Your dog needs exercise while you're at work. You're traveling and need someone to care for your pets. Your puppy needs training. Your cat needs daily visits. Finding reliable, trustworthy pet care is stressful. How much do pet services cost, and how do you find someone you can trust?
Professional pet care and dog walking services provide exercise and mental stimulation, prevent behavioral problems, offer companionship and love, ensure feeding and medication schedules, provide peace of mind while traveling, catch health issues early, and deliver consistent, reliable care. But with varying costs, service options, and trust concerns, finding the right care provider is crucial.
This comprehensive guide shows you everything you need to know about pet care and dog walking services. You'll learn what different services cost, how to choose trustworthy providers, what questions to ask, how to prepare your pet, and where to find reliable professionals who love animals and provide quality care at fair prices.
🐕 Dog Walking Services & Costs
🚶 30-Minute Dog Walk
$15-25
Quick potty break and exercise.
- Group walk: $15-20
- Private walk: $20-30
- Best for: Small dogs, quick breaks
- Includes: Potty break, fresh water
- Frequency: 1-2 times daily
- Time: Midday most common
🏃 60-Minute Dog Walk
$25-40
Full exercise and stimulation.
- Group walk: $25-35
- Private walk: $30-50
- Best for: High-energy dogs
- Includes: Exercise, play, water
- Frequency: Daily or as needed
- Distance: 2-3 miles typical
📅 Weekly Dog Walking
$75-200/week
Regular weekly walking schedule.
- 3 walks/week: $75-120
- 5 walks/week: $100-175
- Daily walks: $150-250
- Discount: 10-20% vs. per-walk
- Consistency: Same walker, same time
- Best for: Working pet owners
🐕🦺 Multiple Dog Walks
$30-60
Walk multiple dogs together.
- 2 dogs: $30-50
- 3+ dogs: $40-70
- Same household: Usually discounted
- Per additional dog: $10-15 extra
- Requirements: Dogs must get along
- Best for: Multi-dog households
🏃♂️ Dog Running Service
$35-60
High-intensity exercise for active dogs.
- 30 minutes: $30-45
- 60 minutes: $45-70
- Best for: High-energy breeds
- Includes: Running, jogging, play
- Distance: 3-5 miles
- Requirements: Dog must be trained
🌙 Evening/Weekend Walks
$20-35
Off-peak walking times.
- Early morning: $20-35
- Evening: $20-35
- Weekend: $25-40
- May cost more: Premium times
- Availability: More limited
- Best for: Flexible schedules
🏠 Drop-In Pet Visit
$20-35
Quick home visit for pets.
- 15-20 minutes: $15-25
- 30 minutes: $20-35
- Includes: Feeding, water, potty, play
- Best for: Cats, small pets
- Frequency: 1-3 times daily
- Also: Bring in mail, water plants
🎒 Dog Adventure Hikes
$50-100
Off-leash hiking adventures.
- 2-3 hours: $50-80
- Half day: $80-120
- Includes: Transportation, hiking, photos
- Best for: Social, active dogs
- Location: Trails, parks, nature
- Requirements: Good recall, socialized
🏠 Pet Sitting & Care Services
🏡 Overnight Pet Sitting
$50-100/night
Overnight care in your home.
- Standard care: $50-75/night
- Premium care: $75-125/night
- Multiple pets: $10-20 extra per pet
- Includes: Feeding, walks, companionship
- Best for: Anxious pets, multiple pets
- Sitter stays: In your home overnight
🏠 Daytime Pet Sitting
$30-60/day
Extended daytime pet care.
- 4-6 hours: $30-50
- 8-10 hours: $50-80
- Includes: Feeding, walks, play, company
- Best for: Puppies, senior pets
- Location: Your home or sitter's
- Frequency: As needed
🏨 Pet Boarding
$25-75/night
Pet stays at sitter's home.
- Basic boarding: $25-40/night
- Premium boarding: $40-75/night
- Multiple pets: $15-25 extra per pet
- Includes: Feeding, walks, playtime
- Best for: Social pets
- Requirements: Vaccinations, good behavior
✂️ Dog Grooming
$40-100
Professional grooming services.
