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Dog Sitting Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Comforted Canine

Dog Sitter

Arlington, VA · On-site

$25/hr

What You'll Do Dog sitting visits may include: * Feeding dogs and refreshing water * Cleaning up waste * Giving playtime, affection, or companionship based on each dog's personality * Sending visit ...

Comforted Canine

Dog Sitter

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$25/hr

What You'll Do Dog sitting visits may include: * Feeding dogs and refreshing water * Cleaning up waste * Giving playtime, affection, or companionship based on each dog's personality * Sending visit ...

Comforted Canine

Dog Sitter

Washington, DC · On-site

$25/hr

What You'll Do Dog sitting visits may include: * Feeding dogs and refreshing water * Cleaning up waste * Giving playtime, affection, or companionship based on each dog's personality * Sending visit ...

DogWalkingDC

Dog Walker/Pet Sitter

Bethesda, MD

Appropriate pet clean-up as required (IE kitty litter scooping when sitting for a cat) * Use the Time to Pet app to send visit reports and communicate. Dog Walker and Pet Sitter Requirements and ...

DogWalkingDC

Dog Walker/Pet Sitter

Bethesda, MD

Appropriate pet clean-up as required (IE kitty litter scooping when sitting for a cat) * Use the Time to Pet app to send visit reports and communicate. Dog Walker and Pet Sitter Requirements and ...

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Dog Sitting information

See Reston, VA salary details

$9

$17

$24

How much do dog sitting jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for dog sitting in Reston, VA is $17.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $19.76 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 do dog sitters 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 day or stay, and earning potential increases with additional skills like pet first aid or certifications.

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 do dog sitters make per dog?

Dog sitters typically earn between $15 and $30 per day per dog, depending on factors such as location, the dog's needs, and the sitter's experience. Rates may vary for additional services like walks, training, or overnight stays, and some sitters charge hourly or flat fees based on the duration of care.

Is $100 a day good for dog sitting?

For dog sitting jobs, $100 per day is generally considered a competitive rate, especially for pet sitting that includes overnight stays or caring for multiple dogs. Rates can vary based on location, the dog's needs, and the sitter's experience, but many sitters charge between $20 and $50 per visit or $50 to $150 per day for full-time care. Proper communication of services and experience can influence the rate you can command.
What are the most commonly searched types of Dog Sitting jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Dog Sitting jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Dog Sitting jobs in Reston, VA? For Dog Sitting jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Dog Sitting jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Dog Sitting jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Dog Sitting jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Dog Sitting job openings:
Dog Sitting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dog Sitting job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,992 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Dog Sitter

Comforted Canine

Arlington, VA • On-site

$25/hr

Contractor

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Professional Dog Sitter & Dog Walker- Arlington, VA Area
Do you love dogs and enjoy working independently? The Comforted Canine is looking for reliable, responsible dog lovers to provide in-home dog sitting visits and dog walking while clients are away.
This is a flexible, part-time independent contractor position where you set your availability and service area, and we match you with clients. It's a great fit if you want meaningful, independent work caring for dogs, helping pet parents travel with peace of mind, and building trust with repeat clients.What You'll Do
Dog sitting visits may include:
  • Feeding dogs and refreshing water
  • Cleaning up waste
  • Giving playtime, affection, or companionship based on each dog's personality
  • Sending visit updates and photos through our app
  • Following each client's detailed care instructions
  • Bringing in mail or packages
  • Adjusting lights, blinds, or trash/recycling when requested
  • Administering medication when within your experience and comfort level
Most visits take place while clients are traveling, so weekend, holiday, morning, afternoon, and evening availability is especially valuable.Service Types
  • Walks: 30-90 minutes (1-3x daily)
  • Drop-ins: 30 / 45 / 60 minutes (1-3x daily)
  • Extended daytime visits: 2-8 hours
  • Overnights: 10-hour stays
  • 24-hour care: live-in with overnight care
What We Look For
  • Experienced with dog care, especially in a pet sitting capacity
  • Confidently handle dogs from small to large
  • Reliable, punctual, and detail-oriented
  • Strong written communication
  • Comfortable working independently in clients' homes
  • Smartphone with reliable internet & camera
  • Medication experience (oral, injections, fluids)
  • Holiday & weekend availability
Pay + Perks
  • Sitters are paid per visit, with rates typically starting around $25 per 30 minute visit, with higher pay for longer visits, overnight care, house sitting.
  • Weekly direct deposit
  • Bonus opportunities (holidays, short notice, strong feedback)
  • 100% of tips go to you
Apply
Apply through our quick, mobile-friendly application.
Notes:
  • Apply to one location only
  • No phone calls (we contact strong matches)

Apply