Planning a holiday or business trip and wondering what professional pet care will cost? Pet sitting prices in the UK vary widely depending on your location, the type of service you need, and your pet’s specific requirements. This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly what you can expect to pay for every type of pet care service in 2025, plus money-saving strategies that don’t compromise on quality.
Quick Price Overview: What to Expect
Before we dive deep, here’s a snapshot of typical 2025 pet sitting costs across the UK:
| Service Type | Price Range | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Dog Walking (30 min) | £10-20 | £12-15 |
| Dog Walking (60 min) | £18-28 | £20-25 |
| Home Visit (30 min) | £12-25 | £15-18 |
| Home Visit (60 min) | £20-35 | £25-30 |
| Overnight Pet Sitting | £35-100 | £45-60 |
| Doggy Daycare (full day) | £25-50 | £30-40 |
| Cat Sitting (per visit) | £10-20 | £12-16 |
| Multiple Pets | +£3-10 each | +£5-8 |
| Holiday Period Premium | +25-50% | +30-40% |
Important note: These are starting points. Your actual costs will depend on factors we’ll explore throughout this guide.
Cost by Service Type: Detailed Breakdown
Dog Walking Services
30-Minute Standard Walk
- London/South East: £15-20
- Major Cities (Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh): £12-16
- Suburban Areas: £10-14
- Rural Areas: £8-12
What’s typically included:
- Pick-up and drop-off (if needed)
- On-lead or off-lead time
- Waste bag collection
- Fresh water upon return
- Basic text update
60-Minute Extended Walk
- London/South East: £25-30
- Major Cities: £20-25
- Suburban Areas: £18-22
- Rural Areas: £15-18
Add-on costs:
- Solo walk (vs group walk): +£5-8
- Two dogs from same household: +£7-10 for second dog
- Reactive/nervous dog (requires solo attention): +£8-12
- Transportation included (sitter drives to park): +£3-5
Example calculation: Sarah in Leeds needs daily lunchtime walks for her energetic Labrador:
- 30-minute solo walk: £14
- Monday-Friday (5 days): £70/week
- Monthly cost: £280-300
- Annual commitment: £3,360-3,600
Home Visit Services
Quick 15-20 Minute Visit (Cats, small pets)
- National average: £10-15
- Purpose: Feeding, water, litter box, quick play
Standard 30-Minute Visit
- London/South East: £18-25
- Major Cities: £15-20
- Suburban/Rural: £12-16
What’s included:
- Feeding and fresh water
- Medication administration (simple)
- Litter box/waste cleanup
- 10-15 minutes of play/attention
- Security check (lights, curtains, mail)
- Photo/text update
Extended 60-Minute Visit
- London/South East: £28-35
- Major Cities: £22-28
- Suburban/Rural: £18-24
Ideal for:
- Puppies needing longer attention
- Multiple pets
- Dogs requiring walk + feeding
- Senior pets needing extra care
Multiple daily visits:
- 2 visits per day: Standard rate × 2 (sometimes 10% bundle discount)
- 3 visits per day: £40-60 total
- 4+ visits (puppies): £60-80+ total
Example calculation: Mark is away for a week. His cat needs 2 daily visits:
- Morning visit (20 min): £12
- Evening visit (20 min): £12
- Daily total: £24
- 7-day trip: £168
Overnight Pet Sitting (In Your Home)
This is where a pet sitter stays in your home overnight, providing evening through morning care.
