What Is a Seasonal Surcharge?
Available on Mobile/Desktop Browser or App? ✅ Yes, accessible on both mobile and web platforms.
Some Pet Sitters on Mad Paws apply a seasonal surcharge — a small additional fee during high-demand periods such as Christmas, Easter, long weekends, and school holidays. This helps Sitters stay available when pet care is needed most.
When Do Seasonal Surcharges Apply?
Seasonal surcharges only apply to specific peak periods, which are set in advance by Mad Paws. These dates are visible on the platform, and any applicable fee is automatically included in your total booking cost.
Why Do Sitters Charge More During Holidays?
Just like hotels or flights, pet care services are in higher demand during holiday periods. Sitters often adjust their schedules to stay available, and the surcharge helps:
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Compensate for holiday availability
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Manage increased booking requests
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Reflect the premium nature of peak-time care
How Much Is the Surcharge?
The amount varies between Sitters — typically between 5% to 20% of their regular rate. You’ll always see the total price upfront before confirming your booking.
✅ No hidden fees ✅ Everything is built into the displayed cost
Will Every Booking Include a Surcharge?
Not always. A surcharge will only apply if:
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Your booking falls on official seasonal surcharge dates, and
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The Sitter has chosen to activate a surcharge for that period
If your booking doesn’t meet both conditions, regular rates apply.
How Will I Know If a Surcharge Is Applied?
There’s no need to calculate anything — the surcharge is automatically included in the booking price shown to you.
If it applies, it’s already built into what you see. If it doesn’t, you’ll just pay the regular rate.
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FAQs
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Can I avoid the surcharge by booking earlier or later?
Yes — bookings outside the surcharge dates won’t include this additional fee.
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Do I need to pay a separate surcharge fee at checkout?
No — it’s already built into the displayed price, so there’s nothing extra to add.
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Why is one Sitter charging more than another during the holidays?
Each Sitter can set their own seasonal surcharge percentage. Rates may vary depending on their availability and preferences.