Adopting an animal is a real commitment. We must meet their needs in terms of food, comfort, activities, equipment, veterinary care and many others. But adopting an animal also means committing to caring for it and being there for it every day. Our animal friends, whoever they are, don’t really like – or very little – solitude. Consequently, when we have to be absent for several days for a business trip, a romantic weekend, a family vacation or even for hospitalization, it is important to find a solution to take care of them. This is where the pet sitter comes into action!
The pet sitter, who is this guardian of your animals?
The term pet-sitter refers to the professional who takes care of your pet in your absence. We can also speak more precisely of a cat-sitter for the care of a cat or of a dog-sitter for the care of a dog. In any case, when you have to be away for several days, the pet-sitter (this is the general term that we will use here for the sake of convenience) takes care of your little companion in your place.
If the pet-sitter takes care of other people’s animals, he can act in two ways:
- keeping the animal at its owner’s home;
- care of the animal directly with the pet-sitter, in the form of boarding.
In the first case – and this is the system most frequently proposed and implemented – the pet-sitter comes to your home one or more times a day in your absence to feed your little companion, to play with him, to occupy it, take it out if necessary, take care of it, etc. Depending on the needs of your animal and the terms of your contract, this service provider may come several times during the day or night to do this.
In the second case, the pet-sitter welcomes the animals entrusted to him directly into his home.
Using a pet-sitter: what’s the point?
During your absences, your vacations, you must have your pet looked after, you can entrust it to a dog boarding house or to a loved one. However, your neighbors, friends or family members are not always willing and available to welcome your little companion for a longer or shorter period of time. Boarding, for its part, is a solution that does not delight all owners or all animals. Not all animal species are accepted everywhere and your little companion may feel uncomfortable being kept in an unfamiliar space for several days, in an environment saturated by the smell of stressed peers.
The main advantage of a pet sitter is the fact that he can look after your pet at your home. Knowing that your little companion must already be able to manage your absence, you prevent him from being uprooted as a bonus! Being kept at home allows him to maintain his habits and remain in his habitat, with his belongings, his landmarks and his smells. He thus feels significantly safer, more serene and more comfortable.
But that’s not all ! The care of your animal is personalized and a person takes care of him only during these daily visits. He is therefore in the company of one and the same dedicated person. Depending on his needs, especially if you have a dog, the pet-sitter can take him out, entertain him, offer him walks or activities adapted to his desires and habits.
Finally, the pet-sitter is a very interesting service also for animal owners who need care or regular presence. Indeed, even if you go home every day, your profession may force you to be away for many hours of the day or night. A situation which can be difficult to live with for an animal which cannot stand solitude and which suffers, for example, from hyper-attachment, or for an incontinent dog which needs to relieve itself regularly, for an animal which must follow precise and strict treatment. Thus, a pet-sitter can come to your home daily to meet your pet’s needs or even to take him to the veterinarian, to the groomer, to his agility session or other, even if you are only absent a few hours.
What are the prices for a pet-sitter?
Pet-sitter rates can vary considerably from one service to another, as they depend on a large number of factors.
- Length of custody : depending on your needs – or rather those of your little companion – the service will be more or less expensive. The longer the pet sitter has to be present to look after your pet, the more you will have to pay.
- Daycare hours : depending on the time at which your pet-sitter must travel and the number of trips required per day, the price will vary. Indeed, it goes without saying that a trip very early in the morning, late in the evening or even at night will be more expensive than during the day.
- The characteristics of your animal : the pet-sitter may charge more or less for the service depending on the species of your animal. A dog or cat may be a little more expensive to care for than a NAC who will not require as much time or attention. However, some pet sitters are less comfortable with exotic animals and may charge more to feed a snake, spider or reptile. Also note that the size of your small companion may play a role, because a large dog will require more effort and constraints.
- The number of animals to keep : of course, if the pet-sitter has to take care of several animals at the same time, the price will be higher than for just one. However, the increase is generally not proportional to the extent that if this type of multiple care requires more effort, the pet-sitter only travels once to fulfill his mission.
- Possible care : your cat is diabetic and needs a daily injection? Has your dog injured his paw and his bandage needs to be redone? Does your rabbit need treatment? Most pet-sitters agree to provide the expected care to your little companion, but often in return for a higher price.
- The place of custody : keeping your animals at home can result in additional costs to the extent that the pet-sitter must travel every day – or even several times a day – to meet their needs. Care at the guardian’s home is sometimes less expensive in comparison, even if some charge for specific services linked to the necessary services (heating, water, etc.).
What are the average prices for a pet sitter?
The average rates for a pet-sitter vary depending on the type of service, but also the contact you initiate with the sitter.
By using the services of a specialized platform, prices are generally applied in the form of a package. Allow on average 15 euros per day for the care of a dog or a cat and up to 10 euros per day for the care of a NAC. Advantages or additional costs may be applied depending on the service chosen and any additions (care, outing, specific request, etc.). Prices also include insurance related to the service.
By making contact directly with a pet-sitter, prices are more varied. Allow on average at least 12 euros per day for a dog or a cat and 7 euros to 8 euros for a NAC, excluding care or extra requests.
To help you better plan the budget to consider for the care of your little companion, here are the average prices found among pet-sitters:
- for a home visit, count on average at least 6 euros for one visit per day and 10 euros at least for two visits per day;
- for home care, count at least 6.50 euros per day;
- for a pension, count on at least 10 euros per day;
- for one walk per day, count on at least 9 euros per day extra.
Here are the average prices (excluding extras) observed for the species of animals most commonly looked after by pet-sitters:
- for the care of a dog, count on at least 8 euros to 12 euros per day for a direct service and at least 15 euros per day via a specialized platform;
- for the care of a cat, count on at least 8 euros per day for a live service and at least 10 euros per day via a specialized platform;
- for the care of a NAC, allow at least 7 euros per day for a live service and at least 10 euros per day via a specialized platform.
These prices are the basic ones. The pet-sitter’s travel costs and all additional services should be added to this. Walks, care, administration of treatments, visit to the veterinarian or groomer… any additional request will be charged. Looking after your dog can cost you 30 euros per day, all inclusive.
Where to find a pet-sitter?
It is important not to entrust your little companion to just anyone. To go to work or escape with peace of mind, choose a trusted service provider. Even if we strongly recommend that you meet them beforehand and introduce them to your little companion, avoid jumping on the first ad you find or on the cheapest pet-sitter. Remember that if this animal nanny is not there to replace you, she must be able to take good care of your animal and pamper it in your absence.
To find that rare gem, here are some tips.
- Ask your veterinarian for advice ! Your practitioner probably knows of trusted pet-sitters near you, or, conversely, of people to avoid!
- Ask your neighbors or acquaintances. Some of your loved ones may have already used pet-sitters and will be able to direct you to trusted providers.
- Think about dedicated platforms which have the advantage of allowing you to get to know a pet-sitter remotely, to know the rates in advance, what they will or will not agree to do for your pet, etc. You also benefit from a certain level of protection thanks to insurance which is not negligible.