House sitting
 

I am house sitting for a family that has 3 dogs, two older which require a lot of attention. They also want me to stay at their house, set alarms when I leave the house, take the dogs on walks (individually), administer medication 3 times a day, and feed twice a day. Two of the dogs also have no control so they tend to pee and poo without knowing that they are doing so. I am house sitting for 7 days and 6 nights. How much should I charge for the week?

You haven't told us anything about where you live or what the going rate is for housesitters where you are. In Seattle, the going rate is in the $35-50 a day range.

I'm not sure what the going rates are in my area. I'm in the northern suburbs of Chicago

I think it also depends on the relationship and who you are. If you are a poor 20-something living in a studio apartment and these are close friends who are giving you the run of a wonderful house - that is different than if this is the way you make your living.

I'm paying $40/day for my pet sitter to watch 2 dogs who do not get daily walks or have any special needs. She is not a friend or close acquaintance, but was reccomended by my VET. I am in the Atlanta, GA area. Hope this helps.

I pay my cat sitter $20 per *visit*, or $40 per day. She does not stay over, but she does perform all the other duties you describe.

I would look into how much it would cost to kennel the three dogs in your area then I would charge about the same, based on that cost. Or look at the www.dogvacay.com site and see the going rate. There is also another pet-sitting site., the name escapes me now.

But I agree that it depends on your relationship. Are these strangers or neighbors or friends? Off the top of my head, I would say you should be charging at least $100/day.

I pay at least $50 a day to a friend who takes care of my one small dog in her house. That, of course, is much more convenient for her. No medical issues. I'd certainly pay extra for someone giving medications, walking 3 dogs individually (if they are longer walks), and the cleaning up after the dogs.

I live in Boston.

Well, it would cost me a lot more than $40/day to kennel 6 cats, not to mention that cats don't board well at all so I'd never do it, BUT I think $100/day is way too much.

With walks, medicine three times a day and cleaning up daily messes from dogs who are elderly, I think charges should be a lot more than average.

Also, realized they want each dog walked individually! That is a lot of time! Much more than for cats.

My sitter charges $45.00 per day for 4 cats, two visits a day. She cleans two boxes. No walks, etc. Her total time per day is about an hour.

People here charge $50.00 to $100.00 per day for house sitting with pets, unless, as someone said, it is a beautiful house, so more like a vacation for you. When we had a huge house, my house sitters never charged. Now, they do, if I can even find one.

With individual walks and cleaning up messes all the time, I would not do it for less than $25.00 per dog, per day, so $525.00 for the week, and even that is low, IMHO.
$700.00 would not be unreasonable in that situation.

Having often taken care of cats for friends and neighbors, it is easy compared to taking care of dogs.

If a dog walker can and does charge $10-20 a visit, and you have to take each dog out separately 3-4 times a day--it's way more time and work.

This sounds like a full-time job - with all the different walks and cleaning up after the pets. (Frankly I would;t do it for any price.)

But I think what would be fair is checking with a local kennel and see what they would charge for this - including giving meds and whatever. You are providing a huge benefit by allowing older animals to stay in their own home.

The last time I looked our vet wanted $40 per day to board cats - dogs of course being charged more due to the walking. So they would probably charge $150 per day or more - granted in Manhattan.

With everything they are asking you to do and how they are asking you to do it (walking dogs separately), I would charge at least $100 per day.

I pay 40.00 but have huge yard and dog door so all she has to do is feed, water and let them sleep with her. Picks up poo in the yard once a day. I leave food and drinks and want a text to tell me all is well. Easy, you are describing a mess. I would want at least 60 a day.

We pay $50 per day for a college student to stay in the house with our 2 cats: feeding, cleaning the litter boxes, play time, brushing, giving dental and other treats, and generally being substitute parents.

Given the medicine doses, separate walks, and pee and poo clean-up, I think $500 minimum.

I housesat for my sister in Houston, in July for three weeks, all free of course, but walking in humidity, and having a 20 lb. moody rescue cat (who slept on the bed with me) was quite an adventure.

Good luck. I would take the money, and treat myself to a spa day when it's all done. ((@))((&))

Friends or family with a great house - nothing.

Acquaintance - $700

It's a lot of work.

I agree that the $500 price range seems reasonable, for all the work you are doing.

However, this should have been negotiated upfront! Good luck after the fact in getting your due.

Are you in the suburbs like Wilmette, Winnetka, Kenilworth, Highland Park, Northbrook, etc?

I have no experience in this whatsoever, but I think what they are asking you to do is crazy!!! If you don't have a full-time job I can see it being realistic, but if you do I don't know that can be done.

I'm a New Yorker and we pay a lot for this stuff...I'd charge the $150/day someone else mentioned, which is probably saving them a bundle still in vets/kennel fees. Also staying at their house should count for something....

I'd say $1000, in cash up front. Just in case when they get home and a carpet is damaged they don't hold it against you.

Oh for god's sake. This is pet sitting we're talking about, not splitting the atom. $1k is cuckoo for cocoa puffs.

Based on the scenario the OP is describing.....$1,000,000. ;)