Do sitters typically include walks during the day in the overnight fee?

Hi Andrea!

I never charge any additional fees for walks during the day. Since that is what is expected to be included in a dog's 24 hour schedule, I don't feel the need to charge any additional fee. The only time I would charge an additional fee is if a client wanted an extra service such as grooming or bathing which wouldn't be typical of a dog's daily schedule. Hope this helps!

I agree with the others. I take my guests on more than 3 walks for both of our benefit. They love the walk and I want to make sure there is no accidents in the house. I do not charge extra for walks or for a specific amount of walks. Neal said it best, a 24 hour stay should include feeding, playing, potty breaks, and walks among other things. Potty breaks and walks are not the same. Potty breaks are done as a necessity, walks is getting some exercise in and exploring the neighborhood. Walks also helps them relieve some stress from being in a new home with a stranger. Every sitter is different but I feel that an extra charge for walking is really not necessary.

We look at dog sitting as treating your guest dog as if it were your own. If you have never been a successful dog owner, it would be hard to be a sitter. Food, water, treats, playtime, walks, scratches and rubs are all what dog owners do for their own dog and should be part of a sitters responsibility. You have got to love the dog and want to do these things for them; plus more if they need it.

I provide plenty of exercise for most dogs, from couch potatoes to athletes, in my usual rate. It's not always in the form of multiple daily walks (in fact, I prefer a variety of activities to stimulate dogs physically and mentally each day depending on their interests and needs). I would consider an extra fee if a dog's needs greatly exceeded those of the average dog or required a significant disruption in my schedule, but it hasn't ever been an issue, and I've watched everything from lazy dogs who never leave the couch to crazy teenage labs who never stop moving. My puppy rate usually catches the dogs who need a bit more attention/effort, and I'd rather adjust the daily rate as needed than itemize walks in addition to the daily rate.

In general, the "per night" fee is for a 24 hour period. In my opinion, this includes the regular care needed to be a happy and healthy pet. There are providers that charge add-on services, but my rates are all inclusive. I believe three or more walks are absolutely essential. Every dog I care for is offered a minimum of three walks daily (rarely a dog declines) and many times it's more than three, depending on the dog's inclination.

That is between you and the client. If you already include that service in your fee, then let her know that while you appreciate the offer for extra compensation, it isn't necessary. You are not obligated to charge extra. Everyone does it differently. She will probably be ecstatic to know that it is already included in your price. I would include those services in my fee, as well. I believe it is part of the service we are offering as overnight sitters.