Pet Sitting Near Me: Find Trusted Pet Sitters

💰 Pet Sitting Cost Guide (2025)

Average Pricing by Service Type

Service Type	Duration	Cost Range
Daily visit (drop-in)	20-30 minutes	$15-40/visit
Extended visit	45-60 minutes	$25-50/visit
Overnight sitting (your home)	12-24 hours	$50-100/night
24-hour care	Full day	$60-125/day
Boarding (sitter's home)	Per night	$40-75/night
Dog walking only	30 minutes	$15-30/walk
Holiday rates	Any service	+50-100%

Cost by Pet Type & Number

Scenario	Daily Visit	Overnight
1 dog	$20-35	$50-80
2 dogs	$25-45	$60-100
3+ dogs	$30-55	$75-125
1-2 cats	$15-30	$40-70
3+ cats	$20-40	$50-85
Small pets (birds, hamsters)	$15-25	$35-60

🔍 How to Find Pet Sitters Near Me

1. GigNGo (Best for Comparing Local Sitters)

Why it works: Post once, receive quotes from local pet sitters with reviews.

How to use:

1. Go to GigNGo.org
2. Describe your pet sitting needs (dates, pet type, services)
3. Add photos of your pets
4. Receive quotes from local pet sitters
5. Compare pricing, reviews, and experience
6. Schedule meet-and-greet before booking

Advantages:

• ✓ Free to use
• ✓ Compare multiple sitters
• ✓ Verified customer reviews
• ✓ Often better rates than apps

2. Pet Sitting Apps

Rover:

• Pros: Background checks, insurance, large selection
• Cons: 20% service fee (passed to you), variable quality
• Best for: Last-minute bookings, variety of options

Wag:

• Pros: GPS tracking, insured, vetted sitters
• Cons: 40% commission (higher prices), focused on dog walking
• Best for: Dog walking, on-demand services

Care.com:

• Pros: Wide selection, detailed profiles
• Cons: Subscription required ($39/month), you vet sitters yourself
• Best for: Regular, ongoing pet care

3. Local Recommendations

Where to ask:

• Veterinarian: Often have board with recommended sitters
• Dog park: Ask other pet owners
• Pet groomer: They know reliable local pet people
• Neighbors: Personal referrals most trustworthy
• Nextdoor: Search for pet sitter recommendations

4. Professional Pet Sitting Services

Local companies that specialize in pet care:

• Google "pet sitting services [your city]"
• Look for 4.5+ stars with 20+ reviews
• Verify bonded and insured
• Check years in business (3+ preferred)

🐾 What's Included in Pet Sitting?

Daily Visit (Drop-In) Services

✅ Typically included:

• Feeding (breakfast/dinner)
• Fresh water
• Bathroom break or litter box cleaning
• 15-20 minutes playtime/attention
• Basic home security (lights, mail)
• Text/photo updates

➕ Often available as add-ons:

• Medication administration ($5-15/visit)
• Watering plants ($5-10)
• Extended playtime ($10-20)
• Dog walking ($15-30)

Overnight Sitting

✅ Includes:

• Sleep at your home
• Evening and morning care routines
• Feeding, water, bathroom breaks
• Playtime and companionship
• Home security (lights, mail, trash bins)
• Daily photo/video updates

❌ Usually NOT included:

• Extensive house cleaning
• Yard work
• Home maintenance/repairs
• Running errands

✅ Questions to Ask Before Hiring

About Experience & Services

1. "How long have you been pet sitting?"
2. "Are you experienced with [my pet type/breed]?"
3. "What's included in your service?"
4. "How many visits per day do you do?"
5. "Can you administer medication?"

About Availability & Logistics

6. "Are you available for my dates?"
7. "How many other pets do you sit at once?"
8. "Will you stay overnight or just visit?"
9. "What's your cancellation policy?"

About Safety & Trust

10. "Are you bonded and insured?"
11. "Do you have pet first aid/CPR training?"
12. "Can you provide references?"
13. "What would you do in an emergency?"
14. "How will you update me during my trip?"

💡 How to Save Money on Pet Sitting

1. Book Early

Potential savings: 20-50%

Last-minute bookings (under 7 days) often come with premium pricing, especially during holidays. Book 2-4 weeks ahead for best rates.

2. Choose Daily Visits Over Overnight

Potential savings: 40-60%

If your pets are independent (cats, adult dogs):

• Overnight sitting: $75/night × 7 days = $525
• 2 daily visits: $25 × 2 × 7 days = $350
• Savings: $175

3. Use a Friend or Neighbor

Potential savings: 50-100%

Reciprocal pet sitting with trusted friends:

• You watch their pets when they travel
• They watch yours when you travel
• Cost: Free (maybe swap some wine/gift cards)

4. Avoid Peak Holidays

Potential savings: 50-100%

Holiday rates double or triple:

• Thanksgiving week: $150/night (vs. $75 normal)
• Christmas/New Year's: $125-200/night

Travel during off-peak times when possible.

