SitSignalHow payments move through SitSignal
- The client books and pays through SitSignal, creating a documented, on-platform payment.
- Processing attaches the funds to the booking with a clear record.
- The sitter completes the service before payout is released.
- Payouts are sent via Stripe Connect to the sitter's bank account.
- Tips are processed separately, on their own timeline.
Who gets what
Every booking has three parts:
- Pet parent pays: the sitter's posted rate plus a 4.5% platform fee.
- Sitter earns: the booking total minus their sitter fee — standard sitters keep 88% (12% fee), partnered sitters keep 91% (9% fee).
- SitSignal keeps: the 4.5% client fee plus the sitter fee, which funds operations, verification, messaging, and marketplace infrastructure.
What pet parents pay
Client payments include the sitter's posted rate, any additional pet charges, booking adjustments for extended care, and the 4.5% platform fee. That fee covers secure payment processing, booking tools, support, and documentation.
Example booking breakdown
A 5-night booking at $30/night:
- Booking subtotal: $150.00 (5 × $30)
- Platform fee (4.5%): $6.75
- Client total: $156.75
- Sitter fee (12%): $18.00
- Total to SitSignal: $24.75 ($6.75 + $18.00)
- Sitter take-home: $132.00
When sitters get paid
Payouts are sent after the service is completed, through Stripe Connect, straight into the sitter's connected bank account. Final timing depends on the bank's processing.
Tips
Tips are optional and made after a booking is completed. They're paid out within up to 96 hours because of standard credit-card processing and settlement times. Strong communication and great service tend to earn bigger tips.
Refunds & cancellation policies
Refunds depend on the sitter's selected cancellation policy.
| Policy | How it works |
|---|---|
| Flexible | Clients may cancel for a full refund or submit a booking change request up to 24 hours before the booking starts. Change requests submitted after this window may still be approved by the sitter but are not guaranteed to receive a refund. |
| Moderate | Clients may cancel for a full refund or submit a booking change request up to 48 hours before the booking starts. Within 48 hours of the booking, cancellations and shortened booking requests are generally eligible for a 50% refund if approved. Sitters may choose to approve a shortened booking with or without a refund. |
| Strict | Clients may cancel for a full refund or submit a booking change request up to 7 days before the booking starts. Within 7 days of the booking, cancellations and shortened booking requests are generally eligible for a 50% refund if approved. Sitters may choose to approve a shortened booking with or without a refund. |
| Non-Refundable | Cancellations are not eligible for a refund after booking confirmation. Clients may still submit a booking change request, but the sitter may approve the shortened booking without issuing a refund or reject the request entirely. |
FAQ
Yes — the sitter's rate, booking adjustments, and the 4.5% platform fee are all shown before you confirm payment.
Yes. Sitters can view their earnings and see how their fee affects the final payout.
The fees support marketplace infrastructure from both sides: payment systems, support, messaging, booking tools, and operations.
No — tips process within up to 96 hours due to card processing and settlement timelines.
No, the 4.5% fee is non-refundable under all cancellation policies.