Petsitting is a great solution for any pet owner, whether you work full time, spend most of your time at home, have a family or live alone, a pet sitter can provide structure to the life of your pet. Pet sitters can help out in unexpected situations relieving pressure from your schedule and ensuring a stress-free pet ownership experience!
The cost of petsitting can vary, and while some people might think it is out of their price range, it can be a cost-effective solution to long-term pet care!
What Determines the Average Cost of Petsitting?
The cost of petsitting services varies depending on the type of pet and their specific needs. For example, a dog that needs walking will cost more than feeding a fish. Generally, larger and more active animals will incur higher petsitting costs. Dog walking is often the most expensive form of petsitting because it is the most time and energy-consuming activity.
In contrast, smaller animals and caged pets, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, typically require less intensive care. They usually only need feeding and cleaning services from a pet sitter, which can be performed quickly and efficiently. As a result, this type of petsitting duty often costs much less than dog walking.
Overnight petsitting services can be considerably more expensive than daytime services due to the increased responsibility for the pet sitter, who may need to accommodate the pet in their own home. However, this option is often far less expensive than a commercial kennel or cattery, making it a more economical solution for overnight care.
Location also affects the cost of petsitting services. Pet sitters in London can often command higher hourly rates than those outside of London and throughout the rest of the UK. Additionally, the demand for pet sitters in your area, as well as the distance the pet sitter must travel to reach your home, can influence the overall cost of the service.
Costs of Different Types of Pet Sitters
The cost of different types of pet sitters will vary slightly depending on your location, the experience of the pet sitter and the local demand for petsitting services.
Here are some average prices for different services across the country:
Dog Walking in London: £12-25 per hour.
Dog Walking outside London: £10-£16 per hour.
Daytime Petsitting in London: £10-£12 per hour.
Daytime Petsitting outside London: £6-£10 per hour.
Overnight Petsitting: Prices are negotiable but usually start at £20 per evening.
These prices are average costs for petsitting services across the UK but at Yoopies our applicants are free to set their own rates to ensure they remain competitive and affordable.
Finding the Best Priced Petsitting Services
There are several ways to find a great pet sitter, and while the process can be time-consuming at first, finding the right pet sitter will make all the difference in your life. Don’t hesitate to offer a trial period to a few different candidates to ensure both your pet and the pet sitter are comfortable with each other. This step is crucial for establishing a successful and stress-free relationship.
Word of mouth is an excellent way to find a pet sitter, especially if you’ve seen them interact with friends’ or family’s pets. Personal recommendations can provide peace of mind and firsthand insights into a pet sitter’s abilities. However, this method isn’t always the most practical or available option, so it’s wise to consider other avenues.
Petsitting agencies offer a reliable and trustworthy solution, as their candidates are thoroughly vetted and held to high standards. Agencies typically provide a wide variety of candidates, ensuring that someone is always available to look after your pet. The downside is that agencies can be more expensive than other options, which might make them less affordable for some pet owners.
Online petsitting platforms can be a good compromise, offering a wide variety of applicants at often more affordable prices. At Yoopies, we let our applicants set their own rates and never take commission from them. This approach keeps prices competitive and ensures that pet sitters can offer excellent services at reasonable rates. Online platforms provide flexibility and a range of options, making it easy to find the perfect match for your pet’s needs.
For more advice and information, check out our petsitting guide for pet owners.