As a full time dog sitter I love doing overnights. I go to the client's house and charge them between $60-80 per night. I sleep with the dogs in the most comfortable beds. Hang out in the hot tub. Walk the dog maybe once A-day or play catch with him in the yard till he gets tired. Feed him and give medications. I stay in million dollar homes and eat their food and drink their beer. They tell me to do it and I oblige. And the joy of spending so much time with dogs sometimes 5 plus cats, Is good for the mind. I would highly recommend it if you don't mind just hanging out with dogs. But you have to be trustworthy and dependable. If you are, you will always be busy. I spend $0 on advertising. I don't even have cards. It's all word-of-mouth and I am already booked for this Christmas and next. I only stay at my actual residence for about 10 days a month. It's a simple life but it works for me. Dogs will keep you happy.
@DougtheDogGuy
2 жыл бұрын
I personally love doing overnights too, but they certainly aren't for everyone. I am single and don't have kids so I don't mind being away from home at all. I do think you are way undercharging if you are only at $60-$80 per night though! We charge $110 for an 8 hour overnight and any additional time is billed as an hourly drop-in visit at $40 per hour and we can't keep up with the demand!
@rosty2
2 жыл бұрын
@@DougtheDogGuy I can't disagree with anything you said. At some point I'm going to do some hard thinking about my prices. I know you're not wrong, I also know there are people in my area that are charging that much. I typically find it pretty easy to take care of multiple dogs, So I haven't been charging per dog, but I know I probably could because if they took them to A-day care or a kennel I'm sure they would.
@redtalks9094
Жыл бұрын
Where do you live? How do you decide 60-80$ a night? Thank you!
@rosty2
Жыл бұрын
@@redtalks9094 Hi there, thanks for asking! I've been watching dogs in home for about 7 years. I started out free and then One day it dawned on me that I could actually charge for what I was doing. I almost started working for Rover, and then realized I didn't really need them. Plus they wanted about 50% of my revenue. I Compared my price to their price, and came up with $50 per night. Since then I have raised my prices Officially to $60 per night. I'm going to bump it up about every other year about $10 per night. The way I get To $80 per night is because people tip. I just got through doing a 3 night job and the customer paid me $109 per night. That's on the high side at least for me, but the average per night is about 70 to $75 per night, with a tip. I live in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado. I don't think you could get those prices in a rural or poor area, IMO.
@YerBrwnDogAteMyRabit
Жыл бұрын
If you're staying in million $ homes, you're DEFINITELY under-charging. I'd charge at least 100 for a cardboard box overnight..
@n25082
2 жыл бұрын
But I would like to add onto that comment that when I first started pet sitting $50 was also what I was charging. Until I became more aware of the pet care industry. I really liked a lot what you said in this video because I really agree with what you said about the good clients that are going to give you your full rate are the ones that are going to stick around in the ones that are going to use you on your discounted price are probably clients that will not be around for very long this is very true and I experienced this myself. One of the red flags that I have experienced with clients is that when they do a meet and greet and they mention issue with the price it’s usually a sign or red flag that it probably will not work out. Most people that are younger clients of mine always want a discount on my prices but a lot of my older clients are fine with my rate because I understand the value in the theory that more usually means better not less is more, Also integrity is important and some thing that I would mention in a later video because you should never charge less with a client that asked for a discount because that is not fair for all your other clients that are paying in full rate. It’s important to stick with a solid number with everyone and make sure to stick with what you say. Do not play favoritism with clients on numbers. If they ask for you to lower your rate do not have them as one of your clients
@12hunter100
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the tip on not lowering the price because it's something that I probably would of done to be Nice and thinking about saving them money but I have to think as a business person, I have to make money to support myself.
@WZech-ly8dm
Жыл бұрын
$50/night is about $2/hour for 24 hours. 😮 How many hours are you with their pets on average?
@fabulouspinkmk10
3 жыл бұрын
I really like the back ground 😊👍
@DougtheDogGuy
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@melissabenner
3 жыл бұрын
Love the background!!
@DougtheDogGuy
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!!
@kennedyadams7159
3 жыл бұрын
Great info from a seasoned pro. Bravo fellow professional!
