Earnings, commission and payouts
- You set your own prices in ZAR.
- OnlyPaw’s commission is 25% on jobs priced under USD 150 and 20% on jobs of USD 150 or more (or the local-currency equivalent, about ZAR 2,700). OnlyPaw Pro subscribers pay a flat 15% on marketplace bookings.
- The customer’s service fee goes to OnlyPaw and is not taken from your price.
- Earnings become available to withdraw 7 days after a job is completed. You can request any amount — there is no minimum — and payouts are made on the 1st and 15th of each month (requests need to be in at least 2 days before).
Local rules to check in South Africa
OnlyPaw verifies your identity, service documents and knowledge test. Separately, paid pet care in South Africa may involve local registrations or permits such as:
- South African ID (green barcoded book, smart card, or valid passport)
- SAPS Clearance Certificate (Criminal Record Check)
- SARS tax number (Personal Income Tax registration)
- For boarding: Local municipality kennel/cattery licence (varies by metro)
- Optional: NSPCA registration for professional pet caregivers
Register with SARS for provisional tax — sole trader income falls under Personal Income Tax with turnover under R1m/year eligible for Turnover Tax scheme. Boarding requires zoning-compliant premises and municipal kennel licence.
These are general pointers, not legal advice — rules change, so confirm them with the relevant authorities before you start.
Cities in South Africa
OnlyPaw is available worldwide, including South Africa, and the app shows customers the providers approved near them.
JohannesburgCape TownDurbanPretoriaSandtonStellenboschPort ElizabethBloemfonteinUmhlangaCenturion
Pet care city guides: Johannesburg
Provider FAQ — South Africa
Do I need previous experience?
Professional experience isn’t required for walking, sitting or boarding, but you must pass the pet-safety knowledge test with at least 70%. Grooming and training require a certificate that the OnlyPaw team reviews.
How much does OnlyPaw take?
OnlyPaw’s commission is 25% on jobs priced under USD 150 and 20% on jobs of USD 150 or more (or the local-currency equivalent, about ZAR 2,700). OnlyPaw Pro subscribers pay a flat 15% on marketplace bookings. The customer’s service fee goes to OnlyPaw and is not taken from your price.
When do I get paid?
Earnings become available to withdraw 7 days after a job is completed. You can request any amount — there is no minimum — and payouts are made on the 1st and 15th of each month (requests need to be in at least 2 days before).
Can I offer more than one service?
Yes. You can add services from your profile; the OnlyPaw team reviews each new service and its documents separately.
What paperwork do I need in South Africa?
Register with SARS for provisional tax — sole trader income falls under Personal Income Tax with turnover under R1m/year eligible for Turnover Tax scheme. Boarding requires zoning-compliant premises and municipal kennel licence. These are general pointers, not legal advice — check the current rules with the authorities in South Africa. OnlyPaw’s review team may also ask for extra documents such as a trade licence.
What does the knowledge test cover?
Pet-safety questions such as handling heat stress, foods that are toxic to pets and what to do in an emergency. The pass mark is 70%.
