Finding the right pet sitter isn’t just about comparing prices; it’s about finding dependable care that gives you peace of mind while you’re away. Whether you need someone to walk your dog during the workday, check in on your cat while you’re traveling, or stay overnight with your pet, understanding the cost of each service helps you choose the best option for your pet’s needs.
At Lisa’s Pet Sitting, pricing is straightforward and based on the type of service and the length of each visit. Below is a complete breakdown of the current pet sitting services available in Chelmsford, MA, what’s included in each one, what can change the price, and how to budget for your trip.
Pet Sitting Prices at a Glance
| Service | Visit length | Starting price |
|---|---|---|
| Dog walking | 20, 30 or 40 minutes | $20 |
| Cat sitting & care | 20, 30 or 40 minutes | $20 |
| Critter sitting (small pets) | 20, 30 or 40 minutes | $15 |
| In-home pet sitting visit | 20, 30 or 40 minutes | $20 |
| Overnight pet sitting | 12 hours | $100 |
| In-home boarding | Per stay, quoted by dates | $100 |
Dog Walking – Starting at $20
Regular walks keep dogs physically active, mentally stimulated, and on a consistent routine. A 20, 30, or 40-minute dog walk starts at $20 and includes:
- Fresh water refill
- Potty breaks
- Exercise and enrichment
- A walk report with updates after the visit
Most clients with a young or high-energy dog book the 40-minute slot; older dogs, or dogs who mainly need a bathroom break, usually do fine with 20 minutes.
Cat Sitting & Care – Starting at $20
Many cats are happiest staying in their own home while their owners travel. A 20, 30, or 40-minute cat sitting visit starts at $20 and includes:
- Feeding and fresh water
- Litter box cleaning
- Playtime and companionship
- Oral or topical medication administration if needed
- Daily updates and photos
For a cat-only breakdown, including what a full week of cat sitting costs, see cat sitting cost in Chelmsford, MA.
Critter Sitting – Starting at $15
Small pets need reliable care too. A 20, 30, or 40-minute critter sitting visit starts at $15 and is available for rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, reptiles, fish, and other small pets. Each visit includes feeding and fresh water, habitat cleaning and maintenance, enrichment and social interaction, and care tailored to your pet’s needs. Reptile and fish visits are usually quicker (checking temperatures, feeding on schedule), while rabbits and guinea pigs often want more hands-on time.
In-Home Pet Sitting Visits – Starting at $20
If your pet is most comfortable at home, scheduled drop-in visits cover everything they need while you’re away. A 20, 30, or 40-minute in-home pet sitting visit starts at $20 and includes:
- Personalized in-home care and feeding
- Medication administration when required
- Playtime and companionship
- Mail and package retrieval
- Plant watering
- Basic home security checks so the house looks lived-in
Overnight Pet Sitting – Starting at $100
Some pets are happiest when someone stays with them overnight, especially older pets, anxious pets, or pets used to company in the evening. A 12-hour overnight stay starts at $100 and includes:
- Overnight stay in your home
- Evening and morning care, feeding, walks and potty breaks
- Medication administration if needed
- Mail and package retrieval, plant watering and trash removal
- Added home security while you’re away
Overnight care is the option most dogs with separation anxiety do best with, because there’s no gap in their routine at all.
In-Home Boarding – Starting at $100
If boarding is a better fit, Lisa also offers in-home boarding in her own home, with safe, supervised care, personalized attention, daily exercise and enrichment, medication administration if needed, and regular updates and photos. Only one dog family is boarded at a time, so every pet gets focused attention in a quieter home. Boarding is quoted on your dates and your dog’s needs, so ask for an exact boarding quote when you share your travel plans.
What Can Change the Price
A few things move the number up from the base rate. They’re always discussed before you book, never added as a surprise on your invoice.
- Number of pets. A second cat or dog in the same household usually adds a modest per-pet fee, since there are more animals to feed, monitor and clean up after in the same visit window.
- Medication or special medical needs. Basic oral or topical medication is included in the standard price. More involved care, such as injections, wound care or mobility help for a senior pet, may adjust the rate depending on what’s needed.
- Length of the trip. Longer trips (a week or more) sometimes qualify for an adjusted daily rate, especially for overnight stays or boarding.
- Holidays. Holiday dates such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s and the Fourth of July carry a small premium. Booking holiday care early helps you lock in a spot before the calendar fills up.
- Same-day or last-minute requests. Lisa always tries to make it work, but last-minute care can’t always be guaranteed at standard rates, since existing clients’ bookings come first.
Why the Price Covers More Than “Showing Up”
New clients sometimes ask why a 20-minute visit costs what it does. The visit itself is the smallest part of what you’re paying for. You’re paying for insurance, so if anything unexpected happens in your home, you’re covered. You’re paying for a sitter who is Pet First Aid and CPR certified, so there’s a plan if your dog gets into something or your cat has a bad reaction. You’re paying for a real meet-and-greet before Lisa ever takes your key, and for photo and text updates after every visit.
Lisa has worked in the pet industry for over 20 years and has provided dog walking and pet sitting full-time for about three. That experience shows in small ways, like recognizing that a cat with ears pinned slightly back and a low crouch by the food bowl is usually stressed, not just picky, and adjusting the visit instead of rushing through it.
How to Budget for Your Trip
Here’s a simple way to estimate before you ask for a quote:
| Trip | Care plan | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend (2 days), one dog | Two visits a day at $20 | About $80 |
| One week, one cat | One visit a day at $20 | About $140 |
| Long weekend (3 nights) | Overnight care at $100/night | About $300 |
These are starting points, not quotes. The exact number depends on your pet’s needs, so the quickest way to a real figure is to share your pet’s routine along with your travel dates, the type and number of pets, the service you want, and any medications or special care.
Choosing the Right Service
A dog who simply needs a midday break may only need regular dog walks. A cat may do well with daily drop-in care at home. Senior pets, anxious pets, or pets with medical needs are often better suited to longer visits or overnight care. If you’re unsure, Lisa will talk through your pet’s routine at the meet-and-greet and recommend a schedule that fits your pet, not a default package.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a pet sitter cost in Chelmsford, MA?
With Lisa’s Pet Sitting, dog walking, cat sitting and in-home pet sitting visits start at $20, critter sitting starts at $15, overnight pet sitting starts at $100 for 12 hours, and in-home boarding starts at $100. Contact Lisa for an exact quote for your dates.
Is pet sitting cheaper than boarding at a kennel?
It depends on the kennel, but in-home visits and overnight sitting are often comparable in price, with the added benefit that your pet stays in their own environment. For a full comparison, see in-home pet sitting vs. boarding kennels.
Is medication included?
Basic oral or topical medication is included in the standard visit price. More involved care, such as injections or wound care, may adjust the rate and is discussed before booking.
Are there any hidden fees?
No. The only variables are extra pets, more involved medical care, holiday dates and last-minute requests, and all of them are agreed upfront before you book.
Do I need to tip a pet sitter?
Tipping isn’t required or expected, but it’s always appreciated, especially around the holidays or after an extended stay.
Do pets need to be vaccinated?
Yes. Vaccinations don’t affect the price, but all pets must be up to date before service begins, for their own safety and the safety of other animals in Lisa’s care.
Get an Exact Quote
If you’re planning time away and would like an exact quote for your pet’s care, book a free meet & greet with Lisa or call 978-758-2750 to discuss your dates and your pet’s needs.
Need someone you can trust with your pet?
Talk with Lisa about dog walking, cat visits, overnight sitting and boarding in Chelmsford, MA.
