Pet sitter - how much to pay?

[jenmjm]

We booked a last-minute cruise for next weekend, and we need someone to watch the dog and the cat. Usually my co-worker stays at our house, and we bring her back something as a thank you. I'd like to arrange for our neighbors 17 yr old son to stay at our house as a test-run for future vacations so I don't have to depend on my coworker. The family has 3 large dogs that he helps care for every day, and he's one of the most polite boys I have ever met (and that's saying a lot since I work in education). I have no doubt that he'd be just fine since his parents are next door and our other friends will be around.

What I'm wondering, though, is what would be a fair price to pay per day? Seeing as he lives right next door and doesn't necessarily have to spend the night or go out of his way, what do you think? $15? $20?

Whatever we choose for this weekend will set the precedent should he agree to be our sitter for future (and much longer) vacations. Thanks!

[secondhandscottie]

I pay a friend $10 per visit. But we only use her when we're going to be gone more than 12 hours, but not overnight.

She lets him out and spends about a half hour playing with him, feeds him if it is a meal time as well.

If he will be letting the dog out two to three times per day, I'd say $20 per day would be fair.

For a reference it costs about $40 to kennel B from 8 a.m. one day to 7 p.m. the next. So about $20 per day, with an overnight stay.

[msmerymac]

Ours is $19 per visit, and comes twice a day. We only have cats, but I think the price is the same, regardless of the type or number of pets. Boarding would probably be 2.5 times more expensive, at least, because 1 cat is on medication and they would charge for giving each pill, I believe.

But it's possible I just live in a high cost of living area.

Will he have to walk the dog or just let him outside a few times a day?

[jenmjm]

He'd walk her a couple times per day, feed her, and let her out a couple times. He doesn't need to spend the night since he lives across the street.