Hiring a pet sitter sounds simple until you try to work out the bill. Sitters charge per visit, and the total depends on how many visits your dog needs each day, how many days you are away, and whether extra dogs or holiday rates apply. A quote that looks small per visit can grow into a large total over a two-week holiday, so working it out in advance avoids surprises.
This calculator builds the total from your own numbers: visits per day, days away, the rate per visit, extra dogs, and a holiday-rate switch. It adds a small daily fee per extra dog and applies a holiday uplift when you switch it on. Enter rates from real local sitters, because prices vary widely by area, and treat the result as a planning figure, not a fixed quote.
How many visits a day does your dog need? Most adult dogs need at least two, and many need three: morning, midday, and evening. Puppies, dogs with medical needs, and very active breeds may need four. A sitter visit is not just a toilet break; it should include feeding, fresh water, a walk or play session, and a check that the dog is well. Fewer, rushed visits may be cheaper but leave the dog lonely.
The rate per visit depends on your area, the sitter's experience, and what the visit includes. A thirty-minute visit costs less than an hour-long walk, and a sitter who also waters plants or brings in post may charge more. Ask exactly what each visit covers, how long it lasts, and whether the sitter sends updates and photos. A slightly dearer sitter who sends a daily photo is often worth it for peace of mind.
Extra dogs usually add a fee rather than doubling the price, because the sitter is already at your home. This calculator adds a small amount per extra dog per day, which matches how many sitters price multi-dog homes. If your dogs need separate walks or have conflicting routines, expect a larger fee, and say so when you ask for a quote.
Holiday rates are common at Christmas, Easter, and school holidays, when demand is high and sitters give up their own holidays. A twenty-five percent uplift is typical, but some sitters charge double on bank holidays. Book early for peak dates, confirm the holiday rate in writing, and check the cancellation policy, because peak bookings are often non-refundable.
What should a good sitter provide? References, insurance, a written agreement, a spare key plan, and a clear emergency procedure are the basics. Meet the sitter with your dog before the booking, show them the routine, and leave written feeding, medicine, and vet details. A trial visit while you are out for a few hours shows how your dog reacts and whether the sitter follows instructions.
Compare sitter costs with boarding before you decide. For one dog, a sitter is often dearer than a kennel, but for two or more dogs it can be cheaper, and the dog stays at home. For anxious dogs, dogs with strict routines, or homes with other pets, staying at home is often worth the extra cost even when it is not the cheapest option.
Prepare your home for the sitter: enough food for the whole stay plus a spare bag, medicines clearly labelled, cleaning supplies, and a list of local emergency numbers. Tell a neighbour that a sitter will be visiting, and make sure the sitter knows how to reach you. Good preparation means fewer calls while you are away and a calmer dog at home.
Use the calculator, get two or three real quotes, and compare like with like: same visits per day, same length of visit, same holiday terms. The cheapest sitter is not always the best, and the best sitter is the one your dog trusts and who keeps you informed. Book early, meet first, and enjoy your time away knowing your dog is cared for at home.
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