R.C.
We have had several college students and we pay $25 a night. We also try to stock the fridge/pantry and tell them they're welcome to anything. We have never had trouble getting students to stay for that rate. They usually live with their parents and are happy to have some space to themselves. We have 2 dogs who need to be fed and let out and we like the mail to get emptied out of the box a couple times a week. A professional dogsitter costs a lot more, which is understandable because they're licensed/bonded, etc.
I always just ask when I call to set it up if $25 a night is okay. I usually pay for the day we come home even though they don't stay that night.