Standard Overnight Care
- London/South East: £60-100
- Major Cities: £50-75
- Suburban Areas: £40-60
- Rural Areas: £35-50
What’s typically included:
- Evening arrival (usually 6-8pm)
- Evening feeding, walk, and play
- Overnight presence and security
- Morning feeding, walk, and care
- Departure (usually 9-10am)
- Home security (mail, lights, bins)
Extended overnight (24-hour care):
- Add £10-20 for staying throughout the day
- Total: £50-120 per 24-hour period
Multi-pet households:
- Second pet: +£8-15
- Third pet: +£5-10
- Four+ pets: Negotiate custom rate
Example calculation: Emma is on a 10-day holiday. She needs overnight care for her two dogs:
- Single dog overnight: £50
- Second dog: +£10
- Nightly total: £60
- 10 nights: £600
- Possible weekly discount (7+ nights): -£50-100
- Final cost: £500-550
Doggy Daycare (Sitter’s Home)
Full Day Care (8-10 hours)
- London/South East: £35-50
- Major Cities: £30-45
- Suburban/Rural: £25-40
What’s included:
- Drop-off and pick-up windows
- All-day supervision
- Multiple potty breaks
- Playtime and socialization (if sitter has other dogs)
- Feeding (if required)
- Comfortable rest areas
Half Day Care (4-5 hours)
- Typical cost: 60-70% of full day rate
- Average: £18-30
Weekly packages:
- 5 full days: Often 10-15% discount vs daily rate
- Example: £35/day × 5 = £175, package price £160
Example calculation: Jane works full-time and her puppy needs daytime care:
- Full day (Mon-Fri): £30/day
- Weekly package: £140 (vs £150 standard)
- Monthly cost: £560-600
Cat Sitting Services
Cats generally need less time and attention than dogs, which affects pricing.
Standard Cat Visit (20-30 minutes)
- London/South East: £15-20
- Major Cities: £12-16
- Suburban/Rural: £10-14
What’s included:
- Feeding and fresh water
- Litter box cleaning
- 10-15 minutes of play/attention
- Light grooming (brushing)
- Photo update
Multiple cats:
- Second cat: +£3-5
- Third+ cats: +£2-3 each
Daily visit frequency:
- Once daily (standard for independent cats): £12-16
- Twice daily (kittens, seniors, clingy cats): £24-32
- Three times daily (medical needs): £36-48
Example calculation: Sophie has two cats and is away for 5 days:
- Two daily visits: £15 × 2 = £30/day
- Second cat: +£4
- Daily total: £34
- 5-day trip: £170
Specialized Pet Care Services
Small Animals (Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, Birds)
- Daily visit: £10-15
- Multiple cages: +£3-5 each
- What’s included: Feeding, water, cage spot-clean, exercise time
Exotic Pets (Reptiles, Fish)
- Daily visit: £12-18
- Requires specialized knowledge: May cost more
- What’s included: Feeding, temperature monitoring, habitat maintenance
Pet Taxi Service (Vet appointments, groomer transport)
- Base rate: £15-25
- Mileage: +£0.45-0.60 per mile
- Wait time: £10-15 per hour
Example: Vet 5 miles away, 30-min appointment
- Base: £20
- Mileage (10 miles round trip): £5
- Wait time (30 min): £7
- Total: £32
Holiday and Peak Season Pricing
Pet care costs increase significantly during high-demand periods:
Major Holidays (Christmas, New Year, Easter)
- Premium: +25-50% above standard rates
- Christmas Day/New Year’s Day: Often double rates
- Example: £50 overnight → £75-100
School Holidays (Half-terms, Summer)
- Premium: +10-20% during peak weeks
- Example: £15 walk → £17-18
Bank Holidays
- Premium: +20-30% for the holiday itself
- Example: £14 visit → £18
Why the premium?
- Sitters sacrifice family time
- Extremely high demand, limited availability
- Many sitters have waiting lists
Money-saving tip: Book 6-8 weeks ahead to access early-bird rates (some sitters offer 5-10% discount for advance holiday bookings).
Geographic Price Variations
Location dramatically impacts pet sitting costs. Here’s the detailed regional breakdown:
London and South East England
Why more expensive?
- Higher cost of living
- Greater demand for services
- Affluent clientele
- Limited space (travel takes longer between clients)
Typical rates:
- Dog walking (30 min): £18-25
- Home visit: £20-30
- Overnight: £70-120
Boroughs with highest rates:
- Kensington & Chelsea, Westminster, Richmond: £25-30 walks
- Hackney, Islington, Camden: £20-25 walks
- Outer boroughs: £15-20 walks
Major Cities
Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds, Bristol
Why above average pricing?
