professionalism instead.
Calculate your real costs
Pet sitting is a business. Track gas and transportation, time spent messaging and scheduling, supplies, platform fees, and self-employment taxes. A $40 service, after a 12% fee and gas, takes home a lot less than the sticker price.
Understand platform fees
- Standard sitters: 12% fee
- Partnered sitters: 9%
- Clients pay a separate platform fee
Price for your actual payout after fees.
Decide your positioning
Pick a spot: budget-friendly, mid-tier professional, or premium high-touch. Rates should match service quality — detailed updates, flexible scheduling, and strong communication justify higher pricing.
Sample rate strategy
Rough ranges (regional variation applies; big metros support more):
| Service | Starter | Experienced |
|---|---|---|
| 30-min drop-in | $18–$25 | $25–$35+ |
| Dog walk | $18–$28 | $30–$40+ |
| Boarding (per night) | $35–$55 | $60–$85+ |
| House sitting (per night) | $50–$75 | $80–$120+ |
Don't forget add-ons
Grow income without raising base rates: extra-pet fee, puppy rate, holiday rate, medication administration, and extended care / late pickup. These protect your time and prevent burnout.
Raise rates strategically
Wait until you've completed your first few bookings, then increase gradually. Good signals: consistently booked weeks out, turning down clients for availability, long hours for too little, and strong reviews with repeat clients. Keep existing clients by setting custom rates for repeat customers.
Common pricing mistakes
- Undercutting to win bookings
- Ignoring platform fees
- Forgetting taxes
- Not charging holiday premiums
- Overcommitting to low-rate work and burning out