You didn’t get into pet care to become a pricing strategist—but here you are, juggling the needs of your business, clients, and bottom line.
If you've ever hesitated before quoting a price, wondering, “Is this too much?” or “Am I undervaluing my services?” you’re not alone. Pricing is one of the biggest stressors for pet-care providers—and one of the most important. In this blog, we’ll break down how to confidently set pricing that reflects your value, supports your goals, and keeps clients coming back. Whether you run a doggy daycare, grooming salon, or boarding facility, this guide will walk you through how to set the right prices—with confidence.
1. Know What It Really Costs to Run Your Business
A lot of pet-care providers undercharge because they don’t have a full picture of their costs.
Sure, you think about rent, treats, and cleaning supplies. But what about your admin time? Insurance premiums? The software you use to manage your bookings? It all adds up.
Start by writing out your:
- Fixed costs (like rent, utilities, and software)
- Variable costs (like labor, supplies, and seasonal expenses)
- Hidden costs (like time spent texting clients, rescheduling bookings, or dealing with no-shows)
Your prices have to cover all of this—and leave room for profit. Otherwise, you’re just treading water.
2. Stop Charging by the Hour
A 30-minute walk doesn’t just take 30 minutes.
There’s the prep time, travel, and post-walk cleanup. More importantly, your clients are paying for your reliability, experience, and care — not just your time.
Try shifting your mindset from "time-based" pricing to "value-based" pricing. What’s the peace of mind you offer worth to a busy pet parent? That’s where your real value lies.
3. Define Your Ideal Client
Are you trying to be the budget option and the premium provider? Trying to serve both segments rarely works. Instead, get clear on who you're best suited to serve:
- Do you attract busy professionals looking for high-touch, reliable care?
- Or are you in a price-sensitive market where affordability matters most?
Once you know your audience, align your pricing and services accordingly. Premium clients expect to pay more—and they’re usually more loyal, too.
4. Look Around—But Don’t Copy Your Competitors
Market research is helpful, but don’t fall into the trap of basing your pricing only on what others are charging.
You don’t know their expenses, margins, or how sustainable their business is. What looks like success from the outside might be a struggle behind the scenes.
Use competitor pricing to understand local trends and identify gaps. But always circle back to your business model and goals.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Raise Your Prices
Raising rates can feel scary. But if your costs have gone up or your services have improved, it’s time.
Give clients advance notice. Be transparent about the "why." And always highlight the added value you’re delivering—whether that’s staff training, better communication, or upgraded facilities.
You might lose a few clients. That’s okay. The right ones will stay.
6. Use Pet-Care Software to Stay Consistent and Professional
Once your pricing is set, you need to stick to it. That’s where software like Revelation Pets can help.
With Revelation Pets, you can:
- Set custom pricing for different services and pet types
- Apply discounts or create credit packages
- Clearly display rates in your client portal
- Eliminate awkward billing convos with upfront invoicing
The more seamless your pricing looks and feels, the more professional your brand becomes.
Try Revelation Pets' user-friendly tools. Start a free trial now!
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