A pet-sitting quote should tell a client what you will do, when you will do it, and what the full job will cost. Start with the work and your own numbers. The dollar figures below are fictional examples, not recommended rates.
1. Define the job before naming a price
Ask for the service dates, number and length of visits or walks, pets, location, travel, and any special requests you can safely provide. Clarify the tasks included in each visit and whether a meet-and-greet or extra trip is part of the job. If a detail is still unknown, say that the quote may change when you confirm it.
2. Set your rates using your costs and local market
Choose a rate for each service you actually offer. Review nearby professional providers for context, then account for your time, travel, direct supplies, and business overhead. Pet Sitters International's rate-setting guide explains why market research, labor, travel and overhead all matter. A competitor's advertised price is context, not proof that the same price works for your business.
A simple quote formula is service units × your rate for each service = quoted total. You can show travel as a separate client charge or build it into your rates; whichever approach you choose, make the client-facing total clear.
3. Check what the job leaves after entered costs
Estimate the cost of the work before you send the quote: travel miles and vehicle cost, supplies, helper pay, other job costs, and the value of your own time. Subtract those entered job costs from the quoted total. This remainder is not net business profit: it does not cover every ongoing expense, tax, or later change in scope. The U.S. Small Business Administration's business-planning guidance distinguishes fixed costs from costs that vary with each sale when assessing break-even.
Fictional example: five services in one booking
Suppose a sitter chooses these example rates and quantities for a fictional client:
- Three drop-in visits × $25 = $75
- Two dog walks × $20 = $40
- Client quote: $115
For an internal job check, the sitter enters 10 travel miles × $0.40 = $4, supplies of $5, helper pay of $0, four hours of their own time × $15 = $60, and $3 of other job costs. Entered job costs total $72, leaving $43 after entered job costs ($115 − $72). These values illustrate the math only. They are not local rate guidance, a pay forecast, or a profit claim.
Copy this clear client quote format
Service dates: [dates]
Pets and agreed tasks: [pets and visit details]
Services: [quantity × your rate for each visit, walk or overnight]
Total quoted price: [total, plus any clearly stated conditions for changes]
Included: [visit length, updates and any agreed extras]
Next step: [how the client can confirm, and where they can review your actual payment and cancellation terms]
Check the scope and arithmetic before sending. If the client changes the number of visits or adds services, send a revised total so both sides have the same expectations.
Keep the quote and booking details together
A spreadsheet can make repeat calculations and tracking easier, but it will not choose your rates or run your business for you. The Pawdriva Pet Sitter Business Toolkit includes a manual Excel quote calculator, a booking and payment tracker, and editable client welcome forms in a digital ZIP. Microsoft Excel is required for the workbook. The customer workbook opens with blank inputs; the product gallery shows a labeled fictional example.