Last updated 20 October 2026 · By the PetCloud team · Based on prices listed by sitters on PetCloud
On PetCloud, doggy day care in a sitter's home typically costs $53 per day in Australia, with prices from $53 to $55. Each sitter sets their own price. Figures are based on 124 listed prices across Australia's capital cities, checked 20 October 2026.
- Day care in a home has fewer dogs than a commercial centre, which suits dogs who find big groups stressful.
- Many sitters offer day care plans for dogs who come on the same days each week.
- Pick up and drop off is often available as a paid extra.
Doggy day care on PetCloud means your dog spends the day in a sitter's home while you are at work, then comes home with you in the evening. Here is what sitters charge per day in each capital city.
Doggy day care cost by city
Typical prices per day for doggy day care in each capital city, from prices listed by sitters on PetCloud.
| City | Typical price | Price range | Sitters listed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $53 | $53 | 420 |
| Melbourne | $53 | $53-$60 | 455 |
| Brisbane | $53 | $50-$53 | 544 |
| Perth | $53 | $53 | 147 |
| Adelaide | $53 | $53 | 88 |
| Canberra | $53 | $53 | 41 |
| Hobart | $53 | $53-$73 | 13 |
| Darwin | Not enough listed prices yet. Use the national range. | 9 | |
Sydney: Doggy day care in Sydney typically costs $53 per day, with prices of $53, based on 25 sitters' listed prices.
Melbourne: Doggy day care in Melbourne typically costs $53 per day, with prices of $53-$60, based on 22 sitters' listed prices.
Brisbane: Doggy day care in Brisbane typically costs $53 per day, with prices of $50-$53, based on 17 sitters' listed prices.
Perth: Doggy day care in Perth typically costs $53 per day, with prices of $53, based on 21 sitters' listed prices.
Adelaide: Doggy day care in Adelaide typically costs $53 per day, with prices of $53, based on 20 sitters' listed prices.
Canberra: Doggy day care in Canberra typically costs $53 per day, with prices of $53, based on 9 sitters' listed prices.
Hobart: Doggy day care in Hobart typically costs $53 per day, with prices of $53-$73, based on 6 sitters' listed prices.
Prices on this page start from $45. Cities show a range only when at least 5 sitters list a price for this service.
What affects the cost of doggy day care?
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.
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
Is my dog suited to day care?
Dogs who are social, vaccinated and comfortable away from you usually enjoy day care. If your dog is anxious around other dogs, look for a sitter who takes only one or two dogs, and start with a meet and greet and a short first day.
Is home day care different from a day care centre?
A centre usually looks after many dogs in a purpose-built space. Day care in a sitter's home has fewer dogs and a household routine, which many dogs find calmer.
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
Dog walking cost Price guide
Dog boarding cost Price guide
Dog grooming cost
Find a sitter who suits your pet and your budget
Compare sitters' prices, reviews and services, then book a meet and greet.
Find doggy day care 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 20 October 2026. "Typical price" is the median listed price, and prices on this page start from $45. 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.
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