Bookkeeping for pet boarding, daycare, and grooming businesses
This isn't theory for us. Caitlyn currently keeps the books for a pet boarding business in Alaska, so she knows how deposits, holiday rushes, and package sales show up in the numbers.
Or call 901-907-2903. Zack and Caitlyn pick up.
Where pet care books usually go wrong
- Booking deposits recorded as income the day they're paid, instead of when the stay happens
- Prepaid daycare or grooming packages counted as revenue before they're used
- Boarding, daycare, grooming, training, and retail all lumped into one sales line
- Refunds and cancellations that never get matched to the original deposit
- Card processor payouts deposited net of fees, so the fees never get recorded
What clean books look like for pet care
Each service line gets its own income category, so you can see which ones actually make money. Deposits and prepaid packages sit as a liability until the service happens. Processor payouts are recorded gross, with fees as an expense, so the books match your booking software.
Sales tax on pet services
Whether pet services and retail products are taxable depends on your state and on what you sell. Retail items like food and toys are often treated differently from services. Ask your tax preparer or your state's revenue department, and we'll set up the books to track whatever applies to you.
Get a straight answer in 15 minutes
Tell us where things stand. We'll tell you honestly whether you need help, and what it would cost.
Zack and Caitlyn answer 901-907-2903 themselves.
- QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor
- Published, flat pricing
- No pressure, no obligation
Frequently asked questions
Have you worked with pet care businesses before?
Yes. Caitlyn currently keeps the books for a pet boarding business in Alaska.
Can you work with my booking software?
Most booking software exports sales and deposit reports. We use those to tie your books to what actually happened. We'll ask what you use on the review call.
How much does it cost?
The same as any business: $250 per bank or card account per month, with the setup fee waived when you prepay the year.