Setting Your Rates: How Much for Dog Drop-In Visits in 2024?
Okay, so I've been dog-sitting on the side for a while now, and figuring out what to charge for drop-in visits was a real head-scratcher at first. I mean, you want to be fair to your clients, but you also gotta value your own time, right?
My First Drop-In Gig
My very first drop-in visit was for my neighbor's adorable golden retriever, Max. I had no clue what to charge, so I kinda just pulled a number out of thin air. I think I charged them $10 for a 30-minute visit. Looking back, that was way too low!
Doing Some Digging
After that first gig, I realized I needed to do some research. I started by poking around online. Saw some sites listing average rates, I found some suggestions that the average rate for a one-hour visit in the US is somewhere between $16 and $24. Seemed to be a good point for my research.
I also asked around in some local pet owner groups on social media. I got a bunch of different answers, which was kind of confusing at first, but it gave me a better sense of the range.
Factors I Started Considering
- How long is the visit? Obviously, a 15-minute visit shouldn't cost the same as an hour-long one.
- What do I need to do? Just a quick potty break and some playtime? Or am I also feeding them, giving meds, maybe a little training refresh?
- How many dogs? More dogs, more work, more responsibility.
- Where do they live? If it's a bit of a drive, I need to factor in gas and travel time.
- My experience:After getting experienced with more dogs, my asking price is getting higher.
My Current Pricing Strategy
Based on all that, I've come up with a tiered pricing system that feels pretty fair. Keep in mind, these are just my rates, and they might be different depending on where you live.
- 30-minute visit: Starting at $15, goes up to $20.
- 60-minute visit: Starting at $25, goes up to $30.
These are base prices. Adding in any kind of "premium" services like a real walk, extensive playtime in the yard, or administering medications. For those, I usually tack on an extra $5-$10, depending on what's involved.
I also offer a slight discount for clients who book regular, recurring visits. It's a win-win – they get a better rate, and I get consistent income.
Adjusting as I Go
The biggest thing I've learned is that it's okay to adjust your prices as you gain experience and confidence. Don't be afraid to re-evaluate every few months and see if your rates still feel right. And always, always be upfront with your clients about your pricing. Transparency is key!
