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Many dog owners will understand that leaving your pet alone for an extended period of time is never easy. In fact, it never gets easier. Whether you are away on holiday or in the office for a full day, it can be tough to leave your furry friend at home alone. Many dog owners face this issue, but thankfully, there is a way to take away some of the stress, and that is by hiring a dog sitter.

Professional dog sitters are good options as the dog can stay in its own home instead of being cared for in an unfamiliar place. However, as there has been a rise in dog sitting services recently, dog owners could be a little unsure of what to do due to all the competition. One area that often causes confusion and unnecessary stress is knowing how much dog sitters charge on average.

If you have found yourself searching for an answer to the question, “How much does dog sitting cost in the UK?” then you will find the answer in this article.

Average Dog Sitting Rates in the UK by Region

As there are more dogs in UK homes than in previous years, many people have been searching for reliable dog sitters to check their pets during the working day or while the owners are on weekend breaks. This became increasingly more common after the pandemic’s lockdowns caused puppies and dogs to become dependent on the constant company at home.

As the cost of dog sitting services can vary from region to region, it is essential to research the prices of experienced pet sitters advertised in your local area. To make this research easier, this article lists the average cost of dog sitting for each region in the UK, and this data was found using a popular pet sitter site, Rover.com.

The prices listed in this article are the average basic rates for drop-in visits carried out by dog sitters; Rover.com describes drop-in visits as “sitters stop by your home for 30 minutes to feed and play with your pet.” If additional services are required, the price can increase. Some dog sitters charge extra for longer visits, visits during peak times, additional dogs, etc., but this will be discussed later in this article.

The estimated flat rates for a 30-minute dog sitting visit in each UK region are listed below:

• East of England: £8 to £25
• East Midlands: £10 to £25
• Greater London: £5 to £100
• North East: £8 to £30
• North West: £7 to £25
• South East: £6 to £69
• South West: £8 to £25
• West Midlands: £6 to £40
• Yorkshire & Humberside: £7 to £30
• Northern Ireland: £10 to £30
• Scotland: £6 to £30
• Wales: £9 to £80

What Can You Expect From a Dog Sitting Service?

If you have never booked a dog sitter before, it can be difficult to know what to expect. Before they agree to a booking, an experienced dog sitter will usually sit down with the potential client and explain the tasks they will carry out. They will also ask if there are any other duties the pet owner would like completed during the planned visits.

Unlike cats, which often require less one-on-one time and can be checked on once or twice a day, dogs might require more frequent visits throughout the day. During each visit, a number of the following tasks will be carried out, such as:

• Administering the correct dosage of medication, if previously agreed upon.
• Feeding the dog the correct amount of food at the specified time.
• Grooming the dog’s coat if necessary.
• Walking and playing with the dog to ensure it receives sufficient exercise.

What Extra Services Can Dog Sitters Offer?

Sometimes, a dog sitter will volunteer or be asked to perform additional services. If this is the case, these extra tasks should be mentioned when first hiring the individual or pet sitting company, as the overall price could be affected. Some common extra services a pet sitter might carry out include caring for other pets in the house, moving the post from the front door, staying in the house overnight, or watering the plants.

More time-consuming tasks might also cause the cost to increase; some of these have been outlined below:

In-Home Dog Sitting

If the pet owner is away for a longer period of time, such as on business or a holiday, they could consider hiring an in-home dog sitter. In short, the dog sitter would stay in the client’s home with the dog and provide pet care around the clock. Due to the overall length of time that the sitter is hired, this can be an expensive decision to make.

This is often done when someone is available to check on the dog overnight. If this option is chosen, the owner might have to stock the fridge and cupboards with food or pay the sitter for extra supplies.

Dog Walking

Although dog walking is usually part of the everyday duties carried out by pet sitters in the UK, it can be an additional service. For dogs with high-energy needs, this can be a smart choice. However, it will require booking a longer dog sitting visit.

Many sitters will provide dog walking services, as they have experience with dogs and have built relationships with potential clients. This will be detailed on their websites.

What Factors Affect the Cost of Dog Sitting?

It has previously been mentioned that pet sitting rates can change for several reasons. This is mainly linked to the amount of time a dog sitter will have to spend with the animal, and the below factors are likely to affect the length of each visit.

