How Much Does 24-Hour Pet Sitting Cost in Mumbai?

Thinking about hiring a 24-hour pet sitter in Mumbai? You’re not alone. With busy schedules, long work hours, and travel plans, many pet owners need someone to stay with their dog, cat, or even a rabbit around the clock. But how much does it actually cost? The price isn’t fixed-it changes based on your pet, location, and what services you need. Here’s what you’re really paying for when you hire someone to watch your pet all day and night.

What’s Included in 24-Hour Pet Sitting?

A true 24-hour pet sitter doesn’t just drop by for a quick walk. They stay in your home, sleeping over so your pet never feels alone. That means feeding, watering, cleaning litter boxes or potty areas, giving meds, playing, and responding to barks, meows, or anxious behavior at 3 a.m. Some sitters also do light house tasks-taking out trash, watering plants, or checking mail-but these vary by provider.

Unlike dog walkers or daytime sitters, 24-hour care removes the stress of your pet being left alone. Dogs with separation anxiety, elderly pets needing frequent attention, or pets on strict medication schedules benefit the most. In Mumbai, where traffic can make quick visits impossible, having someone on-site is often the only safe option.

How Much Does It Really Cost?

In Mumbai, 24-hour pet sitting typically costs between ₹2,500 and ₹6,000 per night. That’s a wide range, and here’s why:

• Basic care (₹2,500-₹3,500): For a healthy, calm dog or cat that eats on schedule and doesn’t need meds. The sitter stays overnight, feeds twice, lets the pet out, and checks in periodically.
• Mid-tier (₹3,500-₹4,800): Includes medication administration, light cleaning, and extra playtime. Ideal for older pets, small animals like rabbits, or pets with mild anxiety.
• Premium (₹5,000-₹6,000+): For multiple pets, exotic animals, or pets with medical needs like insulin shots, seizures, or mobility issues. Also includes 24/7 monitoring via camera updates and daily photo logs.

These rates are for in-home care. If you’re paying for a sitter to stay at their own home with your pet (pet boarding), prices drop to ₹1,500-₹3,000 per night-but many owners avoid this because it’s stressful for the pet.

What Drives the Price Up?

Not all pets are the same. Here’s what makes 24-hour care more expensive:

• Number of pets: One dog? ₹2,800. Two dogs and a cat? Add ₹800-₹1,200.
• Medication: Giving insulin, antibiotics, or anti-seizure meds adds ₹500-₹1,000 per night. Sitters need training and liability coverage for this.
• Location: In South Mumbai (Breach Candy, Colaba), prices are 20-30% higher due to demand and higher living costs. In suburbs like Thane or Navi Mumbai, you might save ₹500-₹1,000.
• Weekends and holidays: Christmas, Diwali, or long weekends? Expect a 30-50% surcharge. Many sitters book up months ahead during these times.
• Special needs: Pets with dementia, incontinence, or behavioral issues require more attention-and higher pay.

Where to Find Reliable 24-Hour Pet Sitters in Mumbai

Most pet owners find sitters through apps like PetPooja, MyPetSitter, or local Facebook groups. But here’s the catch: not all sitters are vetted.

Look for these signs of quality:

• Verified background checks
• Proof of pet first-aid training
• Photos of past pets they’ve cared for
• Clear written contract (no handshake deals)
• References from at least two recent clients

Some pet clinics in Mumbai, like VetCare Mumbai or Animal Aid, partner with certified sitters. These cost more-₹5,500-₹7,000-but come with insurance and emergency protocols. If your pet has health issues, this is worth the extra cost.

What You Should Ask Before Booking

Don’t just pick the cheapest option. Ask these questions:

1. Have you cared for a pet with my pet’s breed or condition before?
2. What’s your emergency plan if my pet gets sick at night?
3. Will you send me updates? Photos? Videos?
4. Do you have a backup sitter if you get sick?
5. Are you insured? Can I see your policy?

One owner in Andheri learned the hard way when her dog had a seizure and the sitter didn’t know how to respond. The vet bill was ₹12,000. A certified sitter would’ve cost ₹500 extra-but saved her thousands.

Alternatives to 24-Hour In-Home Sitting

If the price feels too high, consider these options:

• Daytime pet daycare: ₹800-₹1,500 per day. Great if you’re home at night.
• Camera + daily visits: Hire a sitter for two 12-hour shifts (morning and night) instead of one full 24-hour stay. Costs ₹3,000-₹4,000 total.
• Trusted neighbor or friend: Offer to pay them ₹1,500-₹2,000 for overnight care. Many pet owners do this, especially in apartment complexes.

But remember: no camera replaces a live presence. Pets with anxiety, older animals, or those with medical needs need someone who can physically respond.

When to Book (And When to Avoid)

Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance, especially if you need care during festivals, holidays, or monsoon season. Mumbai’s pet care providers get swamped during Diwali, New Year, and long weekends.

Avoid last-minute bookings. Many sitters refuse emergency requests because they’re already booked. And never hire someone you found on a random Instagram post without references.

Final Tip: Budget for the Unexpected

Set aside ₹1,000-₹2,000 extra for emergencies. Maybe your pet eats something they shouldn’t. Maybe the AC breaks and your dog overheats. A good sitter will call you immediately-but if they don’t have a vet contact on file, you’re stuck.

Most pet owners in Mumbai spend ₹4,000-₹5,000 per night on 24-hour care. It’s not cheap. But compared to the peace of mind, the cost of a vet visit, or the guilt of leaving your pet alone for 24 hours? Many say it’s worth every rupee.