Time To Pet can be configured to automatically add extra pet fees to a client’s invoice for their scheduled services. These rates are set on each service type individually, and each additional pet can be configured to have a different rate.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Configuring Automatic Extra Pet Rates
Navigate to Services.
Create a new service or click to "Edit" an existing service.
Under "Extra Pet Rates", set the rate for the 1st Extra Pet. Once this is saved, the option for the 2nd Extra Pet will appear.
Configure the rate for the 2nd Extra Pet if applicable, and save.
After saving the rate for the 2nd Extra Pet, the 3rd Extra Pet option will appear.
If the rates are consistent beyond the 3rd pet, select 3rd Extra Pet + and set the rate.
Alternatively, if the rate differs after the 3rd pet (e.g., for the 4th pet), configure separate rates for each additional pet as needed.
Using the image above as an example, the first extra pet will cost $5.00, and all other extra pets after the first extra pet will cost $3.00.
For example, a 3-pet family using the rates above would be calculated as follows:
First Pet: $20.00 (Basic Service Cost)
Second Pet (1st Extra Pet): add $5.00
Third Pet (2nd Extra Pet): add $3.00
For a total of $28 for this service.
Troubleshooting Missing Extra Pet Options
Extra Pet Fees Not Appearing on Recurring Template Events
If extra pet fees are missing from invoices generated from a recurring template, it is likely that the extra pet rate was removed or set to $0 on the template’s events. To resolve this:
Open the client’s recurring template.
Edit the affected service(s).
Click the blue plus (+) to expand the "Extras" section.
Re-add the extra pet fee or set the correct non-zero rate.
Save your changes to ensure future invoices reflect the charge.
If you do not see options for the 2nd and 3rd Extra Pet fields:
Ensure you set a rate for the 1st Extra Pet:
Once this is saved, the 2nd Extra Pet field will appear.
Set the rate for the 2nd Extra Pet, and the 3rd Extra Pet option will automatically be revealed.
Continue this process for subsequent pets.
By following this sequence, all required fields will appear during the configuration process.
Manually Editing Extra Pet Rates
When scheduling services for a client, the extra pet rate will be automatically calculated and added to each event based on the number of selected pets and the fees set for that particular service type. This also applies to services requested through the Client Portal.
However, you can override this value, or remove the extra pet fee altogether, for any individual event in the "Edit Event" screen within the "Extras" section:
Configuring fee visibility in the Client Portal can be achieved by enabling price/fee display settings for transparency regarding additional pet fees. This approach helps clarify billing details and avoids potential client confusion.
Incorrect Extra Pet Charges on Invoices
Invoices may show incorrect extra pet charges due to changes in the extra pet rate after events were scheduled or approved. To address this:
Update the extra pet rate before scheduling or approving events.
For already-approved invoices, manually correct the extra pet fee on each event or use the Bulk Edit tool to apply changes across multiple events.
Inconsistent Extra Pet Charges for the Same Service
Different extra pet rates may appear on invoices for the same service due to multiple pricing sources. To ensure consistency:
Set the desired extra pet rate in the client’s template for the relevant service type(s).
Avoid manual edits that change the service type or add pets after creation.
For existing invoices, manually adjust the extra pet rate on affected events.
Extra Pet Charges Changing with Service Duration
Extra pet rates are defined per service, so switching service durations can alter the charges. For example:
A 45-minute service may charge $5 per extra pet starting with the 3rd pet.
A 60-minute service may charge $5 only for the 3rd pet and $0 for additional pets. Switching from a 60-minute to a 45-minute service increases the total extra pet charges for the same number of pets.
Reversing an Accidental Extra Pet Fee
If an extra pet fee was accidentally applied to visits that have already been invoiced and paid, you can reverse it and issue a credit:
Open each affected visit in the Scheduler.
Unselect the "Extra Pets" field.
The associated amount will be converted into an Open Payment on the client’s account, functioning as a credit for future visits.
Adjusting Rates for Specific Scenarios
If extra pet charges are billed at the wrong rate (e.g., a group walk rate instead of a private walk rate), check the client’s template services. Edit the template to set the correct rate for the private walk service. The updated rate will apply to future template periods.
Staff Extra Pet Rates
IMPORTANT: Time To Pet does not pay your staff/users directly. The settings described in this article are simply tools that will help you calculate what to pay your staff outside of Time To Pet via your payroll processor or another preferred method.
In the "Rates" section of each service, you can set a "Staff Extra Pet Rate" which sets how much staff will get paid for each extra pet:
If you have staff that should be paid a different amount for extra pets than what you have set in the service setup screen, you can add a custom extra pet rate for that staff member in their staff profile under the "Rates" tab.
If you are choosing not to charge clients for extra pets, but would still like to pay staff members a flat rate for providing services for extra pets, be sure to check the "Flat Rate Extra Pets Not Charged To Clients" option when generating pay stubs:
Note: You can set this option to be checked by default in Settings > Staff/User Settings > General.