You’re about to leave town and your cat gives you that look. The one that says “you’re not seriously thinking about bundling me into a carrier and dropping me at a cattery, are you?”
Fair point, Mittens. You’d rather stay home too.
So you need a pet sitter. Someone reliable, someone your furry friend will actually tolerate, someone who won’t charge you the equivalent of a weekend in Paris just to pop round twice a day.
Here’s the thing about London pet sitting prices: they’re all over the shop. One person’s charging £15 for a 30-minute visit in Lewisham whilst someone in Kensington wants £35 for the same thing. Both perfectly lovely people, both qualified, both doing essentially the same job.
This guide breaks down what pet sitters actually cost across London – not vague “£15-£40” ranges that tell you nothing, but proper area-by-area, service-by-service pricing that helps you budget without surprises.
What This Guide Covers
We’re walking through:
- Real London pricing by zone: What you’ll pay from Zone 1 to Zone 6
- Service breakdowns: Dog walking, cat visits, overnight stays, house sitting
- Hidden costs nobody mentions: Bank holidays, multiple pets, medications
- Area-specific rates: Why Clapham costs more than Croydon
- Quality vs price: When cheap is false economy
- Booking strategies: How to get fair rates without compromising care
Plus an interactive calculator so you can work out your specific cost based on your location, pet type, and needs.
London Pet Sitting Quick Overview
Average Costs (London, Standard Weekday):
- Dog walk (30 min): £18-28
- Cat visit (30 min): £16-26
- Dog walk (1 hour): £25-40
- Overnight stay: £70-130
- House sitting (per day): £60-110
London vs National Average: London costs 40-60% more than UK national average. What costs £12 in Nottingham costs £18-20 in outer London, £22-28 in central London.
Why London Costs More:
- Higher living costs for sitters
- Transport costs (travel time between clients)
- Greater demand, limited supply
- More affluent clientele
- Premium pet care market
London Pet Sitter Cost Calculator
London Zone-by-Zone Pricing Breakdown
Zones 1-2: Central London
Typical Areas: Westminster, Camden, Islington, Kensington & Chelsea, Hackney (inner), Tower Hamlets (inner)
This is premium London pet sitting territory. You’re paying for convenience, professionalism, and the reality that sitters are travelling through expensive areas to reach you.
Dog Walking (30 minutes):
- Solo walk: £22-28
- Group walk: £18-24
- Large dog supplement: +£5-7
- Puppy (under 1 year): +£3-5
Dog Walking (1 hour):
- Solo walk: £32-42
- Group walk: £25-35
Cat Visits (30 minutes):
- Single cat: £20-26
- Two cats: £24-30
- Three+ cats: £28-35
Overnight Stays:
- Standard (one dog/cat): £95-130
- Two pets: £115-150
- Three+ pets: £135-180
House Sitting (24-hour care):
- Per day: £90-120
- Weekly rate: £550-750
Why It Costs What It Costs: Central London pet sitters face astronomical living costs. Rent for a one-bed flat in Zone 1-2 averages £1,800-2,500. Transport is expensive. Parking is a nightmare. Time between clients eats into their day.
Plus, there’s genuine demand. Professionals in Westminster aren’t haggling over £5. They want reliability, they want professionalism, they want someone who shows up.
Reality Check: Yes, it’s expensive. But central London pet sitters are running proper businesses with insurance, DBS checks, and professional standards. You’re not just paying for 30 minutes – you’re paying for someone reliable enough that you’re comfortable handing over your keys.
Zones 3-4: Inner London
Typical Areas: Clapham, Brixton, Greenwich, Wimbledon, Finchley, Walthamstow, Hammersmith, Ealing
This is the sweet spot for London pet sitting. Still proper London pricing, but without the Zone 1-2 premium. Excellent sitter availability, competitive market, generally good value.