Age, Breed, and Temperament of the Dog(s)

Unfortunately, there is no one easy way to look after all dogs; they each require individual care. In most cases, this can be determined by the dog’s age, breed, and temperament. These three factors can increase the time a pet sitter spends at the client’s home and, therefore, the overall cost.

• Age: Although their needs differ, puppies and senior dogs will often need more time with an experienced pet sitter. A puppy has more energy to burn and might make more mess, which the dog sitter will have to clean up, while an older dog will likely be slower on walks and require medication.
• Breed: Certain dog breeds have specific care needs. Working breeds, like Border Collies and Spaniels, will need more exercise and longer walks. Long-coated dogs might also require regular brushing.
• Temperament: If a dog is hyperactive, a dog sitter may spend more time in the client’s house to tire the dog out. On the other hand, a slightly more nervous dog will need more time to warm up to the sitter; if this is the case, the pet sitter might also need to clean up any mess if the dog refuses to go outside with a stranger.

Does the Dog Require Additional Care?

In some cases, a dog’s individual requirements will include administering medication or vitamins. This will often require a more experienced pet sitter who is confident in this type of pet care, especially if the dog needs regular injections.

The Number of Dogs in the Household

If you own more than one dog, you should expect to pay more than someone with just one dog. Extra dogs require more time for adequate care and exercise. A professional dog sitter will work to ensure all pets receive good care and attention, which might mean spending more time with them; therefore, this will require additional payment.

This applies to all types of dog sitters, including freelance and company-hired. A pet sitting company will usually increase the price per additional dog, which can quickly add up if you own two or more dogs.

Your Location

Not only does the region you live in affect the cost, but your specific location does, too. If a pet sitter needs to travel to your home, you could have to pay their travel costs. This is most common for people who live in rural villages or similar.

You can save money by choosing dog sitters that stay closer to you.

Additional Questions Dog Owners Might Ask

Although knowing dog sitting prices is an essential part of hiring a dog sitter, it isn’t the only question pet owners ask, especially if this is a new experience. The questions below will shed more light on some other aspects of hiring a professional dog sitter.

Can the dog sitter ask me to pay travel costs?

Yes, a dog sitter can request the client pay their travel costs, including fuel, bus passes, etc. If your dog sitter has to travel to your location, paying these costs should be discussed before the booking is finalised.

Most dog sitters will include travel costs in their overall price, though.

Do I need to leave the dog sitter money?

Leaving money out for the dog sitter isn’t always necessary; you might want to leave money out if the sitter needs to stay overnight in the pet owner’s home.

However, there are other items that can be left out for the sitter, such as poo bags and dog treats. The pet sitter might have their own supplies, but this would be a thoughtful and helpful thing to do.

Should I tip my dog sitter?

Tipping the dog sitter is not expected, but you can give them an extra payment if you are happy with the service they provide. Some pet sitting services are run by companies, so the sitter receives a yearly salary, or freelancers; the latter might benefit from receiving a tip.

If you are unable to tip but are happy with the service, be sure to leave a review and spread the word about the excellent service you received. This will increase the dog sitter’s business.

What are the alternatives to pet sitting?

If hiring a dog sitter is not what you want to do, there are other options to think about. Dog boarding options, such as dog kennels, can house dogs for extended stays when their owners are away from home. In some facilities, there is someone on the premises 24/7, meaning the dogs receive round-the-clock care.

There are doggy daycare centres for owners who want their dogs watched while they are at work during the day. These centres run similarly to children’s nurseries; the dogs can be dropped off by their owners in the morning, cared for by the centres’ staff members, and collected at the end of the day.

To Conclude

With the average dog sitter rate varying across the UK, it can be difficult to know what a fair price for dog sitting services per visit is. Additional aspects, such as the age and type of dog, the number of dogs, and the additional care that might be required, can also increase the cost of dog sitting.

As the owner, you are responsible for the dog’s care. Therefore, it is vital to research which sitter will provide the best service for you and your furry friend.

Hiring a pet sitter to care for your dog can be difficult; you are putting the care of your pet into the hands of a stranger. For this reason, spend time looking at who is best reviewed in your area, ask for referrals from dog grooming parlours and doggy daycares, and avoid rushing this decision.

