Guide · Money
Free dog boarding invoice template: show the math clearly
By Dave Waggins, 6-year home boarder, founder of Houndtrust
Updated August 2026 · ~6 min read
A good dog boarding invoice lets the client check the total in seconds. It shows the stay dates, the rate you agreed to, every extra charge, what they already paid, and the exact balance due. Below is a free template you can copy or download, plus a real example with simple numbers.
The basic formula
Services + extras − payments = balance due
Keep each number on its own line. The client should never have to reverse-engineer your total from a text thread.
A simple dog boarding invoice example
Say Max stays four nights at $55 per night over a holiday. You charge a $20 holiday premium for one night, and the owner already paid a $100 deposit.
| Charge | Math | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding | 4 × $55 | $220 |
| Holiday premium | 1 × $20 | $20 |
| Total | $220 + $20 | $240 |
| Deposit paid | $240 − $100 | −$100 |
| Balance due | At pickup | $140 |
What to include on the invoice
- Your name or business name and contact details
- The client's name, the dog's name, and the stay dates
- An invoice number, issue date, and payment due date
- The billing unit: per night, per 24-hour block, per visit, or per walk
- Separate lines for extra dogs, holidays, transportation, baths, medication, or late pickup
- The total, deposits or prior payments, and the balance due
- How the client can pay and where to send it
The free dog boarding invoice template
Copy the template below or download the editable text file. Replace the brackets, remove lines you do not use, and keep the final balance large and easy to spot.
DOG BOARDING INVOICE (TEMPLATE) FROM [Your business or name] [Email] [Phone] BILL TO [Client name] [Client email / phone] INVOICE Invoice number: [INV-____] Issue date: [date] Payment due: [date or "at pickup"] Dog(s): [name(s)] Stay: [drop-off date/time] to [pickup date/time] DESCRIPTION QTY RATE AMOUNT Boarding, [night or 24-hour block] [__] $[__] $[____] Additional dog [__] $[__] $[____] Holiday premium [__] $[__] $[____] Late pickup / extended care [__] $[__] $[____] [Bath, pickup, drop-off, medication, other] [__] $[__] $[____] Subtotal: $[____] Discount / credit: -$[____] Total: $[____] Deposit or prior payment: -$[____] BALANCE DUE: $[____] Payment options: [cash / check / Venmo / PayPal / Cash App / card link] Payment note or link: [________________________________________] Notes [Cancellation adjustment, holiday dates, late-pickup cutoff, or other details] Thank you for trusting me with [dog's name].
Plain text, so it opens in any editor.
Make the invoice match the booking
The invoice should repeat the terms the client already accepted. If the booking says four nights at $55, the invoice should say four nights at $55. If your dog boarding contract has a holiday premium or a late-pickup cutoff, show that adjustment as its own line. A new rule introduced on the invoice will feel like a surprise charge even when the total is small.
Your waiver is separate. It records consent, emergency-vet authorization, and liability terms. The invoice records what the client owes. Keep both with the booking.
After the client pays
Mark the invoice paid and keep the payment date and method. If the client needs a receipt, send the same itemized record with a zero balance and a clear “Paid” label. That gives both of you one record instead of a payment confirmation buried in a text thread.
Houndtrust keeps the agreed booking total, payment requests, amounts paid, and the remaining balance together. You can send the client a payment link, mark cash or an outside payment paid, and see what is still owed without rebuilding the math.
Common questions
What should a dog boarding invoice include?
Include your name or business, the client's name, an invoice number, the issue and due dates, the dog's name, the stay dates, each charge, payments already received, the balance due, and payment instructions. Separate the boarding charge from extra dogs, holiday premiums, transportation, baths, medication, or late pickup so the total is easy to check.
Should I invoice per night or per 24 hours?
Use the same billing method the client agreed to in the booking or contract. If you bill per night, show the number of nights and the nightly rate. If you bill in 24-hour blocks, show the number of blocks and any extended-care charge. Do not switch methods at invoice time.
Is an invoice the same as a receipt?
No. An invoice asks for payment and shows the balance due. A receipt confirms money was paid. Once the client pays, mark the invoice paid or send a receipt that shows the amount, date, and payment method.
Do I need to put taxes on a dog boarding invoice?
Tax rules for pet-care services vary by state and locality. Do not copy another sitter's tax line. Check with your state tax agency or a local tax professional, then show any required tax as its own line.
Can I use this invoice for dog sitting or dog walking?
Yes. Rename the service line, then list the visit, walk, overnight, or boarding dates and the agreed rate. Keep one line for each service or adjustment so the client can see how the total was calculated.
Keep every balance with the booking
Houndtrust totals the stay, sends payment requests, records payments, and shows what is still owed. No cut of your bookings. Free to start, no card.
Start freeTax and recordkeeping rules vary by state and business. This page is general information, not tax, accounting, or legal advice. Ask a qualified local professional what applies to your business.