London is nearly a third cheaper than other major cities for pet-sitting, according to data from TrustedHousesitters.
Pet-sitting in London was estimated as averaging at £41.08 per night, 32.7% cheaper than Leeds and Birmingham who were both estimated at £61.62 per night.
Research from the pet-sitting platform, founded in 2010, goes significantly against the usual trends of expenses as in 2024 Marsh Finance estimated the capital as the priciest place to live in the UK.
Services surrounding the cost of a pet still add up, TrustedHousesitters also broke down the average costs of pet care in London and projected nearly £600 lost on two one-week holidays over the year.
A north London dog owner, who did not want to be named, said: “I never realised how expensive having a dog would be.
“My insurance went up to about £60 a month so when we got our second dog, we just had to drop the insurance and hope for the best.
“Food, a dog walker, the odd trip to the vet.. it all adds up. But they’re worth every penny for the love and enjoyment that they provide.”
Average London’s pet care costs
- Pet sitting: £41.08 per night
- Dog sitting: £46.22 per night
- Dog kennels: £61.62 per night
- Cat sitting: £35.95 per night
- Dog walking: £13.82 per walk
- Doggy daycare: £56.49 per day
- Cat drop-in visits: £11.30 per visit
- Catteries: £15.41 per night
TrustedHousesitters’ head of community Angela Laws said: “While London’s basic pet care rates might appear competitive compared to other cities, these costs can still add up to a substantial yearly expense for pet owners, particularly during peak holiday periods.”
The disparity between the relative affordability of the sitters, in comparison to the living expenses in the city is a curious one and may stem from the density of pet owners and the accessibility of London’s transport services.
TrustedHousesitters are among many who have programmed an interactive pet care calculator.
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