Earnings guide

How much do pet sitters earn in Switzerland?

An honest breakdown of CHF rates by service, from a single walk to an overnight stay. You keep up to 90% of every booking.

Up to 90%
of every booking kept by the sitter
€20,000
in vet support per booking
200k+
pet parents on the platform
4.9 / 5
average sitter rating

Earnings by service

What pet sitters earn in Switzerland, by service

The rates below are what sitters charge on Petme. You keep up to 90% of every booking. In the big cities (Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Bern) rates run about 10 to 15% higher.

ServiceCHF rateUnit
Dog walking (30 min)CHF 22 to 38per walk
Dog walking (60 min)CHF 34 to 54per walk
Cat drop-in visitCHF 22 to 38per visit
Drop-in visit (dog or cat)CHF 25 to 42per visit
Doggy daycareCHF 35 to 60per day
Dog boarding (overnight)CHF 55 to 90per night
House sitting (overnight)CHF 60 to 95per night

In big cities a 30-minute walk earns CHF 25 to 42, and an overnight boarding stay CHF 60 to 98. Rates vary by district, length, and pet type. Last-minute or late bookings often carry a small surcharge. Combining services is the fastest way to fill your calendar.

What drives earnings

Four levers for higher income

Two sitters in the same city earn very differently. Here is what makes the difference.

City. Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Bern pay about 10 to 15% more per service than smaller towns. More commuters means more midday walks and daycare.

Number of services. Offering walks, drop-in visits, daycare and overnight stays fills more gaps in the calendar. Overnight stays earn the most per booking.

Repeat clients. Recurring weekly walks and fixed holiday bookings are the steadiest income. Cashback and good reviews bring owners back.

Season. Summer and the year-end festive period are peak. Ski-season half-term in February and the long spring weekends bring extra overnight bookings.

Protection and payout

CHF 20,000 vet protection and payout in 2 business days

Every booking includes up to CHF 20,000 in vet protection. If a pet falls ill or is injured during your care, partner Swiss vets bill Petme directly. When a booking ends, your payout reaches your bank account within 2 business days.

Frequently asked questions

What pet sitters earn in Switzerland by service and what drives their income.

How much do pet sitters earn in Switzerland?
It depends on the service. A dog walk earns CHF 22 to 38 per 30-minute round, a cat visit CHF 22 to 38, and an overnight boarding stay CHF 55 to 90 per night. In Zurich, Geneva and Basel rates sit at the top of these bands. You keep up to 90% of every booking.
Which service pays the most?
Overnight stays earn the most per booking. House sitting runs CHF 60 to 95 per night, dog boarding CHF 55 to 90. Daycare sits at CHF 35 to 60 per day. Hosting more than one dog at a time lifts daily takings significantly.
Do I earn more in Zurich than in a smaller town?
Yes. In the big cities (Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lausanne, Bern) rates run about 10 to 15% higher. A 30-minute walk earns CHF 25 to 42 there instead of CHF 22 to 38. Higher living costs and more commuters drive the demand.
How much of each booking do I keep?
You keep up to 90% of every booking. You set your own rates and see exactly what you earn before you accept. Payout to your Swiss bank account lands within 2 business days after the booking ends.
What affects my earnings the most?
Four things: the city, how many services you offer, repeat clients, and the season. Sitters who combine walks, drop-in visits and overnight stays fill their calendar better. Loyal clients over the holidays and summer are the steadiest income.
Are there seasonal peaks in Switzerland?
Yes. Summer holidays (July, August) and the year-end festive period are the highest-demand windows, when owners travel. Ski-season half-term in February and the long spring weekends also bring booking spikes for overnight stays and daycare.
Is pet-sitting income taxable in Switzerland?
Yes. Income from self-employed pet care must be declared on your Swiss tax return. Above CHF 100,000 in annual turnover the activity becomes liable for VAT. For your exact status, check with your canton’s OASI (AHV/AVS) compensation office.
Am I covered during a booking?
Yes. Every Petme booking includes up to CHF 20,000 in vet protection. If the pet falls ill or is injured during your care, partner Swiss vets bill Petme directly. That sharply reduces your financial risk as a sitter.