Our free Pet Sitting Invoice Template - New Zealand is designed specifically for pet sitters across New Zealand. This professional template helps you create detailed invoices for dog walking, overnight pet care, feeding services, and home visits. Perfect for independent pet sitters and small pet care businesses, it includes all essential fields for client information, service descriptions, rates, and GST calculations. Download this customizable Pet Sitting Invoice Template - New Zealand to streamline your billing process and maintain professional standards while growing your pet care business.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you need to include GST depends on your turnover. If your pet sitting business turnover exceeds $60,000 per financial year, you must register for GST and charge 15% tax on services. If you're below this threshold, GST is optional. Once registered, you'll need to show GST separately on your invoices as a line item, along with your GST registration number. Many clients—especially corporate or business pet owners—expect to see GST, so including it demonstrates professionalism and transparency.
List each service type separately with its own line item, including the service description, number of visits, daily rate per service, and total. For example, 'Daily dog walking (30 minutes) × 5 visits @ $25' and 'Overnight pet sitting × 2 nights @ $80' clearly shows what the client is paying for. This transparency builds trust and makes it easy for clients to understand the value. It also helps you track which services are most profitable and adjust pricing over time.
Overnight sitting commands a premium because it requires extended availability and responsibility. A typical NZ pet sitter might charge $20–35 for 30-minute dog walks, while overnight sitting ranges from $60–120+ depending on the number of pets, location, and your experience. Overnight rates should reflect the time-intensive nature and liability involved. Consider charging per night rather than hourly for sitting services, as this simplifies invoicing and makes pricing clearer to clients.
Many NZ pet sitters request a deposit (typically 20–30% of the total) for multi-day bookings or new clients, with the balance due at invoice time or shortly after. This protects you against cancellations and cash flow issues, especially for overnight sitting. For regular, established clients, you might invoice after services are completed or arrange weekly/monthly billing. Clearly state your payment terms and due date on the invoice—many pet sitters use 7–14 day terms.
Establish a clear cancellation policy before work begins, then reference it on your invoice or quote. If a client cancels within 24–48 hours, many pet sitters charge a cancellation fee (typically 50–100% of the service cost) to cover lost income. If the booking is rescheduled, you can credit or invoice the original amount against the new date. Document any changes in writing. Your invoice should only reflect services actually provided or fees owed under your agreed policy.
Yes, many successful NZ pet sitters charge a base rate for the first pet and add 20–40% for each additional pet in the same household. For example: $25 for one dog, $30–35 for two dogs. This reflects the extra time, responsibility, and energy required. However, some sitters bundle multiple pets at a single rate if they live together and require similar care. Whatever structure you choose, show it clearly on your invoice so clients understand the pricing.
Yes, but use a separate intake form or agreement for detailed pet health, emergency contacts, and special instructions—your invoice should focus on services and payment. You can add a line that references 'services provided per agreed care plan' or notes any special requirements discussed (e.g., medication administration, dietary needs). This creates a paper trail and reminds both you and the client of what's included. Keep the invoice clean and professional; detailed instructions belong in a separate pet profile document.
Detailed descriptions protect both you and your client by providing a clear record of exactly what services were delivered, which is essential for tax purposes and business records in New Zealand. If a client disputes a charge, detailed invoices make resolution straightforward. They also help clients understand the value of your work—especially important for premium services like overnight sitting or medication administration. Professional invoices build confidence in your business and justify your rates to potential clients.