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If you’re looking to hire a dog sitter this year, one of your first questions is probably: what are dog sitter rates in 2025? In this blog post, we break down average dog sitter rates in 2025, what influences pricing, and what to expect for different types of services.

Average Dog Sitting Rates in 2025

woman snuggling a dog looking happy on bed

We break down average dog sitter rates in 2025, what influences pricing, and what to expect for different types of services.

Service Type	Average Cost (U.S.)
30-minute visit	$28–$40
60-minute visit	$45–$65
Overnight stay	$70–$100+
In-home boarding	$50–$90 per night
Holiday surcharge	+$10–$25 per day

These rates vary by city, sitter experience, and how customized the care is.

Factors That Affect Dog Sitting Rates

female legs with red shoes and black leggings walking a small white dog seen from behind.

Not all dog sitting services are priced the same—and for good reason. Here are some of the biggest factors that influence how much you’ll pay:

Location: Sitters in major cities like Chicago, New York, or San Francisco often charge more.
Experience: Long-time professionals may charge more than students or hobby sitters.
Pet Needs: Dogs with medical, behavioral, or senior care needs may cost more.
Service Type: Overnight stays are more expensive than quick drop-ins.
Time of Year: Expect holiday surcharges around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.

In-Home Dog Sitting vs. Boarding

hands lowering food bowls during a petsit for two dogs to eat.

Trying to decide between having someone come to your home vs. dropping your dog off somewhere? Here are the main differences:

Feature	In-Home Sitting	Boarding Facility
Environment	Familiar/home	New/stimulating
Stress Level	Lower	Can be higher
Personalization	High	Varies
Supervision	Varies by sitter	Often group setting
Cost	Often higher	Often more affordable

Wondering if an in-home hobby sitter can save you money? read this first.

How to Choose the Right Dog Sitter

female pet sitter kneeled down petting a dog during their walk outside.

Price isn’t everything. To find the best match for your dog:

Ask for references and read online reviews
Schedule a meet-and-greet before booking
Discuss your dog’s routine, quirks, and medical needs
Confirm sitter’s insurance and policies
Ask about backup plans in case of emergency

If you’re looking for daily support rather than occasional care, you might also enjoy our guide on how to choose the right dog walker for your lifestyle.