When cat owners go away on holiday or for business and leave their pets behind, one option for cat care is to hire a pet sitter. This often allows the cat to stay in its own home, where it is comfortable and happy, with someone stopping by daily to check in and ensure the animal is safe and healthy. Allowing the cat to stay in its own setting removes the stress and anxiety of being put in a carrier and moved elsewhere, which is very beneficial.

One question that pet owners commonly have when thinking about hiring a sitter is, how much do cat sitters charge in the UK? Put simply, a professional cat sitter can cost up to £25 per one-hour visit, sometimes even more, depending on the location. This can also vary depending on the length and type of visit required.

If you are planning a holiday and have just started wondering, “How much should I pay a cat sitter?” then this article will provide an overview of potential cat-sitting costs and more useful information.

What is the Cost of a Cat Sitter?

Cat sitting services have grown in popularity in recent years as the industry has boomed. With more people owning cats and the demand for this service increasing, it can only be assumed that the price has also risen. In 2022, it was reported that the average annual salary of a pet sitter was £24,218. However, the cost of hiring a cat sitter will depend on your local area as well as other factors.

The price cat sitters charge often varies depending on the location. It is common for cat sitting in rural areas to be cheaper than in urban areas. However, just to clarify, this article will focus on the average flat rate for daily visits from a cat sitter.

For one visit up to an hour, cat owners can expect to pay a sitter anything between £10 and £25; this will usually cover up to two cats. This price increases to over £25, sometimes even up to £50, for a full-day visit. Again, there is a higher rate for overnight stays, too, with some cat sitters charging roughly £70 per night.

Pet sitting rates can vary, however, so it is best to research cat sitters in your local area.

How are Cat Sitting Costs Calculated?

There are several aspects that can increase the pet sitting cost. Most often, the price reflects the time spent caring for the cat. Negotiations can take place if a strict budget must be followed, though.

The Age, Breed, and Size of a Cat

As all cats are unique, many require different care. Cat sitters commonly consider the breed, size, and age of the cat when calculating their service’s price.

• Age: Young cats and senior cats might need extra care during a cat sitter visit. Kittens and young cats will be more playful, and cat sitters can help burn that energy with activity, while older cats might need medication or additional health checks.
• Breed: Some cat breeds require additional care. For example, long-haired cats will likely need more time for grooming than those with short hair. Similarly, hairless cats will require regular skincare checks and treatments.
• Size: The size of the cat will also affect how long grooming takes, how much it is fed, and the time required during visits.

The Number of Cats

If you have more than one cat, there might be extra costs, too. This is due to the time required to provide the multiple cats with adequate care; if a cat sitter spends extra time during a visit, which decreases the number of clients they can check on, then the cost might be affected.

However, two healthy and well-behaved cats might not require extra care other than serving more food and cleaning out additional litter trays. With multiple cats, they can entertain and play with each other, meaning this role does not need to be fulfilled by the sitter. If you believe your cats do not need more care, you can negotiate the going rate with the cat sitter.

The Location

As previously mentioned, your location can affect the price of hiring a cat sitter. Generally, places with higher costs of living will mean a higher cost of hiring a pet sitter. Urban areas often cost more than rural areas due to this. However, due to the cost of living crisis, many pet sitters will have increased their costs.

Also, if a cat sitter needs to travel to your house, the price can increase to cover the travel expenses, including fuel costs, bus passes, etc.

How to Find a Reputable Cat Sitter

Online platforms are the best way to find trustworthy cat sitters, other than recommendations from close friends and family. The following aspects should be checked before booking a cat sitter:

The Person is Professional and Knowledgeable

Professionalism is essential in every career, and cat sitting is no different. If anything, being professional is even more vital when looking after a person’s pets. This means being polite when dealing with potential customers, being organised and reliable with their visits, and planning for emergencies.

It is a good idea to meet your potential cat sitter face-to-face before finalising any plans to get a sense of the type of person they are; you might also want to introduce the sitter to your cat.

A good cat sitter will have experience caring for cats, either through previous cat sitting visits or by owning cats, and be knowledgeable about a cat’s needs. It is important for cat owners to consider the type of cat they own and whether it requires any special care; the cat sitter should be able to meet these needs.

