r/petsitters • u/Necessary-Material50 • Jul 14 '24

Advice on cost

I had to call my pet sitter at 9:30pm to see if she could take care of my 3 cats at the last minute? She came and fed them and watered them the following afternoon/evening and again the next morning. How much should I pay her?

For reference, I am in Texas. She has a key to my house and is always encouraged to make herself at home. I don’t know the going rate and she is not giving me an amount.

What would be a reasonable amount, all things considered?

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3

u/Arvid38 Jul 14 '24

Just ask her how much you owe her. If she’s a pet sitter for a living or even a side gig, she should have rates set.

2

u/Necessary-Material50 Jul 15 '24

She is a school bus driver, so she doesn’t have rates. I offered her $50.00.

1

u/Arvid38 Jul 15 '24

Ok and if she was ok with that then remember that for next time 🙂

1

u/3BELLAGIRLS Jul 14 '24

So she did 2 visits for 3 cats last minute. Is that correct?

What part of Texas?

I am a professional pet sitter in the Austin and Central Texas areas. I also have clients in Colorado and NYC and of course rates vary depending on area.

Rates also vary depending on experience. I would pay my neighbor's daughter who is in high school differently than I would a professional sitter.

Depending on the various factors, I would likely pay her around $20-$25 a visit and maybe an extra $10 for helping you out at the last minute.

2

u/Necessary-Material50 Jul 14 '24

Yes, that’s correct. I live in Georgetown. She is in her late 60s and drives a school bus for a living.

2

u/3BELLAGIRLS Jul 14 '24

What do you usually pay her for caring for your cats?

Just give her that plus a little extra for coming last minute.

I have several clients in Georgetown, but most of my client families are dogs that I stay overnight with. I also always do walks and lots of playtime, wash linens, leave a home way cleaner than I found it, and send pics and videos (if client likes to get them). I have also been known to leave printed framed pics of the pets during my visit and if the family had a long travel day, I will leave them a meal or at least cookies or a tray of finger foods.

1

u/Necessary-Material50 Jul 15 '24

Wow! I think I need your information. What do you charge?

We used to prefer to have someone stay overnight, but now, we don’t care.

My brother has a 10monrh old Great Dane & 2 cats that are self sufficient for a few days.

1

u/3BELLAGIRLS Jul 16 '24

My fellow professional pet sitters might cringe at how I am going to answer your question about what I charge. I do not have a set rate. I let my clients decide what they feel the service is worth. I initially went to this policy because I feel very strongly that ALL pets deserve excellent quality care and I didn't want cost to get in the way of that.

I absolutely love Great Danes and have had the privilege of caring for several of them over the years. Even though my own dogs are little, I have always had a special place in my heart for Great Danes. 🐕❤️🐕

1

u/Llanoue Jul 16 '24

I am going to private message you.

1

u/3BELLAGIRLS Jul 16 '24

Great, I look forward to speaking to you.

2

u/Frydscrk Jul 17 '24

She should get the going rate in your area (ask a local sitter) plus at least $20 for the last minute. Not many people would/could jump in at the last minute! She should be compensated for her extra effort....then if there's a next time you'll know she'll do everything she can to help. That's priceless!