Last updated 11 November 2026 · By the PetCloud team · Based on prices listed by sitters on PetCloud
On PetCloud, dog sitting for one dog typically costs $50 per night in Australia, with prices from $40 to $58. Each sitter sets their own price. Figures are based on 119 listed prices across Australia's capital cities, checked 11 November 2026.
- Puppies, large dogs and high-energy dogs can cost more, because they need more exercise and supervision.
- Ask about a lower rate for a second dog from the same home.
- Walks during a stay are often listed as an extra on the sitter's profile.
A dog sitter can mind your dog overnight, stay in your home, board your dog in their own home, look after them for the day or take them for walks. Here is what dog sitters on PetCloud charge in each capital city, based on the prices they list for one dog.
Dog sitting prices by service
| Service | Typical price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Dog sitting, one dog (per night) | $50 | $40-$58 |
| Dog boarding in a sitter's home (per night) | $50 | $50-$55 |
| House sitting, sitter stays in your home (per night) | $50 | $40-$70 |
| Doggy day care (per day) | $53 | $53-$55 |
| One home visit a day (per day) | $35 | $25-$45 |
| 30-minute private walk (per walk) | $40 | $32-$40 |
| 1-hour private walk (per walk) | $53 | $52-$53 |
Dog sitting cost by city
Typical prices per night for dog sitting for one dog in each capital city, from prices listed by sitters on PetCloud.
| City | Typical price | Price range | Prices used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $50 | $40-$60 | 33 |
| Melbourne | $50 | $40-$64 | 22 |
| Brisbane | $50 | $40-$54 | 26 |
| Perth | $40 | $36-$56 | 18 |
| Adelaide | $42 | $39-$50 | 12 |
| Canberra | $40 | $40-$50 | 5 |
| Hobart | Only 3 sitters list this price so far (we need 5). Use the national range. | 3 | |
| Darwin | No sitters list this price yet. Use the national range. | 0 | |
Sydney: Dog sitting for one dog in Sydney typically costs $50 per night, with prices of $40-$60, based on 33 sitters' listed prices.
Melbourne: Dog sitting for one dog in Melbourne typically costs $50 per night, with prices of $40-$64, based on 22 sitters' listed prices.
Brisbane: Dog sitting for one dog in Brisbane typically costs $50 per night, with prices of $40-$54, based on 26 sitters' listed prices.
Adelaide: Dog sitting for one dog in Adelaide typically costs $42 per night, with prices of $39-$50, based on 12 sitters' listed prices.
Perth: Dog sitting for one dog in Perth typically costs $40 per night, with prices of $36-$56, based on 18 sitters' listed prices.
Canberra: Dog sitting for one dog in Canberra typically costs $40 per night, with prices of $40-$50, based on 5 sitters' listed prices.
"Prices used" is the number of sitters in each city who list a price for this service. Cities show a range only when at least 5 sitters do. The range is the middle half of listed prices, so some sitters charge less and some more. City prices can sit above or below the national range, which covers all capital cities together.
What affects the cost of dog sitting?
Number of pets
Most sitters charge per pet, and many offer a lower price for a second pet from the same home. Ask before you book.
Age, size and special needs
Puppies, senior pets, large or reactive dogs and pets on medication take more time and skill. Some sitters add a special needs surcharge, which is listed on their profile.
Peak season
Christmas, Easter and school holidays are the busiest times of year. Some sitters charge more, and good sitters book out early, so book weeks ahead for peak dates.
Location and travel
Prices differ between cities and suburbs. For visits and walks, the sitter's travel time and fuel are built into the price.
Extras
Sitters list add-ons separately, such as walks during a stay, pick up and drop off, trips to the vet, or backyard poo patrol.
How to keep the cost down
- Book early for Christmas and school holidays, before the sitters you like are booked out.
- Ask about a lower rate for a second pet, a long stay or regular repeat bookings. Many sitters offer one.
- Do a meet and greet before you book, so the first booking runs smoothly and you find a sitter you will keep.
- Compare a few sitters' reviews and services, not only the price. A sitter who is a good match saves you a lot of worry.
Please value your sitter's time. A fair price lets pet sitters cover their costs, lodge tax and put money into superannuation, which keeps good sitters in the work.
What to look for in a sitter
Price is only part of the decision. Check these four things before you book:
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between dog sitting and dog boarding?
With dog boarding, your dog stays in the sitter's home. With house sitting, the sitter stays in your home, so your dog keeps their own routine. Both are overnight care; the right one depends on whether your dog settles better at home or with company.
Will a dog sitter walk my dog?
Ask your sitter during the meet and greet. Many include a walk in their price, and others list walks during a stay as an extra on their profile.
Who sets the prices on PetCloud?
Each pet sitter on PetCloud is an independent contractor who sets their own prices. That is why prices vary between sitters in the same suburb. Their price covers more than time with your pet: travel, fuel, car costs, clean-up, tax, superannuation and the holiday and sick pay they need to fund themselves.
Are there any extra fees on top of the sitter's price?
The prices in this guide are what sitters list on their profiles. PetCloud adds a booking fee of 10% of the booking, capped at $40. It helps fund the advertising that brings sitters work, and it keeps your payment held securely until after your 24-hour quality check window at the end of the booking.
Related price guides
Pet sitting prices in Australia Price guide
Pet sitting cost Price guide
Dog boarding cost Price guide
Dog walking cost
Find a sitter who suits your pet and your budget
Compare sitters' prices, reviews and services, then book a meet and greet.
Find a dog sitter near you Post a JobHow we worked out these prices
We read the prices listed on sitter profiles on PetCloud for up to 50 of the top-ranked sitters in each capital city (every sitter, where a city has fewer than 50), on 11 November 2026. "Typical price" is the median listed price and the range covers the middle half of listed prices. No minimum is applied: these are the prices sitters list. Prices are set by each sitter and change over time, so check the sitter's profile for their current price. PetCloud's booking fee is not included.
Please Wait