- Urban density = more clients
- Professional workforce with disposable income
- Competitive but not London-level pricing
Typical rates:
- Dog walking (30 min): £12-18
- Home visit: £15-20
- Overnight: £45-70
Suburban and Commuter Towns
Examples: Home Counties, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Cheshire
Typical rates:
- Dog walking (30 min): £11-16
- Home visit: £13-18
- Overnight: £40-65
Small Towns and Rural Areas
Typical rates:
- Dog walking (30 min): £8-12
- Home visit: £10-15
- Overnight: £30-50
Northern Ireland, Wales, Rural Scotland
Typical rates:
- Dog walking (30 min): £8-13
- Home visit: £10-16
- Overnight: £30-50
Factors That Affect Your Final Cost
1. Your Pet’s Size and Breed
- Small dogs/cats (under 10kg): Standard rate
- Medium dogs (10-25kg): +£2-3
- Large dogs (25-40kg): +£3-5
- Giant breeds (40kg+): +£5-10
- Challenging breeds: +£5-10
2. Number of Pets
- First pet: Full rate
- Second pet: +50-70% of base rate
- Third+ pets: +30-50% each
3. Medical and Special Needs
- Oral medication: +£3-5
- Insulin injections: +£10-15
- Senior pet care: +£5-8
- Puppy care: +£5-10
- Post-surgery care: +£10-20
4. Time of Day
- Early morning (6-8am): +£2-3
- Lunchtime (12-2pm): +£2-3
- Evening peak (5-7pm): +£2-3
5. Duration of Booking
- Short trips (1-3 days): Standard rates
- Weekly (7+ days): 10-15% discount
- Extended (14+ days): 15-20% discount
6. Last-Minute Bookings
- 6+ weeks ahead: Standard
- 1 week or less: +10-20%
- Same-day: +50-100%
7. Travel Distance
- Within 2-3 miles: No charge
- 3-5 miles: +£2-5
- 5-10 miles: +£5-10
- 10+ miles: Mileage rate
8. Platform Fees
- Trader Street: FREE (no booking fees)
- Other platforms: May charge 15-25%
Real Scenario Examples
Scenario 1: Weekend City Break (3 Days, 1 Dog)
Option A: Home Visits
- 2 visits/day × 3 days: £90
Option B: Overnight
- 3 nights at £50: £150
Scenario 2: Week Holiday (7 Days, 1 Cat)
Once daily visits:
- 7 visits at £14: £98
Twice daily:
- 14 visits: £196
- With discount: £176
Scenario 3: Two-Week Trip (14 Days, 2 Dogs)
Overnight care:
- £60/night × 14: £840
- With 15% discount: £714
Alternative visits:
- 2 visits/day: £420
- Saves £294
Scenario 4: Christmas (5 Days, 2 Cats)
Standard rate:
- £32/day × 5: £160
With holiday premium (+40%):
- Total: £224
Scenario 5: Regular Weekly Walking (Annual)
Monday-Friday walks:
- Weekly: £60
- With package discount: £55
- Monthly: £220
- Annual: £2,640
Money-Saving Strategies
- Book regular services for 10-20% discounts
- Travel off-peak to save 25-50%
- Bundle services for 5-10% off
- Use Trader Street (no booking fees)
- Choose newer sitters (20-30% below average)
- Provide supplies (saves £3-5/day)
- Book 6-8 weeks ahead for early-bird rates
- Ask about multi-trip discounts
- Optimize visit frequency
- Consider reciprocal arrangements
Hidden Costs to Budget For
Pet preparation:
- Flea treatment: £10-20
- Vaccinations (if needed): £40-60
- Extra food: £10-30
Contingency fund:
- Set aside £50-100 for emergencies
Tipping (optional but appreciated):
- Exceptional service: £10-20
- Holiday period: £20-30
What’s Included vs Extra
Typically Included
✅ Feeding and water
✅ Waste cleanup
✅ Basic playtime
✅ Photo updates
✅ Security checks
✅ Simple medication
Usually Extra
❌ Injections: +£10-15
❌ Grooming: +£10-20
❌ Pet taxi: +£15-25
❌ Plant watering: +£5-10
❌ House cleaning: +£15-30
Annual Pet Care Budgets
Working Professional (Dog)
- Weekly walking: £2,640
- Holiday care: £1,250
- Total: £3,890/year
Occasional Traveler (Cat)
- Holiday care only: £472/year
