Why dog sitters cost more than kennels or dog boarders?

Its a question that gets asked alot in the industry, and generally it comes from a certain type of person but thats not my point of this blog.

As a dog sitter myself i charge a premium for my services, and while i wont list them here i am one of the more expensive in my area. However i have been running this business for 3 years and have done a large amount of dog sits with happy customers who keep coming back. It is reality that you get what you pay for.

So lets talk about reality -

When it comes to kennels, depending on the sizes of them they can make hundreds of pounds a day. Lets talk generically that they earn £20 per dog per day, most of the kennels around here have room for 20+ dogs. So these kennels as a minimum for a single household dog they can be earning up to £400 a day. While yes they will have additional outgoings like heating and water, generally the food and treats are provided by the owner. This is also assuming its a single dog household, there are generally additional costs for extra dogs in one household, so they may be earning anywhere between £20-100 a day if its a family of dogs. We are also not factoring in any additional features or services, some places include grooming and training, all things that will increase that clients bill.

A dog in front of a fireplace

Similarly we have dog boarders, these people get to take care of clients dogs in the comfort of their own homes. While yes they have additional stress of clients dogs in their house, there isnt necessarily increased heating or electrical costs unless they are having to heat extra rooms or excess water due to mud. Pricing for boarding doesnt tend to be far off that of a kennels. Again clients provide dog food treats etc. Dog boarders again with multiple opportunities for extra dogs. While their daily profit will be more in line with what a sitter will earn, their charge to indvidual clients will likely be less.

So why are sitters more expensive?

Well you've got someone who essentially has to move into your house for whatever amount of time that you're away for, so they're giving up their time and are essentially working 24/7. You hear people complain 'why should they be paid for sleeping' (this will factor for boarders and kennels too), but if theres an emergency through the night then its your sitter who has to deal with it. Take your dog to out of hours vets. They have to buy their food to take with them for the week. If they're sitters like me they take their own drinks, shower gel, soap, toothpaste just so they dont use the clients stuff. IF they're a sitter who does 24 hour care and doesnt leave their dogs its likely they're being paid WAY under minimum wage to keep your dogs company. If they're a sitter like me who does other dog walks and goes back and forth to the client then its fuel, its extra time during your day to go back and spend time with the dogs to ensure they arent left too long. Being a dog sitter is a massive job and a massive responsibility, and it can really put you out. The dog you care for isnt in your own home or on a site, its in its own home. The dog sitter doesnt get to be in their own comfort, and puts themself at risk everytime. Its likely a dog sitter will earn less than £100 a day.

Now this isnt any hate to kennels or boarders, there are some brilliant companies and individuals there who provide great care for their clients. This is just to answer the day old question on why are sitters so expensive. Its a massive part of our days and a huge responsibility.