To ensure they know about your cat, the sitter will ask questions about what the animal’s care needs are, where the cat likes to hide, how often to feed the cat, and so on. If the cat sitter does not ask these questions, that could be considered a red flag, and you should not book that individual.

They Provide Details Upfront

A reputable cat sitter will state their pet sitting rates and availability when first discussing the prospect of cat sitting for a customer. Any additional costs will also be stated at this time. This will ensure there is no confusion when hiring the cat sitter and that all participants – the cat owner, the cat sitter, and the cat – are kept happy throughout the process.

If you can, try to get these details in writing to avoid any backtracks when it is time to pay. Some people will take any opportunity to charge extra, but having proof of the original agreement can help avoid this unpleasantness.

They Offer Referrals and/or Reviews

Many professional pet sitters are recommended by family, friends, or other contacts with pets or who have backgrounds with animals, such as vets or groomers. These people can tell you about the positive or negative experiences they have had with a specific sitter, ensuring you dodge any mistakes they have made.

When researching cat sitters, there are websites where you can see profiles of people available in your area as well as their charge per hour and availability. These sites often allow customers to filter pet sitters on who owns a cat, can administer medication, and is police checked. It lists reviews, too, allowing you to read through previous customers’ thoughts and experiences of each cat sitter.

They Love Cats

Possibly the most important sign of a good pet sitter is their love of animals, specifically cats. Someone who loves cats is more likely to take good care of your pets and be happy while doing it. This can be especially important for young cats that require sitting, as they can be rather playful and must be entertained during visits to burn some energy.

In most cases, someone who is not passionate about cats will do the bare minimum when caring for them, and this can cause distress to the cat and its owner.

What Should You Expect from In-Home Cat Sitting Services?

When you haven’t used one before, it can be difficult to know what to expect when hiring a cat sitting service. Most often, the cat sitter will visit once or twice a day for 30 to 60 minutes and complete the tasks previously discussed when booking. This can include a range of duties during a visit, such as:

• Entertaining and playing with the cat(s).
• Feeding the correct amount of cat food at a specified time.
• Grooming the cat(s), if required. This is especially important for long-haired breeds.
• Spot cleaning or changing the litter tray(s).

These tasks can be modified when taking care of outdoor cats, especially if the cat is outside during the sitter’s visit.

At times, additional services will be carried out, but these must be mentioned when first booking the cat sitter. These extra duties might include administering medication if the cat is older or has medical problems, staying in the house overnight, caring for other pets, and watering plants. All of these additional tasks can increase the cost.

If you have dogs, too, it might be best to research individuals who offer dog walking as well as cat sitting in your area.

Additional Questions Cat Owner Might Have

Knowing the cost of cat sitting is one aspect of hiring a sitter, but pet owners usually have other questions before finalising their plans with one cat sitter.

Are there alternatives to cat sitters?

If you would prefer not to use a cat sitter, there is the option of a cattery. Catteries, also known as cat hotels or kennels, house several cats individually when their owners are on holiday or require them to be out of the house, such as when redecorating or moving house.

It is important to note, however, that some catteries will be more expensive than hiring a cat sitter.

Do I need to pay the cat sitter’s travel costs?

Paying travel costs should be discussed with the cat sitter prior to booking your required dates. Some cat sitters will ask their customers to pay their travel expenses, especially if the customers live in rural areas or are not local to the sitter.

However, many cat sitters will include these travel costs in the overall price of their services. It is worth double-checking this before finalising your booking.

Is tipping the cat sitter expected?

Tipping a cat sitter is not required, but it can be a nice thing to do if you are happy with the service you received. Cat sitters can sometimes work for a company and receive an annual salary, or they can be freelance, so you might feel more inclined to tip the latter. Tipping is most often done at the end of the visit.

If you appreciate the job a cat sitter has done but are unable to tip, be sure to leave them a positive review. Good reviews can go a long way in ensuring the cat sitter receives regular business, which will, in turn, increase the amount of money they can make.

To Sum Up

Pets quickly become part of the family, and everyone wants to provide the very best care for their pets, so it’s important to be informed when hiring a pet sitter. It can be stressful to put your cat’s health and happiness into the hands of someone who is basically a stranger.