Frequent Business Traveler (Dog)
- Monthly overnight stays: £1,200
- Occasional walks: £500
- Total: £1,700/year
Cost Comparison: 1-Week Trip
Your situation: 7 days, 1 medium dog
| Option | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Kennel | £185-235 | Plus vaccinations if needed |
| Premium Kennel | £290-340 | Better facilities |
| Pet Sitter (visits) | £210 | 2 visits/day |
| Pet Sitter (overnight) | £315 | With 10% discount |
Making Your Decision
Choose Cheapest Option If:
- Budget is tight
- Pet adapts well to kennels
- Trip is 2+ weeks
Invest in Quality If:
- Pet has anxiety/health issues
- You have a cat
- Multiple pets
- Home security matters
- Want regular updates
Sweet Spot Pricing:
- £12-16 dog walks
- £15-20 home visits
- £45-60 overnight care
Regional Cost Calculator
London/South East
- Weekend (3 days): £150-240
- Week (7 days, cat): £126-252
- Two weeks (2 dogs): £833
Major Cities
- Weekend: £96-165
- Week (cat): £98-196
- Two weeks (2 dogs): £714
Suburban/Rural
- Weekend: £72-135
- Week (cat): £84-168
- Two weeks (2 dogs): £595
Annual Budget Worksheet
Step 1: Count your trips
- Short (1-3 days): ___ trips
- Medium (4-7 days): ___ trips
- Long (8-14 days): ___ trips
- Extended (15+ days): ___ trips
Step 2: Calculate costs
- Short trips: ___ × £___ = £___
- Medium trips: ___ × £___ = £___
- Long trips: ___ × £___ = £___
Step 3: Add regular services
- Weekly walking: £___
- Other: £___
Step 4: Emergency buffer
- Add £100-200
Total annual budget: £___
Is Pet Sitting Worth the Cost?
What you’re paying for:
- Peace of mind
- Professional care
- Home security
- Expertise in emergencies
- Reliable, trustworthy service
- Your pet’s happiness
Most pet owners agree: The cost is absolutely worth it for quality care and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is boarding cheaper than pet sitting? For 10-14+ day trips, boarding can be 20-30% cheaper. For shorter trips, costs are similar.
Should I tip my pet sitter? Not expected in UK, but £10-20 appreciated for exceptional service.
Can I negotiate rates? For regular bookings, yes. For one-offs, be careful – very cheap rates often mean poor quality.
What if I extend my trip? Contact sitter immediately. May incur premium rates for unplanned extension.
Are costs tax-deductible? Generally no for personal pets. Consult accountant for business/assistance animals.
How do I know if pricing is fair? Research 5-10 sitters on Trader Street, calculate average. Fair = within 20% of average.
When do I pay? Common: 50% upfront, 50% after. Or full upfront for new clients. Always clarify.
What payment methods? Most accept bank transfer, cash, or PayPal.
Higher costs during school holidays? Yes, 10-20% more during peak weeks. 25-50% for Christmas/New Year.
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
| Service | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog Walk (30 min) | £8-10 | £12-15 | £18-25 |
| Home Visit (30 min) | £10-12 | £15-18 | £20-30 |
| Overnight | £30-40 | £45-60 | £70-100 |
| Daycare | £20-25 | £30-40 | £45-60 |
| Cat Visit | £10-12 | £14-16 | £18-25 |
Additional costs:
- Second pet: +£3-10
- Medication: +£3-15
- Holidays: +25-50%
- Travel: +£5-10
- Last-minute: +50-100%
Money-saving tips: ✓ Book early ✓ Travel off-peak ✓ Stay local ✓ Use Trader Street
Ready to find affordable pet care? Browse Trader Street for transparent pricing, verified reviews, and no booking fees. Your perfect pet sitter is waiting.
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