Why not just charge what everyone else charges?

A published market rate does not know your rent, your award wages or the van you still owe money on. Two businesses can charge the same night and one of them is losing money. Use the price index to see the market, then use this calculator to see whether that market rate actually pays you.

Should I put peak holiday rates in as the current price?

No. Type the standard night. Peak and last-minute surcharges are how you recover the quiet months. If the standard night cannot carry the year, a January premium is a bandage.

Home boarding looks cheaper. Is it?

You skip rent and a night attendant. You do not skip insurance, wear on the house, or the fact that four dogs is your ceiling. The calculator drops kennel lines when you pick home boarding so you are not paying for runs you do not have.

Why does worn-out equipment sit in the price?

Because you will buy it again. Spreading the cost over its useful life is a replacement reserve, not a depreciation lecture. If you skip it, the next dryer, treadmill or fence comes out of the pay you thought you were taking home.

Are these figures GST inclusive?

They are whatever you type. Use the same basis on every line. If your prices include GST, enter costs the way they hit your account. Mixing a GST-inclusive price with GST-exclusive costs will understate the gap.

Is this financial advice?

No. Every figure comes from the numbers you typed. The minimum price is the point where your nights cover operating costs, the equipment reserve, card fees and the pay you said you wanted. It is a planning tool, not tax, accounting or financial advice.

What you need to charge per night

Boarding looks busy in January and empty in June. Price the year, not the school holidays.

Step 1 of 6Your target

Planning model from the numbers you type. Not financial, tax or accounting advice.

Your target

Floor$6.45

What you want to take home, and what you charge now.

What you want to earn per year

What the business should pay you, before tax. Super is added on the next line.

Super on that pay

12% is the Australian guarantee if you pay yourself a wage. Sole traders still need to put this aside.

Standard night rate you charge now

One dog, standard run. The Australian price index median is about $44. Peak surcharges are extra, not the floor.

How this one works

A 90% Christmas week does not pay for a 35% June. Type a yearly occupancy or the minimum night rate will lie to you.

Overnight labour is a real cost even when it is you waking up. If you refuse to count it, the business is buying your sleep.

Every figure comes from the numbers you entered. The minimum is the point at which revenue covers operating costs, team wages, the equipment reserve, card fees and the pay you said you wanted, across the pet-nights you realistically complete in a year. It is general business information, not financial, tax or accounting advice. Last updated August 2026.

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