@DougtheDogGuy
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@johnlombardo7816
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Gonna have to watch more than once the numbers confused me a bit haha.. how did you start walking dogs,? I'm interested but with no real experience other than having my dog for 10 years I'm nervous and apprehensive
@michellesimpsons356
Жыл бұрын
New to your channel. I really like your backdrop.
@region4243
2 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for your videos, they are freaking awesome
@deliawing168
2 жыл бұрын
So much great information here. Thank you. I shared this with a fellow dog walker I know it will be helpful for her. I look forward to watching all your other videos.
@cinditeel2875
Жыл бұрын
Dude! Love the video. Makes perfect sense. My math skills are so shot
@DougtheDogGuy
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!
@philadelphiawalksptsd
2 жыл бұрын
🐈⬛ Yaasss! Have been walking dogs since prior to 2011 and it's always an issue. Kind of look to larger companies and gauge my pricing from there. (in Philadelphia, but lived in Gainesville, FL, for a couple years around the pandemic) ...heard you say central florida in here.
@DougtheDogGuy
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching and commenting! Here is my updated pricing video: kzitem.info/news/bejne/s316wKRqnZiddYI
@philadelphiawalksptsd
2 жыл бұрын
@@DougtheDogGuy Thank you so much. I think you said Jacksonville, FL, is where you operate and my mom and aunt lived there for quite a few years before moving to Gainesville. Along the St. John River or something. They enjoyed their time there. 🐕🐕🐩🐩
@JillGustafson
2 күн бұрын
Thank you
@maddiecauley9001
2 жыл бұрын
This is awesome!!! Thank you for sharing. I’ve been doing this for 3 years and I agree with everything you are saying!
@DougtheDogGuy
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching and commenting!
@rebeccabrito212
3 жыл бұрын
Hey there! I’ve been watching all your videos, super informative ✨ I’m starting up my dog business and I’m having the most trouble deciding the pricing. I have a hypothetical scenario: If a client has two large dogs I don’t feel comfortable walking together, would it be fair to say I have to walk them separately and charge for 2- 30 minute walks? Or should I charge time and a half for 2- 30 min walks since I’m already at the house? That’s where I’m stuck lol. I just want to have clear policies set before clients start requesting certain things. Would love advice from any dog walkers/pet sitters out there ♥️ Thanks in advance.
@DougtheDogGuy
2 жыл бұрын
Hi! Thanks for watching! That's a great question! There are different ways to go about it, but I would go to them and say "because I can't walk them together, I can either do a 15 min walk with each of them for the same price as the 30 minute visit, or I can do a 60 minute visit so they both get 30 minutes." We charge $24 for a 30 minute visit and $36 for an hour.
@patrickprendergast9589
2 жыл бұрын
un stuck yet
@fheh09
2 жыл бұрын
I absolutely love your background!!!
@DougtheDogGuy
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you!!
@DannyMorton-h1p
11 ай бұрын
Thank you so much you’re videos are so so helpful
@n25082
2 жыл бұрын
I completely agree with you on the topic you mentioned about not setting prices based on your competitors. For example on Rover my competitors are charging a third of the price that I am and yet I am still number one on Rover. Most people will charge roughly $50 a night for pet sitting which is not including the 25% deduction Rover takes home. If you think about that price that’s basically watching these dogs for free. But this is what most will charge. Which makes no sense because if a client which most likely will ask for you to stay the entire day and night is paying only 50 dollars to stay in there home all day? I think if someone is only going to pay you $50 a night to watch the animal all day they probably are not going to give the animals the best care because $50 is not practical for this modern day of price of living. I was wondering what your charges are I guess I could look it up on your website but what do you charge for overnight and each dog walk?
@mrspunk61
Жыл бұрын
I'm not in the business, not yet anyway. I've been a painting contractor but may transition into the business at some point. My view on pricing is you have to charge as much as you can. It's not easy out there and lets face it , it's not like you're able to charge for your health insurance and retirement as well too easily. Chances are you're just paying your bills and that can be a struggle. You have to be super reliable, on time for appointments and always in communication. Then people are hiring responsibility because that is what they need.