Several factors make a reputable cat sitter. One of the most discussed aspects is the cost. The price of cat sitting can vary for different reasons, including the location, the number of cats, and the age, breed, and size of the cats needed to be looked after. By checking a cat sitter can provide adequate care and meet the cat’s needs, you will make the decision easier when it is time to leave your pet at home.

Although many people will book their pets into a kennel or cattery before heading off on holiday, there are times when owners take their four-legged friends along with them. One of the most common methods of holidaying with pets is a caravan holiday, which can also be one of the easiest.

This isn’t unheard of for dog owners, with dogs being the most popular pets brought to caravan sites, as mentioned here, and cats second. However, some people have even brought their rabbits, guinea pigs, indoor birds, and fish on caravan holidays before. This article will focus on the two most common pets taken on caravanning holidays – dogs and cats.

The same two-part guide, as shown below, applies whether you holiday in a touring or static caravan.

Things to Prepare Before Caravanning With Dogs or Cats

For some, knowing how to prepare for a caravan holiday with pets is simple, but this isn’t the case for everyone. If this is your first time caravanning with pets, or maybe you haven’t been in a touring caravan before, then this will all be new to you.

A caravanning holiday should be pleasant for everyone. To ensure your next one is as enjoyable as possible, you should follow the factors listed below.

Select a Pet-Friendly Caravan Park

Booking a caravan park that allows pets is essential to a holiday with your furry friend. To plan ahead, you are urged to research the best pet-friendly caravanning sites in your chosen area of the UK. Some sites will charge an additional fee per pet, but there will often be extra facilities for animals, especially dogs; for example, dog-friendly caravan sites usually have enclosed grassy areas specifically for dog walking.

Caravan park owners who accept pets will also think about their fellow campers. This might mean the caravan pitches are spaced further apart to ensure sufficient room for pets or certain rules for the safety of residents, such as keeping dogs on leads or disposing of waste in a specified bin.

Check Your Pet’s Vaccination Record

Visiting the vet before heading off on a caravan holiday with a pet is a good idea. This allows owners to check their pets’ health and well-being before leaving home.

Pet owners should also ensure their animals are up-to-date with flea, tick, and worming treatments, especially during summer when these issues are more common. Ticks are more prevalent in specific areas around the UK, such as the Scottish Highlands and the Lake District, so be aware of this if you visit those locations.

It would also be wise to research a local vet in the area you will be travelling to, just in case your pet requires emergency medical care during the holiday.

Confirm Your Pet’s Microchip Details are Correct

Cat and dog owners should ensure the contact details listed on their pets’ microchips and ID tags are updated before travelling. If the animal is lost or runs away during the holiday, this is often the best chance of being reunited with a missing pet. Your address and contact number should be visible on the ID tag.

Since leaving the European Union, UK pet passports are no longer valid when travelling to Europe. Instead, caravan holidays abroad will require additional documents, such as an animal health certificate, and pet owners should also be aware of the insurance considerations these trips need.

Pack the Necessities

Even if you plan on visiting a supermarket or pet store when you pitch the caravan, packing the essentials means more than just having enough dog or cat food for the duration of your holiday. As the pet will likely be travelling in a car and housed in a caravan, there will be items required in both. For the car, pet owners should take into account the length of the journey.

A longer journey will require bathroom breaks, which will also allow the animal to drink water and stretch its legs. Therefore, a water bowl, poo bags, and a lead will be required. Some service stations have dog-walking areas, so you might want to map out your trip to stop at them. A first aid kit should be kept in the car, too, and this should include items like cotton wool, surgical tape, and a tick removal tool.

You can keep another first aid kit in the caravan or motorhome if you want to. Other items to pack when heading off on holiday with your pet include:

• Cat or dog food
• Your pet’s favourite toys
• Dog poo bags or cat litter and litter tray
• Towels
• Bedding
• Treats

Research the Country Code

If you are visiting the countryside, there are rules that must be followed to keep people and animals safe; these rules are outlined in the Countryside Code for England and Wales and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code for Scotland.

Dogs can act more excitable when visiting a different environment because of all the new scents, sights, and sounds. Even dogs with the best recall can become distracted and ignore their owners, so keeping your dog on short lead around farm animals and wildlife, such as deer, is vital. Farmers do not want dogs worrying their livestock; if a farmer believes their livestock is in immediate danger from someone’s pet dog, they might shoot the dog.

