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Dog Sitting Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Development opportunities Job Summary PetSmart's Pet Stylist (Dog and/or Cat Groomer) is responsible for engaging with pet parents and their pets while providing positive experiences and best in ...

Pet Groomer

Forsyth, IL

$15.15 - $25.94/hr

Development opportunities Job Summary PetSmart's Pet Stylist (Dog and/or Cat Groomer) is responsible for engaging with pet parents and their pets while providing positive experiences and best in ...

Development opportunities Job Summary PetSmart's Pet Stylist (Dog and/or Cat Groomer) is responsible for engaging with pet parents and their pets while providing positive experiences and best in ...

Development opportunities Job Summary PetSmart's Pet Stylist (Dog and/or Cat Groomer) is responsible for engaging with pet parents and their pets while providing positive experiences and best in ...

Pet Groomer

Forsyth, IL · On-site

$15.15 - $25.94/hr

Development opportunities Job Summary PetSmart's Pet Stylist (Dog and/or Cat Groomer) is responsible for engaging with pet parents and their pets while providing positive experiences and best in ...

Pet Groomer

Forsyth, IL · On-site

$15.15 - $25.94/hr

Development opportunities Job Summary PetSmart's Pet Stylist (Dog and/or Cat Groomer) is responsible for engaging with pet parents and their pets while providing positive experiences and best in ...

Dog Sitting information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$8

$16

$23

How much do dog sitting jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for dog sitting in Decatur, IL is $16.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $18.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Dog Sitter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dog Sitter, you need basic animal care knowledge, experience with dogs, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with pet care apps, online booking platforms, and sometimes pet first aid certification can be valuable. Strong communication, reliability, and patience are essential soft skills for building trust with pet owners and managing animal behavior. These skills ensure the safety, well-being, and happiness of the dogs in your care, leading to satisfied clients and repeat business.

How much can a dog sitter earn?

Dog sitters typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on location, experience, and services offered. Some may charge a flat rate per visit or overnight stay, with earnings increasing with additional responsibilities or certifications such as pet first aid. Income can vary based on the number of clients and the level of care provided.

What is dog sitting?

Dog sitting is a service where a person cares for someone else's dog while the owner is away, either at the owner's home or the sitter's home. Duties often include feeding, walking, playing, and ensuring the dog's overall well-being. Dog sitters may also administer medication, provide companionship, and sometimes handle basic training or grooming tasks. This service provides an alternative to kennels, offering pets a more comfortable and familiar environment while their owners are absent.

Is $30 a day good for dog sitting?

For dog sitting jobs, $30 per day is generally considered below average in many areas, where rates typically range from $20 to $50 per day depending on the dog's size, care needs, and location. Experienced sitters or those caring for special needs dogs may charge higher rates, and additional services like walks or overnight stays can increase earnings.

What is the difference between Dog Sitting vs Pet Boarding?

AspectDog SittingPet Boarding
CredentialsOften no formal certification, but experience and pet care knowledge preferredMay require licensing or certification depending on facility
Work EnvironmentIn client's home or nearbyIn a kennel, pet hotel, or boarding facility
Employer & IndustryPrivate pet owners, pet sitting servicesPet boarding facilities, kennels, pet hotels
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for in-home pet care optionsSeeking overnight or extended care at a facility

Dog sitting involves caring for dogs primarily in the pet owner's home, offering personalized attention. Pet boarding typically takes place in a dedicated facility, providing a more structured environment. Both roles require knowledge of pet care, but dog sitting often requires less formal certification. The choice depends on whether pet owners prefer in-home care or a dedicated boarding environment.

What are some common challenges dog sitters face when caring for unfamiliar dogs, and how can they be managed?

Dog sitters often encounter challenges such as managing separation anxiety, unpredictable behavior, and ensuring a dog's safety in new environments. Building trust with the dog through gradual introductions, maintaining the pet's usual routines, and communicating regularly with pet owners can help ease transitions. It's also important to be observant of the dog's body language and to have clear instructions regarding dietary needs, medical issues, and emergency contacts. Proactive communication and patience are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring a positive experience for both the sitter and the pet.

How much should I charge for 3 hours of dog sitting?

Dog sitters typically charge between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on factors such as location, experience, and the dog's needs. For a 3-hour session, the total fee usually ranges from $45 to $90. Rates may vary if additional services like walks or special care are required.

Can you pet sit without a license?

Dog sitting as a pet care service typically does not require a license, but local regulations may vary and some areas may require permits or business licenses. It is important to check with local authorities or licensing agencies to ensure compliance before starting a pet sitting business. Having proper insurance and references can also help establish credibility and trust with clients.
What are popular job titles related to Dog Sitting jobs in Decatur, IL? For Dog Sitting jobs in Decatur, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Dog Sitting jobs in Decatur, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Dog Sitting jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Dog Sitting jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Dog Sitting job openings:
Infographic showing various Dog Sitting job openings in Decatur, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,557 per year, or $16.1 per hour.
Pet Groomer

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


PetSmart rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 1,088 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

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Job Description  

PetSmart does Anything for Pets - JOIN OUR TEAM! 

