Since we conducted our previous survey of pet sitting and dog walking rates a lot has changed in the world. Our new survey does a deep dive into how much does a pet sitter and dog walker earn in 2024, as prices have skyrocketed for many of the basics including food, fuel and energy.
With the seismic shifts in the global economy, we were intrigued whether these changes have affected the fees charged by pet sitters and dog walkers.
Conducted at the close of 2023, our survey of nearly 500 pet businesses worldwide is a definitive measure, providing insights into how much pet sitters and dog walkers earn as we move into 2024.
How much do dog walkers charge?
There are so many different services that dog walkers offer, but for the purposes of our survey we used a 1-hour dog walk, for a single dog, as our measure.
In the UK, the average rate for a 1-hour dog walk stands at £15.64, and in the US, the average rate has surged to $34.67.
This has increased notably since last year, an increase in the UK of 24.6% and a staggering rise of 60.3% in the US.
Rates rise for multiple dogs, and other chargeable services offered by dog walkers include:
- Training
- Worming and flea treatments
- Bathing
- Boarding
How much do pet sitters charge?
Pet sitting rates in the UK have skyrocketed and they now earn an average of £19.14 for a 1 hour visit, and on the other side of the Atlantic, in the US, the average hourly rate has climbed to $34.17.
These have both risen substantially from the previous year’s rates of £14 and $26.05.
Again, services vary, with short check-ins offered as well as extras such as :
- Administering medication
- House sitting
- Visits to the vet
Sitters also have special rates for elderly animals or puppies, where more time or care is needed.
Overnight stays
Surprisingly the UK sees a decrease in the average rate for an overnight stay, now resting at £34.53, down from the previous rate of £40.83.
In contrast, pet sitters in the US now charge an average of $65.98 for an overnight stay, showing a moderate increase of 10.7% from the previous rate of $59.55.
This is based on one pet, with fees for additional animals varying £5 to £20 in the UK, and from $5 to $50 in the US.
Transporting a pet
Pet transportation rates have seen a significant rise in both regions.
In the UK, the average rate stands at £16, and in the US, the average rate for pet transportation has increased to $14.84.
Meet & greet services
While most pet businesses offer a meet & greet service for free, among those who charge the average fee in the UK stands at £25, while in the US, it averages at $18.75.
Key pick-ups and drop offs
For services involving key pick-up or drop off, among those who charge, the average rate in the UK stands at £3.09, whereas in the US it averages at $12.09.
Most businesses will do this for free though, as a gesture of goodwill.
Why have pet sitting and dog walking rates risen in 2023?
The significant percentage increase in rates across various pet services in both the UK and the US suggests an inevitable response to the changing economic landscape. The rises reflect a balance between meeting the rising costs of essentials and maintaining quality pet care services.
How could you earn more as a pet sitter or dog walker?
If you are a pet sitter or dog walker who earns less than the rates mentioned above, then there are a number of strategies you could consider to earn more in 2024.
If you diversify the range of services you offer then you will attract a broader clientele and increase earning potential. Consider additional services such as specialised training sessions, grooming, pet taxi services, or even pet photography.
By catering to a wider spectrum of pet care needs, you can tap into new revenue streams and attract clients seeking comprehensive care for their fur babies.
You could introduce tiered service packages that cater to varying client needs and budgets. Offer basic, standard, and premium packages with different service inclusions, such as additional playtime, extended walks, or personalised attention.
This strategy allows you to cater to diverse client preferences while potentially upselling higher-tier packages, consequently increasing overall earnings.
Of course, the simplest way to earn more is to charge more for your services. For Pet Sitter Club members we have tips for raising your prices including an email you can use to send customers. Another option is to target affluent customers who can afford to pay a bit extra for a top service.
Joining Pet Sitter Club pays for itself with just two dog walking or pet sitting appointments and has many benefits including :
- Unlimited documents such as contracts, disclaimers and medical forms
- Done-for-you marketing content and graphics which we customise for your business
- Business coaching to help run your business
- Premium resources for growing your business
- A welcoming community of fellow pet professionals
Find out more about Pet Sitter Club here.
Get Set, Grow!
📣 Do you need to attract more customers for your pet business? Join Pet Sitter Club for access to tons of resources specifically for pet businesses like yours, including: