Overnight Pet Sitting Rates (+ What to Charge in 2026)

Overnight pet sitting rates depend on more than just "is it a dog or cat." The type of pet, number of animals, location, and services included all affect what you'll pay or what you should charge.

A single cat in Indianapolis requires very different care than three dogs in Los Angeles or a parrot that needs temperature control overnight. Yet most pricing guides just throw out a vague "$40 to $150 per night" range and call it done.

This guide breaks down overnight pet sitting rates by pet type, location, and scenario. You'll learn what professional sitters charge for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and multi-pet households, plus how to set rates that reflect the actual work involved.

What Are Average Overnight Pet Sitting Rates?

Average overnight pet sitting rates in 2026 range from $45 to $75 per night for general pet sitting, with professional sitters charging $75 to $150 per night. The rate varies significantly based on pet type, location, and whether you're a casual sitter or a licensed business.

Here's how overnight rates break down by service level:

Overnight Rates by Pet Type

Different pets command different rates based on care complexity and time requirements:

Dogs dominate the overnight sitting market (they account for 83% of all pet sitting services), which is why dog rates set the benchmark. For a detailed breakdown of dog-specific pricing, see our overnight dog sitting rates guide.

Cat Overnight Sitting Rates

Cat overnight sitting typically costs $30 to $85 per night, with professional cat sitters charging toward the higher end of that range. Weekly overnight rates range from $280 to $700 depending on location and services included.

Why Cats Cost Less Than Dogs

The rate difference between cats and dogs isn't arbitrary. Cats require less hands-on care during an overnight stay. Most cats don't need evening walks, morning bathroom breaks, or constant supervision. They're more independent and can entertain themselves for longer periods.

That doesn't mean cat sitting is easier. It just requires different skills. Cat sitters need to understand litter box maintenance, be attuned to subtle behavioral changes, and know how to handle anxious cats who hide when their owners leave.

What Cat Overnight Sitting Includes

Standard overnight cat care (9-12 hours) typically includes:

• Evening feeding and fresh water

• Litter box cleaning and maintenance

• Playtime and companionship (cats are more social at night)

• Morning feeding before departure

• Cleaning up any accidents

• Maintaining the cat's regular routine

Multiple Cat Pricing

The standard approach for multiple cats is to charge your base rate plus $5 to $10 per additional cat. For example, if your base rate is $60/night for one cat, you'd charge $70/night for two cats.

Some sitters charge less for the second and third cat because the incremental work is minimal (same litter box routine, feeding happens at the same time). Others charge the full fee if the cats have different feeding schedules, medications, or one is particularly high-maintenance.

High-cost cities see significantly higher cat sitting rates. In New York City, overnight cat sitting can range from $100 to $160+ per night for professional services.

Rates for Birds, Reptiles & Exotic Pets

Exotic pet overnight sitting follows different pricing patterns than dogs and cats because many exotic pets are boarded rather than cared for overnight in-home.

Birds

Most bird sitters charge $12 to $18 per day for boarding rather than offering overnight stays at the owner's home. The exception is large parrots or birds with complex social needs, where in-home overnight care makes more sense.

When overnight in-home bird sitting is offered, rates typically run $40 to $75 per night. Parrots and large birds may command premium rates due to:

• Specific temperature and humidity requirements

• Social interaction needs (parrots can become distressed without companionship)

• Specialized feeding routines

• Noise management (not all sitters can handle loud birds overnight)

Reptiles

Reptile overnight sitting rates are comparable to dog and cat rates when in-home care is needed: $40 to $75 per night. However, many reptiles don't actually require overnight supervision.

The deciding factor is care complexity. A snake that only eats once a week doesn't need an overnight sitter. But a bearded dragon with specific temperature requirements, daily feeding, and UVB lighting needs might justify overnight care.

Some veterinarians argue that sitters shouldn't necessarily charge higher rates for exotic animals like reptiles, since the time commitment can be equal to or less than dogs. That said, the specialized knowledge required often justifies a premium, especially if you're one of few sitters in your area qualified to handle reptiles.

Small Animals (Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters)

Small animal overnight rates vary widely because many of these pets only need visits once or twice a week rather than overnight supervision. When overnight care is needed, rates typically fall in the $30 to $60 per night range.

The care requirements are straightforward (food, water, habitat cleaning), but specialized knowledge about diet and health signs matters. A rabbit with GI stasis needs immediate vet care. A sitter who can't recognize the warning signs isn't qualified for the job, regardless of the rate.

Overnight Pet Sitting Rates by City

Location has a massive impact on overnight pet sitting rates. The difference between the most and least expensive markets can be more than 2x.

Here's what overnight pet sitting rates look like across major U. S. cities in 2026, based on data from Care.com's Cost of Care Calculator and Thumbtack market data:

Why Location Drives Pricing

The cost of living in your area directly affects rates. Sitters in Los Angeles or Denver have higher rent, higher gas costs, and higher business expenses. Clients in these markets expect to pay premium rates because they understand the economics.

But it's not just about cost of living. Demand matters too. Dense urban areas have more pet owners, fewer backyards, and more people who travel for work. When demand for overnight sitters outpaces supply, rates go up.

