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Dog Sitting Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

The Comforted Canine

Dog Sitter

Santa Rosa, CA

$25/hr

The Comforted Kitty is looking for reliable, responsible pet lovers to provide in-home dog or cat sitting visits and dog walking while clients are away. This is a flexible, part-time independent ...

New

The Comforted Canine

Dog Sitter

Santa Rosa, CA

$25/hr

The Comforted Kitty is looking for reliable, responsible pet lovers to provide in-home dog or cat sitting visits and dog walking while clients are away. This is a flexible, part-time independent ...

New

Scenthound

Dog Groomer

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$22/hr

The Dog Groomer is an integral position at Scenthound, offering grooming knowledge and providing grooming services to clients. This Dog Groomer position requires: * At least one year of grooming ...

Scenthound Petaluma, CA

Dog Groomer

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$22/hr

The Dog Groomer is an integral position at Scenthound, offering grooming knowledge and providing grooming services to clients. This Dog Groomer position requires: * At least one year of grooming ...

Wing & Barrel Ranch

Be Seen First

On-Call Hunting Dog Trainer

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$26 - $30/hr (+ commission)

Train dogs in obedience, retrieval, pointing, tracking, and other specialized hunting skills using humane, effective techniques. * Supervise, coach, and develop kennel staff and seasonal assistants.

Scenthound

Dog Bather Groomer in Training

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Direct career growth path to Dog Groomer position and additional options (Front Desk, Ass. Manager, Manager) * Competitive hourly base pay, plus tips * Medical insurance benefits * Merit-based pay ...

Petco

Junior Groomer

Novato, CA · On-site

Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check-in/out procedures, customer service, grooming ... or pet sitting, prior grooming salon assistance is preferred * High-school diploma or GED is ...

Petco

Junior Groomer

Novato, CA · On-site

Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check-in/out procedures, customer service, grooming ... or pet sitting, prior grooming salon assistance is preferred * High-school diploma or GED is ...

PetSmart

Pet Groomer

Rohnert Park, CA

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 ...

PetSmart

Pet Groomer

Rohnert Park, CA · On-site

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 ...

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All JobsDog Sitting JobsDog Sitting Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Dog Sitting information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$9

$18

$26

How much do dog sitting jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for dog sitting in Santa Rosa, CA is $18.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $20.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 also vary based on whether the dog sitter works independently or through a platform.

What are popular job titles related to Dog Sitting jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

For Dog Sitting jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Dog Sitting jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Dog Sitting jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Dog Sitting jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Dog Sitting job openings:

Dog Sitting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dog Sitting job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,824 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Dog Sitter

The Comforted Canine

Santa Rosa, CA

$25/hr

Part-time, Contractor

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Professional Pet Sitter & Dog Walker— Santa Rosa / Sonoma County Area

Do you love dogs (or cats) and enjoy working independently? The Comforted Kitty is looking for reliable, responsible pet lovers to provide in-home dog or cat sitting visits and dog walking while clients are away. This is a flexible, part-time independent contractor position where all jobs are voluntary and 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 and cats, helping pet parents travel with peace of mind, and building trust with repeat clients.

What You'll Do

Pet sitting visits may include:

  • Feeding and refreshing water
  • Cleaning up waste
  • Giving playtime, affection, or companionship based on each pet'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: 10-12 hour stays
  • 24-hour care: live-in with overnight care

What We Look For

  • Experienced with dog or cat 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