05/07/2025
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I’ve gone back and forth about posting this, but it needs to be said.
Pet sitting is my full-time job. It’s not a side hustle or a weekend gig—it’s how I pay my bills, put food on the table, and make a living. But the reality is, I’ve been working 24/7 without actually being paid a livable wage.
So, I’m making a change.
After careful thought, I’m updating my overnight pet sitting rate to $120 per night (typically for me that’s 5 PM–10 AM), effective July 22nd, 2025.
I understand that this may feel extreme to some so I want to be transparent about why I am making this change.
💵 Let’s talk numbers.
My previous rate was $70 for 24 hours, which breaks down to just $2.92 per hour. That’s not even close to sustainable—not when federal minimum wage is $7.25/hour and Massachusetts minimum wage is $15/hour.
The new overnight rate of $120, for a 9-hour stay, breaks down to $13.33 per hour. That’s still slightly below state minimum wage—and as a small business owner, I pay for all taxes, travel necessities, supplies, and insurance out of pocket. I get no benefits, no paid time off, no sick leave, and no guaranteed hours.
There are also stretches—sometimes weeks or even a full month—when I don’t get booked at all. But I can’t just pick up another job in the meantime. Finding another job takes time, and most traditional jobs wouldn’t allow me to remain on-call or flexible enough to be available for my clients. That doesn’t make me lazy—it just reflects how unpredictable and demanding this kind of work is.
This isn’t just about money. It’s about respecting the time, effort, and care that goes into what I do.
🐾 What does pet sitting actually involve?
People often assume pet sitting is just “staying with the dog,” but here’s what you're really hiring me to do:
⏰ 1. Be on your pet’s schedule, not mine.
I plan my life around your pet’s needs—early mornings, late nights, timed meds, and more. I’m often working while others are relaxing, asleep, or off-duty.
🏡 2. Stay overnight in someone else’s home.
I give up the comfort and privacy of my own space to care for your pet where they’re most comfortable. That means adjusting to your routines, your neighborhood, your appliances, your thermostat, and your expectations.
🐶 3. Provide skilled animal care.
I care for senior pets, anxious dogs, multiple pets at once, and pets with strict medical or behavioral needs. I administer medications, track symptoms, and know when something isn’t right.
📞 4. Act as your stand-in.
While you’re away, I’m the one responding to emergencies, coordinating vet visits, keeping your pet safe, and keeping you informed—with regular updates and full transparency.
🧽 5. Leave your home better than I found it.
That includes cleaning pet messes, washing dishes, vacuuming fur, bringing in mail, watering plants, and making sure everything is secure when you return.
💼 6. Run a fully insured business.
I pay for pet sitting insurance to help protect you in the event of property damage or an emergency involving your pet. It’s a layer of security many sitters don’t offer—and it comes out of my own pocket.
I’ve kept my rates low for a long time, but I simply can’t keep working 24/7 for less than minimum wage.
If $120 per night is outside your budget, I understand completely—and I hold no hard feelings.
But I won’t apologize for valuing my time, my labor, or the care I provide.
Before asking a potential sitter how much they charge, ask yourself this:
“How much would I want to be paid for the work I’m asking them to do?”
To those who have supported me, trusted me, and treated my work like the profession it is: thank you. You make this possible.
Sincerely,
Katiann Stone
P.S. This rate change does not affect any current bookings already scheduled for this month or next month.
