What to Charge? A Practical Guide to Pricing Pet Training Services in New Zealand

Figuring out how much to charge for pet training services in New Zealand can be tricky - every animal, owner, and region brings its own challenges. This guide offers down-to-earth tips crafted for Kiwi pet trainers, whether you’re running solo or growing a business, with practical advice to help you price with confidence and attract the right clients.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Understand Your Real Costs

Before you set a price, it’s important to add up all your costs-not just your time. Think about travel for home visits, training equipment, insurance, any certifications, and even marketing expenses.

For example, pet trainers in rural Waikato often have to include fuel and time costs for driving long distances, while those in Auckland might spend more on professional training gear or renting spaces for sessions.

Understanding these costs helps avoid undercharging, which can quietly erode your profit and leave you drained.

2. Research Local Pricing Standards

Rates can vary hugely from region to region and based on the type of training offered. Use platforms like TradeMe Services, Yada, and local business directories to see what others are charging.

Pet training in Wellington might command a higher rate due to demand and cost of living compared to parts of the South Island. Look for services similar in style and experience to yours to get a realistic pricing range.

Weirdly enough, knowing your market can actually boost your confidence in charging what you deserve.

3. Offer Clear Pricing for Popular Services

Create a menu of standard services with set prices that clients can easily understand. Examples include puppy basics, obedience classes, or specific behavioural problem sessions.

A Christchurch trainer might charge $70 for a one-on-one session, $200 for a block of three lessons, and $350 for a full behaviour modification programme. Clear pricing avoids surprises and helps potential clients budget.

Posting this on Yada or your own profile can streamline client conversations and speed up bookings.

4. Include Extras and Travel Fees

Transparency about extras builds trust. If you charge for travel beyond a certain radius or for equipment rental, make that clear upfront.

For instance, Nelson trainers often add a $15 travel fee for trips over 20km, or a small surcharge for weekend or evening appointments.

Being honest about these extras means fewer awkward conversations later and happier clients.

5. Create Package Deals for Loyalty

Many pet owners want regular training but worry about one-off costs. Offering packages or memberships can smooth payments and build steady income.

Wellington-based trainers often bundle classes into monthly plans, which offer a discount and regular check-ins, keeping pets on track and owners engaged.

This strategy helps you secure repeat clients and makes your earnings more predictable.

6. Charge More for Emergency or Late Sessions

Sometimes pet problems demand urgent or after-hours sessions. It’s fair to adjust prices to reflect the extra time and stress involved.

Dunedin trainers often charge a premium for evening or weekend work, sometimes 1.5 to 2 times their normal rate.

Make these policies clear from the get-go to avoid surprises and to respect your own work-life balance.

7. Show Off Your Expertise

Clients value qualifications and experience. Use your profile to highlight any certifications, specialised skills, or success stories that set you apart.

For example, a Tauranga trainer might boast a Certificate in Canine Behaviour and share glowing testimonials from training anxious rescue dogs.

This reassures clients you’re worth your price, especially when competition is tight.

8. Collect and Share Testimonials

Happy clients can be your best salespeople. Ask for their feedback and share testimonials generously, especially on Yada where they improve your visibility and bookings.

An Auckland trainer mentioned how sharing snippets like ‘My Border Collie’s recall improved heaps thanks to you!’ has helped bring in more work.

Kiwis love real stories from fellow pet owners - it’s a trust booster.

9. Understand Seasonal and Regional Demand

Certain times of year or locations see more demand. Puppy season, school holidays, and summer mean more training enquiries, while colder months may slow down sessions.

In Hawke's Bay, trainers note busy spring months and quieter winters. Adjusting prices or offering deals can help manage workflow.

Tracking these trends helps you stay competitive and smooth earnings throughout the year.

10. Use Kiwi-Friendly Platforms like Yada

Listing on New Zealand-focused platforms such as Yada gives you access to local clients without lead or success fees, meaning you keep more of what you earn.

Yada’s rating system helps you build a strong profile based on real client feedback, boosting your chances of matching with the right jobs.

Plus, its mobile-friendly design means you can manage enquiries and communicate easily on the go.

11. Be Open and Flexible with Pricing

Clients appreciate openness. Chat honestly about what your fees cover, offer free initial consultations if possible, and be willing to tailor packages to unique needs.

One Nelson trainer grew her business by using Yada’s private chat feature to clarify client goals and explain pricing before booking.

This personalised touch builds trust and often results in loyal clients.

12. Avoid Undercutting; Compete on Value

Dropping your price below market rates can hurt your business long-term and might lower client perceptions of quality.

Instead, focus on delivering great service, sharing knowledge, and building relationships - which Kiwis really value.

For example, a Christchurch trainer gained respect through local dog walking groups and kept rates steady with glowing reviews.

13. Review and Adapt Pricing Often

Regularly check what others are charging, consider your growing experience, and listen to client feedback. Adjust your fees to reflect your evolving value.

Tools like Yada's dashboard make tracking job success and client ratings straightforward, helping you set smarter prices.

This approach keeps your business healthy and competitive.

14. Leverage Local Community Networks

Get involved in your local pet owner groups on Facebook, attend dog events or farmers markets to spread the word.

A Tauranga trainer boosted bookings significantly by volunteering with local animal rescue and sharing training tips in Neighbourly forums.

Building a local reputation can help justify your pricing and gain ongoing referrals.