How Much Does Pet Sitting Cost in Lancaster PA? (2026 Guide)

If you're looking for pet sitting in Lancaster PA, one of the first questions is: how much will it cost? Pet sitting rates vary based on visit length, services included, and whether you use an app-based platform or a local professional. Here's a straightforward breakdown of pet sitting costs in Lancaster County for 2026.

Pet Sitting Rates in Lancaster County PA (2026)

Here's what you can expect to pay for professional pet sitting services in the Lancaster area:

Standard Drop-In Visits

A standard pet sitting visit in Lancaster County typically lasts 20-30 minutes and includes feeding, fresh water, medication administration, a potty break or litter box cleaning, and some playtime. Rates range from $20 to $45 per visit depending on the provider.

At Big Mike's Pet Sitting, our standard 25-minute visit is $30. This covers all the essentials your pet needs during a single visit.

Extended Visits

For pets that need more time, whether it's a longer walk, extra playtime, or just companionship, extended visits are available:

• 1-hour visit: $45
• 2-hour visit: $80
• 3-hour visit: $120
• 5-hour visit: $180

Overnight Pet Sitting

Overnight pet sitting (7 PM to 7 AM) costs $90 at Big Mike's. This includes evening care, overnight supervision, and morning feeding and walks. Your pet sleeps in their own home with a trusted sitter present.

How Local Rates Compare to Rover and Care.com

App-based platforms like Rover and Care.com list sitters at various price points, but there are hidden costs to consider:

Rover Pricing in Lancaster PA

• Drop-in visits: $25-45 (listed rate)
• Rover charges pet owners a service fee of 5-7% on top of sitter rates
• Sitters pay Rover 20% of their earnings, which often means less experienced sitters to keep prices competitive

Care.com Pricing in Lancaster PA

• Drop-in visits: $20-40 (listed rate)
• Care.com requires a monthly membership fee ($39.99/month) to contact sitters
• Rates listed may not include all services

Why Local Sitters Can Be a Better Value

When you hire a local professional pet sitter directly:

• No platform fees added to your cost
• Direct communication, no middleman
• Consistent sitter (the same person every time)
• Local knowledge of emergency vet locations and pet resources
• Established business with insurance and accountability

What's Included in the Price?

Not all pet sitting services include the same things. When comparing prices, ask what's covered. At Big Mike's, every visit includes:

• Fresh food and water
• Medication administration (no extra charge)
• Potty breaks or litter box cleaning
• Playtime and affection
• Home security check (lights, mail, etc.)
• Photo updates sent to you

Some services charge extra for medication administration, multiple pets, or weekends. We don't, the price is the price for your whole household.

Additional Fees to Know About

• Holiday surcharge: $20 per visit on major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, etc.)
• Last-minute booking: $15 convenience fee for bookings with less than 24 hours notice
• No travel fees: All towns within our 30-mile service area are included at no extra cost
• No multi-pet fees: Same price for all pets in one household

How to Save on Pet Sitting in Lancaster

• Book in advance: Avoid last-minute fees by scheduling ahead
• Use our referral program: Refer a friend and you both save $25
• Choose multi-hour packages: Hourly rates decrease with longer bookings
• Plan around holidays: Book non-holiday dates when possible

Is Pet Sitting Worth the Cost?

Compared to boarding kennels in Lancaster County (which typically charge $35-65 per night), in-home pet sitting offers significant advantages: your pet stays in their familiar environment, gets one-on-one attention, and avoids exposure to kennel stress and illnesses. For most pets, the comfort of staying home is well worth the investment. Read our full comparison of pet sitting vs. boarding for more details.

Ready for a free quote? Contact Big Mike's Pet Sitting at (223) 221-1872. We serve Lancaster, Lititz, Hershey, Mount Joy, and all of Lancaster County. Check our full pricing page for complete rate details.