2025 Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Rates

Our latest annual survey of pet care professionals across the UK, Australia and US reveals current pricing trends for essential pet services in 2025. We gathered data from hundreds of pet sitters and dog walkers to provide pet owners with accurate insights into current market rates. Here’s a detailed breakdown of common services and their associated costs.

Dog Walking (1 Hour)

For one of the most frequently requested services, dog walking rates in 2025 average £15.61 in the UK, AU$42.22 in Australia and $33.26 in the US.

For the UK market, there was a significant jump between 2023 and 2024, increasing from £12.55 to £15.64 (a 24.6% increase), before plateauing with a slight decrease to £15.61 in 2025. The dramatic rise reflects adjustments to post-pandemic market conditions and increasing operational costs, including fuel prices and insurance. The stabilisation in 2025 suggests the market has found its equilibrium point.

The US market shows an even more dramatic trend, with rates surging from $21.66 in 2023 to $34.67 in 2024 (a 60% increase), before slightly decreasing to $33.26 in 2025. This substantial rise could be attributed to several factors, including increased demand for professional pet services, rising labour costs, and the industry’s continued professionalisation. The slight decline for 2025 is probably due to a market correction as competition increases and pet owners seek more cost-effective solutions.

Pet Sitting (1 Hour)

In-home pet sitting services in 2025 command slightly higher rates than dog walking, averaging £16.59 in the UK, AU$33.89 in Australia and $34.19 in the US. These higher rates (compared to dog walking) reflect the additional responsibilities involved, such as feeding, medication administration if required, and providing companionship in the pet’s home environment.

Pet sitting rates in the UK show an interesting pattern over the past three years. From 2023 to 2024, rates increased sharply from £14 to £19.14 (a 36.7% increase), before declining slightly to £16.59 in 2025. This fluctuation might reflect an initial over-correction during the post-pandemic period, followed by market stabilisation as supply and demand reached a new equilibrium. The final rate still represents an 18.5% increase over 2023 prices, suggesting a permanent shift in the perceived value of professional pet sitting services.

In the US market, pet sitting rates show a more stable progression, rising from $26.05 in 2023 to $34.17 in 2024 (a 31% increase), before remaining almost unchanged at $34.19 in 2025. This pattern suggests that the US market found its sweet spot more quickly than the UK market, with prices stabilising at a level that both pet sitters and clients find acceptable. The stability in 2024-2025 rates indicates that the market has successfully absorbed the significant 2023-2024 increase.

Overnight Stay

For pet owners requiring extended care, overnight stays represent a significant investment in their pet’s wellbeing. Current rates in 2025 average £40.59 in the UK, AU$53.85 in Australia and $63.81 in the US. This service typically includes evening and morning care, overnight supervision, and maintaining the pet’s regular routine in their familiar environment. The higher US rate may reflect different market conditions and living costs across regions.

Pet Transport

Professional pet transport services in 2025 average £16.50 per journey in the UK and $27.11 in the US. This service involves safely transporting pets to veterinary appointments, grooming sessions, or other locations. The rates reflect the responsibility of secure transport and the use of appropriate vehicles and safety equipment.

The fee for this service would typically include a specific mileage but then charge an additional amount per mile beyond that.

Meet & Greet

Initial consultation sessions, known as Meet & Greets, allow pet care professionals and clients to establish rapport and discuss care requirements. Although this initial consultation is often included for free for new customers, for those who do charge these sessions average £7.50 in the UK and $21.38 in the US.

The significant difference between UK and US rates might reflect varying business practices and time investments in different markets.

Key Pick Up / Drop Off

The most basic service in our survey, key collection and return services average £4.29 in the UK and $10.59 in the US in 2025. This service is often an add-on to other bookings, particularly for clients who can’t be present to hand over keys directly.

Market Analysis and Trends

The 2025 pet sitting and dog walking rates reveal interesting patterns across markets. US rates consistently run higher than UK rates when converted to equivalent currency, which likely reflects differences in living costs, market dynamics, and business operating expenses between the two countries.

The pricing structure across services appears logical, with more involved services commanding higher rates. Overnight stays represent the highest-priced service, reflecting the significant time commitment and responsibility involved. Basic services like key handling are priced modestly, while core services such as dog walking and pet sitting maintain middle-tier pricing that reflects their professional nature while remaining accessible to most pet owners.

Regional Variations

It’s worth noting that these figures represent national averages, and actual rates can vary significantly based on location. Urban areas, particularly in major cities like London, New York, or San Francisco, typically command higher rates than rural areas. Factors such as local competition, cost of living, and service demand all influence pricing in specific markets.

The data from our 2025 survey provides valuable benchmarks for both pet care professionals and pet owners. For professionals, it offers guidance on competitive pricing strategies. For pet owners, it helps set realistic expectations for budgeting pet care services. As the pet care industry continues to evolve and professionalize, we expect to see continued refinement in pricing structures and service offerings to meet the diverse needs of pet owners across both markets.

Raising prices in 2025?

If you are considering raising your prices in 2025 then we have an excellent article in Pet Sitter Club which explains exactly how to go about it, including a template you can use to let customers know.

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