- Small dog: $40-60
- Medium dog: $50-80
- Large dog: $70-120
- Includes: Bath, haircut, nails, ears
- Frequency: Every 6-12 weeks
- Add-ons: Teeth, de-shedding extra
🎓 Dog Training
$50-150/session
Professional dog training.
- Group class: $20-40/session
- Private session: $75-150/hour
- Package (6 sessions): $400-800
- Boot camp: $1,000-3,000
- Includes: Obedience, behavior
- Duration: 4-12 weeks typical
🐱 Cat Sitting
$15-30/visit
Daily cat care visits.
- 15-20 minutes: $15-25
- 30 minutes: $20-35
- Multiple cats: $5-10 extra per cat
- Includes: Feeding, litter, play
- Frequency: 1-2 times daily
- Also: Medication administration
💊 Pet Medication
$5-15 extra
Administer medications.
- Oral medication: $5-10 extra
- Injections: $10-20 extra
- Complex care: $15-30 extra
- Requires: Clear instructions
- Experience: Not all sitters offer
- Best: Ask about experience
🚗 Pet Transportation
$20-50
Transport pets to vet, groomer.
- Local (under 10 miles): $20-35
- Longer distance: $35-60
- Includes: Pick-up, drop-off, wait time
- Best for: Vet appointments
- Requirements: Carrier, leash
- Per mile: $2-4 additional
💰 Understanding Pet Care Costs
Cost Comparison by Service
| Service Type | Cost Range | Frequency | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-Min Dog Walk | $15-25 | Daily | Small dogs, quick breaks |
| 60-Min Dog Walk | $25-40 | Daily | High-energy dogs |
| Drop-In Visit | $20-35 | 1-3x daily | Cats, small pets |
| Overnight Sitting | $50-100 | Per night | Anxious pets, travel |
| Pet Boarding | $25-75 | Per night | Social pets, travel |
| Dog Grooming | $40-100 | Every 6-12 weeks | All dogs |
Factors That Affect Pet Care Costs
- Service type: Overnight sitting costs more than walks
- Duration: Longer visits cost more
- Number of pets: $5-20 extra per additional pet
- Pet size: Larger dogs cost more (grooming, boarding)
- Location: Urban areas 20-40% more expensive
- Time of day: Early morning/late night may cost more
- Holidays: 1.5-2x normal rates
- Special needs: Medication, senior care extra
- Experience: More experienced sitters cost more
- Frequency: Regular clients get discounts
💡 Why Local Platforms Save You Money
On zero-fee platforms like GigNGo, you connect directly with local pet care providers without middleman markups:
- No platform fees: Rover charges 20-25% commission
- No service fees: Wag adds 40% to walker earnings
- Direct pricing: Negotiate fair rates directly
- Experienced providers: Insured, background-checked
- Real reviews: See feedback from actual local pet owners
- Better for providers: They keep 100% of earnings
- Build relationships: Direct communication with your sitter
- Flexible arrangements: Customize to your needs
Average savings: 30-50% compared to Rover or Wag, while pet care providers earn more. Everyone wins.
