Pet sitter: average rates and how the profession works in Italy

Hiring a professional pet sitter means ensuring your dog receives attentive care, regular walks and companionship even when you are at work or travelling. But what does this service actually cost? Pet sitter rates in Italy vary considerably depending on the city, the length of the appointment and the type of service requested. On average, a 30-minute walk ranges between €12 and €18, while longer home visits or overnight stays can exceed €40–50 per day. Understanding the cost structure and how the profession works helps you make an informed choice and protect the wellbeing of your four-legged friend.

What a pet sitter actually does and what services they offer

A pet sitter is a professional who looks after pets in the owner's absence, maintaining daily routines, providing personalised attention and ensuring safety. It is not simply a matter of feeding: the service includes walks, administering medication, play, basic grooming and health monitoring.

Walks and daily outings

Walks are the most requested service, especially for young or medium-to-large dogs that need regular exercise. The standard duration is 30–60 minutes, but this can extend to 90 minutes for particularly active breeds such as Border Collies or Labradors. During the outing, the pet sitter manages the lead, monitors interactions with other dogs and cleans up after the animal. According to FEDIAF guidelines, an adult dog should walk for at least 30–60 minutes a day, spread across multiple outings.

Home visits and medication administration

Home visits generally last 30–45 minutes and include feeding, changing the water, cleaning bowls, interactive play and cuddles. For elderly dogs or those with chronic conditions, the pet sitter can administer oral medication, eye drops or insulin, following the vet's instructions. This service is particularly useful for owners who work long hours or travel frequently.

Overnight stays and extended care

An overnight stay involves the pet sitter sleeping at your home or hosting the dog at their own. It includes all daily care (meals, walks, play) and ensures a constant presence, reducing stress and separation anxiety. This option is ideal for dogs that struggle with loneliness or that require overnight supervision for health reasons.

Additional services: grooming, transport, training

Some pet sitters offer complementary services such as:

• Basic grooming: brushing, ear cleaning, nail trimming (€15–25 per session)
• Vet transport: accompanying the dog to appointments or check-ups (€20–35 + any hourly rate)
• Basic training: reinforcing simple commands during walks, following positive reinforcement principles
• Socialisation: group outings for puppies or timid dogs

Pet sitter rates: what the service costs on average in Italy

Pet sitter rates vary significantly depending on several factors: geographic area, the professional's experience, duration and frequency of the service, and the number of animals. Here is a realistic overview of average costs in 2025.

Rates for walks and short outings

Walks represent the most basic and affordable service:

• 30 minutes: €12–18 (mid-sized cities), €15–22 (Milan, Rome, Turin)
• 60 minutes: €18–28 (mid-sized cities), €22–35 (major cities)
• 90 minutes: €25–40, reserved for high-energy breeds

Weekly or monthly packages offer discounts of 10–20%. For example, 10 thirty-minute walks may cost €120–150 instead of €140–180.

Costs for home visits and feeding

Home visits are priced slightly higher due to travel:

• Single visit (30–45 minutes): €15–25
• Two visits per day: €25–40 per day
• Three visits per day: €35–55 per day

If you have more than one animal, the surcharge is generally €3–5 for each additional dog.

Rates for overnight stays and 24-hour care

Overnight stays are the most expensive service but offer the greatest peace of mind:

• Overnight at the owner's home: €40–70 per night (includes 2–3 walks)
• Care at the pet sitter's home: €30–55 per night
• Extended care (7+ days): discounts of 15–25%

During public holidays (Christmas, Easter, August bank holiday) rates can increase by 20–30% due to high demand.

Price differences between cities and rural areas

Location has a considerable impact on costs:

How the profession works: VAT registration, requirements and regulations

Working as a pet sitter in Italy requires certain administrative and tax formalities, particularly if the activity is ongoing rather than occasional.

