Pet sitting costs in Australia typically range from $25 to $60 per visit for drop-in dog sitting, $50 to $100 for overnight stays, and $100 to $250+ per night for house sitting.
Exact prices depend on your location, the number of pets you have, and what your sitter needs to do while caring for them. This guide breaks down what you’ll actually pay across different service types.
This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute veterinary or professional advice. Every pet is different. If you have concerns about your pet’s health, behaviour, or wellbeing, consult a qualified veterinarian or other appropriate professional.
Average Pet Sitting Costs in Australia
Pet-sitting prices vary significantly by service type. Here’s what owners are paying across the country.
Drop-in visits
A drop-in visit usually lasts 30 to 45 minutes and typically includes:
- Feeding with your pet’s regular food
- Toilet break and garden time
- Fresh water refill
- Playtime or brief exercise
Pricing:
- Most suburbs: $25–$50 per visit
- Regional areas: $20–$40 per visit
- Inner-city and holiday hotspots: $40–$60 per visit
- Regular booking discount: 10–15% off per visit
Dog sitting (daily care)
Daily dog sitting means your sitter visits once or twice per day over several days or weeks. Your dog stays at home (unlike overnight sitting).
Typical pricing:
- Once daily: $35–$80 per visit
- Twice daily (morning and evening): $60–$150 daily
- Minimum booking: 3–5 days (most sitters require this)
Prices vary by location and your dog’s needs (exercise level, age, medical care, etc.).
Overnight sitting
The sitter stays at your home while you’re away, providing full care through the night and into the following day.
Pricing:
- Range: $50–$120 per night
- Most common: $70–$100 per night
The higher cost reflects on-site availability throughout the night and more comprehensive care than drop-in visits (unlimited feeding, multiple toilet breaks, exercise, playtime, emergency response).
House sitting
The sitter stays overnight, manages your home, and cares for your pets. Typical duties include:
- Pet feeding, exercise, and care
- Garden management
- Mail collection
- Light household tasks
- Home security and monitoring
Pricing: $80–$200+ per night
Higher prices apply for:
- Premium suburbs
- Large homes require more attention
- Significant additional household responsibilities
Many house sitters charge by the night (not hourly), making this economical for week-long or longer stays.
Longer stays
For bookings of 2+ weeks, expect a reduced daily rate:
- 14-day house-sitting: roughly $1,200–$2,000 (vs. full nightly rate multiplied out)
- Weekly discount: typically 5–10% off
- Discount reflects reduced admin work for one long booking vs. multiple short ones
What Affects Pet Sitter Prices?
Several factors push pricing up or down. Understanding these helps you anticipate costs and spot fair quotes.
Location
Price variance by area:
- Inner-city suburbs: higher rates
- Holiday areas: higher rates (especially during peak seasons)
- Outer suburbs: moderate rates
- Regional towns: lower rates
20–40% higher than regional Victoria or inland NSW. Coastal towns spike 20–50% during school holidays and summer.
Number and type of pets
Standard charging:
- Most sitters charge per pet
- Second/third pet discount: often 15–30% off (e.g., $50 for one dog, $70 for two)
- Cats: often cheaper to add, sometimes free with a dog
- Specialist pets (rabbits, birds, reptiles): higher rate if sitter has experience, or may refuse
Most sitters focus on dogs and cats only.
Length and frequency of visits
A single one-off drop-in costs more per visit than booking the same sitter five times per week. Frequency discounts are common because the sitter saves travel time and admin costs on repeat bookings.
Overnight requirements
Staying overnight commands premium pricing because the sitter’s availability is tied up completely. A sitter who charges $40 per drop-in visit might charge $80 per night for overnight sitting, reflecting the difference in responsibility and time commitment.
Special care needs
Sitters often charge extra for:
- Medical needs (medication injections, special feeding routines)
- Behavioural issues requiring expertise
- Elderly or unwell dogs
Pricing: $10–$20 flat premium per visit, or negotiated separately depending on complexity.
Public holidays and peak dates
Peak periods with higher rates:
- Christmas and New Year
- Easter
- School holidays
- Summer season
Price surge: 20–50% above regular rates. Sitters often book out weeks or months in advance. Plan ahead for peak season bookings.
Additional household tasks
Common add-on tasks:
- Watering plants
- Collecting mail
- Taking bins out
- Opening/closing blinds
- Light feeding
Cost: $5–$15 per visit (negotiated separately from the pet-sitting fee).
Dog Sitter vs General Pet Sitter Costs
Some carers specialise in dogs only; others handle cats, rabbits, birds, and other small pets. Pricing sometimes reflects this.
Specialist dog sitters
Typical pricing: $60–$100 for a two-hour visit (higher than general sitters)
Specialties that command premium rates:
- Multiple breed experience
- Training expertise
- Anxiety or senior dog specialisation
- Behavioural issue handling
- Hiking or adventure outings
General pet sitters
Typical pricing: $40–$60 for a two-hour visit (lower-to-mid range)
Service model:
- Handle dogs, cats, birds, and other animals
- Broader but less specialised experience
- Multiple service types in one sitter
- Lower cost reflects spread across services, not lower quality
Review focus:
- Specialist dog sitters: breed-specific, anxiety/senior dogs, puppies
- General pet sitters: flexibility across multiple pet types
Is Overnight Pet Sitting More Expensive?
Yes, overnight pet sitting costs significantly more than drop-in visits, and for good reason.
