House Sitting & Pet Sitting Rates

Question

Recently I was asked to house sit for some people I am in association with through my job. I am a security attendant for a gated community. So since this was the first time I house sitted for anyone when I was asked upon meeting the residents' 2 cats and seeing their home for the first time....I was asked what I charge for house sitting. I didn't have an answer for her so she came up with paying me $20.00 a day for 2 weeks. So in all before the couple left for vacation they paid me $240 and said that if when they return the house is in order and nothing out of place that they will pay me more all depending though. So I thought $20.00 is a good rate but I don't know if this is what people would charge regularly. Is there a way to be a licensed house sitter? Stupid question probably, but I thought I'd ask anyway.

Answer 1

It really depends on how old you are. If you are a teenager, I would say $20 per night (sleeping there) is more than fair. If you are older and want to start depending on housesitting as a source of income, you will want to start asking for AT LEAST $25 nightly--especially if they have dogs.

I like how they offered more money upon their arrival back to a house that is in order. They sound like they're not looking to take advantage of your time, gas, or schedule rearrangement.  Take this job!  Do your service with a smile, and they will no doubt recommend you to their friends. $20 a night is really not that bad for a first petsitting job.

I also agree that cats should be less money than dogs would be. Let me give you an idea of what I made when I was single to petsit. One family gave me $20 a night to take care of their 2 shih-tzus and sleep there. Another paid me $10 per day to briefly stop in and check their birds food, and take care/play with the cat. Another couple paid me $70 per night to sleep at their house with 4 poorly behaved daschunds. It just depends. I hope you enjoy your first housesitting job!

Here are some tips that will make more petsitting business for you:

1) Leave the house in cleaner condition than you found it. No, you are not a housekeeper, true. But coming back to happy animals AND a spotless, fresh house will make anyone ask you back again.

2) Bring a notebook during your first meeting with the owner to take notes of details you will need to remember.

Yes, you can become a licensed petsitter. When you do, you can make at least $45 a night. See how you like it. I hope it works out for you.