@doreenpaul7270
6 ай бұрын
That's great info for those who have been in this business and know the numbers, but when I don't know what my numbers will be, because I'm brand new, how do you calculate rates?
@aoettina
3 жыл бұрын
This is so helpful! Thank you!
@DougtheDogGuy
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@69Hokus
Жыл бұрын
Love the back drop
@DougtheDogGuy
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@zoography
3 жыл бұрын
Great video! Keep 'em coming!
@DougtheDogGuy
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@TinaRussell-dh2pe
Жыл бұрын
great information, Thanks Doug
@sandrapineiro2115
Жыл бұрын
Beautiful backdrop!
@DougtheDogGuy
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@LeyvaPinatas
3 жыл бұрын
Hello Your video is very interesting thank you very much for your time in putting this together. I am not a pet owner but I do make custom piñata‘s for special events and pet owners. You have included many great points in your video not only for pet owners or pet businesses but for all around businesses. It’s the time the effort the quality and the customizing of a product that will keep the clients coming back. I love what I do and do what I love here at Leyva Piñatas. I started a business in 2020 and I love making piñata‘s for pets. Thank you 🐩 🐶 🐕 🐱 🐈 🐈⬛ ❤️
@DougtheDogGuy
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching! Best wishes to you and your new business!!
@natalieblake9555
3 жыл бұрын
You’ve been very helpful.
@DougtheDogGuy
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much!
@patriciashawwatkins2901
2 жыл бұрын
Love the backdrop.💕 Thanks for the information.
@DougtheDogGuy
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@bpdrave
2 жыл бұрын
Very helpful!!
@DougtheDogGuy
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@corinnegraycar605
2 жыл бұрын
Like the background! Thanks for the info.
@DougtheDogGuy
Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much!!
@trishanoel2410
Жыл бұрын
I'm jealous! I've only done one overnight for 13 days. I thought I'd be able to deal with the clutter. Also my idea of cleanliness is on different level than the house I stayed in. She left some bread, eggs and milk. But I anticipated going grocery shopping. No hottub and no television! I brought my dvd player and rented movies. I guess I need to find some millionaires to work for!
@jenniferlee7167
2 жыл бұрын
I totally agree with your philosophy. I am a former nurse now retired and a mid day dog walker. I have owned several businesses and enjoy working for myself. This is helpful. I am now working for a sitting service, but may decide after one year and go out on my own. I want to specialize in mid-day dog walking and cat check services. no overnights and no lengthy catsits unless one visit per day. I will only work Monday to Friday as well. Thanks for your help and advice.
@DougtheDogGuy
2 жыл бұрын
Sounds like a great business plan! You can do it! Thanks for watching and commenting :)
@mrspunk61
Жыл бұрын
Did you ever go out on your own? I always feel in your own business you can make twice as much in half the time
@abetterlife5120
Жыл бұрын
Love the back drop! Very cute!!
@DougtheDogGuy
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@MadisonFalcoFoods
Жыл бұрын
Did you do a video on llc vs other business types? If so can you link it
@DougtheDogGuy
Жыл бұрын
Yes I did! Here it is: Should My Business be a Sole Proprietorship, LLC, or S Corp? kzitem.info/news/bejne/xnePrYejnn1_ZIY
@Ydnis.nedsma
2 жыл бұрын
Your background is goals
@DougtheDogGuy
2 жыл бұрын
haha Thank you so much!
@jacquelynwelch6582
3 жыл бұрын
I like the background
@DougtheDogGuy
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@karonclark5996
3 жыл бұрын
indeed
@Gigichew
2 жыл бұрын
appreciate your tips! =O i love these!
@DougtheDogGuy
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you!!
@paulherrera6537
Жыл бұрын
nice backdrop . looks fancy !
@DougtheDogGuy
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!!
@stokes111111
2 жыл бұрын
this is very helpful, thank you!
@DougtheDogGuy
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you! I think my newer pricing video is a little easier to follow if you haven't watched that one also: kzitem.info/news/bejne/s316wKRqnZiddYI
@nexcarrghu7812
Жыл бұрын
Hi am now retired and would like to start dog sitting and or dog walking, but dont kniw how to start. Im in north jersey. Im wondering if i should distribute buisiness cards or flyers to begin. TYIA
@miewillie
2 жыл бұрын
Great video! Very comprehensive !! Thank you!
