Pet Sitting Rate Calculator

Pet boarding costs average $25-$85 per night in the US, depending on location and amenities. Standard kennel boarding: $25-$45/night for dogs, $15-$25/night for cats. Pet hotels with premium amenities (private suites, webcams, playtime): $50-$85+/night. Major metro areas (NYC, SF, LA) are 30-50% higher than the national average. Additional fees often apply for medication administration ($5-10/day), extra playtime ($10-20/day), or holiday periods ($5-15/night surcharge). Always book early for holidays — facilities fill up 4-6 weeks in advance.

It depends on the number of pets and service frequency. For one dog: boarding ($25-$45/day) is often comparable to 2 drop-in visits ($30-$50/day). For multiple pets: pet sitting usually wins — most sitters charge a modest additional fee per extra pet ($5-15/pet), while boarding charges full price per animal. House sitting ($50-$85/night) becomes cost-effective for 3+ pets or if you want someone staying overnight. Cats are almost always cheaper with drop-in visits ($15-25/visit) vs boarding ($15-25/night). Pet sitting also offers the advantage of keeping pets in their familiar environment, reducing stress.

Key qualifications: (1) Bonded and insured — protects you against accidents or theft. (2) Pet first-aid/CPR certified. (3) References — ask for 3 recent client references and actually call them. (4) Written contract specifying services, dates, rates, and emergency procedures. (5) Meet-and-greet before booking — watch how they interact with your pet. (6) Clear communication plan — daily updates via text/photo are standard. (7) Backup plan — what happens if they get sick? Use platforms like Rover, Wag, or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) to find vetted sitters.