How much does dog sitting cost in the UK?

Going someplace where you cannot bring your furry friend? You can seek the assistance of a dog sitter to ensure that someone is taking good care of your pet while you are away. But what does dog sitting truly entail and how much does it cost?

With this article, you can discover what this service comprises, as well as the average dog sitting cost in different cities across the UK.

What are the average costs of dog sitting in the UK?

The table below shows the average dog sitting prices per hour in the UK’s major areas.

Note that the prices are typically for short-day stays in a doggy daycare, so expect extra charges if your dog stays overnight. 

To save money, you could hire a casual dog sitter instead. They typically charge per day, starting at £50. However, you may have to pay extra if your dog needs to be picked up and dropped off at home.

What factors affect the costs of dog sitting?

Why do dog sitting rates vary? Here are six major factors affecting the cost of this increasingly in-demand service:

Location

There are several reasons why one’s location can influence dog sitting fees. Firstly, a dog sitter’s travel costs are taken into account; the farther they are from you, the higher their travel expenses and pet sitting charge will be. You could offer them accommodation in your home to save money on travel expenses. It’s a win-win solution for you and your pet sitter, as they can easily supervise your dog while you’re away from home.  

Secondly, your area’s cost of living can affect the price of the service. As seen in the example above, London, the most expensive city in the UK, has steeper dog sitting charges than other places.

Duration

A dog observing the outside world through a window (Source: iStock)

Often, a shorter service duration translates to a lower cost of dog sitting. This means the cost of dog sitting overnight tends to be greater than the price of pet sitting for a few hours. Plus, dog sitting prices per day should be significantly lower than the average cost of dog sitting for a week.

However, it’s important to note that for longer stays, they typically guarantee a per-night rate rather than the usual per-hour rate. In London, for instance, dog sitting costs from £30 to £65 per night, which is much more affordable than basing the pricing on a per-hour rate. 

Dog size and breed

Two dogs lounging comfortably on a couch (Source: iStock)

The size of a pooch can affect the cost of hiring a dog sitter. For instance, shih tzus are small homebodies that are fairly easy to care for, so expect a more affordable rate. 

Meanwhile, large breeds like a standard labradoodle and the Belgian Malinois are considered high-maintenance; dog sitters often charge higher rates for these canines. However, finding a sitter who can handle these dogs can be difficult. Pet owners should consider hiring a licensed dog sitter or having them board in a dog kennel, as these pooches often come with specific behavioural difficulties. 

Special needs or behaviours

A dog sitter administering medication (Source: iStock)

Most of the time, dog sitters charge more if looking after your pet has particular demands. These may involve the need to feed your dog at specific times, administer medication, or care for their wounds.

In terms of behaviour, it requires less effort to deal with well-trained dogs compared to unruly ones.

Additional services

A dog sitter gently brushing a dog's head (Source: iStock)

Although dog walking, bathing, and grooming are often considered essentials in pet sitting, some charge extra bucks for these services. This is why you should first ask the sitter about these potential additional fees to avoid sudden extra charges. 

Here are the average prices of dog care services on top of the cost of in-home dog sitting:

Seasonal demand

During summer months, when the demand peaks due to most people going on vacations, dog sitting prices cost a few pounds more than their standard rate. This is because agencies would offer their sitters to set a ‘peak rate’ during these times, so expect higher costs. The same goes for special occasions like Christmas and bank holidays typically. 

What are some ways to save on dog sitting?

You can follow these tips if you want dog sitting to be a cost-effective solution whenever you need someone to look after your pet for a short period:

• Check out different options: Don’t go with the first pet sitter you see; scope out several service providers and compare their rates before making a choice.

• Book early: Booking early means the affordable options are likely to be still available and you won’t be charged a last-minute fee. 

• Be a regular: Going to the same dog sitter every time you need one may result in loyalty discounts and promos.

What should you look for in a professional dog sitter?

The signs of an excellent professional pet sitter include:

• Having glowing online reviews from previous customers;

• Possessing good communication skills (which is important if they have to contact you in case of questions or emergencies);

• Having years of experience and relevant training (e.g., first aid, pet CPR); and

• Not charging excessive dog sitting fees.

Aside from these, you should meet with the dog sitter beforehand and see how they would interact with your dog. Knowing that your furry friend feels secure around the sitter helps you feel at ease leaving your dog while you’re away. 

You might also need to check the conditions of the sitters’ house in case you’ll be dropping them over. Remember that dogs can get stressed and anxious in a new environment, so it’s worth checking out if their house is safe and comfortable for your dog. 

Keep your dog safe and happy with Airtasker

A dog sitter rewarding a dog with treats (Source: iStock)

Don’t know where to search for a reliable pet sitter? You may be able to find what you’re looking for on the Airtasker website. It has highly rated dog sitters capable of handling adult dogs and puppies, whether they’re male or female.

Start connecting with taskers by making a post on the site with all the necessary information, including your location, your budget, and important details about your dog. You can also find house sitters on Airtasker if you need someone to watch over your property while you’re away.