Despite adventurous canines and their owners wanting to explore, the rules must be respected to keep everyone safe. This includes keeping dogs off certain beaches, cleaning up after dogs, ensuring the dogs are well-behaved, etc.

Plan Your Travels

As briefly mentioned in one of the previous points, planning your trip is useful, especially if the pets will be in the car for long periods. It can be a stressful experience for pets; dogs might be lying in the car boot for the journey, or cats might be kept in carry cases for hours at a time. Both of these situations can make the animals uncomfortable, but this can be avoided if the journey is planned correctly.

All animals must be suitably restrained when travelling to prevent distractions to the driver. There are multiple products, such as seatbelt harnesses, crates, carry cases, and car seats, that can all be used to do this. As this means there is less space available for the animals to move around, long journeys will need to be split up by regular breaks. This will allow the dog or cat to relieve itself, have a drink, and walk around outside. It will also provide the owners an opportunity to do the same.

What to Do During a Pet-Friendly Caravan Holiday

Caravanning with dogs and cats can be tough, but it can be rewarding if you do it right. After setting up on the caravan site, a few more aspects must be considered to ensure your pet’s safety in a new environment.

Here’s what you can do during pet-friendly caravan holidays:

Offer Enough Ventilation

The inside of caravans can warm up quickly, which can be dangerous for cats and dogs. It is important to ensure there is enough ventilation in your caravan or motorhome to allow fresh air in and help keep the caravan cool, especially during the summer months.

Adequate airflow can also help dissipate unpleasant smells, like wet dog or used cat litter. Although air fresheners can cover these odours, keeping a clean caravan or motorhome should be the priority. Not only will this rid the space of muddy paws, but it will also ensure vents are cleared of dust and pet hair, which aids ventilation.

Travel With Care

Day trips away from the caravan will likely require short journeys, which must be done safely, too. You might choose to drive your own vehicle, but public transport is also an option. If this is the case, keep dogs on a short lead and ensure cats are securely fastened in a carrier when using buses or trains.

You should bring some items with you on these adventures, like a water bowl, a toy, or treats.

Be Mindful of the Heat

It is widely understood that pets are at risk during periods of hot weather, and pet owners should take steps to keep their furry friends cool. There are products available to buy, like a cooling mat or vest and frozen treats, that can keep body temperatures lower in hot conditions, but people can also follow these top tips:

• Provide pets with plenty of shaded areas and fresh water.
• Exercise pets early in the morning and later in the evening.
• Use pet-safe sun cream on pets’ exposed skin, especially white-furred pets.
• Lay out damp towels for pets to lie on.
• Never leave pets unattended in hot cars, caravans, or motorhomes.

Older dogs, cats, and specific breeds, such as pugs and French bulldogs, will require extra care when the weather is warmer.

Remember Your Neighbours

When on holiday, it can be easy to forget about those around you, like the people staying in neighbouring caravans. It is important to be mindful of how your pet could affect other people’s experiences in caravan parks and try to lessen any unpleasantness. For example, if your dog barks, howls, and whines when it is left alone, avoid leaving the dog unattended.

Other ways to minimise the trouble your family pet might bring to other caravaners include keeping the pets on your pitch, disposing of any waste correctly, and following the rules set out by the caravan site.

To Conclude

Caravanning with pets can provide opportunities for quality time between owners and pets. It is certainly easier than travelling abroad with your dog or cat, but preparing before your holiday begins is just as important, even if you stay in the UK. Before even hitching the caravan to the car, there are several elements to consider, such as finding a pet-friendly caravan park, packing the necessary items, and reading up on the Countryside Code.

This level of preparedness doesn’t end when you arrive on site, either. In a new environment, it is up to the owner to keep the pet safe and sound, ensuring it doesn’t overheat, stays safe during travels, and doesn’t become a nuisance to other people in the caravan park. If you can manage all that, then a caravan holiday with your pooch or kitty will likely be a hit.

However, if caravan breaks with your four-legged friends aren’t the right choice for you, research your area’s boarding kennels and catteries on Pet Boarders.