When your beloved dog or cat is home alone, an in-home pet sitter is a stress-free choice for pets that are sensitive to changes in their environment.
However, dog sitters and cat sitters actually differ quite a bit in the type of care they provide, their pricing structures, and what to watch out for.
In this article, we’ll break down the differences between the two, covering pricing, services, and how to choose a sitter you won’t regret.
Fluv’s trusted pet sitter service is your reliable partner for keeping your dog or cat comfortable and at ease in their own home.
🐾 Key differences between dog sitters and cat sitters
Even within the same category of in-home pet sitter, the services offered vary significantly depending on the nature of dogs versus cats.
1. Differences in what’s included
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Dog sitter: The main focus is walks. Dogs need outdoor exercise and bathroom breaks, so walks are essential. Since most dogs love human interaction, playtime and bonding are also an important part of the visit.
Main care activities
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Dog walking service: Walking your dog’s usual route with safety in mind.
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Feeding and fresh water: Meals prepared at the right time and in the right amounts.
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Toilet cleaning: Replacing indoor pads and cleaning up waste.
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Play and bonding: Activities like fetch to relieve boredom and reduce stress.
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Cat sitter: The main focus is indoor care. Cats don’t need walks and dislike sudden changes to their environment, so the sitter’s goal is to keep things as close to normal as possible. Litter box cleaning (including checking for scattered litter) and play at the cat’s own pace are the core activities.
Main care activities
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Litter box cleaning: Tidying scattered litter and checking the condition of waste for health monitoring.
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Feeding and fresh water: Providing fresh water and keeping food bowls clean.
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Indoor play: Appropriate stimulation using wand toys and other favourites tailored to your cat.
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Health check: Observing appetite, eye discharge, and coat condition.
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2. Visit length and frequency guide
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Dog sitter: Visits typically last 45 to 60 minutes. Because walks are included, sessions tend to be longer than cat sitter visits.
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Cat sitter: Visits typically last 30 to 45 minutes. For shy cats, a long visit can actually be stressful, so the duration is adjusted based on how the cat is feeling.
3. Pricing trends
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Dog sitter: ¥3,000–¥5,000 per visit. Pricing generally varies depending on the dog’s size (small, medium, or large).
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Cat sitter: ¥2,700–¥3,500 per visit. Size doesn’t affect the price much, but additional fees apply for multi-pet households.
🐾 Pricing structure and additional fees for dog and cat sitters
Pricing is generally structured either as an hourly rate or a flat fee per visit.
| Item | Price guide |
| Base rate | Around ¥3,000–¥5,000 per visit. Includes feeding, water, litter/toilet, and play. |
| Travel fee | Actual cost from the sitter’s home to your address. |
| Multi-pet additional fee | Approximately 50–80% of the base rate added from the second pet onward. |
| Surcharge | Applies for early morning, late night, New Year holidays, Obon, and other busy periods. |
| Medication and care fee | Special handling fee for administering medication or assisting senior pets. |
Fluv has sitters who specialise in both dogs and cats, and provides a clear quote upfront. Download the Fluv app to browse sitters, services, and pricing!
🐾 Comparing pet sitters and pet hotels on price and service
| Category | Pet sitter (in-home) | Pet hotel (boarding) |
| Environment | Your pet’s own home. Minimal stress. | An unfamiliar place. Can cause anxiety. |
| Care | One-on-one, personalised care. | Facility routine. Group setting. |
| Best suited for | Cats in general, shy dogs, senior pets. | Dogs who love going out, sociable dogs. |
| Price | ¥3,000–¥5,000 per visit | ¥3,000–¥8,000 per night |
Cats are famously attached to their home environment, so a cat sitter is generally the recommended choice. For dogs, the best option depends on your pet’s personality.
🐾 How to choose a sitter you can trust
When entrusting your beloved family member to a sitter, check these five key points.
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Animal handler registration: Are they registered as a professional under the relevant laws?
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Insurance coverage: Are they covered in case of accidents or damage to your home?
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Pre-visit consultation: Will the sitter come to your home in advance to meet your pet and check compatibility?
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Quality of updates: Do they send real-time photo reports and videos during visits?
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Compatibility: For dogs, do they have solid leash-handling skills? For cats, do they understand how to read a cat’s cues and give space?
🐾 What to look for in a dog sitter: a dog-specific perspective
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Handling skills: Can they calmly manage pulling on the lead or reactions to other dogs during walks?
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Meet and greet beforehand: For cautious dogs, confirming compatibility with the sitter in advance is essential.
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Emergency readiness: If your dog is injured or becomes unwell during a walk, can the sitter get them to your regular vet quickly?
🐾 What to look for in a cat sitter: a cat-specific perspective
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Reading your cat’s cues: For shy cats, can the sitter resist chasing them and instead offer calm, patient attention?
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Escape prevention awareness: Are they careful about doors and mindful of how quickly cats can dart out?
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Noticing small changes: Cats are prone to urinary issues, so will the sitter report details like urine output and appearance?
🐾 Fluv’s pet sitter service
Fluv is a high-quality in-home pet sitter service trusted by both dog and cat owners.
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Professional sitters: Experienced sitters handle everything from dog walks to detailed health monitoring for cats.
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Manage everything from your phone: Booking, payment, and same-day visit reports — all seamlessly handled in the app.
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Peace-of-mind insurance: Full coverage in place for unexpected incidents during service.
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Service area: Tokyo’s 23 wards, Yokohama, and Kawasaki.
Meet some of Fluv’s trusted pet sitters for dogs and cats!
- Hiromi ★5.0
Certifications: JKC Dog Management Specialist
- Suzu ★5.0
Certifications: Veterinarian
- Tsuki ★5.0 (English ok) Certifications: Companion Animal Management Specialist
National Equestrian Club Promotion Association Technical Certification Level 4 License
❓ Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I book both a dog sitter and a cat sitter at the same time?
A: Yes! Even in multi-pet households with both a dog and a cat, one sitter can take care of everyone in a single visit. We’ll take individual instructions for things like the dog’s walk and the cat’s feeding separately.
Q2: Is it okay to have a cat sitter come every other day?
A: For your cat’s health — particularly keeping water fresh and the litter box clean — we recommend at least one visit per day.
Q3: I’m worried my dog might bark a lot…
A: Our professional sitters are experienced with dogs of all temperaments. We’ll discuss your dog’s personality beforehand and provide care in a way that doesn’t push them beyond their comfort zone.
Q4: I’m concerned about key handover and security.
A: At Fluv, we arrange in-person handover and agree on a secure return method in advance. We have thorough key management protocols in place, so you can feel at ease.
🐾 How to get the most out of your pet sitter experience
Your pet can’t tell you what they need — so the care you choose on their behalf is everything.
That’s why your precious family member deserves a pet sitter you can truly trust.
🎁 We’ve prepared a special Fluv coupon just for you!Don’t miss this limited-time offer — use it today!
✨ First-time user exclusive coupon ✨
【Free pre-visit consultation (valued at ¥2,000)】 Coupon code: [#MEET_GREET]
📲 Download the app now and find the perfect pet sitter for your furry friend!
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