Why overnight costs more
Overnight sitters provide a fundamentally different service:
- On call throughout the night for emergencies
- Multiple feeding and toilet breaks (not just one scheduled visit)
- Home security and overnight management
- Full 10–14 hours of their day committed
- Cannot take other bookings during that time
Most overnight sitters charge two to three times the per-visit drop-in rate. If a sitter charges $40 for a drop-in, expect $80 to $120 for an overnight stay.
What overnight includes
A full overnight stay typically includes:
- Unlimited feeding and toilet breaks throughout the night
- Playtime or exercise suited to your dog’s energy level
- Sleeping arrangements (usually in your home)
- Morning and evening care on arrival and departure days
- Immediate attention if your pet is unwell or distressed
- Overnight security and home management
Some sitters include morning feeding and a final toilet break in the rate; others charge a small extra fee for a “morning visit” after the overnight stay ends. Clarify what is included in your overnight rate before booking to avoid surprise charges.
Pet Sitting vs Boarding: Which Costs More?
Cost comparison:
- Boarding (kennels/catteries): $30–$70 per night
- House sitting (in-home): $80–$200+ per night
Boarding is cheaper, but in-home sitting may be worth the premium if:
- Your dog is anxious or stressed by confinement
- Your dog is elderly or requires medication/observation
- Your dog prefers familiar environments and routines
Stress factors in boarding:
- Unfamiliar environment
- Group confinement
- Car travel to/from facility
- Change in routine
Choose boarding if your dog thrives in kennels. Choose in-home sitting if your dog needs a familiar home, consistent care, and reduced stress.
What Should Be Included in a Pet Sitting Fee?
Clear expectations prevent surprises and disputes. Here is what a fair pet sitting fee should cover.
Standard inclusions
A standard pet sitting visit or overnight stay should always include:
- Feeding with food you provide
- Fresh water throughout the day or night
- Toilet breaks and garden time
- Exercise and playtime suited to your pet’s age and energy level
- Basic first-aid attention (cleaning minor cuts, checking for obvious illness)
- Visual inspection of your home for hazards or problems
- Communication with you (usually a text or email update)
What costs extra
These services often incur additional charges beyond the base rate:
- Medication administration (injections, pills, topical treatments): $10 to $20 per dose
- Medicated baths or washes: $15 to $40
- Special dietary feeding (raw food prep, multiple meal schedules): $5 to $15 added to the visit
- Extended exercise (full-day adventure, hiking trip): negotiated separately, often $100 to $200
- Teeth brushing or grooming touch-ups: $10 to $30
- Handling of behavioural issues (anxiety, aggression during your absence): often charged at a premium rate or requires specialist expertise
Ask your sitter upfront what is included and what costs extra. A transparent sitter will provide this breakdown before you book.
How to Find a Trusted Pet Sitter
Choosing the right sitter is more important than saving a few dollars. A bad experience can cost far more in stress and pet trauma.
Where to look
- Local dog park, vet clinic, or pet store (ask other owners for recommendations)
- Online platforms: Pawshake, Care.com, local Facebook community groups
- Word-of-mouth referrals from other pet owners (most reliable)
Speak to several sitters directly before deciding. Phone calls reveal whether they ask sensible questions about your pet (age, temperament, health issues, dietary needs) or just rush through a booking.
What to check
Before booking, verify:
- References from previous clients (at least two)
- Whether they carry pet insurance or liability insurance
- Their experience with your dog’s breed, age, or any behavioural issues
- How they handle emergencies (do they know your vet’s location and phone number?)
- Their cancellation policy if you need to reschedule
- Whether they have a first-aid qualification
A sitter who has worked with dogs like yours, holds a first-aid qualification, and can provide references is worth paying a premium for.
Red flags
Be cautious of sitters who:
- Refuse to meet your pet before the first booking
- Cannot or will not provide references
- Offer unusually low rates compared to others in your suburb (often indicates inexperience or lack of insurance)
- Are vague about what they will do or how they handle emergencies
- Do not communicate clearly or ignore your messages
- Require payment upfront for future visits without a clear cancellation policy
- Do not ask detailed questions about your dog’s health, temperament, or routine
Trust is essential. If a sitter feels uncertain or evasive, keep looking.
FAQ
How much do dog sitters charge in Australia?
Most dog sitters charge between $35 and $80 per visit for drop-in care, or $70 to $120 per night for overnight stays. Prices vary by location, your dog’s needs, and whether you book regularly. Inner-city sitters typically charge 20 to 40% more than regional sitters.
How much is overnight pet sitting?
Overnight pet sitting costs between $50 and $120 per night in most Australian suburbs, with an average around $80 to $100. House sitting (where the sitter stays overnight and manages your home as well) runs $80 to $200+ per night depending on location and additional household responsibilities.
Do pet sitters charge per pet?
Most sitters charge per pet, though the second and third pet usually attract a discounted rate. If your first dog costs $50 for a visit, adding a second dog might cost $70 total instead of $100. Cats are sometimes included at no extra cost if they require minimal extra care.
Is pet sitting cheaper than boarding?
In-home pet sitting typically costs more per night than boarding (which runs $30 to $70 per night), but may be worth the premium if your dog is anxious, elderly, or prefers to stay at home. Pet sitting services keep your dog in their familiar environment with consistent routine, while boarding means confinement and stress for some dogs.
Ready to find a trusted sitter? Pawhood connects you with vetted, insured pet sitters across Australia. Browse local sitters by location, read verified reviews from other dog owners, and book overnight or drop-in visits with confidence.