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Do you really charge extra $ for each additional dog?

I received a request to do two drop-ins a day. My usual rate is $18 and I charge $5 for each additional dog. My client has 3 dogs in total. It comes up to $28 a visit and $56 a day. Also she asked me to do drop-ins during holidays. The rate is $25 plus $10 for two more dogs. It comes up to $35 a visit and $70 a day. I live 15 minutes away from the client so it takes 1 hour in total for me to drive and spend time with dogs. Dogs are three tiny yorkies. During my drop-ins I will need to clean pee-pads around the house, change water, clean mess if needed, let them out in the garden, feed them and play a little. Does the price looks reasonable? Do you really charge for each additional dog? Do you give discounts or daily rate for multiple days or visits?

Thank you

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This is totally up to you. I say don't change your prices unless you have to. You can always edit prices for each stay. Doesn't matter what popped up in the request. If you want to give someone a better rate, you can edit that. But, I wouldn't get in the habit of doing that, or they will expect it.

5 Answers

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Hi, Olga! My rates are similar to yours at $20/visit and a $5 additional dog fee. I also have a client who has three dogs, and while I at first felt like I was overcharging, you are responsible for three members of their family, so I think that a discounted rate for each dog after the first is merited. I do not discount for multiple visits a day, because the work involved and the drive time/gas is the same for each visit. As for the holiday rate, I personally only charge the holiday rate on the actual holiday, and considering that those are always high-demand days and that you are being pulled away from family during those times, my clients have never questioned the holiday rate. I have learned that those who are price-shopping or try to negotiate and devalue my rates are not the types of clients that I want to work with anyways!

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Thank you Hillary. I completely agree with you. I think I will stick to my rates. I have a question about holiday rate. The request was for Dec 30 through Jan 2. When I calculated the price, Rover already put $25 (a holiday rate) for each day. Would you charge holiday rate for all 4 days or which?

Yes, Rover automatically applies a holiday rate to each /dog/, I believe. I normally only charge the holiday rate for one dog and only on the holiday itself. For example for the dates you've mentioned, I would charge $25 (holiday rate) + $5 + $5 on NYE and NY day, but my regular rate on all others.

Oh ok, it was a holiday rate $25 and +$5 + $5 for each day not just NYE and NY. It makes sense. Thanks

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Hi Amanda You have to look at this as A Business darlin, and in order to be a good Business Woman, "Pricing" is something YOU determine. When Determining your Basic Pricing Structure Just think to yourself -

Hmm, what all will I have to do for this to make it "worth my time"?

Ex: This example is based on Pet Walking: 1) I have to drive there and back. 2) I will be walking One Pet (usually simple, unless pet is aggressive and a nightmare on leash) then rethink price. 3) I will be walking multiple Pets: (Always include addlt cost !!!)

NOTE: How much you charge is up to you and how easy/difficult addlt pets are to walk.

Determine the Charge amounts for additional Pets during a walk depends on all the above.

TIP: When I have a situation that includes any pricing uncertainty I call Rover and ask them to suggest a fair price to add on to the total Price of the job. Also, the Rover agent will do the edits online for you, and they will even text or call the owner for you to advise of any pricing changes so the Owner doesn't think your trying to rip them off, or whatever some owners may think considering this is all done on-line.

Good Luck Kristine S.

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I spoke to Rover about this also, I buy the extra insurance so I never charged per dog or another cat etc. But also Rover explained to me that if I did not have each pet listed on the stay only 1 would be covered with the insurance thing, or what if they ran away and it wasnt listed.????? So I charge like a dollar or two for the other dog. That way the dog is protected from legal issues and you and Rover. Also some folks just say they have two dogs and you get there for the meet and they have 5 cats fish rabbits etc lol. Good luck

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I charge a little extra for 2nd dog from same family because now you have the possibility of one of them that goes into protective mode over the other when engaging with new dogs. It's almost like they could gang up so I have to work more to ensure they know that I am the new pack leader. Now, after a while my clients come back often enough they all know each other and they also know I'm the alpha. ;)

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I charge a little extra for a second dog. For boarding, its half price for the second dog. I only accept one dog family. More than one dog is more work, so it's definitely worth extra--depends on the sitter if it is full price or discounted.