Smaller cities and rural areas have lower rates because both costs and demand are lower. A $50/night rate might be premium in Oklahoma City but budget-tier in San Francisco.

What this means for pricing: Research your specific local market, not just national averages. The sitter three towns over might charge very different rates than you should.

Pricing for Multiple Pets Overnight

The standard pricing model for multiple pets is base rate plus $5 to $10 per additional pet. This applies whether you're caring for multiple dogs, multiple cats, or a mix of species.

Example Multi-Pet Calculations

Scenario 1: Two Dogs

• Base rate for first dog: $75/night

• Second dog: +$10/night

• Total: $85/night

Scenario 2: Two Cats + One Dog

• Base rate for first pet (dog): $75/night

• Second pet (cat): +$10/night

• Third pet (cat): +$10/night

• Total: $95/night

Scenario 3: Three Small Dogs + One Cat

• Base rate: $75/night

• Three additional pets: +$30/night

• Total: $105/night

When to Charge More for Additional Pets

Some situations justify higher additional pet fees than the standard $5 to $10:

• Different species with conflicting needs (dog needs walks, cat needs separate quiet space, bird needs temperature control)

• Pets that don't get along (requires keeping them separated, feeding in different rooms)

• Special medical needs per pet (different medication schedules, dietary restrictions)

• Significant size differences (one 5-pound cat and one 90-pound dog have very different care demands)

The key is to price based on actual complexity, not just head count. Three well-behaved dogs from the same household might be easier than two dogs with separation anxiety who need to be crated separately.

What's Included in Overnight Pet Sitting?

When you charge for overnight pet sitting, clients expect a standard set of services. Here's what's typically included in a 9 to 12 hour overnight shift.

Standard Overnight Services

• Evening care: Dinner feeding, bathroom breaks or litter box access, playtime

• Bedtime routine: Final walk (dogs) or play session (cats), settling pets for night

• Overnight supervision: Sleeping at the client's home (usually in a guest room or agreed-upon space)

• Morning care: Breakfast feeding, morning walk or bathroom break, fresh water

• Basic cleanup: Cleaning up any accidents, refreshing water bowls, tidying pet areas

Typical Overnight Hours

Most overnight sits run 9 to 12 hours, commonly from 7 p. m. to 7 a. m. or 8 p. m. to 8 a. m. Some sitters offer tiered pricing:

• Standard overnight: 9-10 hours

• Extended overnight: 12 hours

If a client needs true 24-hour care (you arrive in the morning and stay until the next morning), that's typically priced as a separate "house sitting" service at $90 to $150+ per day.

House Sitting Tasks Often Included

Beyond pet care, overnight sitters often handle light house sitting duties:

• Bringing in mail and packages

• Watering plants

• Rotating lights for security

• Light snow removal from walkways (safety)

• Washing linens and towels after stay

Make it clear upfront what's included in your base rate and what costs extra. The clearer your service agreement, the fewer awkward conversations later.

Overnight Pet Sitting vs. House Sitting

The terms "overnight pet sitting" and "house sitting" get used interchangeably, but they mean different things with different pricing.

Overnight pet sitting means you're there for an extended evening/night shift but not 24 hours. You arrive in the evening, stay overnight, handle morning care, and leave. This works for most pets because they sleep through the night and don't need constant supervision.

House sitting implies 24-hour care. You're living at the client's home for the duration. This makes sense for puppies who need frequent potty breaks, senior dogs with medical needs, or anxious pets who struggle when alone.

The rate difference reflects the time commitment. Overnight sitting is 10 hours. House sitting is a full day. Price accordingly.

Holiday Overnight Pet Sitting Rates

Holiday periods (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's) are peak booking times for overnight pet sitting. Most professional sitters charge premium rates during these windows, and clients expect it.

According to Pet Sitters International, 58% of professional pet sitters charge holiday surcharges. Among those who do, nearly half add $5 to $10 per visit as a flat fee.

How to Structure Holiday Pricing

Option 1: Flat Rate Surcharge
Add a fixed amount to your standard rate:

• $10 to $20 extra for major holidays (Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year's)

• $5 to $10 extra for minor holidays (July 4th, Labor Day, Memorial Day)

Example: $75/night standard rate becomes $95/night on Christmas Eve.

Option 2: Percentage-Based Surcharge
Increase your rate by 20% to 50%:

• 20% increase: Moderate demand holidays

• 50% increase: Christmas week, New Year's week

Example: $75/night becomes $112.50/night (50% holiday premium).

Communicating Holiday Rates

The key to successful holiday pricing is transparency. Add holiday rates to your website, include them in your service agreement, and remind clients when they book holiday care. Clients understand you're sacrificing time with your own family. They're almost always willing to pay for it.

Tools like Scritches' automated surcharges feature can apply holiday rates automatically, so you don't have to manually adjust every holiday booking.

How Rover and Wag Rates Compare

If you're setting rates as an independent pet sitter, understanding how marketplace platforms price overnight care gives you helpful context.

