Last updated 11 November 2026 · By the PetCloud team · Based on prices listed by sitters on PetCloud
On PetCloud, pet sitting typically costs $46 per night in Australia, with prices from $40 to $55. Each sitter sets their own price. Figures are based on 126 listed prices across Australia's capital cities, checked 11 November 2026.
- Overnight care costs more than a home visit, because the sitter is responsible for your pet around the clock.
- Pet sitting for a dog usually costs a little more than for a cat.
- Some sitters charge more at Christmas, Easter and school holidays, so book early for peak dates.
A pet sitter can care for your pet in a few ways while you are away: minding them overnight, staying in your home, boarding them in their own home, or visiting once or twice a day. Here is what pet sitters on PetCloud charge for each, in every capital city, based on the prices they list.
Pet sitting prices by service
| Service | Typical price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Pet sitting (per night) | $46 | $40-$55 |
| Pet sitting for one dog (per night) | $50 | $40-$58 |
| Pet sitting for one cat (per night) | $40 | $30-$50 |
| House sitting, sitter stays in your home (per night) | $50 | $40-$70 |
| Boarding in a sitter's home (per night) | $50 | $50-$55 |
| One home visit a day (per day) | $35 | $25-$45 |
| Two home visits a day (per day) | $60 | $40-$80 |
| Doggy day care (per day) | $53 | $53-$55 |
| 30-minute private dog walk (per walk) | $40 | $32-$40 |
Pet sitting cost by city
Typical prices per night for pet sitting 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-$62 | 25 |
| Brisbane | $50 | $40-$52 | 27 |
| Perth | $40 | $36-$56 | 18 |
| Adelaide | $42 | $40-$50 | 14 |
| Canberra | $40 | $32-$48 | 6 |
| 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: Pet sitting in Sydney typically costs $50 per night, with prices of $40-$60, based on 33 sitters' listed prices.
Melbourne: Pet sitting in Melbourne typically costs $50 per night, with prices of $40-$62, based on 25 sitters' listed prices.
Brisbane: Pet sitting in Brisbane typically costs $50 per night, with prices of $40-$52, based on 27 sitters' listed prices.
Adelaide: Pet sitting in Adelaide typically costs $42 per night, with prices of $40-$50, based on 14 sitters' listed prices.
Perth: Pet sitting in Perth typically costs $40 per night, with prices of $36-$56, based on 18 sitters' listed prices.
Canberra: Pet sitting in Canberra typically costs $40 per night, with prices of $32-$48, based on 6 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 pet 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
Which type of pet sitting is right for my pet?
Home visits suit independent pets, such as many cats, who only need feeding, fresh water and a check. Dogs and pets who need company usually do better with house sitting, where the sitter stays in your home, or boarding, where your pet stays in the sitter's home. A meet and greet first helps you choose.
Is a pet sitter cheaper than a boarding kennel?
Prices are often similar, and kennel prices vary a lot with your dog's size and the type of suite. A pet sitter on PetCloud gives your pet a home setting with fewer animals. Compare the total cost, including extras such as pick up and drop off.
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 sitting cost Price guide
House sitting cost Price guide
Dog boarding cost
Find a sitter who suits your pet and your budget
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Find a pet 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.
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