How much do pet sitters earn in the UK and how to become one?

Pet sitting has become a popular profession in the UK, offering animal lovers the opportunity to earn a flexible income while caring for pets. Whether you are considering a part-time job, a career change, or just want to make extra money, becoming a pet sitter might be the perfect fit for you. This article explores how much pet sitters earn in the UK and the steps you can take to become one.

What does a pet sitter do?

A pet sitter is responsible for caring for pets while their owners are away. This includes feeding, walking, playing and providing companionship. Some pet sitters may offer overnight services, where they stay in the pet owner's house to ensure the animals feel secure and comfortable. In some cases, pet sitters may also be responsible for administering medication or providing specialised care for pets with unique needs.

Pet sitters can work with a variety of animals but the most common are dogs and cats. Some also care for smaller pets like rabbits, birds, or even reptiles. The services offered by pet sitters can vary widely depending on the needs of the owner and the sitter’s expertise.

For example, if you’re caring for a senior dog, you may need to take special precautions, like ensuring they receive regular medication and limiting the intensity of physical activities. On the other hand, caring for younger, more energetic dogs might involve providing extra playtime or longer walks to help them burn off energy. Some pet sitters even offer bespoke services, such as training or grooming, which help increase their earning potential.

In some cases, pet sitters also serve as house sitters. This means they not only take care of the animals but also look after the house by watering plants, collecting mail, or ensuring the property remains secure. Combining pet and house sitting services can add value for customers and increase your potential earnings.

How much do pet sitters charge in the UK?

The rates for pet sitting can vary depending on location, experience and the type of services. However, there are general guidelines on how much you can expect to charge or pay for these services.

How much to charge for dog sitting overnight? If you are wondering how much to charge for dog sitting overnight, the average rate in the UK can vary from £40 to £100, depending on the region and level of the sitter’s experience. This range accounts for differences in responsibilities, such as whether you are house sitting, administering medication, or providing additional services like extended playtime.
How much do dog sitters charge? On average, dog sitters in the UK charge between £20 and £50 per day. The exact price may differ based on additional services such as administering medication, staying overnight, or taking care of multiple pets at once. In rural areas, prices may be on the lower end, while in larger cities like London, they can be significantly higher due to the increased cost of living and demand.
How much do dog sitters charge in the UK? When considering the specifics for the UK, professional dog sitters may charge higher rates in larger cities, especially in areas like London, where demand is high. London dog sitters can often charge premium rates, particularly during busy times like the holidays or school breaks, when many families are looking for someone to care for their pets while they are travelling.

The rates may also vary depending on the time of the year. For instance, holiday seasons such as Christmas, New Year’s and summer vacation periods are peak times for pet sitting services, which often justifies a higher fee.

Dog walking services

Dog walking is another common service offered by sitters. For many pet owners, especially those with busy work schedules, having someone to walk their dog regularly is essential.

How much is dog walking per hour in the UK? Generally, dog walkers charge around £10 to £20 per hour depending on the location. In larger cities such as London, dog walkers may charge closer to the upper end of this range, whereas in rural areas, rates can be lower. Some dog walkers offer a discount if they walk multiple dogs at once or if the customer books multiple walks per week.
How much do dog walkers charge? It is also worth noting that dog walkers may offer discounts for multiple walks or for customers with more than one dog. A popular service in the UK, dog walking can be a stable income source for sitters. As a dog walker, offering group walks or package deals can help you attract more customers and boost your income.

Additionally, there is a growing demand for specialised dog walking services, such as off-lead walks or extended hikes for more active breeds. These premium services can command higher rates, especially in areas with many active dog owners.

How much do dog walkers make? Depending on the number of customers and walks per day, dog walkers can make anywhere between £200 and £400 a week, especially in urban areas where demand is high. For full-time dog walkers with a busy customer base, earnings can exceed this amount.

One factor to consider while setting your dog walking rates is whether you provide individual or group walks. Individual walks are typically more expensive, as the dog receives individual attention, while group walks can be more affordable for customers and allow you to increase your earnings by walking several dogs at once.