Pet Groomer

About Life at PetSmart 

At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we empower our teams with the tools, resources, and opportunities to grow and succeed. 

Benefits that benefit you 

  • Paid Weekly
  • Health & Wellness Benefits*
  • 401k Plan with company match
  • Paid Time off for full-time associates
  • Associate discounts 
  • Tuition Assistance 
  • Career pathing 
  • Development opportunities 

Job Summary

PetSmart's Pet Stylist (Dog and/or Cat Groomer) is responsible for engaging with pet parents and their pets while providing positive experiences and best in class salon services while upholding the company's vision, mission, values, and strategy. This role shares responsibility of cleanliness and pet health and safety standards.  

Essential Responsibilities

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following and may vary depending on store characteristics and needs: 

  • Independently performs full menu of bath, brush and grooming services and standalone services, such as nail trims, teeth brushing, and sanitary services in accordance with PetSmart's bathing standards and procedures. 
  • Recommends additional health and wellness solutions with pet parents based on pet's needs. 
  • Responsible for the pet parent experience and outcomes conducted in person, over the phone and at the sales register. 
  • Greets pet parents, answers their questions and assists with making reservations in the salon. 
  • Conducts salon appointment reminder calls, maintains client records and consults with pet parents on services offered.  
  • Performs check-in and check-out procedures for grooming appointments, including applicable paperwork and rebooking.  
  • Promotes opportunities to grow salon sales to help achieve sales targets and productivity, and any other relevant salon metrics. 
  • Recommends, informs, and sells merchandise and services. 
  • Maintains the highest level of cleanliness, sanitation, and humane conditions for all pets in the grooming area, by performing maintenance throughout the day including end of day cleaning in accordance with the maintenance checklist. 
  • Responsible for taking immediate action when a sick/injured pet is identified in the store; transport to the vet as needed. 
  • Assists and works in other departments as required. Other duties may be assigned. 
  • Participates in our culture of Belonging and Recognition.   
  • Follows all Company Policies and Procedures. 

Qualifications

  • Prior grooming experience; or 6 months of experience in the Stylist in Training job with Successful completion of PetSmart's Salon Academy training and safety certification. program or passes the salon technical evaluation.  
  • Proficiency in computer applications. 
  • Ability to react under pressure and maintain composure.  
  • Flexibility in schedule, able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed 
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail and safety measures  
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills. 

Essential physical demands and work environment

  • Associate required to stand, walk, climb a ladder, and use hands to handle, feel, hold, write, etc. The associate frequently is required to reach with hands and arms: stoop, kneel, crouch, talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include depth perception. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
  • Associate must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally team lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include depth perception. 
  • While performing the duties of this job, the associate is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, as well as a wet environment with an abundance of pet hair. The noise level is moderate in the work environment; however, associates may be exposed to high levels of noise at times. Exposure to live animals and their handling is common. 

Do what you love 

Join us for a chance to make a meaningful impact every day. Whether it's helping a customer choose their first fish, celebrating a pet's birthday, or seeing the smile on a pet parent's face after a fresh groom-you'll create moments that matter. At PetSmart, we cherish diversity and the unique perspectives of our 50,000 associates, all united by a passion for pets.  

We're delighted you're interested in joining our pack and helping us in our commitment to doing Anything for Pets, and the people who love them. We're excited to hear your story and learn more about you! Apply Now!  

PetSmart is an Equal Opportunity Employer  

PetSmart provides an equal opportunity for all associates and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. We offer reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout our application process, upon request and as required by law.        

This listing is not an indication that the position is currently open or available. We are continually looking to build a strong network of talented candidates to join our organization and are always accepting applications. Feel free to contact your local PetSmart store to check on which roles they are actively hiring for.

This job summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work associates/leaders assigned to this job perform. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. You will be provided with a copy of a job description for the actual position you are hired into.

Exact base rate of pay will be based on relevant experience level, training, skills or knowledge and store location. Pay for this position is the greater of the base pay rate or groom pay (a designated percentage of the associate's grooming sales based on the job code) and can vary by pay period. In no instance will PetSmart pay less than the local minimum wage. This position is also eligible for benefits, as described at https://benefits.petsmart.com/us/.

Applicants must be over the age of 18 (except in Montana or where otherwise required by local or state law)   

For applicants in our Waterloo, San Francisco, or Los Angeles locations: Pursuant to the Waterloo and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, as well as the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring, we will consider for employment, qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with the law   

*In accordance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), associates who average at least 30 hours per week (or 130 hours per month) during a designated measurement period may be eligible for medical benefits.

Pay Details 
$15.15 - 25.94
Pay Rate Type 
Hourly
Job Preview Video 
Apply Now

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About PetSmart

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we empower our teams with the tools, resources, and opportunities to grow and succeed. With 50,000+ associates nationwide, we foster a culture grounded in integrity, teamwork, and inclusion - where your voice is heard, your efforts are valued and your career can thrive. Together, we make a difference for pets, their people and each other.

Industry

Retail and legal services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Phoenix, AZ, US