Rover Overnight Rates

On Rover, overnight pet sitting averages $50 to $80 per night according to their 2025 market data. But here's what matters: Rover takes a 20% service fee from sitters. So if a client books you for $80/night, you keep $64.

For clients, Rover adds an 11% service fee on top. That $80 booking actually costs the client $88.80.

Wag Comparison

Wag focuses primarily on dog walking rather than overnight sitting, but when overnight services are offered, the platform reportedly takes up to 40% of the booking fee. If a client pays $80, the sitter might only see $48 to $60.

Why Independent Sitters Can Charge More

This creates an opportunity for independent sitters. You can charge slightly more than Rover rates and still offer better value because 100% of the payment goes to you.

Example:

• Rover booking: Client pays $80, sitter keeps $64

• Independent sitter: Client pays $80, sitter keeps $80

• Or: Independent charges $90, still more profitable, client saves vs. Rover's total fees

Going independent also gives you control. You set your own policies, communicate directly with clients, and build a business that isn't dependent on a platform's algorithm or changing fee structure.

If you're curious how much platform fees actually cost, Scritches' Rover fees calculator breaks down exactly what you'd lose to marketplace fees.

Factors That Affect Your Overnight Rates

Beyond pet type and location, several other factors influence what you should charge for overnight pet sitting.

Your Business Expenses

Running a professional pet sitting business costs money. If you're not factoring these into your rates, you're subsidizing your business:

• Insurance and bonding: $300 to $600 annually

• Business software: $20 to $50/month for scheduling, payments, client management

• Marketing: Website hosting, Google Ads, printed materials

• Transportation: Gas, vehicle maintenance, mileage

• Taxes: Set aside 25% to 30% for self-employment taxes

Experience and Certifications

Pet sitters with professional training (pet first aid, CPR certification, behavior courses) can justify charging 10% to 20% more than newcomers. Clients pay for expertise and the peace of mind that comes with it.

Services Included in Your Rate

Do you send photo updates after each overnight? Do you include house sitting tasks like watering plants? Do you handle medication administration at no extra charge? These conveniences add value and justify higher rates.

Pet Size and Special Needs

Some sitters charge premiums for:

• Large or giant breed dogs (over 50 pounds)

• Puppies under 6 months (more supervision, frequent potty breaks)

• Senior pets with medical needs

• Reactive or high-anxiety pets

The additional complexity justifies the additional cost.

Demand in Your Market

If you're consistently booked out weeks in advance, that's a signal your rates are too low. When demand exceeds your availability, it's time to raise prices. New clients will pay your new rates. Existing clients usually accept modest increases with notice.

How to Set Your Overnight Pet Sitting Rates

If you're unsure what to charge, here's a practical framework:

1. Research Your Local Market

Find 5 to 10 professional pet sitters in your area. Check their websites for overnight rates. If rates aren't listed publicly, call and ask as a prospective client.

Don't average them. Look at where the established, professional sitters price themselves. That's your target range.

2. Calculate Your Actual Costs

Figure out what it costs you to run one overnight:

• Fixed monthly costs (insurance, software, marketing) ÷ monthly overnights

• Variable costs (gas to/from client, supplies)

• Your desired hourly rate × total hours (including travel, prep, morning care)

Add 20% to 30% margin on top. That's your floor. Don't price below it or you're losing money.

3. Start Competitive, Raise as You Grow

When you're new, price in the middle of your local market range. As you gain reviews, repeat clients, and consistent bookings, gradually raise rates by 10% to 15% annually or when demand justifies it.

Existing clients usually accept modest increases if you give 30 days' notice. New clients only see your current rates, so they have no reference point to your old pricing.

4. Communicate Rates Clearly

Post rates on your website. Include them in your booking flow. Reference them in your service agreement. Transparency builds trust and filters out clients who aren't a fit for your pricing tier.

If you use pet sitting software like Scritches, your rates display publicly on your booking page, and surcharges for holidays, extra pets, or special care apply automatically. No mental math, no missed charges.

If you're specifically working with cats, cat sitting software can be tailored to feline-specific services and pricing.

Set Rates That Reflect the Work You Do

Overnight pet sitting rates in 2026 range from $30 to $150 per night depending on pet type, location, and business model. Professional sitters typically charge $75 to $150, while casual sitters charge $45 to $75.

The key takeaways:

• Dogs: $40-$150/night, highest due to exercise and attention needs

• Cats: $30-$85/night, lower due to independence

• Birds/Reptiles: $12-$18/day (boarding) or $40-$75/night (in-home specialist care)

• Multiple pets: Add $5 to $10 per additional pet

• Holiday surcharges: 58% of pros charge extra ($5-$25 or 20-50% increase)

• City matters: Los Angeles averages $70-$85/night, Oklahoma City $30/night

• Platform fees: Rover takes 20%, Wag up to 40%, independents keep 100%

Don't underprice your work. Overnight pet sitting requires skill, reliability, and often sacrificing your own plans. Set rates that cover your costs, reflect your expertise, and sustain a business worth growing.

For a deeper dive on dog-specific overnight rates, see our complete overnight dog sitting rates guide. And for broader pet sitting pricing strategy, check out our pet sitting rates resource.