VAT number and ATECO code for pet sitters

To work as a pet sitter on a regular basis, you need to register for a VAT number with ATECO code 96.09.05 (pet care services, excluding veterinary services). You can choose between:

• Flat-rate scheme (regime forfettario): reduced taxation at 5% (first 5 years) or 15%, annual turnover limit of €85,000, ideal for those just starting out
• Standard accounting scheme: for higher turnover or those wishing to deduct significant expenses

Registration with the INPS separate management scheme (gestione separata) requires social security contributions of 26.23% on taxable income.

Training, certifications and insurance

There is no mandatory professional register, but training is strongly recommended to ensure competence and safety:

• Pet sitting courses: €80–300, lasting 20–40 hours, covering ethology, first aid and behavioural management
• Private certifications: issued by bodies such as ENCI, Cinofilia Italiana and Pet Sitters International
• Professional liability insurance: compulsory, covering damage to third parties or animals in care, costing €150–400 per year, minimum coverage of €500,000

Some regions (e.g. Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna) require specific courses for professional canine operators.

Contracts and agreements with owners

A written contract protects both parties and should include:

1. Personal details of the owner and pet sitter
2. A detailed description of the dog (breed, age, weight, microchip number)
3. Services required, timetable, duration and rates
4. Payment method (bank transfer, cash, app)
5. Health information: vaccinations, allergies, ongoing treatments
6. Emergency contacts: trusted vet, owner's phone numbers
7. Clauses covering liability, damage and early termination

Many professionals use standardised templates available online or provided by intermediary apps.

Tax obligations and invoicing

Every service must be invoiced within 12 days of payment. The invoice must state:

• Description of the service (e.g. "Dog walk, 60 minutes")
• Amount, VAT (if applicable) and withholding tax (if required by the client)
• Payment method and date

The flat-rate scheme exempts from VAT and simplifies bookkeeping, making it ideal for small operators.

Apps and platforms for finding a pet sitter: how they work

Intermediary apps have transformed the sector, making it far easier to connect supply with demand. They offer guarantees, verified reviews and traceable payments, but charge commissions on services.

Leading Italian and international platforms

Here are the most widely used apps in Italy:

• Rover: global market leader, 20% commission charged to the pet sitter, insurance included, detailed reviews
• PetMe: Italian platform, 15–18% commission, focus on personalised services
• Dogbuddy (acquired by Rover): established European platform
• Pawshake: 19% commission, active in 20 countries, insurance cover up to €1 million
• Holidog: French platform, widely used in Italy, 15% commission

Commissions, guarantees and review systems

Platforms retain a variable commission (15–20%) on the final price paid by the client. In return they offer:

• Automatic insurance: covering damage, urgent vet costs and civil liability
• Review system: five-star ratings, verified comments and reliability badges
• Secure payments: tracked transactions and refunds in the event of problems
• Customer support: phone or chat assistance 7 days a week

Pet sitters with at least 10 positive reviews and a fast response time (within 2 hours) gain greater visibility.

Advantages and disadvantages for pet sitters and owners

Advantages for owners:

• Wide choice of verified profiles
• Transparency on rates, availability and experience
• Insurance and legal protections
• Digital booking and payment

Disadvantages for owners:

• Slightly higher rates compared with direct contact
• Less flexibility on personalised timetables and arrangements

Advantages for pet sitters:

• Immediate visibility with no marketing investment
• Automated management of bookings and payments
• Insurance included

Disadvantages for pet sitters:

• High commissions (reducing net earnings by 15–20%)
• Dependence on the platform for reputation and clients
• Strict rules on cancellations and availability

How to choose the right pet sitter for your dog

Entrusting your dog to a stranger requires trust and careful evaluation. Here are the key criteria for making an informed choice.

Experience, references and verified reviews

Always check:

• Years of experience: favour professionals who have been active for at least 1–2 years
• Number of dogs cared for: having looked after at least 20–30 dogs increases reliability
• Detailed reviews: read comments on punctuality, handling of emergencies and rapport with the animal
• Direct references: ask for contacts of previous clients (respecting privacy)

Be wary of profiles with no reviews or ratings below 4 out of 5 stars.

