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 day 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.

What occupancy should I type if I am new?

Be honest. A first-year facility that budgets 90% is writing fiction. 55 to 70% is a common live figure once the evaluations settle. The scenario table shows 50, 75 and 100% so you can see the drop.

How do staff ratios change the price?

They show up as wages. A 1:10 floor at 30 dogs is not one owner and a prayer. If the award bill is the number that hurts, that is the calculator working. Dropping the rate to fill the last six dogs can cost more than it earns once you add a fourth handler.

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 dog-days 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 dog per day

Occupancy, award staff and food decide this more than the casual rate on your website.

Step 1 of 6Your target

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

Your target

Floor$82.18

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.

Casual day rate you charge now

One dog, one full day. The Australian price index median is $65.

How this one works

Empty space still costs rent and a ratio of staff. Occupancy is the price lever most owners under-measure.

Evaluations that do not convert still took a handler off the floor. Put that time in unpaid hours, not in hope.

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 dog-days 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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