@DougtheDogGuy
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@staceyz1966
2 жыл бұрын
This is great information!! Thank you!
@DougtheDogGuy
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching and commenting!
@12hunter100
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this video, I always wanted to start a business with pets. Do you think people will call me if I only have experience taking care of my own dogs?
@Sauce_collector
Жыл бұрын
I am a 10 year old and I’m wanting to start the small dog walking in and sit in business. Do I need a business license or something like that?
@lesliweinheimer3280
2 жыл бұрын
Great video, thanks!
@christinaekstrom2700
2 жыл бұрын
Nice
@cinditeel2875
Жыл бұрын
P.S. love the backdrop!
@DougtheDogGuy
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!!
@sadiej7146
3 жыл бұрын
What and where did you get your certifications, insurance and bonding from? I'm having a hard time finding some. Please help me
@DougtheDogGuy
2 жыл бұрын
There are lots of different certifications you can get and lots of different options for insurance and bonding. I'd recommend doing some googling and compare all of the different options to see what would be the best fit for you and your business. Here are a couple links to get you started: www.petsitterconfessional.com/insurance www.petsitterconfessional.com/online-certifications-trainings
@IndigoBrooke
2 жыл бұрын
What about a weekly service? Is there discounts that you should offer?
@DougtheDogGuy
2 жыл бұрын
No reason to offer a discount for weekly services, in my opinion. I don't do any discounts. Our time is valuable and I'd rather work with one client that pays me what I'm worth than 10 that don't
@jennifer792
Жыл бұрын
@@DougtheDogGuy What about a seasonal discount or seasonal varying of rate for overnight pet sitting? I had no clients in February so during that month wouldn't it be wise to offer a discount and pull in some money. That's assuming there is no second job to fall back on. And then in the Spring/Summer/holidays charge more? And what about that very first client ever. Do you slowly raise your rates for them as you see they are able to pay it?
@notsosilentknight
2 жыл бұрын
How can I calculate how much gas I'll be using if I haven't started my business yet?
@DougtheDogGuy
2 жыл бұрын
Set your service radius and do the math. For example: If you are not willing to drive more than 10 miles to get to a client and you know that gas is $4 per gallon and your car gets 20mph, that would be 20 miles round trip meaning $4 in gas each visit. Of course some clients will be closer than that and some won't really be a "round trip," but it's better to always factor for the worst case scenario to ensure you are always covered.
@notsosilentknight
2 жыл бұрын
@@DougtheDogGuy thanks very much
@sierrastewart715
2 жыл бұрын
I’m curious about how to charge for time vs task done. So I walk a dog but I also watch him for 3-4 hours. I charge $35 dollars. Back to charging for time. Watching a dog full time for a week. What is appropriate for that? Daily rate?
@lesliweinheimer3280
2 жыл бұрын
Should be charging 60 bucks at least. 80 is more of a fair wage.
@lesliweinheimer3280
2 жыл бұрын
And that's in the south. More expensive states u can charge more.
@n25082
2 жыл бұрын
Hey to hey dooug the dog guy. I was curious about what products you were mentioning about the later video I watched where you talked about keeping your clients a gift. You said you were going to make a video about this. I was also curious about what affiliate marketers you trust on advertising their product. I just started an Instagram page for my business and I get a lot of comments about trying their product but I don’t know if this is a scam or legit. Can you tell me tips on who is legit and who is not?
@brendatomlinson
Жыл бұрын
Very good question! I need that info too. I guess we need to watch all of Doug’s videos.
@debinlbc
2 жыл бұрын
Such GREAT CONTENT! THANK YOU!!! YOU ROCK!
@DougtheDogGuy
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!
@michelleprimm7412
Жыл бұрын
❤
@Kayla_Rayburn
2 жыл бұрын
The back drop is sick!
