I have a college age girl stay in the house with my 2 dogs and old cat. Her parents(our friends) live around the corner and watch her like she's the crown jewels(she's an only child). We pay her $30 a day. The kennel where we board the dogs for shorter stays charges $15 a day. I grew up in San Diego, kmon, moved away 10 years ago. Is it still 75 degrees with morning fog burning off in the late morning? Enjoy your trip. I think $50 dollars is fair.

I'm staggered that you allow people to stay in your house and then pay them for it!

I'd board my cat at a cattery or allow a friend to take care of it, I couldn't abide strangers in my home!

We pay our house sitter $30/day and we have a dog who can just be let our to run around the property. We used to pay $30/night until our house sitter figured out she could always get $30 more by going to the day system. Nonetheless, our local kennel charges $25/day to board so I think we are getting a bargain.

I pay my supervisor's daughter $10 a day to check on/cuddle/feed and scoop litter for 2 14 year old cats. If I am going to be gone longer than 5 days max, I have someone stay at the house - it was convenient when I had a roommate - I gave her a break on rent that week - or my mom comes down - we get a couple days together before I leave then she gets a Florida beach vacation and I get peace of mind. I am still always nervous about leaving them - not that they won't be cared for, but emotionally - I feel like they are so bonded to me - but maybe I am just projecting my own feelings!!

We have three big hairy dogs who require only feeding twice a day and sleeping on the bed with the sitter at night. They have a dog door leading to a large fenced gravelled yard, so they are easy to keep happy. Our sitters get their choice of guest rooms, private bath, use of a pool, garage, and internet, and we pay them $40 a day. We do not ask them to stay in the house during the day, just at night. All parties are satisfied. We have two 'regular' sitters who are employed by the same large company we work for, so we are comfortable having them in our home.

..given the resposibility for your daughter as well as the house, the rate is about right..my parents used to have a house sitter all summer, but no pets, no kids, and no gardening, no housekeeping...the sitter was always a graduate student and they did it for almost no cost...they felt that 2 months out of a student appt, great place for parties and barbques was more than payment..but your situation is entirely different...i pay my housekeeper 60/night when i am away to sleep in and supervise teens (as well as her usual weekly salary..but i live in a metropolitan area.

message to ST Cirq; thank you for the idea...although a bribe,but what the heck! Last trip we called I think only twice,figured Id rather not know!! But this year will be different.

ah gosh I couldnt stand to board my cat and dog,they are so much happier at home! Actually same with the kids..One is going off to London for soccer,tried to get the 16 year old on a Europe teen trip,didnt want to go!!!! Wanted to work instead..We do have 'backup' , a father not too far away seen more as 'the threat 'to be shipped over to incase of misconduct..

I will be happier next trip,although the 13 yr old will be 15 yikes!!