post-a-thon 2008. I need price advice.

[charlz_lynn]

Ok, so... I'm going to house/pet sit for some strangers in a couple weeks. He asked me to think about compensation before we meet on Tuesday, and I don't really know what to ask for.
They have one little dog, and three cats, and live close to my neighborhood. I will be gone gone gone in school all day for two of the days, and it's four nights staying there.
I think standard is like 30 bucks a day?
I don't know? I was thinking twenty??
I'm not good at asking for money/compensation.
Any advice is appreciated from those of you who have pets and have hired anyone to take care of them.
Thanks

Comments

[mightyjo.livejournal.com]

I do this for people...I charge $10/animal, with $30 minimum, if I'm staying overnight. Several people happily pay more. Some factors to consider in your pricing are distance/availability to your work/school/life, ease of animals (like: cats are easy, dogs require more attention, etc.), and how comfortable you'll be in their home. I know about having trouble asking for compensation, but remember that you'll be in their home, responsible for everything there, PLUS full responsibility for their precious babies! It's a big responsibility, and it's okay to price yourself as a responsible person. =) Have fun!

[laxlady4.livejournal.com]

i ask 20 a day unless they have twenty dogs or have super special needs. it seems fair for everyone involved.

[rainbowrev.livejournal.com]

we have one dog and one cat and one of our friends usually does it for $20/night. i have another friend who does it for a lot of folks as a second job and she charges $25/night. so anywhere around there should be good!