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Why do people charge more for visits than walks?

So, I just did research of other successful Rover sitters in my area, so as to know what to shoot for eventually (pricing wise). I looked at about twenty people that had over 50 reviews. Almost all of them charge more for drop-in visits than they do for walking, and I don't understand. It seems to me that walking is not only more work, but also has a higher risk of problems/stress (the dog getting away, another dog coming out of nowhere and attacking, etc), not to mention it has you in the hot sun most of the time (I live in Florida, so it gets super hot here). So...was just wondering for some insight / reasoning of why people would charge more for visits, when it seems like that's the easier / more lax of the two.

Genuinely curious. Just trying to understand.

3 Answers

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I agree with your thinking. When I’ve looked at sitters in my area and other areas I frequently see that the drop in visit and the walk rates are the same or if a difference exists the walk rate is higher.

Maybe instead of limiting to people who had 50 reviews, consider focusing on number of Repeat Clients (Repeat business is a better indicator of satisfied clients & clients who write reviews often do so repeatedly so that 50 could be 10 people, and Not all clients write reviews) I also recommend using the filters and zoom map when you search to generate a manageable number of sitter profiles.

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A lot of sitters dislike changing cat litter therefore they charge more money for a visit than a dog walk. Some people prefer walking dogs and their walking rate is lower. It's just a personal preference. You'd have to ask them directly, no one here can tell you why other sitters do things differently.

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I personally charge a little more for a drop-in because I would rather go for a 30 min walk. I like getting the exercise! With some clients pets it can be messy, more work, or I am sitting idly while their pup lays around for 20 minutes. I of course try to engage the animals, but not all want to play or run around. It's really just personal preference. Plus, a walk is more stimulating and all-around better experience for the dog, so if my rate is lower I hope more owners will opt for a walk. Sometimes I use my drop-in time to do a short walk, if time allows and the owner is comfortable with it.