How much does house sitting cost in Toronto?
House sitting lets your pet stay in familiar surroundings while a sitter stays in your home and cares for them. The price depends on the sitter, your pet, and the care needed.
On Hello Marshy, Toronto sitters list rates starting at $30 per night for a cat and $45 per night for a dog. Higher-priced options are also available. These are individual sitters’ rates, not a Toronto-wide average.
For example, three nights at $45 per night would cost $135 at the base rate. Before booking, check the sitter’s full price and discuss what care your pet needs.
What affects the price?
The number and type of pets
A sitter may charge different rates for dogs, cats and other animals. Additional pets can also change the total.
Share every pet’s care needs before requesting a booking, even if one needs less attention than the others.
How much time your pet needs
An overnight stay does not automatically mean someone will be home all day.
Ask how much time the sitter will spend at home and whether work, appointments, or other plans will take them out during the day. If your pet needs frequent company or can’t be left alone, discuss that before agreeing on a price.
Care requirements
Puppies, senior pets and pets with specific routines may need extra time and attention. Explain any medication, mobility or behaviour needs so the sitter can confirm whether they can provide the care.
What does a house sitter’s nightly rate include?
House sitting should cover your pet’s everyday care while the sitter stays in your home, including:
- Feeding and fresh water
- Walks, exercise, and play
- Litter-box care, potty breaks, and pet-related cleanup
- Overnight hours
- Medication, if needed
- Photos, messages, and other updates
A sitter may be happy to help with household tasks, but discuss them in advance rather than assuming they’re included in the nightly rate. Sitters often can help with small tasks like watering the plants, or bringing in the mail.
House sitting, boarding or drop-in visits?
The right choice depends on where you want your pet to stay and how much company they need.
| Service | Where your pet stays | How care works |
|---|---|---|
| House sitting | Your home | A sitter stays overnight, with daytime arrangements agreed in advance. |
| Pet boarding | The sitter’s home | Your pet stays in the sitter’s household. |
| Drop-in visits | Your home | A sitter visits at agreed times rather than staying overnight. |
If your pet does best in familiar surroundings, house sitting offers overnight care at home, while drop-in visits work when they only need care at set times. Boarding may be a better fit if your pet enjoys being around people in a sitter’s home and you’d rather not have someone stay in yours.
What should you ask before booking?
A meet and greet is your chance to introduce your pet, explain their routine, and make sure the sitter is a good fit. Use it to:
- Ask whether they’ve cared for pets with similar needs.
- Confirm when they’ll be home and how long your pet may be alone.
- Tell them how often you’d like photos and updates.
- Share your emergency contact and vet details, and discuss what to do if something goes wrong.
If you live in a condo, explain entry instructions, elevator access and any building rules.
Find a house sitter in Toronto
On Hello Marshy, you can browse profiles, compare house-sitting rates and message sitters before booking. Hello Marshy charges pet parents no mandatory booking or payment-processing fees. Optional Marshy Cares protection is available separately; review your full total before confirming.
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