Dog Walking (30 minutes):
- Solo walk: £18-24
- Group walk: £14-20
- Large dog supplement: +£4-6
Dog Walking (1 hour):
- Solo walk: £25-32
- Group walk: £20-28
Cat Visits (30 minutes):
- Single cat: £16-22
- Two cats: £20-26
- Three+ cats: £24-30
Overnight Stays:
- Standard (one dog/cat): £75-95
- Two pets: £90-115
- Three+ pets: £105-135
House Sitting (24-hour care):
- Per day: £70-95
- Weekly rate: £420-580
Why This Works: Zone 3-4 has fantastic pet sitter density. Areas like Clapham and Greenwich are dog-walking hotspots. Competition keeps prices reasonable whilst quality remains high.
Sitters can schedule 4-5 clients in a 2-3 mile radius. That efficiency translates to better pricing for you.
Best For: Most London pet owners. You get professional service without central London premium. Excellent for regular bookings – many Zone 3-4 sitters offer loyalty discounts.
Zones 5-6: Outer London
Typical Areas: Bromley, Croydon, Barnet, Sutton, Enfield, Richmond (outer), Kingston
Outer London pricing is noticeably lower, though still above national average. Mix of London-based sitters who travel out and local pet care professionals.
Dog Walking (30 minutes):
- Solo walk: £16-20
- Group walk: £12-18
- Large dog supplement: +£3-5
Dog Walking (1 hour):
- Solo walk: £22-28
- Group walk: £18-24
Cat Visits (30 minutes):
- Single cat: £14-20
- Two cats: £18-24
- Three+ cats: £22-28
Overnight Stays:
- Standard (one dog/cat): £65-85
- Two pets: £80-100
- Three+ pets: £95-120
House Sitting (24-hour care):
- Per day: £60-80
- Weekly rate: £360-480
The Trade-off: Lower prices, but potentially fewer sitters to choose from. Some areas well-served (Richmond, Bromley), others more limited (outer Enfield, far Croydon).
Book further ahead – Zone 5-6 sitters fill up quicker because there are fewer of them.
Beyond Zone 6: Outer Boroughs
Typical Areas: Orpington, Dartford (technically Kent), Watford, Harrow (outer)
At this point, you’re paying closer to “London suburbs” than “London proper.” Pricing approaches national average, though still elevated.
Dog Walking (30 minutes):
- Solo walk: £14-18
- Group walk: £10-16
Dog Walking (1 hour):
- Solo walk: £20-26
- Group walk: £16-22
Cat Visits (30 minutes):
- Single cat: £12-18
- Two cats: £16-22
Overnight Stays:
- Standard: £55-75
- Two pets: £70-90
Reality: Coverage can be patchy. Verify sitters actually service your specific area – some “London” listings on platforms are optimistic about their radius.
Local independents often better value than London sitters travelling out. Check community Facebook groups for recommendations.
Service-by-Service Cost Breakdown
Dog Walking: Solo vs Group
Solo Walks: Your dog gets undivided attention. The sitter collects only your dog, walks them alone, returns them.
Pricing (30 minutes):
- Zones 1-2: £22-28
- Zones 3-4: £18-24
- Zones 5-6: £16-20
- Outer: £14-18
When Solo Makes Sense:
- Reactive dog (doesn’t get on with others)
- Senior dog (slower pace)
- Puppy (needs focused training)
- Dog with medical needs
- Very small or very large (size mismatch issues)
Group Walks: Your dog walks with 2-4 other dogs. Usually same regular group (good for socialisation).
Pricing (30 minutes):
- Zones 1-2: £18-24
- Zones 3-4: £14-20
- Zones 5-6: £12-18
- Outer: £10-16
When Group Makes Sense:
- Sociable dog who loves other dogs
- High energy (more stimulating)
- Want regular routine (same dogs, same time)
- Budget-conscious (£4-8 savings per walk)
The Group Walk Reality: Good sitters keep groups small (maximum 4 dogs) with compatible temperaments. They’re not walking 8 dogs whilst scrolling Instagram.
Ask: “How many dogs maximum?” “How do you handle conflicts?” “Can I meet the regular group?”
