Pet sitting rate calculator
Find the price per visit that covers your time, your car, your costs and the pay you want. Change any number and the math updates.
Suggested price per visit
$30.00
Exact math: $29.75, rounded up to the next 50 cents.
The math
- Your time45 min (30 visit + 15 travel) = 0.75 hr x $25.00$18.75
- Mileage6 mi x $0.70$4.20
- Supplies$1.00 per visit$1.00
- Overhead share$250.00 a month / 130.0 visits a month$1.92
- Subtotal$25.87
- Cushion$3.88
At this price and 30 visits a week, you bring in about $900.00 a week or $3,900.00 a month, before taxes.
Questions we get
How do I decide what to charge for a pet sitting visit?
Start with the hourly pay you want, multiply it by the time each visit really takes, including the drive, then add mileage, supplies and your share of monthly costs. Add a cushion for taxes and slow weeks. The calculator does exactly that and shows each step.
Why does travel time count?
You do not get paid for the drive unless the price covers it. A 30-minute visit with 15 minutes of travel is 45 minutes of your day.
What mileage rate should I use?
Use the current IRS standard mileage rate for your tax year, or your own real cost per mile if you know it. Ask your accountant which method suits you.
What is overhead?
Monthly costs of running the business: insurance, bonding, software, phone, website and marketing. The calculator spreads them across your visits.
Is the suggested price final?
No. It is a floor based on your numbers. Compare it with what others charge in your area, then decide. Raise prices for holidays, extra pets and short notice.
Porchlight does this for you
Set your rates once. Porchlight prices each visit, snapshots the rate on the visit and works out sitter pay from the same numbers.
No card needed. Solo $35 a month, Team $79 a month with unlimited staff.