I need some help... I am planning on going out of town. A cousin's girlfriend does pet sitting on the side. She is planning to take care of my dog, look after my saltwater aquarium, get our mail, etc. for 5 days. The problem is I have noo idea what to pay her. I have never gotten a pet sitter before. I asked her how much money she wanted, and her reply was "I don't know... whatever you think is fair". I have no idea! Is there some sort of going rate for this? If anyone out there has any experience w/ this how much did it cost you? I don't want to pay too much, but at the same time I would hate to offend her.

TIA!

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1991 300E 3.0 - Stock 134k (My "new" baby)
2003 Jeep Liberty

The going rate around here is $25-$35 a day and all of the food they can eat, letting them buy a couple pay per views is a good incentive.

I dunno. How about calling around and asking what the local rates are based on the pet sitters in the phone book?

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01 Ford Excursion Powerstroke
99 E300 Turbodiesel
91 Vette with 383 motor
05 Polaris Sportsman 800 EFI
06 Polaris Sportsman 500 EFI
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Red
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04 Tailgator 21 ft Toy Hauler
11 Harley Davidson 883 SuperLow

I know a girl that pet sits while in grad school. I don't know what she charges but I think you're in the ballpark. She doesn't live anywhewre, gets her mail at her parents house, and housesits while she pet sits. She's busy enought to almost always be staying at someone elses house while they are out of town. Interesting lifestyle. Not for me but hey, go for it.