How Much to Pay a Dog Sitter for Overnight - Calming Dogs UK
Just like we search for how much we should pay a dog sitter for overnight stays, similarly dog sitters also search for how much they should charge.
In this article, I will explain everything to you in a simple way so that you can understand:
How much to pay a dog sitter charges per visit?
If a meal is included, then how much should you pay?
Will the dog stay at home or at the sitter's house?
Is it safe to send the dog on a walk with the sitter during short visits?
Does location affect pricing?
Are walk and playing charges paid separately?
How to find the safest and most reliable dog sitter?
There are many such questions that confuse you while hiring a dog sitter. I will do my best in this article to answer all of them.
First of all, it’s important to know:
If the dog sitter is going to stay at our home overnight, then that is quite a safe option. But if the dog is staying overnight with the sitter, then that can be a bit worrying.
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This point needs proper attention: The dog sitter must be reliable and trusted. If you’ve hired through an online platform, then it’s usually safe.
But if the sitter is local and not verified, then before handing your dog over, visit their home once to avoid any stress later. Now let’s talk about how much to pay once you’ve found a dog sitter
This depends on:
● Which city are you in?
● What is the time duration?
● What services are you getting from the sitter?
Remember, charges also vary based o n different cities and localities.
● For example: In expensive cities like London, overnight rates are between £45 – £70. But in Manchester, Birmingham, or Bristol, the same service may cost £35 – £55 per night.
Chart for major UK cities to help you Estimate how much to pay a dog sitter in UK?
One important (and slightly funny) question:
What if I pay the dog sitter in advance, and they run off with my dog and the money?
Ans: This is often asked by very cautious people, but it’s not usually the case. You can choose to pay after the service.
And as I mentioned above — check the dog sitter’s identification properly before hiring to avoid problems.
How much to pay per visit? And what if a meal is included?
Ans: For per visit, paying £10–£20 to the dog sitter is considered reasonable. It depends on your location and the sitter’s experience.
If the visit includes a meal, there are generally no extra charges, as most dog owners provide the food themselves.
Will the dog stay at your home or the sitter’s house?
Ans: Both options depend on you. Let’s understand both easily:
● (In-home overnight dog sitting)
In this, the sitter comes to your home and stays overnight to look after the dog.
● (Boarding at sitter’s home)
Here, you drop the dog off at the sitter’s house and they look after it there.
Is it safe to send the dog on a walk with the sitter during short visits?
Ans: It’s safe if:
● The sitter is trusted – someone you know already or verified through a platform with reviews
● The sitter is dog-friendly and experienced
● Proper Leash and harness are used to avoid escapes
● The sitter has been informed about the dog’s habits – e.g. barking at strangers or aggressive toward other dogs.
Does location affect the pricing?
Ans: Yes, as shown in the chart — dog sitters in London charge the highest.
Are walk and playtime charges paid separately?
Ans: Yes, in many cases, walk and playtime (i.e. mentally engaging the dog, playing with them) are charged separately.
● Some sitters happily include it. But if you have specific requests like:
● Playing a specific game (e.g. tug of war, brain games)
● Or walking in a particular area of your choice
● Then you may have to pay additional charges.
Extra Tip: Before hiring a sitter, clearly ask:
● “Are walk and playtime charges separate or included?”
● “How long is the walk included in the daily rate?”
How to find the most safe and reliable dog sitter?
Ans: Today, there are some reliable platforms to find dog sitters:
1) Rover (www.rover.com)
2) Wag! (wagwalking.com)
3) PetBacker (petbacker.com)
4) TrustedHousesitters (trustedhousesitters.com)
These platforms conduct background checks, show reviews, and list the sitter’s experience.
Another important point: Share your dog’s habits with the sitter in advance so they can handle the pet safely.
Because in such services, the safety of both — the dog and the sitter — is important. If the pet harms the sitter, that could lead to further problems.
So, it’s best to arrange a meeting before hiring the sitter. That way you’ll know if your dog feels comfortable with them or not, And you can observe the sitter’s attitude, confidence, and handling style.
Conclusion:
Hiring a dog sitter is a responsible decision that requires careful thought. Whether you choose to have your dog stay at the sitter’s home or keep the sitter on your own, the most important factors are trust and safety.
Prices can vary depending on services, location, experience, and any additional add-ons—so it’s always best to clarify everything in advance.
Selecting a reliable and trustworthy sitter is essential for your pet’s comfort, well-being, and happiness. A proper introduction, checking reviews, and even arranging a trial visit can help you determine whether the sitter is truly a good fit for your dog.
In the end, with a little research, observation, and caution, you can find a dog sitter who not only takes excellent care of your pet but also gives you complete peace of mind.