Dog Sitter Wanted? We’ll tell you everything you need to know about the tasks, prices, and qualifications of a good dog sitter. Every dog owner eventually finds themselves in a situation where they have to be away for a certain period and can’t take their pet along. And no one from the family or friends is available to look after the furry friend. Fortunately, there is a solution for such cases: a dog sitter, who takes care of the pet for a fee.

What Does a Dog Sitter Do?

A dog sitter, or dog caregiver, is like a babysitter for dogs. Alternatively, the term dog sitter is also common. Some dog sitters have their own facilities where they care for animals by the hour or even for entire days. Others pick them up from their owners, take them for a walk, and then bring them back – rain or shine. These are also known as dog walkers.

Here are the tasks of a dog sitter:

How Many Dogs Does a Dog Sitter Care for Simultaneously?

Some dog sitters are always with one dog at a time, while others take several on their rounds. To make a living from dog sitting, full-time dog sitters must care for at least ten dogs per day. Typically, it works like this: Only those willing to pay significantly more receive an exclusive 1:1 care service for their beloved pet.

What Does a Dog Sitter Cost?

This question cannot be answered universally, as dog sitter prices vary widely. On average, rates range from $5 to $20 per hour. This rate depends on the effort, group size, and optional additional services.

If the care effort is particularly significant, more may need to be paid: Do you want regular medication administration, or should the dog’s coat be maintained? Then a higher fee is applicable. Surcharges are often billed for long journeys. For full-day care, including overnight stays, fees of up to $35 per day are common. If the dog is to be cared for for several consecutive days, a flat rate is usually charged.

For those who find dog sitter prices high: Dog sitters who do this job professionally are self-employed and pay taxes like all other service providers. It is essential to discuss exactly what the hourly or daily rate includes beforehand to avoid misunderstandings.

Where Can I Find a Reliable Dog Sitter?

Offline, you can often find advertisements on bulletin boards, for example, in supermarkets, at animal shelters, dog schools, or veterinary practices. But, of course, you can also search online for a suitable dog sitter. On rover.com, you can find flexible dog care in your area by entering your postal code. Whether you need a dog sitter for a few hours, overnight, or an extended period, you can find it on petsitter.com. There, you can specify preferences such as the location of care or animal playmates in your search.

Various services, including overnight dog care, feeding and play visits, house and dog sitting, dog walking, and dog day care, are also offered on the Fetch! Pet Care platform – also available as an app.

In Which Cities Are Dog Sitters Available?

By entering “Dog Sitter Boston,” “Dog Sitter Los Angeles,” “Dog Sitter Washington,” or “Dog Sitter New York” into the internet search engine, you’ll find numerous results. However, dog sitting services are not limited to major cities. Even in small towns or rural areas, you can find a caretaker for your dog.

How Do I Recognize a Good Dog Sitter?

Checklist – Finding the Right Dog Sitter:

Do I Need Special Insurance When Entrusting My Dog to a Dog Sitter?

If the dog sitter is a friend or acquaintance who doesn’t charge for their services, all property and personal damages caused by the dog are covered by the owner’s dog liability insurance. It’s different when the service is paid for: neither the dog liability insurance nor the owner’s private liability insurance applies when the dog is under the care of the dog sitter and causes damage.

Therefore, it is essential that the professional dog caregiver has specific professional liability insurance. Since this insurance is often quite expensive, not all dog sitters have it. Instead, they often try to disclaim responsibility through a liability disclaimer clause in a care contract. This is not entirely permissible. However, the sitter’s liability can be limited to intent and gross negligence. Clarify this before entrusting your dog to a dog sitter.

How Do I Find Out If This Form of Care Is Suitable for My Dog?

During the first walk, you should definitely be present but stay somewhat in the background. This way, you can observe how your pet reacts to their new caregiver and how the caregiver interacts with them. Only if you have a good feeling afterward should you arrange a trial day where you are not present.

How does your furry friend behave afterward?