Rates for longer stays

If you're offering extended care, such as a week-long stay, you should consider:

How much to charge for dog sitting for a week in the UK? Dog sitting for a week in the UK typically ranges from £150 to £300. As a sitter, the amount you charge should reflect the level of required care, including whether overnight stays are necessary. Weekly rates often include some discounts compared to the daily rate, as it ensures consistent work for the sitter.

For instance, if your daily rate is £50, you might charge £300 for a week-long stay instead of £350, providing a more attractive option for customers who need long-term care.

Dog sitting prices and rates generally vary based on the type of service. Dog sitting prices for standard services might differ from premium rates offered for specialised care or services like house sitting combined with pet sitting. Make sure to set your dog sitting rates competitively to attract a consistent stream of customers. Having a clear pricing structure can help you avoid confusion with customers and ensure you're compensated fairly for your time and effort.

What factors affect pet sitting rates?

When deciding how much to charge as a sitter, several factors come into play:

Location: Pet sitters in urban areas like London or Manchester tend to charge more due to the higher cost of living. In smaller towns or rural areas, the rates are typically lower. However, even in rural areas, sitters can still find customers who need regular help, especially during holidays or busy periods.
Experience: If you are an experienced sitter with a good track record and excellent reviews, you can charge higher rates. Pet owners are often willing to pay more for someone they trust, especially if their pets have special needs. Building a portfolio of positive customers reviews and referrals is crucial for increasing your rates over time.
Services: Basic pet sitting, such as feeding and short walks, command lower rates than more comprehensive services like overnight stays, dog walking, or administering medication. Offering additional services like grooming, training, or transportation to veterinary appointments can also help you stand out from other sitters and increase your earning potential.
Duration: If a sitter is required for an extended period, such as several days or weeks, they may offer a discounted rate. However, for short-term or emergency pet sitting, the rates might be higher to reflect the urgency and flexibility. As a pet sitter, it’s important to be clear about what services are included in your rates and whether there are any additional fees for extra tasks or last-minute bookings.

How to become a pet sitter in the UK

Becoming a pet sitter in the UK is relatively straightforward but there are some steps you should follow to ensure success in this field.

Start with your love for animals: A genuine passion for animals is the foundation of being a great sitter. If you enjoy spending time with pets and are comfortable with animals of all sizes and temperaments, this could be the perfect job for you.
Get some experience: While it is not always necessary to have professional qualifications, gaining experience with animals can help you get started. Volunteer at local animal shelters, offer to walk your friends' dogs, or look after family pets to build your confidence. Even if you don’t have direct pet-sitting experience, demonstrating that you have cared for animals in other capacities can help you gain your first customers.
Create a professional profile: Many pet sitters find work through online platforms like animalhotels.com, which connects pet owners with sitters. Make sure your profile highlights your experience, availability and any specialised services you offer. Including reviews can also help attract new customers.
Set your rates: When starting out, you might want to charge lower rates to attract your first few customers. As you build experience and receive positive feedback, you can gradually increase your rates. It's important to research the rates in your area to ensure your pricing is competitive. If you offer unique services or have extensive experience, you can justify charging higher rates.
How to become a pet sitter with no experience: If you are just starting and don’t have much experience, offer your services to family and friends at a lower rate. As you gain experience and build a reputation, you can charge more for your services.
How to become a pet sitter in the UK: There are several online platforms you can use to find customers, such as animalhotels.com, which is specifically designed for pet services.

Conclusion

In summary, working as a pet sitter in the UK can be a rewarding career, especially for animal lovers who value flexibility in their job. Earnings for sitters vary widely, depending on factors such as location, experience and the range of services. Rates for pet sitting can range from £20 to £100 per day, with sitters often providing additional services like dog walking, overnight care, or house sitting. Earnings tend to increase during peak periods like holidays and summer, when demand for pet care services rises.

For those looking to start a career as a pet sitter, gaining experience and creating a professional profile on platforms that connect sitters with pet owners, such as animalhotels.com, is essential. Growth in this field involves building a positive reputation and offering competitive pricing, which can be gradually increased as experience grows. With the increasing demand for pet care, working as a pet sitter can offer a steady income, particularly in larger cities where the need for these services is the highest.