Cat Visits: What You’re Actually Paying For
Standard Cat Visit (30 minutes):
- Zones 1-2: £20-26
- Zones 3-4: £16-22
- Zones 5-6: £14-20
- Outer: £12-18
What’s Included:
- Fresh food and water
- Litter tray cleaning
- 10-15 minutes play/attention
- Photo update
- Security check (post, lights, curtains)
- Simple medication if needed
Multiple Cats:
- Second cat: +£3-5
- Third cat: +£2-4
- Fourth+ cat: +£2-3 each
Most sitters charge per household, not per cat, with modest supplements for additional cats. Someone with 5 cats isn’t paying 5× the rate.
Visit Frequency:
- Once daily: Standard rate
- Twice daily: £1.80-2.0× single rate (not full double)
- Three times daily: Negotiate (usually £2.5-2.8× single rate)
Example Calculation: Sarah has two cats. She’s away 7 days. She lives in Clapham (Zone 3).
- Two daily visits required
- Morning: £18
- Evening: £18
- Second cat supplement: +£4
- Daily total: £40
- 7-day trip: £280
Compare to cattery: 2 cats × £18/night × 7 nights = £252. Cat visits slightly more expensive but cats stay home.
Overnight Stays: Premium Care
This is where a pet sitter stays in your home overnight, typically 12-14 hours (evening through morning).
Pricing (per night):
- Zones 1-2: £95-130
- Zones 3-4: £75-95
- Zones 5-6: £65-85
- Outer: £55-75
Large Dog Supplement:
- Zones 1-2: +£15-20
- Zones 3-4: +£12-18
- Zones 5-6: +£10-15
- Outer: +£8-12
Multiple Pets:
- Two pets: +£20-30
- Three pets: +£35-50
- Four+ pets: Negotiate
What’s Included:
- Evening through morning care
- Usually includes 2 walks (evening, morning)
- Feeding (dinner, breakfast)
- Overnight company
- Security presence
- Photo/video updates
What’s NOT Included:
- Daytime care (sitter can leave during the day)
- Extensive house cleaning
- Garden maintenance
- Emergency vet trips (though sitters will take pet if needed)
Example: James has one medium dog. He’s away 10 days. He lives in Hackney (Zone 2).
- Overnight rate: £110/night
- 10 nights: £1,100
Compare to kennels: £35-50/night = £350-500. Overnight stay significantly more expensive but dog stays home in familiar environment.
When Overnight Makes Sense:
- Anxious pets who need company
- Multiple pets (kennels get expensive quickly)
- Puppies or seniors needing monitoring
- Medical needs requiring attention
- High-value home (security benefit)
House Sitting: 24-Hour Care
Pet sitter lives in your home full-time whilst you’re away. Gold standard of pet care.
Pricing (per 24 hours):
- Zones 1-2: £90-120
- Zones 3-4: £70-95
- Zones 5-6: £60-80
- Outer: £50-70
Weekly Rates: Many sitters offer better daily rate for longer bookings:
- 7 days: 10-15% discount
- 14 days: 15-20% discount
- 21+ days: 20-25% discount
What’s Included:
- Sitter stays in your home 24/7 (or minimum 20 hours/day)
- Full pet care routine
- Dog walks (usually 2-3 per day)
- House security
- Plant watering
- Post collection
- Basic tidying
Example: Emma has two dogs. She’s away 14 days. She lives in Wimbledon (Zone 4).
- Daily rate: £85
- Two dogs: +£20
- 14-day discount: -15%
- Calculation: (£105 × 14) × 0.85 = £1,250
Compare to kennels: 2 dogs × £40/night × 14 nights = £1,120. House sitting slightly more but includes home security.
Hidden Costs Nobody Mentions
Bank Holidays
Premium: +30-50% above standard rates
Pet sitters sacrifice their own bank holidays. May Day, Spring Bank Holiday, Summer Bank Holiday – all attract premiums.
Example: Normal £20 walk becomes £26-30 on bank holiday.
Christmas & New Year:
Premium: +60-100% above standard rates
Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day are the most expensive days of the year for pet care.
