Pet sitters in 2025 typically earn between $14 and $26 per hour in the United States, which translates to a monthly income ranging from about $2,000 to over $4,000 depending on the number of hours worked, services offered, and local demand.
Our business plan for pet sitters will help you build a profitable project
Pet sitters typically earn between $14 and $26 per hour in the U.S. Full-time pet sitters often make between $3,000 and $6,000 a month, while part-time sitters may earn $500 to $2,500, depending on their hours, service offerings, and location. This article explores the factors that influence pet sitters’ monthly earnings and provides a clear breakdown to help you understand how to build a successful pet-sitting business.
You can learn more about these earnings, along with strategies to maximize your revenue, in our pet sitter business plan.
Here’s a summary of how pet sitters’ monthly earnings break down:
| Factor | Impact on Income | Typical Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly Rate | Pet sitters typically earn $14 to $26 per hour. | $2,000 - $4,000+ per month |
| Full-time vs Part-time | Full-time sitters work 150-250 hours per month; part-time sitters work 20-90 hours. | Full-time: $3,000 - $6,000; Part-time: $500 - $2,500 |
| Location | Urban areas generally have higher rates than rural areas. | Higher rates in cities |
| Experience | Certified or experienced sitters can charge higher rates. | Up to 30% higher rates for certified sitters |
| Repeat Clients | Consistent income from repeat clients, providing stable earnings. | 60%-80% of income from repeat clients |
| Additional Services | Extra services like grooming and training can increase earnings by 10%–50%. | Higher earnings per service offered |
| Platform Fees | Online booking platforms may charge fees, reducing earnings. | 10%-20% platform fees |
How much do pet sitters typically earn per hour, and how does that translate to a monthly income?
Pet sitters in the U.S. typically charge between $14 and $26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and services offered. This translates into monthly earnings ranging from about $2,000 to over $4,000, assuming the sitter works between 100 to 200 hours per month.
Full-time sitters may earn more, especially in high-demand areas or during peak seasons, while part-time sitters typically earn less but can still make a reasonable side income. You can maximize earnings by increasing your hours, offering additional services, or specializing in certain types of pets.
For a more detailed breakdown of rates and strategies, refer to our pet sitter business plan.
What is the average number of hours or days pet sitters work each month?
On average, part-time pet sitters work 20–90 hours per month, while full-time sitters can work anywhere from 120 to 240 hours. The amount of time depends on the number of clients, type of services offered, and frequency of bookings.
Part-time sitters usually work a few hours a day or a few days a week, making it a flexible side job, while full-time sitters have a more structured schedule with multiple visits per day. The key to increasing hours is building a loyal client base and offering additional services such as grooming or training.
For more tips on managing your work hours, check out our pet sitter business plan.
How do earnings differ between full-time and part-time pet sitters?
Full-time pet sitters typically work 150 to 250 hours per month and earn between $3,000 and $6,000. Part-time sitters, on the other hand, work 20 to 90 hours and earn between $500 and $2,500 per month, depending on their service offerings and the demand in their area.
Full-time sitters benefit from more repeat clients and higher availability, while part-time sitters enjoy more flexibility and lower expenses. The key to increasing earnings is expanding services and building strong relationships with clients.
Full-time sitters can significantly increase their income by offering additional services like grooming, training, or house sitting. You can explore these opportunities in our pet sitter business plan.
What are the main factors that influence a pet sitter’s monthly income, such as location or experience?
Several factors influence a pet sitter's income, including location, experience, and service mix. Urban areas with a higher demand for pet care generally offer higher rates than rural areas. Experienced or certified sitters can command higher fees, while sitters who offer additional services such as grooming, training, or house sitting can increase their earnings by 10% to 50%.
Building a loyal client base and offering personalized care also contribute to stable income. Pet sitters who specialize in caring for exotic animals or senior pets often earn premium rates due to the expertise required.
For more strategies to boost your income, refer to our pet sitter business plan.
How do rates vary between dog sitting, cat sitting, and caring for exotic animals?
Pet sitting rates vary depending on the type of pet. Dog sitting tends to be more expensive than cat sitting due to the higher demand for dog care and the more extensive services often required. Exotic animal care can also be more expensive due to the specialized knowledge needed.