🔍 Choosing a Trustworthy Pet Care Provider
Essential Qualifications to Look For:
- 20+ positive reviews from verified pet owners
- Pet care experience (ask how long, what types)
- Pet first aid/CPR certification (preferred)
- Liability insurance coverage
- Background check completed
- References from other pet owners
- Clear communication and responsiveness
- Genuine love for animals (observe interactions)
- Understanding of pet behavior
- Backup plan for emergencies
- Comfortable with your pet's needs
- Willing to do meet-and-greet first
Questions to Ask Pet Care Providers
- What's your experience? (Years, types of pets)
- Do you have references? (Contact previous clients)
- Are you insured? (Liability coverage)
- What's your availability? (Schedule, holidays)
- How do you handle emergencies? (Vet, contact protocol)
- What's your cancellation policy? (Notice required)
- Do you have pets? (Relevant for boarding)
- How many pets do you care for? (Capacity limits)
- Will you send updates? (Photos, messages)
- What's included in your service? (Specifics)
💡 Pro Tips for Pet Care Services
Save Money on Pet Care
- Use local platforms: Save 30-50% vs. Rover/Wag
- Book regular schedule: Weekly rates cheaper
- Bundle services: Walking + sitting discounts
- Avoid holidays: Rates double on major holidays
- Group walks: Cheaper than private walks
- Trade with neighbors: Pet-sitting exchange
- Book in advance: Last-minute costs more
- Multiple pets: Per-pet rate usually discounted
- Longer commitments: Monthly rates save 10-20%
- Build relationships: Regular clients get deals
Prepare for Pet Care Services
- Meet-and-greet first: Let pet meet provider
- Written instructions: Feeding, medication, routine
- Emergency contacts: Vet, backup person, you
- Medical records: Vaccinations, conditions
- Supplies ready: Food, treats, toys, leash
- House access: Keys, codes, alarm info
- Behavior notes: Quirks, fears, preferences
- Vet authorization: Permission for emergency care
- Payment arranged: Method, schedule agreed
- Trial run: Short visit before long trip
⚠️ Red Flags: Avoid These Pet Care Providers
- No references: Can't verify experience
- No insurance: You're liable for accidents
- Poor communication: Doesn't respond promptly
- No meet-and-greet: Won't meet your pet first
- Too cheap: 50%+ below others, corners cut
- No contract: No written agreement
- Uncomfortable with questions: Evasive answers
- Too many pets: Can't give proper attention
- No emergency plan: Doesn't know what to do
- Your pet reacts badly: Trust your pet's instincts
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How much does dog walking cost?
Dog walking costs $15-35 per walk or $20-50 per hour. 30-minute walk: $15-25. 60-minute walk: $25-40. Group walks: $15-25. Private walks: $25-40. Factors: walk length, number of dogs, location, walker experience. Includes: exercise, potty break, fresh water. On local platforms like GigNGo, find dog walkers 30-50% cheaper than Rover or Wag.
How much does pet sitting cost?
Pet sitting costs $20-100 per day depending on service. Drop-in visits: $20-35 per visit. Daytime sitting: $30-60 per day. Overnight sitting: $50-100 per night. Boarding: $25-75 per night. Factors: service type, number of pets, location, duration. Multiple pets: $5-20 extra per pet. Holidays: 1.5-2x normal rates. On local platforms like GigNGo, save 30-50% compared to Rover while getting experienced, insured pet sitters.
How do I find a trustworthy dog walker?
Find trustworthy dog walkers by: checking reviews on local platforms like GigNGo (20+ reviews minimum), asking for references and calling them, verifying insurance coverage, doing meet-and-greet with your dog, checking background check completion, observing how they interact with your dog. Look for: genuine love for dogs, clear communication, experience with your dog's breed/size, emergency protocols, flexibility. Red flags: no references, no insurance, poor communication, your dog reacts badly. Trust your dog's instincts—they're usually right about people.
Should I use group or private dog walks?
Choose based on your dog's personality. Group walks ($15-25): good for social dogs, provides socialization, more affordable, fun pack experience. Best for: friendly, well-behaved, social dogs. Private walks ($25-40): one-on-one attention, customized to your dog, no distractions, safer for reactive dogs. Best for: anxious dogs, reactive dogs, puppies in training, senior dogs, dogs with special needs. Most dogs: do well in small group walks (2-4 dogs). Try both: see which your dog prefers.
What should I look for in a pet sitter?
Look for: experience with your type of pet (ask how long, what breeds), 20+ positive reviews from verified pet owners, pet first aid/CPR certification (preferred), liability insurance coverage, references you can contact, genuine love for animals (observe interactions), clear communication and responsiveness, understanding of pet behavior and body language, emergency protocols and backup plans, comfortable with your pet's specific needs, willing to do meet-and-greet first. Interview multiple sitters: find best fit for your pet. Trust your instincts: if something feels off, keep looking.
How often should my dog be walked?