Example:
- Normal overnight: £85
- Christmas overnight: £136-170
Booking Strategy: Book 8-10 weeks ahead for Christmas period. Many sitters have waiting lists. Early booking sometimes secures standard rates.
Multiple Pets
Second Pet:
- Dogs: +50-70% of base rate
- Cats: +20-30% of base rate
- Small animals: +£3-8
Third+ Pets:
- Usually +30-50% each
- Diminishing returns (fourth pet cheaper than second)
Example:
- One dog walk: £20
- Two dog walk: £20 + £12 = £32
- Three dog walk: £32 + £8 = £40
Reality: Multiple pets aren’t proportionally more work. Second cat doesn’t take twice as long. Good sitters price fairly.
Medications & Special Needs
Oral Medication:
- Tablet/liquid: +£2-5 per visit
- Multiple times daily: +£5-10 per visit
Injections:
- Insulin (diabetic pets): +£8-15 per injection
- Sitter must be trained
Special Diets:
- Prescription food preparation: +£3-5 per visit
- Multiple feeding schedules: +£5-8 per visit
Senior Pet Care:
- Extra attention needed: +£5-10 per visit
- Mobility assistance: +£8-15 per visit
Puppy Care:
- Under 6 months: +£5-10 per visit
- Toilet training: +£5-10 per visit
Post-Surgery Care:
- Wound checking: +£8-12 per visit
- Restricted movement: +£10-15 per visit
- Cone/bandage management: +£5-8 per visit
Most Sitters Don’t Gouge: Professional sitters charge modest supplements because special needs are part of pet care. £5 for giving a tablet is reasonable.
Red flag: Sitter wanting £20 extra per visit for simple medication. That’s excessive.
Travel Surcharges
Within Sitter’s Usual Radius: No charge. If you’re in their service area, travel is included.
Outside Normal Area:
- 3-5 miles beyond: +£3-8 per visit
- 5-10 miles beyond: +£8-15 per visit
- 10+ miles: Often declined or significant surcharge
Example: Sitter based in Clapham normally covers SW4, SW9, SW11, SW12. You’re in SW16 (Streatham) – edge of their range.
They might charge +£5 per visit to cover extra travel time.
Reality: Sitters spend a lot of time travelling. London traffic is horrendous. An extra 15 minutes each way adds up across multiple daily visits.
Fair surcharges are reasonable. Excessive surcharges (£20 for 2 miles) are not.
Last-Minute Bookings
Less Than 48 Hours Notice:
- Premium: +20-40%
- Sometimes declined entirely
Same-Day Booking:
- Premium: +50-100%
- Very limited availability
Why: Sitters have schedules. Last-minute means reshuffling existing clients or sacrificing personal time. Premium pricing is fair.
Exception: Genuine emergencies (family bereavement, sudden hospitalisation). Many sitters waive premiums for real emergencies, but you need to be honest.
What Influences London Pricing
Location, Location, Location
Zones 1-2 cost 30-50% more than Zones 5-6 for identical service.
Why:
- Sitter living costs
- Client expectations (Zone 1 clients want premium service)
- Travel time premium
- Competition levels
Time of Day
Peak Times (Higher Demand):
- Morning walks (7-9am): +10-20%
- Lunchtime visits (12-2pm): +10-15%
- Evening walks (5-7pm): +10-20%
Off-Peak Times:
- Mid-morning (10-11am): Standard rate
- Mid-afternoon (2-4pm): Standard rate
- Late evening (8-10pm): Sometimes slight discount
Day of Week
Weekdays: Standard rates
Weekends: +10-20%
Bank Holidays: +30-50%
Christmas Period: +60-100%
Season
Summer (June-August): Peak season. Prices rise 10-20% due to demand.
Christmas/New Year: Absolute peak. Prices rise 60-100%.
Easter: Mini-peak. Prices rise 20-40%.
Off-Peak (Jan-Mar, Sept-Nov): Better availability, sometimes small discounts for regular bookings.
Quality vs Price: When Cheap Costs More
The £10 Dog Walk
You’ll find them on Facebook Marketplace. “Dog walking £10/hour! All areas! Message me!”
