How Much Should I Charge...

**savvy_sniper** · 01-08-2012, 06:33 PM

Acquaintances that live close to me want to discuss me coming to their house (M-F) at mid day to let their 3 dogs out in the backyard, playing with them for a short time, and giving them treats. How much should I charge?

She just was promoted and will be working longer hours and he works late most evenings. She is concerned about them being inside too long, getting lonely, etc.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

**savvy_sniper** · 01-08-2012, 07:01 PM

I did a Google search and asked a friend that has regular petsitters and it looks like I can easily ask $30 a week for a short visit (15-30 minutes). Petsitting businesses charge $15-30 a visit. I will know more when I talk to them and find out their requirements and expectations.

**ncarr** · 01-08-2012, 08:23 PM

Hmmmm... I would think $25-$30 /week.

**stinkbug** · 01-08-2012, 08:51 PM

10.00 per visit.

**mauimagic** · 01-08-2012, 10:15 PM

Three dogs = much moroe energy than 2 dogs.

$10-$12 per visit easy.

**oheoh's momma** · 01-08-2012, 10:46 PM

I would pay someone 12 -15 to take mine out for 1/2 and check their water. so that seems reasonable

**Libby** · 01-08-2012, 11:42 PM

I'd say somewhere in between $10-$15/day. The local pet sitters/dog walkers charge substantially more then that/day here for ONE dog.

I asked DH for a quick opinion and well he said charge minimum wage as the going rate. Makes sense, this would be like a job no? You did say it was an acquaintance not a friend or close friend. I'm going to assume its a cash job?

**savvy_sniper** · 01-09-2012, 07:18 AM

Yes, it is an acquaintance and he knows I have been looking for part-time work. And yes it is a cash job also.

Originally Posted by Libby

I'd say somewhere in between $10-$15/day. The local pet sitters/dog walkers charge substantially more then that/day here for ONE dog.

I asked DH for a quick opinion and well he said charge minimum wage as the going rate. Makes sense, this would be like a job no? You did say it was an acquaintance not a friend or close friend. I'm going to assume its a cash job?

**lisaflex** · 01-09-2012, 06:25 PM

i think $15 is fair...and, best of luck to you! and maybe you can get a few more clients....then you would have your own dog watching business!! good luck....

**Frugal_Scott** · 01-16-2012, 09:19 AM

Fifteen bucks a visit.

I'd also suggest you make it absolutely clear what you'll be doing and when. Will it be at the same time, every single day? Or is there a window of several hours (like somewhere between noon and 3PM)? Are there any other little duties you'd want to or be asked to do--check for the mail or something? How much time are you expected to spend with the "kids"?

**tervsforme** · 01-16-2012, 10:24 AM

I have a pet sitter come to my house to let my dogs out and she stays for 30 minutes. She charges $16 per visit. She stays out and plays with the dogs, sometimes she will do a bit of yard clean up. She write up a little post and leaves it for me what happened, who went to the bathroom, if they stayed outside the whole time, etc. It's an invaluable service for people who work a lot. Do not undercharge yourself.

**Handy Andy** · 01-16-2012, 11:05 AM

We have three as well I pay our retired police officer friend $75/week. He lets them out, sits with them for a bit, gives them treats and just some extra attention in general. I don't know how much time he spends there every day, I think it depends. Sometimes he just sits and watches TV with them for a while. They LOVE him, and we trust him completely. And he knows he is welcome to snacks and drinks while he is there.

I consider it the best $$ I spend all week. Because my DH's hours are screwy (he is in IT) and it's nothing for me to work 15 days for 6 days straight, I also like that someone is in the house and the people driving by can see there is someone there as well. I also like knowing if there is truley and emergency he can get in to my house for whatever the reason may be.

And it's good for him, his kids live a few hours away and he needs to get out of the house sometimes too.

**hmcart** · 01-16-2012, 01:10 PM

I agree. $15 a day sounds reasonable

**savvy_sniper** · 05-16-2012, 01:45 PM

Update - I now have a recurring gig petsitting for a woman that lives less than 2 miles from me. It requires me to go to her house twice a day to feed, water, and play with the cats. She lets me know well in advance when she will need me and is paying me $30 a day in cash - WOO HOO!

Our Harley Owners Group (H.O.G. Chapter) is putting together a directory if people and services. I will be listed under petsitting and selling for others (Craigslist, eBay, etc.). Hopefully this will bring in more money!

**Sara Noel** · 05-16-2012, 02:04 PM

Originally Posted by savvy_sniper

Update - I now have a recurring gig petsitting for a woman that lives less than 2 miles from me. It requires me to go to her house twice a day to feed, water, and play with the cats. She lets me know well in advance when she will need me and is paying me $30 a day in cash - WOO HOO!

Our Harley Owners Group (H.O.G. Chapter) is putting together a directory if people and services. I will be listed under petsitting and selling for others (Craigslist, eBay, etc.). Hopefully this will bring in more money!

What happened with the dog gig? Your cat gig is pretty awesome. Wow.