[2025 Complete Comparison] Pet Sitter vs. Pet Hotel: How Much Is the Price Difference? In-Home Care & Boarding Fees at a Glance

How much more does a pet hotel cost than a pet sitter? A price comparison

Looking for somewhere for your pet to stay over the holidays and shocked by the prices? During Lunar New Year, for example, a pet hotel can easily cost $1,200–$2,000 per night — and that often doesn’t include overnight supervision or walk add-ons. By comparison, a pet sitter typically costs just 1/4 to 1/2 of what a pet hotel charges, while offering one-on-one care and none of the stress of cages or exposure to other animals.

Pet sitters have become an increasingly popular choice for pet owners who need someone to look after their furry friends while they’re away. Whether it’s feeding the cat, taking the dog for a walk, or keeping your pet company — a pet sitter can handle it all. You can even book an in-home groomer to come to your house for a bath and trim! So what exactly does a pet sitter do, and how is pricing calculated? Let’s break it all down.

In-home pet care by a pet sitter

When you’re away, a pet sitter can come to your home to look after your pet — ideal for cats that dislike going out, kittens, puppies, or pets with mobility issues. The sitter will handle feeding, playtime, cleaning up, and litter box maintenance, and can also accommodate special requests like administering medication or subcutaneous fluids. Throughout every visit, your sitter will send you photo updates so you always know your pet is doing well.

Further reading: How long can a cat be left home alone? What to do when you go out — 3 essential tips every cat owner should know!

Which pets are a good fit for an in-home pet sitter:

Cats:

Dogs:

In-home pet care pricing guide:

In-home pet sitter fee	Duration	Price
1–3 pets	30 min	$300–650
More than 3 pets	60 min	$600–1,300

Pet boarding

With pet boarding, your pet stays at the sitter’s own home — a cozy, cage-free alternative to a traditional pet hotel. Your pet gets to move around freely in a real home environment, which helps them feel relaxed and at ease. The sitter will take dogs out for regular walks and tailor care to your specific needs. Special requests — like a particular feeding schedule, sleeping arrangements, or medication — are all welcome; just chat with your sitter beforehand. You’re also welcome to arrange a free meet-and-greet visit to see the space and get to know the sitter. Some sitters have pets of their own, some don’t — you can choose based on what suits your pet best. Care is typically one-on-one.

Pet boarding pricing guide:

Pet boarding fee	Price (per 12 hrs)
Cats & toy dogs (<=5kg)	$300–600
Small dogs (>5kg–<=10kg)	$350–650
Medium-sized dogs (>10kg–<=20kg)	$400–700
Large dogs (>20kg–<=40kg)	$550–850
Extra-large dogs (>40kg)	$700–1,000

Fluv home boarding feature: https://youtu.be/AwOcueQcckY

In-home bathing & grooming

You can also book a sitter to come directly to your home to bathe your pet — perfect for multi-pet households who want to skip the chaos of trips to the groomer. A standard bath service includes nail trimming, anal gland expression, a full wash, and blow-drying. The Fluv platform has plenty of professionally certified groomers who can get your pet looking their best without you ever leaving home.

In-home bathing tutorial: [Fluv sitter training — in-home bathing]

In-home grooming price guide:

In-home bathing fee	Price
Cats	$750–950
Toy & small dogs (<=10kg)	$400–600
Medium-sized dogs (<10kg–<=20kg)	$760–950
Large dogs (<20kg–<=40kg)	$1,300–1,500
Extra-large dogs (<20kg)	$1,900–2,100

In-home grooming fee	Price
Cats	$1,350–1,750
Toy & small dogs (<=10kg)	$700–1,100
Medium-sized dogs (<10kg–<=20kg)	$1,350–1,750
Large dogs (<20kg–<=40kg)	$2,100–2,500
Extra-large dogs (<20kg)	$3,300–3,700

Dog walking service

Too busy to take your dog out for a walk? Let a pet sitter do it for you! For under $200 a session, your dog gets the outdoor time they need. If you live far from a park, some sitters even offer a pick-up and drop-off service.

Dog walking fee	Duration	Price
All breeds & sizes	30 min	$200–400

Fluv dog walking service feature: https://youtu.be/AwOcueQcckY

 

Pet sitter FAQ

1. How does the sitter get into my home when I’m not there?

During an initial meet-and-greet visit, the sitter can come to your home to meet your pet for the first time and get familiar with the environment — where the food bowls, litter box, and cleaning supplies are kept — and learn more about your pet’s personality. If you have concerns, you can also rent a security camera and a key lockbox through the platform.

During the meet-and-greet, you and your sitter can decide together how to hand over the key — many owners do this through their building’s front desk.

2. How are pet sitters vetted? Can I trust a stranger?

All pet sitters on Fluv are animal lovers with hands-on experience caring for pets and volunteering. They go through identity verification and training before they can take on bookings. You can also check each sitter’s rating and reviews through the Fluv review system to find someone you feel confident about. Every visit is documented with photos and updates so you can keep tabs on your pet no matter where you are. Learn more about the vetting process here.

3. Who is responsible if my pet gets injured?

Every booking includes insurance coverage. If an accident occurs during care, the sitter is responsible for compensation, with an excess of NT$3,000. For any amount beyond the excess, Cathay Century Insurance provides an additional NT$15,000 in medical expense coverage.

4. My pet is shy around strangers — is a pet sitter still a good option?

If your pet is timid or takes a while to warm up, a meet-and-greet visit beforehand can make a big difference — it gives your pet a chance to meet the sitter in their own space and build trust gradually. If you’re still unsure, you and the sitter can talk it through together and decide whether it’s the right fit.

If your pet has a history of aggression, a pet sitter may not be the safest option — both for the sitter’s wellbeing and to avoid stressing your pet to the point of an incident.

5. My pet needs medication or wound care — can a pet sitter help?

For any special medical needs, you can look for sitters who have listed medical care skills in their profile. You can also discuss the details with your chosen sitter when booking and make sure all care instructions are clearly communicated.

6. How much does a pet hotel cost in 2025?

During Lunar New Year and public holidays, pet hotel prices tend to go up significantly. Small dogs and cats typically run $800–$1,500 per night, while large dogs can exceed $2,000. It’s worth booking early and checking whether the rate includes walks, cleaning, and insurance.

7. What’s included in a pet hotel fee?

Most pet hotel fees cover basic accommodation, food, and cleaning, but walks, baths, and overnight supervision are often charged as extras. Some pet hotels market themselves as cage-free, which tends to come at a higher price point.

8. How is a pet sitter’s fee calculated? Is it cheaper than a pet hotel?

In most cases, in-home pet care or boarding with a pet sitter costs more than 50% less than a pet hotel, and the service is far more flexible — care can be tailored to your pet’s personality and needs, making it a great balance of value and quality.

 

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