Red Flags:
- No insurance
- No DBS check
- No references
- Cash only
- Vague about experience
- Can’t explain how they handle emergencies
Risk: Your dog gets out, causes accident, injures someone. £10 walker has no insurance. You’re liable. That’s a £10,000+ mistake for saving £8.
The £60 Overnight Sitter
Below-market pricing for overnight care in Zone 3.
Questions to Ask:
- “Why so cheap?” (Legitimate: “I’m building my business.” Red flag: Vague answer.)
- “What’s your insurance?” (Must have £1-5 million liability cover.)
- “Can I see references?” (Should have 3-5 contactable previous clients.)
When Cheap is Fine:
- New sitter building reputation (but must have insurance)
- Off-peak discount for regular client
- Longer booking (weekly rate cheaper than nightly)
When Cheap is Danger:
- No insurance
- Can’t provide references
- Inconsistent on details
- Pressure to pay cash
Real Cost Examples: London Pet Sitting Budgets
Scenario 1: Professional Couple, One Dog, Zone 3
Situation:
- Both work full-time
- Need daily lunchtime walk
- Small dog, friendly
- Clapham
Regular Schedule:
- Monday-Friday lunchtime walks
- 30-minute group walk
- £16 per walk
- Weekly cost: £80
- Monthly cost: £320
- Annual cost: £3,840
Plus Holidays:
- 3 weeks holiday per year
- Overnight stays (21 nights)
- £85 per night
- Holiday care: £1,785
Total Annual Cost: £5,625
Compare to dog walker in Birmingham: £2,880/year. London premium: £2,745 (95% more).
Scenario 2: Single Person, Two Cats, Zone 2
Situation:
- Works long hours
- Two indoor cats
- Regular 2-week holiday
- Islington
Regular Needs:
- One visit per day whilst at work
- 5 days per week
- £24 (two cats)
- Weekly cost: £120
- Monthly cost: £480
- Annual cost: £5,760
Holiday (2 weeks):
- Two visits daily
- £48 per day
- 14 days
- Holiday care: £672
Total Annual Cost: £6,432
Scenario 3: Family, Large Dog, Zone 5
Situation:
- Two kids, busy household
- Large, energetic Labrador
- Need daily walks
- Bromley
Regular Schedule:
- Monday-Friday afternoon walks
- 1-hour solo walk (large dog)
- £26 per walk
- Weekly cost: £130
- Monthly cost: £520
- Annual cost: £6,240
Holidays (2 weeks):
- House sitting (dog needs company)
- £75/night (includes large dog)
- 14 nights
- Holiday care: £1,050
Total Annual Cost: £7,290
Money-Saving Strategies
Book in Advance
8+ Weeks Ahead:
- Christmas/Easter: Sometimes 10-15% discount
- Popular sitters fill up fast
- You get first choice of dates
Regular Bookings
Same Sitter, Same Times:
- Many offer 10-15% discount for regular clients
- Builds relationship (better care)
- Secured slot (no availability worries)
Example:
- Standard walk: £20
- Regular client rate: £17
- Weekly (5 walks): Save £15
- Annual saving: £720
Longer Bookings
Week+ Stays:
- Overnight/house sitting: 10-20% discount
- Sitters prefer longer bookings
- Negotiate upfront
Example:
- Standard overnight: £85
- 14-night rate: £75/night
- Saving: £140 over standard pricing
Off-Peak Travel
Avoid Peak Periods:
- Travel in September-November (off-peak)
- Standard rates
- Better availability
- Same quality care
Savings:
- Christmas overnight: £150
- September overnight: £85
- Save: £65 per night
Group Walks
If Your Dog is Sociable:
- Group walk: £16
- Solo walk: £22
- Save: £6 per walk
- Annual (250 walks): Save £1,500
Use TraderStreet
Zero Commission Platform:
- Rover: Adds 15% booking fee
- Pawshake: Sitters charge 19% more to cover commission
- TraderStreet: Zero commission
Example:
- Direct rate: £20
- Through Rover: £23 (with 15% fee)
- Save: £3 per booking
For weekly walks: Save £150/year. For regular overnight stays: Save £300-500/year.
