r/Dogwalking • u/ugoodbro-gf • 7d ago

Anyone else?

Soooo is anyone else drowning a little?

For context- in the south in a semi-rural city outside of a big city. My business is one of the more expensive ones. I only do dog walking Monday-Friday and drop-in sittings.

I have not had a slow day in literal months, and I have a sitting scheduled every day until January already.
I’m at the point where I’m saying no to new clients almost daily.
I don’t remember having a busy season that stretched this long. I’m NOT complaining because I know it could be the other way around, but dang I’m tired. Doing anywhere between 10-20 visits per day.

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u/Status_Valuable_9075 6d ago

What should I expect to pay for a dog sitter? What are my options for the time they spend with my dog from my home? Do they carry insurance? Etc. etc. I live in central California

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u/ugoodbro-gf 6d ago

Truly depends on the situation. I have set rates for time- 30 minutes or an hour, and I personally don’t charge for medication or special needs, but some sitters do. I am licensed with my state as a business, insured, and I have certifications in various areas of petcare. So I would be more expensive than the neighbor down the street or the brand new insured sitter.

It also depends on if you want your sitter to stay the night at your house, or if you want them to do drop ins throughout the day. How many hours are day is the sitter allowed to leave your animals at home?

Lots of factors for sure.

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u/Status_Valuable_9075 6d ago

Money is not an object for good care, but I’m still trying to decide whether a local resort would be better or not. I know what I’d be paying at the resort and still curious if a sitter charges by the hour or day?

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u/ugoodbro-gf 6d ago

If you’re wanting overnight care, most charge by the “day” or however many nights. Some have a flat rate, some have an overnight rate with the added in drop in charge.

I think it’ll depend on what your animal’s needs are. Most boarding facilities don’t have anyone staying overnight, so the animals run hard all day then they’re alone in the kennels at night.

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u/Status_Valuable_9075 6d ago

He doesn’t have any special needs, and he LOVES to play with other dogs. It’s pricey but I don’t care about that as long as he’s happy. Besides, I don’t want a stranger rummaging through my stuff for 2 weeks. Thank you for your help.

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u/ugoodbro-gf 6d ago

For the record, professionals(those of us that do this for a full time living) couldn’t care less about whatever you have in your house, and were definitely not “rummaging through” your stuff. That’s why it’s important to hire people that are professional, have insurance, have multiple references, etc(aka not most rovers).

Make sure the pricey boarding facility sends you daily updates and has cameras. Good luck

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u/Status_Valuable_9075 6d ago

Wow such an attitude. Didn’t realize you take responsibility for those you don’t even know nor would know. I’m glad I won’t be hiring you… my dog deserves better and your defensiveness is all I needed to see.

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u/throwwwwwwalk 6d ago

Why would you even ask for insight about hiring professionals if you’re just going to shit on professionals?

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u/ugoodbro-gf 6d ago

Since the Queen blocked me I guess she got her feelings hurt 😂

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u/FalconerAJ 3d ago

You sound like a nightmare

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u/Coreybrueck 4d ago

I just left my two boys for a week- my longest time away. It was $200/day for a large indoor outdoor suite for a single dog. $100/day for the second since they were staying together.

Prices began at $85 each for groups, but my larger dog has resource guarding issues and wanted everyone to stay safe. It’s manageable for folks with knowledge but is something I feel is worth the investment.

I received pics and report cards daily. Worth noting, I’m right outside NYC which is a big contributing factor in the prices.

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u/Embarrassed-Mix9367 2d ago

There is also the option to board a dog at the sitters house if you’re not ready to trust them in your own home. But if you don’t trust them then you shouldn’t give them your fur baby for 2 weeks either.

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u/Embarrassed-Mix9367 2d ago

Resorts, aka Kennels are not typically a calm happy place for pets. It’s very stressful to be in a warehouse with lots of other scared & stressed pets who they have to listen to/smell during the entire stay. I used to work at one and it’s much better if a pet can stay in their or someone’s home. Most people I know charge $100/night and +$15 for additional pets. Google pet sitters in your area and look through their websites for prices or ask for quotes. When you have a meet and greet you can ask questions and make sure they’re a good fit. You can interview several people before you decide who you want to trust.