What Are The Average Dog Sitting Rates? A Global Guide for 2026

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If there is one moment that makes every new pet sitter sweat, it isn’t the first time a frantic Beagle tries to bolt out the front door, it’s that awkward silence right after a potential client asks, "So, what are your rates?"

When we first started, we were happy just to trade care for a roof over our heads. We’ve spent the last few years living in Swiss chalets and Tuscan farmhouses without paying a cent of rent.

But as we navigated the world of pet care, we quickly realized that professional pet sitting is a massive industry, and knowing your worth is non-negotiable if you want to make this a sustainable side hustle or career.

Whether you are a homeowner trying to budget for your next holiday or a sitter looking to set fair prices, the numbers can be confusing. Are you paying for a neighbor to drop by, or a professional with insurance and CPR training?

Below, we’ve broken down exactly what dog sitters are charging across the globe in 2026, based on the latest data. From the high-rises of New York to the remote stations of the Australian outback, here is the honest truth about the cost of canine care.

The "It Depends" Factor: Why Rates Vary

Before we dive into the hard numbers, we have to address the variables. Just like booking a hotel room, the price of a sitter changes based on the "season" and the "amenities."

Through our travels, we’ve noticed that urban areas almost always command higher prices than rural ones. A drop-in visit in downtown London is going to cost significantly more than one in a quiet village in Wales.

Here are the main factors that influence the final quote:

United States: The Wide Range of Rates

The US market is incredibly diverse. In 2026, we are seeing a shift where sitters are rightfully demanding fair compensation for their time, especially when compared to traditional kennels.

If you are looking at opportunities for house sitting in the States, you’ll find that hourly rates hover between $10 and $40. However, the real variance comes in overnight stays.

Standard US Rates:

If you are using one of the major platforms in the United States, keep in mind that fees for additional dogs usually run $5–$15 per extra snout. We’ve found that in expensive metros like New York or San Francisco, the "high" end of these estimates is actually the standard starting point.

United Kingdom: Professionalism and Insurance

In the UK, there is a strong culture of professional dog walking and sitting. Owners here value reliability and insurance highly. While we often do exchange-based sits in the UK, paid sitters are very common for shorter stints.

Standard UK Rates (GBP):

It is worth noting that pet boarding vs house sitting in the UK is a constant debate. Many owners prefer paying a sitter £50 a night to keep the dog in their own home rather than utilizing a kennel, which can often cost similar amounts but causes more stress for the animal.

Canada: City vs. Country

Canada mirrors the US in many ways, but with distinct regional differences. Rates in Toronto or Vancouver will be significantly higher than in rural Alberta. If you are browsing House Sitters Canada, you might see lower rates for long-term stays, but strictly paid gigs are competitive.

Standard Canadian Rates (CAD):

Interestingly, we’ve seen that house sitting jobs in Canada involving overnight care often hit that $100 mark quickly once you factor in a second dog or a cat that needs medication.

Australia: The Remote Factor

Australia is massive. We loved our time van-lifing there, but the distance between towns means travel time is a real cost for sitters. If you are looking at house sitting in Australia, you’ll notice that drop-in rates are quite high relative to daily rates, simply because of the commute.

Standard Australian Rates (AUD):

Using platforms like Aussie House Sitters can help owners find more affordable options, but for professional insured care, the daily rate often includes a surcharge for travel if the home is outside the metro radius.

New Zealand: The Kiwi Standard

New Zealand tends to be very community-focused. While there are professional services, there is also a healthy "neighborly" economy. However, purely professional rates for house sitters in New Zealand have risen to match the cost of living.

Standard NZ Rates (NZD):

A unique quirk in the NZ data is the high surcharge for a second dog (+$20–$23), which is higher proportionally than in the US or UK.

Europe: France, Germany, and Switzerland

Europe is a mixed bag. In Switzerland, everything costs more, coffee, gas, and definitely dog sitting. In contrast, Germany and France have more standardized mid-range pricing, partly due to labor regulations and a culture of stable service costs.

