$20.00/hour
As of July 2026, the average starting cost of a pet sitter in Santa Cruz, CA is $20.00 per hour. The weekly rate for a pet sitter in Santa Cruz, CA is $800 for working a 40-hour week. And the monthly cost is approximately $2,600 for 130 hours of work.
Data is based on rates reported by service providers listed on Care.com. Last updated in July 2026.
The cost of hiring a pet sitter in Santa Cruz, CA is approximately 1% higher than California average starting rate of $19.73 per hour and 22% higher than the national average of $16.37.
Location | Starting rate (avg) | Max rate (avg) |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz, CA | $20.00/hr | $27.08/hr |
California | $19.73/hr | $26.03/hr |
United States | $16.37/hr | $23.12/hr |
$20.00
$27.08
Santa Cruz, CA
$19.73
$26.03
California
$16.37
$23.12
US
Starting rate (avg)
Max rate (avg)
In some cases, nearby cities may offer more affordable pet sitter services. When evaluating pet sitter pay rates in Santa Cruz, CA and its surrounding areas, it is essential to follow the minimum wage regulations and understand the proper way to pay legally. There are multiple benefits of paying legally that should be considered, such as tax deductions and fostering a professional employment relationship.
City | Starting rate (avg) | Max rate (avg) |
|---|---|---|
| Watsonville, CA | $19.00/hr | $23.27/hr |
| Campbell, CA | $19.54/hr | $24.15/hr |
| San Martin, CA | $19.60/hr | $26.00/hr |
| Soquel, CA | $20.64/hr | $28.55/hr |
| Aptos, CA | $20.88/hr | $28.38/hr |
You may pay more per hour for a pet sitter near Santa Cruz, CA and several factors can contribute to driving up the average rates. They include: higher cost of living, increased demand for pet sitter services, a more competitive job market, and specific details surrounding your care needs (i.e. tasks, timeframe, frequency). As a result, it's important to consider these local factors when comparing pet sitter rates and hiring a pet sitter near Santa Cruz, CA.
City | Starting rate (avg) | Max rate (avg) |
|---|---|---|
| Menlo Park, CA | $24.33/hr | $34.00/hr |
| Palo Alto, CA | $23.85/hr | $29.69/hr |
| Sunnyvale, CA | $23.37/hr | $31.00/hr |
| Scotts Valley, CA | $23.14/hr | $28.00/hr |
| Mountain View, CA | $22.33/hr | $26.38/hr |
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