How much do dog walkers and sitters charge? Your price guide

When you’re busy, traveling, or simply need an extra hand, pet sitters and dog walkers can help keep your pets cared for and comfortable. Costs vary widely depending on the type of service, your location, and the platform you choose.

This guide breaks down the current prices for dog walking, pet sitting, and boarding — as well as how major platforms like Rover, Wag!, and Care.com compare. You’ll also learn what each service includes and how to save money while still getting reliable, high-quality care for your pets.

Key takeaways 

• Typical prices vary by service: Expect $20–$35 per dog walk, $30–$90 per night for sitting, and $35–$70+ per night for boarding, depending on your location and your pet’s needs.
  
  
• Pet needs drive the cost: Medication, anxiety management, extra walks, senior care, and multi-pet households increase the total price across all platforms.
  
  
• Comparing platforms saves money: Apps like Rover, Wag!, Care.com, and Fetch! offer different pricing structures and fees — checking multiple platforms helps you find the best match for your pet and budget.

How much do dog walkers and pet sitters charge?

When caring for your pets becomes overwhelming or you need to travel, pet sitters and dog walkers can help fill the gaps. Prices vary based on your location, the provider’s experience, and the type of service you choose, but understanding typical ranges can help you plan and budget with confidence.

Below is a breakdown of average national pricing for the most common pet-care services.

Dog walking prices: Calculating the cost of dog walking

Dog walking prices depend on walk length, whether the walk is solo or group-based, your location, and whether you have more than one dog. Walkers in large metro areas tend to charge on the higher end, while suburban or rural areas are often more affordable.

How to calculate the price of dog walking

1. Choose walk length. Most walkers offer 20, 30, or 60-minute walks at different price points.
   
   
2. Decide between group or solo walks. Group walks are cheaper; solo walks cost more.
   
   
3. Factor in number of dogs. Most walkers charge an additional fee per extra dog.
   
   
4. Account for location and timing. Peak-time or last-minute bookings often cost more.
   
   

Multiply by frequency. Daily or weekly use helps determine your monthly budget.

Dog boarding prices: Calculating the cost of dog boarding

Dog boarding provides overnight care when you’re away, and pricing varies widely based on the type of facility, level of supervision, and your dog’s needs. The cost can also shift during peak travel seasons or holidays. Kennels remain the most budget-friendly option, while home-based boarding and doggy daycare environments cost more but offer a cozier, more personalized experience. Veterinary boarding sits at the top of the range due to medical oversight and specialized care.

How to calculate dog boarding price

1. Choose your boarding environment. Kennel, sitter’s home, dog daycare facility, or veterinary clinic — each has different levels of attention and amenities.
   
   
2. Decide how long your dog will stay. Multi-night and weekly stays often come with discounted rates.
   
   
3. Factor in your dog’s needs. Medication, special diets, anxiety management, or extra walks/play sessions will increase the total cost.
   
   
4. Consider peak pricing. Holiday travel periods can raise nightly rates significantly.
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5. ‍Watch for add-ons. Things like baths, enrichment activities, report cards, or webcam access may add cost at some facilities.

Dog sitter prices: Calculating the cost of dog sitting

Dog sitting offers a more personalized alternative to boarding, giving your dog care either in a sitter’s home or in your own home. Costs vary significantly based on location, whether the stay is overnight or drop-in only, and how much hands-on attention your dog needs. Sitting in your home tends to be the most expensive option, while staying in the sitter’s home is often more affordable and more social.

How to calculate dog sitter costs

1. Choose dog sitting type.
   
   
   • In-home sitting (sitter stays in your home)
     
     
   • Sitter’s home boarding (your dog stays in their home)
     
     
   • Drop-in visits for quick check-ins
     
     
2. Determine length of care. Overnight stays cost more than drop-in visits. Multiple visits per day add up quickly.
   
   
3. Assess your dog’s needs. Medication, separation anxiety, leash reactivity, senior care, or puppies often require longer stays or specialized sitters.
   
   
4. Factor in multi-dog households. Most sitters charge per additional pet.
   
   
5. Account for holidays, weekends, and last-minute requests. These dates typically carry surcharges.

Cat sitter prices: Calculating the cost of cat sitting

Cat sitting is often more affordable than dog sitting because most cats require shorter, less intensive visits. Costs vary depending on whether you choose drop-in visits or overnight stays, the number of cats, and any special care needs like medication or grooming. Many cat owners prefer sitting over boarding because cats are more comfortable in familiar surroundings.

How to calculate cat sitting costs

1. Choose your sitting type.
   
   
   • Drop-in visits (most common)
     
     
   • Overnight stays in your home
     
     
   • Extended visits for cats needing companionship
     
     
2. Determine how many visits per day your cat needs. One visit may be enough for low-maintenance cats; seniors or medical-needs cats may require two.
   
   
3. Factor in your cat’s needs. Medication administration, brushing, litter scooping, and anxiety management can increase costs.
   
   
4. Account for multi-cat households. Most sitters charge a small per-additional-cat fee.
   
   

Consider seasonal and holiday pricing. Sitter availability may drive prices up.

