What Should I Pay a 15 Year Old for Dog Sitting?

Updated on November 23, 2011
M.Z. asks from San Francisco, CA
12 answers

Hi!
I had a 15 year old in my neighborhood watch my dog while we were out of town this weekend. She came over and walked her 3x a day (Sat & Sun) and refilled her dog dishes. My dog is older so she just took her on a short walk to do her business and brought her back inside. My friend recommended her and uses her to babysit her 2 toddlers for $6/hr.
She wouldn't tell me what she wanted to be paid. What do you think I should pay her?
Thanks!!!

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R.M.

answers from Dallas on

I pay a kid down the street $10/day. But that's just to feed them and let them out in the yard in the morning, and feed them again and put them back in the house at night. There is no dog walking involved.

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A.N.

answers from Las Vegas on

Wow, I am amazed at how much people have said, $50 for two days! We pay a friend $5 a day to take care of our dog. This doesn't include any walks, just feeding, letting him in and out, and letting him stay at our friend's house. I would say $20 is a good amount. I'm basing this on the $6 an hour, I doubt she spent much over an hour each day if she was just letting your dog use the bathroom on each walk.

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L.A.

answers from Denver on

I would pay her between $30-40 for the two days. She is younger, but sounds responsible. You want to pay her enough to want to come back if you need her again too.

M.D.

answers from Dallas on

My daughter took care of our neighbors cat for a week and she gave her $50.00. They went on a cruise and on the ship they had a build a bear, well, this lady bought one for my daughter (who loves stuff animals at the age of 16) with the ships logo on the shirt. So you know that was some bucks on top of it. My daughter was very surprise with the gift. Now, she just went over there in the evenings, and cleaned the litter box each day, set out food and new water, but just once a day.

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J.C.

answers from New York on

I'd say about $5-10 per visit. So $30-60. If you giver her a $50, I'd say that is very nice.

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J.W.

answers from Los Angeles on

My daughter was 11 and watched a cat while a friend was away. She was responsible for visiting daily, checking water, cleaning litter box and feeding the kitty treats along with a little play time. She was paid $5 a day and felt it was fair.

J.S.

answers from Jacksonville on

Our neighbor is taking care of our dogs for two weeks. Not walking them, but feeding them and letting go potty three times a day. We are paying him 200.00

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

I guess it depends on your area..

My 16 yr old daughter babysits and gets $12-$15 an hour cash which is very good for our area. The "norm" for our area is $10 an hour.

We have a petsitter who comes in and spends about 45 minutes 2 times a day when we are gone and she gets $20 per visit plus about $50 for overnights.

If you think about it.... she comes over and walks the dogs but also makes sure your house is secure plus makes it look lived in while you are away by changing some things up. I'd make it worth her time and effort.

I would not give her less that $6. I'd give at least $10/hr.

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R.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

$20-$30 should average out to about $7-10 an hour (you were only gone two days). It is very fair, more than minimum wage, no taxes are being taken so it all gets into her pocket, and if it is too expensive you won't want to use her again and if you over pay her, it could make your friend look bad. If you want to give her more than that, give her a small gift too (maybe something that you have in a gift closet.) Next time have the conversation up front before she does the job, ask her what she charges or tell her what you plan to pay $___ a visit or $___ a day or $____ the entire time.

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J.F.

answers from Bloomington on

The cheapest dog kennels I've seen is $15 a night. She is going above by doing the walks AND Fidette gets to stay at home where it is comfy. I'd say $20 per day as a standard, and tip when you want to show extra appreciation. I would say, "I'd like to pay you $20 a day." and hand her $50. "This is for doing such a great job for us. We feel very comfortable with you taking care of our dog. Thank you!." This gives her a sense of, "if I do a great job, I could make more." AND to feel really appreciated. Instead of, "it's only $25 a day."

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L.M.

answers from New York on

I would pay her at least $20.

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S.K.

answers from Chicago on

I think I would offer $20/day.

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