If our sitter is coming two times a day to feed our dog (and guinea pig), how long should I assume she will be at the house each visit? Our dog is older, so no walks. We are paying the normal nightly fee she charges if our dog stayed at her house, which is great (I know it's a pain to drive over), but I was just wondering how much time is a typical visit?
A typical visit can be about 10-15 minutes if it's just to feed, take them outside, and check in on them. If you are wanting the sitter to spend quality time and play with them 30-60 minutes is reasonable. It is something that varies by sitter though and always best to discuss their procedures and what you personally would like the sitter to do for each visit.
For my traveling sitting clients, I stay between 20-30 minutes each visit. During that time, I let the dog(s) out to potty or take them for a walk, play with them if they have toys and the owner has told me they play, refresh their water, feed them according to the schedule agreed upon. I also bring in the mail, turn lights on/off, and whatever else I've discussed with the owner to make the house look lived in. That being said, I discuss all specifics during the meet & greet. I tell them what I usually do, then ask if there's anything additional they would like or any changes they would like to make.
For a regular visit like drop-in or dog walking visit you can choose 30 or 10 hour visits. If you pay for 30 minutes then they need to give the visit 30 minutes. You can discuss with them your preference, for example, 20 minute walk with 10 minutes remaining of indoor playtime, water, and treat.
You've also stated that driving over (and back) twice a day is a "pain." I don't know how long it takes, but you should factor in that time as well.
As a sitter, I think this is something that is personal to each situation and pets. I usually discuss and ask how much time per visit each pet owner would like and how much time they spend with tasks at hand. If its just a drop in visit to feed/water I think it would be a reasonable to guess 10-15 minutes but if you would like your animals to have more attention such as walks or playtime anywhere between 30-60 minutes would be reasonable.