Cat boarding prices: Calculating the cost of cat boarding

Cat boarding is ideal for longer trips or when your cat needs more supervision than a sitter can provide. Costs depend on the facility type (standard kennel, luxury “cat hotel,” or veterinary boarding), your cat’s needs, and the length of stay. Cats requiring medical attention, daily injections, or specialized diets may need veterinary supervision, which is the highest-cost option.

How to calculate cat boarding costs

1. Choose facility type.
   
   
   • Standard kennel (most affordable)
     
     
   • Premium cat suite / cat hotel
     
     
   • Veterinary boarding for medical needs
     
     
2. Estimate nightly rate and length of stay. Longer stays may qualify for weekly discounts.
   
   
3. Consider your cat’s needs. Medication, private rooms, and extra playtime affect pricing.
   
   
4. Look for seasonal changes. Holidays and peak travel seasons raise nightly costs.
   
   

Add optional extras. Play sessions, cat trees, webcam access, and grooming add to the total.

Pet care costs on major platforms

Pet care platforms make it easy to compare prices and book local walkers, sitters, and boarders — but rates can vary widely because individual providers set their own pricing. Costs depend on your location, the level of care your pet needs, and the type of service (walks, drop-ins, overnight stays, or boarding). Urban areas, last-minute requests, and holiday bookings tend to fall at the higher end of the range.

Platform fees can also influence the final price. Some apps add booking or service fees, while others require a subscription to contact caregivers. Because of these differences, it’s helpful to look at each platform separately to understand what you can expect to pay.

Below is a clear breakdown of typical prices on today’s most popular pet care platforms, including what each service usually costs and what may affect the total.

Rover

Rover is one of the largest pet care marketplaces, offering dog walking, pet sitting, drop-in visits, and boarding.

Additional costs to consider:

• Service/booking fee for owners (typically around ~10–12%).
  
  
• Holiday surcharges during peak travel periods.

Wag!

Wag! is best known for dog walking, but also offers sitting and drop-in care.

Additional costs to consider: 

• $2.99+ booking fee for walks (varies by service)
  
  
• Fees for same-day bookings, add-ons, and state taxes
  

Fetch! Pet Care

Fetch! is a national franchise offering in-home pet services. Pricing varies by franchise location.

Additional costs to consider: 

• Many locations require an initial consultation (often $20–$30).
• Fetch! doesn’t offer pet boarding services.
  

Care.com 

Care.com lists independent sitters and walkers. Rates tend to be lower, depending on the area. Some features require a premium subscription.

Additional considerations

• A booking fee is added to every booking
  
  
• A premium membership is required to request background checks and message caregivers directly.
  
  

What’s included in dog walking?

Most dog walking services include a standard 20–30 minute walk, fresh water, and a quick check-in to make sure your dog is safe and comfortable. Many walkers take dogs out in small groups, while others offer solo walks for dogs who need more space or one-on-one attention.

If your dog is high-energy, recovering from injury, or reactive on-leash, you may need a walker experienced with longer routes, structured exercise, or individual sessions. These services typically cost more because they require extra time, training, and handling skills. Some walkers also offer add-ons such as feeding, medication administration, or photo updates during the visit.

What’s included in dog boarding?

Dog boarding includes overnight care, a safe sleeping space, and regular exercise or playtime throughout the day. In a traditional kennel setting, dogs typically follow a structured routine with scheduled walks, feeding times, and supervised group play or individual outdoor sessions.

Home-based boarding offers a more relaxed environment. Dogs often have freedom to roam the home, lounge on sofas, and play in the yard, making it a good fit for pets who prefer a quieter, more familiar setup.

If your dog requires medication, a special diet, or has medical or behavioral needs, consider a facility with trained staff or a veterinary boarding option. These provide closer monitoring and more hands-on care to keep your dog comfortable and safe.

What’s included in cat sitting?

Cat sitting services imply that someone will care for your cat in your home. Cat sitting can also be a drop-in service where a cat sitter visits for a short period of time to check on your cats. Cat sitters will feed cats, check litter boxes, administer medications, and sometimes spend extra time with your felines. The major benefits of cat sitting is that cats do not have to leave their familiar environment. 

What’s included in cat boarding? 

Cat boarding involves bringing your cat to a kennel or cattery for overnight care. Standard services typically include secure housing, food and water, litter box access, scheduled cleanings, and daily check-ins from staff. Many facilities also offer optional extras like quiet playrooms, climbing spaces, or private “cat condos.”

Cats with medical needs may require veterinary boarding, where trained staff can administer medications, monitor health conditions, and provide a higher level of care. This option usually costs more but offers peace of mind for owners of senior cats or cats with health issues.

When to choose a sitter vs. a walker vs. boarding

Choosing the right type of pet care depends on your schedule, your pet’s personality, and the level of supervision they need. Each option serves a different purpose — from quick mid-day exercise to full-time overnight care. Use the guide below to determine which service fits your situation best.