5. Choose Boarding Over In-Home Sitting

Potential savings: 20-40%

If your pet is social and comfortable with other animals:

• In-home overnight sitting: $75/night
• Boarding at sitter's home: $45-60/night
• Week savings: $105-210

6. Get Multi-Pet Discounts

Typical discount: $5-10 per additional pet

Most sitters charge significantly less for 2nd, 3rd pets:

• 1 dog: $30/visit
• 2 dogs: $40/visit (not $60)
• 3 dogs: $50/visit (not $90)

🚨 Red Flags to Avoid

Don't hire if they:

• ❌ Won't do a meet-and-greet - Essential for assessing fit
• ❌ Have no references or reviews - Too risky for pet care
• ❌ Aren't insured - You're liable for incidents
• ❌ Seem uncomfortable with your pets - Trust your gut
• ❌ Don't ask about routines/needs - Shows lack of care
• ❌ Demand full payment upfront - Scam risk
• ❌ Cancel frequently (check reviews) - Unreliable
• ❌ Won't provide vet/emergency plan - Unprepared

📋 Preparing for Your Pet Sitter

Information to Provide

• ☑️ Pet care routine: Feeding times, amounts, walking schedule
• ☑️ Medical info: Medications, conditions, vet contact
• ☑️ Behavioral notes: Fears, triggers, quirks
• ☑️ Emergency contacts: Vet, backup person, your number
• ☑️ House info: Wifi password, alarm code, trash day
• ☑️ Supplies location: Food, treats, leash, litter, medication

What to Leave Out

• ☑️ Adequate food and treats
• ☑️ Medications with clear instructions
• ☑️ Leash, collar, poop bags (for dogs)
• ☑️ Litter box supplies (for cats)
• ☑️ Favorite toys
• ☑️ Towels (for muddy paws)
• ☑️ Cleaning supplies for accidents
• ☑️ Key or access code

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How much does pet sitting cost?

Pet sitting costs $25-75 per day on average. Daily visits: $15-40/visit (20-30 min), overnight sitting: $50-100/night, extended stays: $40-75/day. Factors: number of pets, services needed, holidays. Most sitters offer discounts for multiple pets or extended bookings. Get 2-3 quotes to compare pricing and find the best fit for your needs.

How do I find a pet sitter near me?

Best methods: 1) Post on GigNGo to get quotes from local pet sitters, 2) Try Rover or Wag for vetted sitters, 3) Ask neighbors and vets for recommendations, 4) Google "pet sitting near me" and check reviews (4.5+ stars). Verify references, meet in person, do trial visits before travel. Most sitters available same-week, but book early for holidays.

What's included in pet sitting services?

Pet sitting typically includes: feeding, fresh water, bathroom breaks/litter box, playtime, medication administration, basic grooming (brushing), home security (lights, mail). Overnight sitting adds: sleeping at your home, morning/evening care. Always confirm specific services included in your quote as offerings vary by sitter.

Should I use overnight sitting or daily visits?

Choose overnight sitting for: puppies, anxious pets, dogs needing frequent bathroom breaks, pets requiring constant supervision, high home security needs. Choose daily visits for: independent cats, adult dogs comfortable alone, budget-conscious options, pets who don't like strangers staying over. Most cats do fine with 1-2 daily visits. Anxious dogs benefit from overnight care.

Do I tip pet sitters?

Tipping is optional but appreciated. Standard: $10-20 per day for excellent service, 15-20% of total cost for extended bookings, extra for holidays or challenging pets. Many people give end-of-trip bonus rather than daily tips. For regular sitters, holiday bonuses common. If using apps (Rover, Wag), tips can be added in-app.

What if my pet gets sick or injured while I'm away?

Discuss emergency protocol before leaving: Leave credit card on file with vet, authorize sitter to seek emergency care, provide max amount sitter can spend without calling, ensure sitter has vet contact and nearest emergency vet, keep phone accessible during trip. Good sitters have pet first aid training and will contact you immediately in emergencies.

How far in advance should I book a pet sitter?

Book 2-4 weeks ahead for regular times, 4-8 weeks ahead for holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break), as soon as you know dates for major holidays. Last-minute bookings (under 7 days) possible but limited availability and 20-50% higher rates. Popular sitters book up fast, especially during peak travel times.

📚 Related Resources

✅ Your Action Plan

Here's your step-by-step process:

1. Determine your needs
   • Travel dates and duration
   • Number and type of pets
   • Service type (daily visits vs. overnight)
   • Special requirements (medication, etc.)
2. Find 3-5 potential sitters
   • Post on GigNGo
   • Browse Rover or Wag
   • Ask vet/neighbors for recommendations
   • Google local pet sitting services
3. Review and vet candidates
   • Check reviews and ratings (4.5+ stars)
   • Verify insurance and experience
   • Review their profiles/photos
   • Check availability for your dates
4. Schedule meet-and-greets
   • Meet top 2-3 candidates in person
   • See how they interact with your pets
   • Show them your home and routines
   • Trust your (and your pet's) gut reaction
5. Do trial run
   • Book short trial sitting (1-2 nights)
   • Evaluate their care and communication
   • Check how pets respond
   • Address any concerns before main trip
6. Book and prepare
   • Confirm dates and pricing
   • Provide detailed care instructions
   • Leave emergency contacts
   • Secure valuables

Most pet owners find trusted sitters and complete trial runs within 2-4 weeks using this process.