I had an inquiry as to what I would charge to let someones dogs out 3 times a day for 3 days, plus feeding. There is also a rabbit, gecko, and bird to feed as well. I would have to drive about 10 miles to do it. Can anyone tell me what they have charged for such a service?
This would be considered dog sitting, and it all depends on what you feel comfortable with. I charge $5 less than my overnight boarding rate for dog sitting to visit another person's home. Check out profile of other sitters in your area to see what the going rate is. I usually don't go that far from home because of gas prices and the time involved, but it's up to you.
I don't go past 5 miles one way without charging extra for gas and time. I did a visiting trip once that was 11 miles one way, and it was way more trouble than it was worth. I've now updated my profile to say I only will provide visiting service within my zip code.
Going rate per the IRS for business travel is .56 cents/mile.
I agree with Cari but would add that, due to the mileage (is it 10 miles one way or round trip?), you may wish to charge an additional 50 cents per mile.
I also made this mistake with my first job I got through rover! I didn't specify because I never thought about it and they had me going to their home 5 times a day....thanks for the info! So once they contact you, do you just get back to them with an adjusted rate?
Yes, specify exactly what you would charge to visit their home 5x a day and, if you need to charge mileage, then tell them it is a variable and would be billed at the end of the job or at least after you determine what the actual RT figure is.
I normally do overnights in my home, but recently did a similar sit. I charged my regular overnight price. It was for 2 large dogs, two ferrets a bird and very large fishtank. I only drove 10 miles round trip, and only went twice a day. (Owners schedule). I think it was a fair price as everyone got fed, watered, cages cleaned, and everyone but the fish had to get regular adequate excercise as well. I will only go do a sit like that if I don't have overnighters, I try not to leave when I have dogs in house.
Wow! That's a lot of time/effort for just $20/day IMO.
It was my first "let the dogs out sit". Lesson learned. I won't be doing that again. It was over a holiday so they actually paid $25, but still.
You did a lot more than just let the dogs out.
Lol. Yes i did. Now I know better.
Thank you all so much, very helpful.