Red Flags to Avoid
Pricing Red Flags
Too Cheap:
- Half market rate = something’s wrong
- Either inexperienced, uninsured, or cutting corners
- Pet care isn’t where to bargain-hunt
Vague Pricing:
- “We’ll discuss rates”
- “Depends on various factors”
- “Contact for quote”
Legitimate sitters have clear pricing. Mystery pricing is red flag.
Cash Only, No Receipt:
- No legitimate reason for cash-only
- Receipt should include sitter name, date, service, amount
- VAT registration if applicable
Service Red Flags
Can’t Provide Insurance Certificate: Must have public liability insurance (£1-5 million cover). If they can’t show it, walk away.
No DBS Check: They’re entering your home with keys. DBS check (formerly CRB) is standard. No check = amateur or worse.
Can’t Provide References: 3-5 contactable previous clients should be standard. Can’t provide any? Red flag.
Vague About Experience: “I’ve always loved animals” isn’t qualifications. Ask specific questions:
- “How long have you been pet sitting professionally?”
- “What’s your largest group walk?”
- “How do you handle aggressive dogs?”
Vague answers = inexperienced.
Won’t Meet Pet First: Professional sitters always do meet-and-greet. Get to know pet, see your home, discuss routine.
Refusing meet-and-greet? Massive red flag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I tip my pet sitter? Not standard in UK. Appreciated for exceptional service (£10-20), but not expected like US.
What if my pet needs a vet? Discuss emergency protocol upfront. Most sitters take pet to vet (you pay vet bill). Ensure your pet insurance covers sitter taking pet.
Can I provide my own food? Always. You provide all food, treats, medications. Sitter uses what you supply.
What if I extend my trip? Contact sitter immediately. They may accommodate, but expect premium for unplanned extension (+20-40%).
Should I have cameras? Your choice. Inform sitter if you have cameras (courtesy). Most professional sitters comfortable with cameras.
What if sitter cancels last-minute? Emergency cancellations happen (sitter illness, family emergency). Professional sitters have backup network. Platforms like TraderStreet/Rover help find replacement.
How far ahead should I book?
- Normal times: 2-3 weeks
- School holidays: 4-6 weeks
- Christmas/Easter: 8-10 weeks
What payment methods? Most accept bank transfer, cash, PayPal, card. Through TraderStreet/platforms: card payment with protection.
What about keys?
- Key handover at meet-and-greet or
- Key safe (sitter given code) or
- Neighbour holds spare
Professional sitters insured for key loss. Still, key safe is safest option.
Final Thoughts: London Pet Sitting Costs
London pet sitting is expensive. No way around that. You’re paying London prices for London living costs.
But context matters. That £25 dog walk saves you 90 minutes of your day. If your time is worth £25/hour, you’re break-even. If it’s worth £40/hour (professional Londoner), you’re saving money.
That £100 overnight stay keeps your anxious rescue dog in their familiar home rather than traumatising them with a kennel. What’s that worth to you?
Realistic Expectations:
- Budget £3,000-7,000 annually for regular pet care in London
- Add £500-2,000 for holiday care
- Total: £3,500-9,000/year
That’s sobering. But it’s also reality of pet ownership in London.
How to Approach It:
- Know your zone’s pricing (now you do)
- Get 3-5 quotes for your situation
- Choose based on trust and professionalism, not just price
- Build relationship with one excellent sitter
- Book early for peak periods
- Use zero-commission platforms (TraderStreet)
Quality pet care costs money. In London, it costs more money. But your pet’s wellbeing and your peace of mind? Worth it.
Ready to find a trusted pet sitter in London? Search TraderStreet for zero-commission pet sitters near you. No booking fees, no hidden charges, just direct contact with professional carers.
Related Guides:
- Finding a Reliable Pet Sitter in London: Complete Area Guide
- Pet Sitter vs Cattery & Kennels London: Which Makes Sense for You?
Pricing updated regularly to reflect current London market rates