The initial meet-and-greet: what to look for

The preliminary meeting (often free of charge) is crucial for assessing compatibility and professionalism:

1. Interaction with the dog: observe whether the pet sitter approaches calmly, uses a reassuring tone of voice and respects the animal's pace
2. Questions asked: a serious professional will ask about diet, routine, fears, known commands and behavioural issues
3. Lead handling: during a short trial walk, check for control, attentiveness and safety awareness
4. The dog's reaction: if your dog shows signs of stress (tail low, ears back, avoidance behaviour), consider other options

Questions to ask before signing the contract

Put these key questions to the pet sitter:

• Do you have a registered VAT number and active professional liability insurance?
• How many dogs do you walk at the same time?
• How do you handle veterinary or behavioural emergencies?
• Do you have experience with my dog's breed or with specific issues (e.g. separation anxiety, reactivity)?
• Do you provide updates during the service (photos, messages)?
• What are your cancellation and refund policies?

Warning signs and red flags to avoid

Avoid pet sitters who:

• Refuse to show documentation (VAT registration, insurance)
• Have no verifiable references or online reviews
• Handle too many dogs at once (more than 4–5) without assistance
• Display punitive attitudes or use coercive methods
• Request cash-only payments without issuing an invoice
• Ask no questions about the dog or show a lack of interest

Frequently asked questions

How much does a pet sitter cost for a week's holiday?

For a full week of care (7 days, overnight stay included) costs range between €280 and €490 depending on the city and type of service. Overnight stays at the owner's home average €40–70 per night, coming to €280–490 for the week. Care at the pet sitter's home is slightly more affordable: €30–55 per night, roughly €210–385 per week. Many professionals offer discounts of 10–15% for periods longer than 7 days. Bear in mind that prices increase by 20–30% during public holidays.

Does a pet sitter necessarily need to be VAT registered?

If the activity is ongoing and organised (rather than occasional), VAT registration is required by law. Sporadic services (below €5,000 per year) can be declared as occasional work with a 20% withholding tax, but without social security protection. Choosing a VAT-registered pet sitter guarantees professionalism, proper invoicing and, above all, mandatory insurance cover. Avoid professionals working off the books: in the event of an accident or damage, you will have no legal protection or right to compensation.

Can I leave my dog with an uninsured pet sitter?

We strongly advise against this. Professional liability insurance covers damage to third parties (e.g. bites, escapes, accidents) and urgent vet costs incurred during the service. Without cover, any costs would fall entirely on you or the pet sitter, potentially leading to legal disputes. Always verify that the professional holds an active policy with a minimum coverage of €500,000 and ask for a copy of the certificate. Platforms such as Rover or Pawshake automatically include insurance of up to €1 million, offering greater peace of mind.

How do pet sitting apps work and what do they cost?

Apps such as Rover, PetMe or Pawshake connect owners and pet sitters through verified profiles, reviews and digital booking systems. The owner searches by area, service type and availability, reads the reviews and books directly through the app. Payment is made online (card, PayPal) and the platform retains a commission of 15–20% charged to the pet sitter. In return, it provides automatic insurance, customer support and a refund guarantee in the event of problems. For the owner, using the app is free; final rates are slightly higher than those negotiated through direct contact, but come with greater protections and transparency.

Choosing a competent and reliable pet sitter means investing in your dog's happiness and your own peace of mind. Take the time to carefully evaluate experience, rates and guarantees, and never hesitate to ask all the questions you need before signing a contract. If you would like to explore other aspects of daily care, read our guide on positive dog training or find out how to make the most of the first 30 days with a puppy. Professionalism and transparency are the foundations of a lasting and happy relationship between you, your four-legged friend and the person who looks after them.