@DougtheDogGuy
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! Lol
@emmamooney6717
Жыл бұрын
Okay I know I’m bad at math but can someone help me… I am a college student pet sitting for summer and winter break. My only expenses are gas… I end up with about $1,500 in gas per year. I was charging based on drop ins. My only service was drop ins (1-4 times a day) and sleepovers (8/9pm-8/9am). Can someone help me find my break even point
@DougtheDogGuy
Жыл бұрын
Hi! Your time is large expense in and of itself. What could you be getting paid at a different job if you weren't pet sitting? That's your time expense. Your phone is an expense because you're using it to communicate with clients. Any treats, poo bags, leashes, toys, etc that you have bought. Your dog walking shoes and/or any clothes you've bought to walk dogs in. And I'm sure there are some expenses involved with however you are getting clients. Business cards and flyers? Website? If you're using one of the apps to get clients, their cut would be an expense. There can be a lot of different expenses! Just naming a few to get your wheels turning. I hope this helps!
@debinlbc
2 жыл бұрын
Please make a video on how to walk a reactive dog. Better yet, 2 reactive dogs that need to be walked at the same time. :) Thanks!
@DougtheDogGuy
2 жыл бұрын
I can make a general video on this but there are a lot of factors that need to be accounted for and every situation is going to be different. One of the main pieces of advice I could give would be to pay attention to what they are reactive to and try to avoid those things. I would suggest watching some videos on dog behavior and getting in contact with a local dog trainer for some hands-on training :)
@hexicanarmy
2 жыл бұрын
Hey Doug, my wife and I have a dog business making about 72k a year? Can we hire you as a mentor to help grow our business. This is just with her solo and we are about to double down and try do double income
@DougtheDogGuy
2 жыл бұрын
Hey Andrew! I would love to help! I offer strategy sessions via Zoom, you can get in touch here: badtothebonepetcare.com/forpetsitters/
@LeyvaPinatas
3 жыл бұрын
I will be taking care of my neighbors cats this weekend wish me luck 3days @ $20.00 🤷🏻♀️
@patrickprendergast9589
3 жыл бұрын
yay
@sierrastewart715
2 жыл бұрын
I charge $15 a day for cats and that’s not staying with them.
@karonclark5996
3 жыл бұрын
hello how are you?
@DIYwithKristi
2 жыл бұрын
Hi Doug! Just curious... should I charge a little extra for watering garden, plants, etc.? Or should that be included upon request?
@DD_LetTheDogsOut
2 жыл бұрын
Are you housesitting? If so, typically that may be included, like getting the mail out of the box.
@DIYwithKristi
2 жыл бұрын
@@DD_LetTheDogsOut Nah, just cat sitting
@DD_LetTheDogsOut
2 жыл бұрын
@@DIYwithKristi Drop in visits? If so, maybe you should make a price list for extra services, in my opinion anyway. Are clients asking for extra services? It could be a good thing to let them know you can offer more.
@DIYwithKristi
2 жыл бұрын
@@DD_LetTheDogsOut That's a good idea! Thank you!
@DD_LetTheDogsOut
2 жыл бұрын
@@DIYwithKristi You're welcome, all the best!😀
@GypsyHaze21
3 жыл бұрын
Have you ever run across a client's Pet that needs grooming or bathing really bad but you hesitated to tell them due to fear of offending them. I have many times... I feel really bad for the animal. I try to brush them or bathe them if possible but I also feel I'm doing too much and they might ask me why I did.
@GypsyHaze21
3 жыл бұрын
Probably going to go to school to get groomer certified too but I have so much I want to do way to much hah You are so rite there are so many things you can add on to Pet Sitting. I've added complementary paw balm in hope for future business
@DougtheDogGuy
3 жыл бұрын
I run across things that owners need to be educated about but fear that I will offend them all the time. I try to find a nonchalant way to work it into the conversation without directly saying "your dog needs a bath"
@JenXGirl
3 жыл бұрын
@@DougtheDogGuy I got so angry when a dog came into a veterinary office I worked at. The dog was so neglected. I just said,” your dog needs a bath”. She just laughed. That made me realize that she just didn’t care. And that was the least of the poor dog’s problems. The feet looked like balloons from failure to treat the dog’s allergy condition.
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