Dog walker: Best for daily exercise and routine care

Choose dog walking when your dog:

• Needs mid-day potty breaks or exercise
  
  
• Is comfortable meeting new people
  
  
• Doesn’t require overnight supervision
  
  
• Is well-behaved on leash and around other dogs
  
  
• Has a consistent daily routine
  
  

Ideal for: Busy workdays, long commutes, and active breeds that need structured exercise.

Pet sitter: Best for in-home comfort and 1:1 attention

Choose pet sitting when your pet:

• Feels safest at home
  
  
• Has anxiety, reactivity, or is uncomfortable in group settings
  
  
• Needs extra companionship or supervision
  
  
• Requires medication or special routines
  
  
• Lives in a multi-pet household
  
  

Ideal for: Senior pets, nervous animals, dogs with medical needs, or any pet who thrives in their familiar environment.

Boarding: Best for social pets or high-supervision environments

Choose boarding when your dog or cat:

• Enjoys being around people or other animals
  
  
• Benefits from structured enrichment or playtime
  
  
• Needs overnight care for multiple days
  
  
• Is crate-trained or comfortable in new spaces
  
  
• Doesn’t have reactivity or separation issues
  
  

Ideal for: Pets who love activity, dogs who enjoy group play, and long trips when home-based sitting isn’t available.

How can I save money on pet care?

Using platforms that list multiple local pet carers is one of the easiest ways to find affordable options. Being able to compare prices, read reviews, or request quotes helps you quickly spot the best value. It’s also worth pricing out different types of care—such as boarding versus in-home visits—especially if you have more than one pet. In some cases, in-home care can be more cost-effective than paying per-pet boarding fees.

Is a pet care service worth the cost?

For many pet owners, professional pet care is well worth the investment. A vetted, experienced provider offers peace of mind while you’re away and ensures your animals receive consistent, attentive care. Pet care services also add an extra layer of security and accountability—especially when a sitter is entering your home or caring for pets with medical or behavioral needs.

Checklist: Preparing your pet for a sitter, walker, or boarding stay

A little preparation can make your pet’s experience smoother, safer, and much less stressful. Use this simple checklist to make sure you — and your caregiver — are fully ready.

1. Prepare your pet’s essentials

• Food (plus extra)
  
  
• Treats
  
  
• Bowls
  
  
• Leash, harness, collar
  
  
• Medication and instructions
  
  
• Litter, scoops, and liners (for cats)
  
  
• Toys or comfort items
  
  

2. Share important health and behavior info

Give the sitter or facility:

• Feeding schedule
  
  
• Medication schedule
  
  
• Known allergies
  
  
• Behavioral quirks (reactivity, anxiety, door-dashing, etc.)
  
  
• Vet contact info
  
  
• Emergency contacts
  
  

3. Set up the home for safe care (for sitters/walkers)

• Secure doors, gates, and yard
  
  
• Close off rooms pets shouldn’t access
  
  
• Leave clear instructions for alarms or smart locks
  
  
• Keep cleaning supplies easily accessible
  
  

4. Do a meet-and-greet when possible

A short introduction helps:

• Ensure your pet is comfortable
  
  
• Let the sitter learn cues and routines
  
  
• Clarify expectations and ask questions
  
  
• Avoid surprises during the booking
  
  

5. Pack for boarding or daycare

If boarding, send:

• Bed or blanket
  
  
• Favorite toys
  
  
• Current vaccination records
  
  
• Pre-measured meals
  
  
• Medication in original containers
  
  
• A worn T-shirt for familiarity
  
  

6. Confirm logistics before you leave

• Pickup and drop-off times
  
  
• Daily update preferences (text or app)
  
  
• Payment details
  
  
• Emergency plan if your pet becomes ill
  
  
• Special instructions for weather or outdoor time

We recommend Rover and Wag! 

As leaders in the pet services space, Rover and Wag! are excellent platforms for finding dog walkers, cat sitters, and other pet care providers. Their transparent pricing and local listings make it easy to compare options and choose someone who can care for your pets with both expertise and affection. Rover is especially useful for comparing local boarding facilities with individual sitters, while Wag! is more dog-focused and primarily features home-based pet care services.

How much do dog walkers charge FAQs

How much should you pay someone to walk your dog?
Most dog walkers charge $20–$35 per walk, depending on your location, walk length, and whether it’s a solo or group walk.

How much to charge for a 30-minute dog walk?
Walkers generally charge $18–$30 for a 30-minute walk, with higher rates in major cities or for solo walks.

How much for a 1-hour dog walk?
A 60-minute walk usually costs $30–$50, depending on your region and your dog’s behavior or care needs.

Is it customary to tip dog walkers?
Tipping isn’t required but is common. Many owners tip 10–20% or add extra during holidays or for exceptional service.

Is $100 a day good for dog sitting?
Yes — $100/day is within the normal range for in-home dog sitting, especially for pets needing meds, extra walks, or 1:1 care.

What are the red flags in a pet sitter?
Watch for poor communication, no insurance, no reviews, unclear pricing, unwillingness to do a meet-and-greet, or unsafe handling habits.

How do I prepare my dog for a walker?Share your dog’s routine, triggers, and commands; have leashes ready; secure gates and doors; and schedule a meet-and-greet so your dog feels comfortable.