Dog and housesitting rates.What to charge?

[barb1314]

I've recently done 16 days dog and housesitting whilst also working.I did it as a favour to a friend who has treated me very well and helps me with my dog one day a week.I've now been asked by one of my customers if I would do the same for her for 2 weeks in May.She has a Jack Russell.Any ideas how much I should charge? I've no idea.Thanks everyone.

[Ethel]

Call these people as a prospective customer and see how much they charge:
http://www.housesitters.co.uk/faqs

Bear in mind their sitters do carry full insurance, which is something you should perhaps consider

[jules77]

Someone I know charges �10.50 per day 8am - 5pm to look after dogs in her own home, but as has already been said, she is covered by insurance.

Dog walking by the same person is �7.50 an hour, this excludes her travelling time, and dogs are walked for a full hour.

[lankeela]

Base it roughly on the rate for boarding i.e. �6 - �10 depending on area.

Also on whether you will be there all the time or just doing visits during the day, and whether you will be sleeping in.

The commercial firms charge a lot, but on a personal basis it needs to be roughly the same cost as boarding the dog.

Insurance is a must, not just for the dog's point of view, but in case your break their best ming vase, or leave a window open and they get burgled, or you leave the bath running and flood the place. I used to do pet sitting before it became commonplace, and it was always the household things that caused a problem rather than the pet.

[trish432]

My ex brother in law dog sits for me, in my home, whilst I am on a weeks holiday he is well happy with �50.
I leave the fridge and freezer well stocked for him with home cooked meals. He is saving on his heating bills etc, he is an absolute dog lover, and loves long walks, so it works to both our advantage

[barb1314]

Thanks so much for all your answers.I have already looked into insurance to see how much it is.I adore dogs and because mine loves every dog she meets we have no problems there.It's very near to where I work so I can go home in my breaks and walk morning and night.Will have a chat with her.I did the last one for nothing and her house was cleaner than she left it so she was thrilled.I think I have a bit of OCD in me!This other lady wants to pay,which is fair enough,I just wanted some ideas.Thanks again.

[lankeela]

Try Cliverton Insurance for specialist pet sitting insurance (and any other animal related insurances).

Also this group might be useful to anyone who wants a pet sitter but can't afford the prices the commercial firms charge:

http://petsitterswap.com/Welcome.asp