Free tool
How much should you charge?
New to pet sitting or dog walking? Raising prices after years at the same rate? This calculator gives you a defensible starting range based on your market, service type, and duration.
Free, no sign-up. Refine it in 30 seconds.
Your situation
Drag the slider. Pricing scales above 30 min.
When the same visit covers 2+ pets from the same household.
Recommended range
$23
–$28
Most markets would pay $25 for this service.
This is a starting point, not gospel. Ask three local sitters what they charge, look at Rover rates in your zip, factor your experience level, and pick a number. Your price will stabilize after 5-10 new client intakes.
How we calculate the range
The numbers come from aggregated self-reported rates across public pet sitter communities (PSI, NAPPS, r/petsitting) in 2026, adjusted by market multipliers. Here's how it works:
- Baseline per service. A 30-min walk in a typical suburban market prices around $22. Overnight sits around $85. Drop-ins around $20.
- Duration adjustment. Walks and drop-ins scale by $0.40–0.45 per extra minute beyond the 30-min baseline.
- Market multiplier. Big metros (NYC, SF, LA) multiply by 1.4×. Major metros 1.15×. Suburban stays at 1×. Small towns/rural 0.85×.
- The ±10% band. We show you a range, not a single number. Clients expect a little variance and sitters who charge at the high end can defend it with experience and reviews.
When to raise your rates
- Your booking is at 85%+ capacity for three straight months.
- Your cost of living has gone up — gas, vehicle wear, insurance.
- It's been more than 18 months since your last increase.
- You're turning away clients because you're full.
Tip: New clients always pay your new rate. For existing clients, give 30 days' notice in writing and explain why. Most keep booking.