For example, a 30-minute drop-in for dogs can cost $20 to $35, while for cats it’s typically $15 to $25. Exotic animals can range from $15 to $40 for a 30-minute visit.
| Service Type | Dogs | Cats | Exotic Animals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-min Drop-in | $20–$35 | $15–$25 | $15–$40 |
| Overnight (10-12 hrs) | $75–$150 | $50–$100 | $40–$100 |
| In-home Boarding (daily) | $45–$75 | $25–$50 | $20–$50 |
How much do pet sitters charge for overnight stays compared to daily visits or walks?
Overnight stays typically cost more than daily visits or walks due to the extended time commitment and the higher level of care required. For example, overnight care can range from $75 to $150, depending on the pet and location. Daily visits or walks typically cost between $15 and $35 per visit.
Overnight care involves providing extended supervision and attention to pets, which justifies the higher rates. Pet sitters can increase their monthly earnings by offering both types of services depending on client needs.
Explore more about pricing strategies in our pet sitter business plan.
How much of a pet sitter’s income typically comes from repeat clients versus new ones?
Repeat clients account for the bulk of a pet sitter’s income, often providing 60% to 80% of monthly bookings. Repeat clients offer consistent revenue, making it easier to predict earnings and reduce the need for constant marketing.
Building a loyal client base is crucial for long-term success. Satisfied clients often recommend the sitter to others, providing a steady stream of new business.
We cover strategies for building client loyalty in our pet sitter business plan.
What additional services (like grooming, training, or house sitting) can increase a pet sitter’s earnings?
Offering additional services such as grooming, training, or house sitting can increase a pet sitter’s earnings by 10% to 50% or more. These services can be priced at a premium, especially if they require specialized skills or knowledge.
For example, grooming services can add $10 to $30 per session, while house sitting can increase income by $50 to $100 per night. Pet sitters who specialize in exotic or senior pets can also command higher rates for their services.
Get more ideas for expanding your service offerings in our pet sitter business plan.
What percentage of income do pet sitters lose to platform fees, taxes, or business expenses?
Pet sitters often lose between 10% and 20% of their income to platform fees when using online booking services. Taxes and business expenses (such as marketing, supplies, and transportation) can take another 15% to 25% of their earnings.
While platform fees are a necessary cost for reaching a wider client base, pet sitters should account for these expenses when setting their rates and planning their income.
We cover these cost factors in more detail in our pet sitter business plan.
How much do professional certifications or insurance affect a sitter’s rates and monthly income?
Professional certifications and insurance can significantly affect a pet sitter’s rates and monthly income. Certified sitters can charge up to 30% higher rates compared to uncertified sitters.
Insurance also helps build credibility and attracts more clients, especially those looking for professional and reliable care. Offering insurance as part of your service can help you stand out in a competitive market.
Learn more about the impact of certifications in our pet sitter business plan.
What are the seasonal trends in demand for pet sitting, and how do they impact monthly revenue?
Seasonal trends play a big role in pet sitting demand. The busiest times are typically during the summer, holidays, and school breaks, where demand for pet care can increase and nearly double monthly revenue.
During off-seasons, demand drops, and pet sitters may need to adjust their pricing or offer additional services to maintain steady income. Early bookings and a loyal client base can help offset slow months.
For strategies on managing seasonality, refer to our pet sitter business plan.
How much can top-performing or specialized pet sitters earn per month in major cities or high-demand areas?
Top-performing pet sitters in major cities or high-demand areas like New York or Los Angeles can earn between $4,000 and $10,000 per month. Specialized sitters who offer niche services such as exotic animal care or who run teams of sitters may even exceed this range.
In premium markets, pet sitters who are able to differentiate themselves by offering high-quality services or building a strong brand can see substantial financial rewards.
We go over how to position yourself for top earnings in our pet sitter business plan.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We accept no liability for any actions taken based on the information provided.
To learn more about starting and growing your pet sitting business, read our helpful articles:
- Understanding Pet Sitter Customer Segments
- Tool for Budgeting as a Pet Sitter