Why pure per-mile pricing breaks
Pet transport is not rideshare. A five-mile job can require client communication, home pickup, safe loading, vet check-in, waiting, updates, checkout, return, and cleaning afterward.
If you price only by mile, short appointment jobs become underpriced fast. The mileage is not the work. The responsibility is the work.
The flat minimum model
Use a flat minimum for each service type. For example, a standard pickup and drop-off may have one minimum. A full vet appointment handled may have a higher minimum because it includes time and responsibility beyond driving.
The minimum protects the business from short, complicated jobs that consume a full appointment window.
When to add mileage
Include a local radius in the base price, then charge a per-mile fee beyond that radius. This keeps nearby jobs simple while still protecting longer trips.
Example structure: base price includes up to 10 or 15 miles, then add a fixed amount per mile beyond that.
Wait time matters
Vet visits and grooming pickups often run late. If you do not charge for long wait times, your schedule and income both suffer.
Use a clear policy: the service includes a certain amount of wait time, then additional wait time is billed in blocks.
Pricing examples
- Local pickup and drop-off: flat minimum plus mileage over your local radius.
- Vet appointment handled: higher flat price because it includes waiting and updates.
- Airport or long-distance ride: custom quote based on distance, timing, and handling complexity.