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January 21, 2025
How Much Does Dog Sitting Cost? (2025 Price Guide)
Boarding, daycare, walking, drop-ins — here's exactly what dog care costs in 2025 and what affects the price.
The short answer
Dog sitting costs vary widely based on your city, the service type, and the sitter's experience. Here are average daily rates in the US:
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Dog boarding (overnight): $30–$85/night
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Dog daycare: $20–$50/day
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Dog walking (30 min): $15–$30/walk
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Drop-in visit (30 min): $15–$25/visit
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House sitting (overnight): $45–$90/night
Major metros like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle run 30–50% higher than the national average.
What affects the price?
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*Location** — San Francisco sitters typically charge $55–90/night for boarding. A small town in Ohio might be $25–45. Cost of living drives this more than anything.
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*Service type** — Boarding and house sitting cost more than drop-ins or walks because they're time-intensive. A sitter doing boarding is with your dog all day and night.
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*Dog size** — Many sitters charge $5–15 more for large or extra-large dogs. Big dogs require more space, more food management, and more physical strength.
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*Number of dogs** — A second dog usually adds 50–70% of the base rate, not the full price.
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*Holiday surcharges** — Expect 20–50% premiums around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the Fourth of July when demand spikes.
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*Sitter experience** — A sitter with 100 five-star reviews and five years of experience will rightfully charge more than someone brand new.
Compare rates in your area
Browse local sitter profiles on Peddro to see current rates for boarding, daycare, walks, and drop-in visits in your neighborhood.
Boarding vs. kennels: which is cheaper?
Traditional kennels often advertise lower base rates, but final costs can be comparable or higher once you add:
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Temperament tests ($15–25)
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Vaccination verification fees
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Medication administration fees ($5–15/day)
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Extra playtime fees ($10–15/session)
A home sitter at $65/night with no add-ons is often cheaper and less stressful for your dog than a kennel at $45/night plus fees. Plus, your dog gets individual attention rather than a crate.
How to get the best value
1.
Book recurring services — most sitters offer a discount (10–20%) for regular weekly walks or daycare.
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Book early for holidays — peak holiday sitters fill up 6–8 weeks out. Late bookers pay premiums or can't find availability.
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Build a long-term relationship — sitters often reward loyal clients with priority booking and flat rates.
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Check for bundle deals — some sitters charge a flat weekly rate for full-time daycare that's cheaper than daily booking.
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Match to your actual needs — don't book overnight boarding if your dog really just needs two drop-in visits.
Is it worth the cost?
For most pet owners: absolutely. The peace of mind of knowing your dog is in a safe home, getting attention and ex