Depends on breed, age, and energy level. High-energy dogs (Labs, Huskies, Border Collies): 2-3 walks daily, 60+ minutes total. Medium-energy dogs (Beagles, Bulldogs): 1-2 walks daily, 30-60 minutes total. Low-energy dogs (Pugs, Shih Tzus): 1 walk daily, 20-30 minutes. Puppies: 5 minutes per month of age, 2-3 times daily. Senior dogs: shorter, more frequent walks. Working owners: hire walker for midday walk. Signs dog needs more: destructive behavior, excessive barking, weight gain, restlessness. Consult vet: for specific breed recommendations.
Is overnight pet sitting or boarding better?
Depends on your pet's personality. Overnight sitting ($50-100/night): pet stays in own home, less stressful for anxious pets, maintains routine, best for multiple pets, sitter stays overnight. Best for: anxious pets, senior pets, cats, multiple pets. Pet boarding ($25-75/night): pet stays at sitter's home, more affordable, good for social pets, provides companionship. Best for: social dogs, single pets, budget-conscious. Consider: your pet's anxiety level, socialization, age, health needs. Trial run: try boarding for one night before long trip.
What should I tell my pet sitter?
Provide: feeding schedule and amounts, medication instructions (dosage, timing), exercise routine and preferences, behavioral quirks and triggers, emergency vet contact and authorization, your contact info and backup person, house access (keys, codes, alarm), pet's favorite toys and treats, where supplies are kept, any fears or anxieties. Write it down: don't rely on memory. Include: what to do if pet seems sick, how to contact you, neighbor contacts. Show in person: walk through routine during meet-and-greet. Leave: vet records, medical history, insurance info.
How much should I tip my dog walker?
Tipping is appreciated but not required. Standard tip: $5-10 per walk for exceptional service, 15-20% for holidays or special occasions. Tip more if: walker went above and beyond, handled emergency well, worked holidays, cares for difficult pet. Don't feel obligated if: already paying premium rate, service was standard, walker owns business. Alternative: holiday bonus (one week's pay), gift cards, positive reviews (very valuable). On platforms like GigNGo: walkers keep 100% of payment, so base rate is fair—tip only for exceptional service.
How do I find reliable pet care services near me?
Find reliable pet care by: checking reviews on local platforms like GigNGo, getting recommendations from vet or pet store, asking neighbors and friends, interviewing multiple providers, doing meet-and-greet with your pet, checking references and calling them, verifying insurance and background checks. Look for: 20+ positive reviews, experience with your pet type, genuine love for animals, clear communication, emergency protocols, flexibility. Avoid: no references, no insurance, poor communication, too cheap. Local platforms connect you directly with experienced pet care providers without middleman fees, saving 30-50% while ensuring quality, trustworthy care.
Find Pet Care & Dog Walking Services Near You
Connect with experienced local pet care providers. Compare quotes, check reviews, and save 30-50% compared to Rover or Wag.
Find Pet Care Providers✓ Free to post ✓ Experienced pros ✓ Direct pricing ✓ Real reviews
🎬 Final Thoughts
Professional pet care and dog walking services provide peace of mind, exercise for your pets, and reliable care when you need it. By understanding costs, choosing trustworthy providers, and using local platforms to find experienced pet lovers, you can get quality care without overpaying.
✅ Quick Recap: Pet Care Services
Typical Costs:
- 30-min dog walk: $15-25
- 60-min dog walk: $25-40
- Drop-in visit: $20-35
- Overnight sitting: $50-100
- Save 30-50% using local platforms
Finding Trustworthy Providers:
- Check 20+ reviews minimum
- Verify insurance coverage
- Do meet-and-greet first
- Check references
- Trust your pet's instincts
Best Practices:
- Book regular schedule for discounts
- Provide written instructions
- Have emergency plan
- Do trial run before long trip
- Build relationship with provider
Whether you need daily dog walks or extended pet sitting, finding the right experienced provider makes all the difference. Take time to interview candidates, do meet-and-greets, check references, and choose professionals who genuinely love animals and provide reliable care.
Need pet care or dog walking? Post your needs on GigNGo and connect with experienced local pet care providers who love animals and offer quality care at fair prices.