How to professionally negotiate your pet sitting rate (and when it’s okay to say no)
A fine balance exists between being kind and allowing others to take advantage of you. In this guide to petsitting negotiation, we will look at how to negotiate your rates. We will also discuss how to set boundaries and when to walk away. This way, you can keep your professionalism and reputation intact.
Set your rates: start as you mean to go on
Before you get any booking requests, set rates that match your experience, the time needed, and the service you offer. Make sure to consider travel time, your energy, and any costs. This includes cleaning supplies, poop bags, and pet-safe products.
It’s equally important to be clear in your profile description about what each of your services includes. This helps pet owners know exactly what to expect when they get in touch.
You can also list any Add-On services here. This includes extra walks, giving medication, or longer visits. This way, you can clearly see what is included and what costs extra.
Do not change your prices after a customer confirms a booking. Instead, keep your service rates up to date and reflect any optional extras in your service descriptions.
For example, if you are willing to give medication or offer longer walks, mention it as an Add-On. You can also discuss it during the Meet & Greet. This upfront approach to negotiating rates sets expectations and prevents awkward conversations later on.
How to negotiate with confidence and clarity
If a pet owner asks for extras or longer hours without offering to pay more, pause and politely clarify:
“I’d love to help out, but that goes a bit beyond what’s included in my standard service. If you’d like to add extra time or medication, I can absolutely do that for an additional fee.”
Keep your tone friendly and factual. Petsitting negotiation doesn’t have to be confrontational — it’s just about negotiating boundaries and setting healthy expectations. Most pet owners will appreciate your transparency.
If someone tries to talk you down on price, it’s okay to stand firm:
“I completely understand needing to stay within a budget. My rates reflect the quality of care I provide, the time I spend with each pet, and the coverage that’s included through Pawshake. I hope you understand!”
The designers created the Pawshake booking system to be flexible. If a client wants an extra walk, a longer visit, or medication, just create an Add-On. Then, attach it to the booking.
When to say “no” — and how to do it professionally
Even the most experienced sitter will occasionally come across a situation that doesn’t feel right. Maybe a dog is reactive and you’re not comfortable walking them. Perhaps a cat has complex medical needs outside your experience. Or the pet owner’s expectations are becoming unmanageable.
This is when it’s not only okay to say no — it’s the right thing to do.
The best time to decline a booking is before it starts. If you accepted the job but feel you are not a good fit, tell the owner and Pawshake Support right away. Stay polite and direct:
“After our Meet & Greet, I’ve realised I may not be the best fit for [pet's name]. I want to make sure they get the care they need, so I’m stepping back from this booking to give you time to find another sitter.”
This is a great example of setting boundaries with professionalism.
Be upfront about boundaries — and stick to them
Many tricky situations arise because sitters are reluctant to enforce their own policies. For example, if you want to stick to your cancellation policy, make that clear up front.
Don’t wait for Pawshake to play “bad cop” after the fact — this often leaves the client confused or frustrated. Instead, be transparent:
“Just a reminder that my cancellation policy is [policy name]. I wanted to flag this early so there are no surprises.”
Don't apologise for setting boundaries. It's not rude; it's professional and needed for a good pet sitting experience.
Cancelling a confirmed booking: what’s reasonable?
Sometimes you may need to cancel a confirmed booking due to illness, an emergency, or a personal situation. Life happens! The key is to handle it as professionally as possible:
- Let the pet owner know immediately
- Contact Pawshake Support so they can help the owner find someone else
- Offer suggestions or assistance where possible
If a booking is in progress and something feels unsafe, stop. This could be an aggressive pet or a medical issue you can't handle. Contact both the owner and Pawshake Support for help. Your safety and the pet’s wellbeing always come first.
Just keep in mind: not every client will see the urgency of the situation, and there may be some blowback. Stay calm, and keep your communication clear and documented.
Dealing with difficult clients
Most pet owners are lovely. But occasionally, you might encounter someone who’s vague, pushy, or keeps changing the booking details. Dealing with difficult clients can be challenging, but you don’t need to put up with unprofessional behaviour.
Here’s how to stay in control:
- Stick to the facts: refer to what was agreed in the booking
- Avoid blame: use neutral language and stay calm
- Keep everything in Pawshake messages so there’s a clear record
For example:
“Just to clarify, this booking includes one home visit per day. I’d be happy to add another visit — I can update the booking if you’d like to go ahead.”
If a client becomes disrespectful or aggressive, you have the right to end communication and report them to Pawshake. Good petsitting negotiation means knowing your limits and acting in a way that supports your wellbeing.
Professionalism pays off
By setting clear boundaries and being honest about your availability, you will attract clients who value your work. Negotiate your rates with confidence to find the right clients for you.
Pet sitting isn’t just about loving animals — it’s about ensuring that you’re respected, supported, and safe while doing the job you love. Negotiating boundaries and handling issues with calm professionalism helps build long-term success and a positive reputation in your community.
