Does a Minimum Wage apply to Pet Sitters in Australia?
In Australia, Self Employed Pet Sitters Dog Walkers and Groomers are generally not covered by a National Award for minimum wage due to the nature of their work. Here are a few key reasons:
- Work is on a per job basis: Dog walks are hourly recurring, doggy day care is a block of 8 hours during the day, pet boarding is a block of 24hours, home visits are 20 minutes, dog washing is 30 mins to 1 hour. Similar to other gig economy jobs, pet sitters often work on a per-job basis, with varying fees depending on the service, time, and client. Gig work often escapes the typical employer-employee relationship needed to apply for an Award.
- Marketplace Platforms: Many pet sitters use service platforms like PetCloud to find clients. These platforms act as intermediaries between sitters and pet owners rather than employers, meaning the sitters are responsible for setting their own rates, rather than being paid a set wage.
- Independent Contractor Status: Most pet sitters operate as independent contractors or freelancers, not employees. They set their own rates, hours, and work conditions, which makes them outside the scope of minimum wage protections under an Award.
- No Specific Award: Right now there is no specific Award under Australia’s Fair Work Act that directly covers pet sitting services. The National Awards system is industry-based, and pet sitting doesn’t fall neatly into an existing category like hospitality or retail.
While pet sitters may not have a national minimum wage under an Award, they can set their own rates on their listing, set their chosen refund policy and select their terms with clients.
So what price should you charge?
In comparison, entry-level employed positions start at $56,609 per year. The median salary of an employed Animal Attendant in Australia (where award rates do apply) is $64,496 per year or $33.07 per hour as a Casual, while most experienced workers make up to $75,325 per year.
On top of their wage, they are also paid:
- Annual leave 4 weeks (Casual employees don’t get paid time off, but can ask their employer about taking unpaid leave for holidays)
- Superannuation may be contributed by the Employer on top at 11.5%
- Personal / Sick leave 10 days (Casual employees are not entitled to paid personal/carer’s leave but are entitled to 2 days’ unpaid carer’s leave on certain occasions. This leave must be accrued, and taken, in hours).
- Weekend Saturday rates (150% of the ordinary hourly base rate)
- Weekend Sunday rates (double ordinary hourly base rate (200%)
- Public holiday rates (250% of the ordinary hourly base rate) for 8 national public holidays observed as part of the National Employment Standards (NES)
- Allowances for overtime, age, or special skills
- Parental leave is provided for employed Animal Attendants in the National Employment Standards.
So as a Self Employed contractor, if you are ever asked by a Pet Owner if you are happy to receive cash for a cheaper price, say “No thanks – I know my value. I pay tax, plus I have to budget for my holidays my sick leave, I also need to contribute to my superannuation for when I retire. Plus PetCloud insures bookings for pet accidents and connects me to many job opportunities – and they have to maintain their platform, and pay for advertising.”
Your Choice of Refund Policy is also critical to earning a sufficient income and valuing your time, so ensure you choose a policy that doesn’t leave you out of pocket for a Pet Owner’s change of mind.
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