Reasonable Fee for dog sitting?

It depends. . .is this person going to sleep over or just come by so many times per day? 

My guys actually lives in our house with our crew. He brings in the mail, takes them on short walks, plays with them, feeds and medicates them......and most of all LOVES all three of my dogs. And they love him. He is in college and works but still lives at home, so he has his meals at home. I providie cokes and snacks of all kinds. We pay him 17$ a day.

If a person is coming over twice a day and spending approximately 30 minutes per visit expect to pay around $35-40 a day. If they are spending the night, I'd wager around $60 a day for your area. If the dog is staying at their house around $35 a day. If the service is good, plan on a 15-20% tip.
 
A good dog sitter will have a list of questions that are very comprehensive. You should have a letter on file with your veterinarian authorizing treatment. I used one that called from my phone to my cell each time she arrived at the house. That relieves a lot of stress. Skip anyone who isn't licensed and bonded. Look for someone who is a member of Pet Sitters International.

At my "get-to-know-you" visits I go over everything, tour all the areas of the home I will need to know about and also have them show me where the fuse box is and water shut off. 

I also just wanted to add that bonding is really for if you've got employees.  If your a one person operation and your insured bonding isn't really necessary.  I have it because it's easier than having to explain why I don't have it. 

Besides the authorization for treatment if necessary by the vet. . . I also let them know what the options are for ER vets if it's after hours.  I always recommend one but we have three in our area.  I also let them know that if I can't reach them after a reasonable amount of tries I will take the animal in. . .some give me a limit as far as what they would want to spend--believe it or not.

I also have them sign a form stating I'm allowed to be in their home for pet sitting services.  If an alarm is set off, it's helpful.  But, I like for them to also let the neighbors know I'll be coming or going so they don't panic. 

Oh, also, NAPPS-- is what most belong to over PSI. . .at least around here.  If they are also members of PSI it's usually in addition to NAPPS.  NAPPS sets us up with insurance, etc. 

wow, I guess I'm lucky having friends watch my dogs while I'm gone, that could get expensive really quick!!! I just went out of the country for 3 weeks and payed a friend to watch one of my fosters $5/day,,,of course he's 14 so he was really happy with that check!!!

Besides the authorization for treatment if necessary by the vet. . . I also let them know what the options are for ER vets if it's after hours. I always recommend one but we have three in our area. I also let them know that if I can't reach them after a reasonable amount of tries I will take the animal in. . .some give me a limit as far as what they would want to spend--believe it or not.

 
Very good points. In the area I used a dog sitter, there were no emergency vets, but the vets rotated so that one was always on call after hours. Yes, I did set a limit of $2,000. At that point, I definately wanted either myself or my back up contact person to be notified and aprised of what was going on.
 
Another thing my pet sitter did was never, ever lock the keys in the house with the pet. Even if you are expected home in a few hours, there can be an emergency requiring that the pet will still need care.

No, I don't leave the keys inside the house either.  And, I don't hide them outside.  I did at one time for a very select few people but one time the key wasn't were I left it.  I don't know what exactly happened it had snowed and we never did find it.  But, I had to pay to redo all her locks.  So, that ended that.

thanks everyone.  the dog will be staying in my home for the two weeks they are gone.

We have a friend who will watch the circus for us when we're gone. (3 cats and dog). If Mooks can't go with us, our friend stays at the house for 35.00 per day, plus we usually leave him $100.00 for groceries. If he just checks on the kitties, we pay him 20.00 for 2 visits a day. (One cat has to have meds 2x daily) It works out well for everyone, he can use the extra $$ and no one has to get boarded!