How SitSignal Payments Work (Full Breakdown)
SitSignal payments are designed to be transparent for pet parents, predictable for sitters, and structured to protect each booking from request to payout.
This guide explains how booking payments, platform fees, sitter earnings, tips, payouts, and cancellation-related refunds work on SitSignal.
How payments move through SitSignal
| Step | What happens | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The client books and pays through SitSignal. | The booking starts with a documented, on-platform payment. |
| 2 | The payment is processed and attached to the booking. | This creates a clear record of charges, timing, and booking details. |
| 3 | The sitter completes the service. | The service must happen before payout is released. |
| 4 | The sitter’s payout is sent through Stripe Connect. | Payouts go directly to the sitter’s connected bank account. |
| 5 | If the client leaves a tip, it is processed separately. | Tips follow their own settlement timeline. |
Who gets what
Every SitSignal booking has three money pieces:
- what the client pays
- what the sitter keeps
- what SitSignal keeps
| Party | What they pay or keep | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Pet parent | Sitter rate + 4.5% platform fee | The client pays for care plus the fee that supports the booking platform. |
| Sitter | Booking total minus sitter fee | The sitter keeps the rest as take-home earnings. |
| SitSignal | 4.5% client fee + 12% standard sitter fee or 9% partnered sitter fee | Supports payments, support, messaging, tools, verification, and marketplace operations. |
What pet parents pay
Client payment includes
- the sitter’s posted rate
- any additional pet charges
- booking adjustments, such as extended care if applicable
- the 4.5% platform fee
What the 4.5% fee supports
- secure payment processing
- booking and messaging tools
- platform support
- documentation and protection around the booking
What sitters earn
Sitters earn the booking amount minus their sitter fee.
| Sitter type | SitSignal fee | Sitter keeps |
|---|---|---|
| Standard sitter | 12% | 88% |
| Partnered sitter | 9% | 91% |
This gives sitters a clear understanding of what they actually take home from each booking.
Example booking breakdown
Here’s what a 5-night booking looks like if the sitter charges $30 per night.
What the client pays
Where the money goes
If the sitter is partnered, their take-home payout would be higher because their sitter fee is lower.
Why SitSignal keeps fees
SitSignal’s fees support the systems that make bookings safer, clearer, and easier to manage.
| What SitSignal provides | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Secure payment processing | Keeps transactions documented and protected on-platform. |
| Booking infrastructure | Supports requests, approvals, timing, changes, and payment handling. |
| Messaging and reporting tools | Helps clients and sitters communicate clearly and consistently. |
| Marketplace and profile systems | Helps sitters get discovered and booked by pet parents. |
| Support and issue resolution | Provides help if booking or payment issues come up. |
| Verification and payout systems | Supports trust and reliable payout routing. |
When sitters get paid
- payouts are sent after the service is completed
- payouts are processed through Stripe Connect
- funds are deposited directly into the sitter’s connected bank account
Final timing can vary slightly depending on bank processing timelines.
Tips on SitSignal
Clients can leave tips after a booking is completed.
How tips work
- tips are optional
- tips are made after the booking
- tips are processed through the platform
- tips are paid separately from the original booking payout
When tips are paid
Tips are paid out within up to 96 hours after they are made.
This timing is due to normal credit card processing and settlement times.
Strong communication, daily updates, and a great overall experience often lead to better tips.
Refunds and cancellation policies
Refunds depend on the sitter’s selected cancellation policy.
| Policy | How it works |
|---|---|
| Flexible | Clients can cancel or reschedule up to 24 hours before the booking for a full refund. |
| Moderate | Clients must cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours before the booking. If canceled within 48 hours, a 50% refund applies. |
| Strict | Clients must cancel or reschedule at least 7 days before the booking. If canceled within 7 days, a 50% refund applies. |
| Non-Refundable | No cancellations or reschedules are allowed after booking confirmation. |
Why payments should stay on-platform
| On SitSignal | Off-platform |
|---|---|
| Clear payment records | No built-in documentation |
| Structured payout system | Higher risk of payment problems |
| Support can review booking details | No platform support |
| Transparent fees and totals | Higher chance of misunderstandings |
| Tips processed through the platform | No protected tip flow |
Frequently asked questions
Do clients see the full total before paying?
Yes. Clients see the sitter’s rate, any booking-related adjustments, and the 4.5% platform fee before confirming payment.
Can sitters see what they will take home?
Yes. Sitters can see their earnings and understand how their sitter fee affects payout.
Why does SitSignal charge both a client fee and a sitter fee?
Those fees support the marketplace from both sides, including payment infrastructure, support, messaging, booking systems, and platform operations.
Are tips instant?
No. Tips are paid out within up to 96 hours after they are made because of normal card processing and settlement times.
Is the platform fee refunded if a booking is canceled?
No. The 4.5% platform fee is non-refundable under all cancellation policies.
Final thoughts
SitSignal payments are built around clarity, protection, and accountability.
Clients know what they are paying. Sitters know what they are keeping. And SitSignal clearly shows what it keeps so the marketplace can continue supporting safer, smoother, and more professional bookings.