What is Pet Sitting?

Pet sitting is when someone cares for your pet in your home. They will visit at agreed intervals for daycare or stay overnight if you are away for days or weeks. If you have a dog that doesn't like strangers, scheduling a few meetings before you leave is a good plan. Pet sitters will feed, walk and play with your pets according to your guidelines.

You can contact an organization like The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters who have a directory of available, experienced, and insured pet sitters. Alternatively, ask for a local recommendation from friends with pets.

Pet sitting fees vary per state, depending on how many animals you have and the required care level. Short drop-ins start at $12+ per hour, depending on your location. Overnight stays range from $65 to $100+.

If you aren't sure if you need a pet sitter for short visits, our feature on how long can you leave a dog alone is super helpful.