How much does a Pet Sitter make?
Becoming a pet sitter offers a fulfilling career where you care for animals while being your own boss. The average yearly salary for pet sitters is around $39,119. This salary can vary based on several factors such as experience, location, and the number of pets you take care of.
Salary distribution shows that many pet sitters earn between $25,000 and $31,500 per year. A small percentage of highly experienced sitters can earn over $83,500 annually. As you gain more experience and build a solid reputation, your earning potential can increase. Some pet sitters even start their own businesses, expanding their income opportunities.
What are the highest paying cities for a Pet Sitter?

-
Denver, CO
Average Salary: $49,125
In Denver, caring for pets becomes an exciting adventure with warm summers and snowy winters. Companies like Rover and Wag! connect pet lovers with families in need of responsible care. Owners value sitters who can provide both indoor and outdoor activities.
Find Pet Sitter jobs in Denver, CO
-
Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $48,645
Seattle offers a great mix of urban and nature for pet care. Local businesses such as PetBacker and TrustedHousesitters offer many opportunities. Pet owners here appreciate sitters who can navigate the city’s rainy days and sunny breaks alike.
Find Pet Sitter jobs in Seattle, WA
-
Cincinnati, OH
Average Salary: $45,329
Cincinnati provides a mix of small-town charm and big-city amenities. Local pet care companies like Petsitters International make it easy to find jobs. Sitters should enjoy both nature outings and indoor play.
Find Pet Sitter jobs in Cincinnati, OH
-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $44,524
San Francisco offers a unique urban environment for pet care. Local platforms like Care.com link sitters with families. The city’s diverse neighborhoods offer many places to explore with pets.
Find Pet Sitter jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Philadelphia, PA
Average Salary: $44,471
Philadelphia’s historic charm meets modern living in pet care. Companies such as Rover and Care.com are popular here. Sitters will enjoy a variety of outdoor and indoor activities with pets.
Find Pet Sitter jobs in Philadelphia, PA
-
Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $44,277
Los Angeles provides a vibrant setting for pet care with its sunny weather. Websites like Rover and Wag! connect sitters with many families. Enjoy beaches, parks, and urban adventures with pets.
Find Pet Sitter jobs in Los Angeles, CA
-
Miami, FL
Average Salary: $43,600
In Miami, pet care means lots of sunshine and outdoor fun. Companies such as Rover and Care.com are key players here. Sitters will enjoy beach outings and tropical parks with pets.
Find Pet Sitter jobs in Miami, FL
-
Virginia Beach, VA
Average Salary: $43,340
Virginia Beach offers a coastal lifestyle for pet care. Websites like Rover and TrustedHousesitters help connect sitters with families. Enjoy the beach and nature trails with pets.
Find Pet Sitter jobs in Virginia Beach, VA
-
San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $42,444
San Diego provides a perfect blend of beaches and parks for pet care. Local platforms like Rover and Wag! are popular here. Sitters can enjoy many outdoor activities with pets.
Find Pet Sitter jobs in San Diego, CA
-
Portland, OR
Average Salary: $41,828
Portland’s vibrant culture makes pet care an enjoyable experience. Websites such as Rover and Care.com connect sitters with families. Enjoy outdoor adventures and urban parks with pets.
Find Pet Sitter jobs in Portland, OR
What are the best companies a Pet Sitter can work for?

-
RDR, Inc.
Average Salary: $90,000
RDR, Inc. offers competitive pay for their Pet Sitters, providing top-notch care for pets. They have locations throughout the country, including major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
-
VCA Animal Hospitals
Average Salary: $61,186
VCA Animal Hospitals provides a supportive environment for Pet Sitters. They operate in numerous states across the United States, offering a range of services and benefits to their staff.
-
PetSmart
Average Salary: $61,079
PetSmart employs many Pet Sitters across the nation. They offer a positive work culture and training opportunities. Their locations span major cities and suburban areas.
-
Paws and Play Pet Resort & Training Center
Average Salary: $55,167
Paws and Play Pet Resort & Training Center provides a welcoming environment for Pet Sitters. They have several locations, focusing on pet care and training services.
-
Dogs On The Run
Average Salary: $50,344
Dogs On The Run offers a variety of positions for Pet Sitters. They operate in different cities, providing flexible work options and pet care services.
-
Pet and Home Care
Average Salary: $43,767
Pet and Home Care hires Pet Sitters to care for pets in their homes. They have multiple locations, offering a supportive and friendly work environment.
-
Sploot Vet Care
Average Salary: $41,463
Sploot Vet Care provides Pet Sitters with opportunities to work in a caring environment. They are present in various cities, focusing on veterinary services.
-
Woofie's
Average Salary: $38,755
Woofie's employs Pet Sitters who care for pets in their homes. They have several locations, offering a family-friendly atmosphere.
-
Paw Commons Pet Resort
Average Salary: $37,957
Paw Commons Pet Resort offers Pet Sitters a chance to provide quality care. They operate in multiple locations, focusing on pet boarding and daycare services.
-
Fetch! Pet Care
Average Salary: $37,829
Fetch! Pet Care hires Pet Sitters to provide home-based pet care. They have locations in various cities, offering a supportive work environment.
How to earn more as a Pet Sitter?
Pet sitting is a rewarding career choice that allows one to work with animals while also bringing comfort to pet owners. To maximize earnings in this profession, pet sitters can implement several strategies. These steps ensure that pet sitting becomes both a profitable and enjoyable job. Here are key factors that can help increase earnings.
First, gaining experience and building a strong reputation can significantly boost earnings. Experienced pet sitters understand the needs of various pets better. They can handle different situations with ease and confidence, which often leads to higher pay rates. Satisfied clients who trust a pet sitter with their pets are more likely to recommend them to others, leading to more job opportunities. Networking with other pet sitters, joining local groups, and using social media to showcase services can also help in building a reliable reputation.
Second, offering a range of services can attract more clients and increase income. Many pet owners look for sitters who can provide more than just basic feeding and walks. Services such as grooming, medication administration, and specialized care for elderly or sick pets can command higher rates. Pet owners often prefer a one-stop service to avoid hiring multiple people for different tasks. Providing these extra services can set a pet sitter apart from the competition.
- Experience and Reputation
- Range of Services
- Professional Certification
- Marketing and Networking
- Flexible Scheduling



