New York · Pay guide · October 2026
Pet sitting jobs in New York: how much can you earn?
New York is expensive for everyone, including dog and cat owners — and that is exactly why a reliable sitter is worth paying for. Owners who work long hours or travel need someone they trust to walk the dog, feed the cat or stay over. Here is what pet sitting really pays in the city, what you keep, and what makes the difference between a few bookings and a steady side income.
The usual rates in New York
| Service | Usual price |
|---|---|
| Dog walk (about 30 min) | $20 – $35 |
| Day sitting or drop-in visits | $40 – $70 per day |
| Overnight or multi-day stay | Your own day and week rates |
These are the ranges shown to New York owners on our New York sitter page. On HoPetSit you write your own prices in your profile — nobody sets them for you.
What changes the price
- Time. A 60-minute walk or a long visit is worth more than a quick 30-minute loop.
- Number of pets. Two dogs, or a dog plus cats, means more work; many sitters add a rate per extra pet.
- Special care. Puppies, senior dogs, medication or a dog that pulls hard justify a higher price.
- Dates. Holiday weekends, Thanksgiving and the end of December are when owners travel most and sitters are hardest to find.
- Overnights. Staying at the owner's home means giving up your evening and night — price it as a full day, not as a visit.
What you actually keep: an example week
This is simple arithmetic, not a promise — what you earn depends entirely on the bookings you accept. Say you charge $25 per walk and walk one dog twice each weekday: that is 10 walks, or $250 paid by the owner. HoPetSit keeps its 20% commission, so $200 is paid out to you, 24 hours after each service. Add one weekend of day sitting at $50 a day and the owner pays $100, of which you receive $80.
Signing up costs nothing, and the commission rule is the same for everyone, as set out in our terms. Remember to put some money aside: pet sitting income is generally taxable, so keep records and check the IRS and New York State rules for your situation. If you do it regularly, liability insurance for pet care is worth looking into.
How New York sitters build regular income
The sitters who do well are rarely the cheapest. They are the ones owners book again. A regular client who needs a walk every weekday, or a sitter every time they fly home for the holidays, is worth far more than ten one-off requests. Three habits make that happen:
- Stay local. Cover the blocks you can reach on foot. Dogs only ride the subway in a carrier, and owners prefer someone close by who can step in at short notice.
- Send updates. A photo and two lines after each visit is what owners remember. On HoPetSit the walk is also shown live on the map.
- Collect reviews early. Short walks and cat visits are an easy way to get your first reviews before taking on week-long stays.
Is there demand right now?
Yes. In October 2026, an owner in Queens has an open pet sitting request on HoPetSit, and only a handful of sitters live close enough to answer it. HoPetSit is new in New York, so there is little competition between sitters: the people who join now are the first ones owners see in their neighborhood. If you mostly want to walk dogs, start with our guide Dog walker jobs in NYC: how to become a dog walker in New York. To see things from the owner's side, read pet sitting in New York for owners.
Frequently asked questions
How much do pet sitters charge in New York?
On HoPetSit, New York sitters usually charge $40 to $70 per day of sitting or visits and $20 to $35 per walk. You set your own prices, including for overnight stays.
What does HoPetSit take from my earnings?
Joining is free. On bookings paid through the app, HoPetSit keeps a 20% platform commission and pays out the remaining 80% 24 hours after the service ends.
Do I have to pay taxes on pet sitting income?
Pet sitting income is generally taxable. Keep a record of what you earn and check the IRS and New York State rules, or ask a tax professional about your situation.
Is pet sitting in New York a full-time job?
For most people it starts as a side activity around school, remote work or retirement. Whether it grows depends on how many regular clients you build in your neighborhood.
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