Planning a trip and want a rough number before you call anyone? This calculator uses my current starting prices in Chelmsford, MA to estimate what dog walks, cat visits, drop-ins, small pet visits, overnights or boarding would cost for your dates.
It gives a starting estimate for one pet, not a quote. Extra pets and holiday dates are flagged rather than guessed, because I price those after the meet & greet.
Pet sitting cost calculator (starting prices, one pet)
How the calculator works
- Visits (dog walks, cat sitting, drop-ins and small pet visits) are priced per visit, so the estimate is visits per day × days × the starting price.
- Overnights and boarding are priced per night, so the estimate is nights × the starting price.
- Extra pets and holidays add a note instead of a number. A second pet in the same home usually adds a modest fee, and Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s and the Fourth of July carry a small premium.
All prices were current in October 2026. See the full list on the pricing page.
Example budgets
| Trip | Care plan | Starting estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend away, one cat | 2 visits a day for 2 days | About $80 |
| One week, one cat | 1 visit a day for 7 days | About $140 |
| One week, a kitten or senior cat | 2 visits a day for 7 days | About $280 |
| Long weekend, one dog | 3 overnights | About $300 |
| Work week, one dog | 5 midday walks | About $100 |
| Two weeks, guinea pigs | 1 visit a day for 14 days | About $210 |
How many visits a day does your pet need?
The number of visits affects the total more than anything else, so it’s worth getting right:
- Most healthy adult cats do well with one visit a day. Kittens, seniors and cats on medication usually need two visits about 12 hours apart. There’s more in how often a cat sitter should visit.
- Most dogs need several potty breaks a day and shouldn’t spend night after night alone, which is why many dog owners choose overnight pet sitting or in-home boarding instead of visits.
- Small pets like rabbits and guinea pigs usually need a daily visit for fresh food, water and habitat cleaning. See small pet sitting.
I’ll suggest a schedule at the free meet & greet based on your pet, not on a package.
Want an exact price?
Get in touch with your dates, your pets and your street. For more detail on specific services, read how much a dog walker costs, how much overnight dog sitting costs and cat sitting costs in Chelmsford.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate pet sitting costs?
Multiply the number of visits per day by the number of days and the price per visit. For overnights or boarding, multiply the number of nights by the nightly rate. Then add any extra-pet or holiday fees.
Is the calculator result a quote?
No. It is an estimate based on starting prices for one pet. Your exact price is agreed with Lisa before you book.
How much is overnight pet sitting per night?
With Lisa’s Pet Sitting, overnight pet sitting starts at $100 for a 12-hour stay in your home.
Do extra pets cost more?
Usually a modest per-pet fee for pets in the same home. It is quoted at the meet & greet.
About the author
I’m Lisa, the owner of Lisa’s Pet Sitting in Chelmsford, MA. I’ve worked in the pet industry for more than 20 years and have been a full-time dog walker and pet sitter for about the last three. I’m Pet First Aid and CPR certified and insured through PCI, and I care for one client’s pets at a time. Questions about your own pet? Get in touch or call 978-758-2750.
Need someone you can trust with your pet?
Talk with Lisa about dog walking, cat visits, overnight sitting and boarding in Chelmsford, MA.