Switzerland (CHF):

Germany (EUR):

France (EUR):

Types of Charges Explained

When you are setting your rates or looking to hire, clarity is key to avoiding red flags in a pet sitter or a client. Here is what the terminology actually means on the invoice.

The "Drop-In" Visit

This is usually a 15 to 30-minute check-in. It involves feeding, a quick potty break, and maybe a little play. It is the bread and butter for many sitters. If you are house sitting for cats, this is the standard model, but for dogs, it’s usually a mid-day supplement to other care.

The Overnight Stay

This is the premium service. The sitter sleeps in the owner's bed (or guest room) and provides security for the home. A common question we get is, "Do house sitters have to stay overnight?" For dogs, the answer is almost always yes. Dogs are social pack animals; leaving them alone from 5 PM to 8 AM is rarely acceptable.

24-Hour Care

This is different from an overnight stay. Standard overnight sitting usually allows the sitter to leave for a few hours during the day to run errands or walk other dogs. Constant care, where the dog cannot be left alone at all (common for puppies or dogs with separation anxiety), commands a premium, often double the standard overnight rate.

Paid vs. Exchange: The Great Debate

Here is where things get interesting for us. We use Trusted House Sitters for most of our travels, which is a cashless exchange: we get a free place to stay, and the owners get free pet care.

However, there is a fine line. If an owner demands 8 hours of gardening, deep cleaning, and 24/7 dog monitoring, that crosses the boundary. It is vital to understand the difference between house sitting and unpaid labor.

If you are a sitter, you need to decide which model fits you.

If you are unsure if house sitting is worth it for you, consider trying a short local sit first.

Advice for Owners: What Are You Paying For?

If you see a sitter charging $100/night and another charging $20, don't immediately jump for the bargain.
You are paying for peace of mind.
A professional sitter will know how to handle emergencies, won't flake last minute, and will keep your home secure. When house sitting a dog, the unexpected happens, dogs get sick, pipes burst, alarms go off. You want someone capable in charge.

Also, be transparent about your pet. If your dog has behavioral issues, don't hide it to get a cheaper rate. That is a recipe for disaster.

Summary Table: Global Daily Averages (Low-High)

Note: These figures are estimates based on aggregated 2025/2026 data sources. Always check local listings for the most current rates.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are charging for your services or using them to travel the world like we do, clarity is kindness. Agree on the rates, the responsibilities, and the expectations before the leash is handed over.

If you are ready to start your journey, make sure you spend time crafting a solid house sitting profile that highlights your experience and love for animals. And if you are an owner, remember that a happy sitter means a happy dog.

Safe travels and happy tails!
Caro & Konrad 🐾🚐

• Do dog sitters charge more for holidays?

  Yes, it is standard industry practice to charge a premium for holidays such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter. This surcharge typically ranges from 10% to 50% above the standard daily or overnight rate to compensate sitters for working during family time.

• How much should I pay for a dog sitter to stay overnight?

  Overnight rates vary by location. In the US and Canada, rates typically range from $40 to $100+ per night. In the UK, it is often £25–£70, while in Australia, it can range from $25 to $100 depending on the remoteness and requirements of the sit.

• Should I charge extra for a second dog?

  Yes. Additional dogs require extra feeding time, more complex walking logistics, and increased cleanup. The standard add-on fee is usually between $5 and $20 (or currency equivalent) per additional dog per day.

• Is it cheaper to hire a sitter or use a kennel?

  It depends on the number of pets. For a single dog, a kennel might be slightly cheaper than a premium overnight sitter. However, for multiple dogs, hiring a sitter is often more cost-effective and provides the added benefit of home security and reduced stress for the animals.

• What is the difference between a drop-in visit and house sitting?

  A drop-in visit is a short check-in (usually 15–30 minutes) to feed, walk, and play with the pet. House sitting involves the sitter staying in your home for an extended period, often overnight, maintaining the house and providing companionship for the pet.