What Do Dog Sitters Do?

Dog house sitters care for your dog when you’re not home. This can include the following services:

• Feeding – You provide your dog’s food and feeding instructions, and the sitter will ensure your dog gets fed.
• Walking – Sitters can stop by to walk dogs or walk them at certain points throughout the day if they’re staying at your home.
• Playtime – Pet sitters can give dogs playtime to keep them engaged. You can give the sitter details about the types of activities your dog enjoys.
• Toilet Breaks – If every time outside doesn’t need to be a walk, you can request short toilet breaks to let your dog relieve themselves.
• Medications – If your dog takes medications, leave specific instructions for when and how much to give. Complex medications, such as injections, should only be handled by sitters with specialised training.
• Updates – Most sitters will send updates and photos of your dog while you’re away. You can request the frequency of updates.
• Home Care – Some dog sitters may be willing to do basic home care while at your home, such as watering plants, collecting mail, and light cleaning.

Some dog sitters drop by and complete a few of these services while others stay at your home and take on all aspects of your dog’s care. It’s up to you to decide which services you need.

Dog Sitting vs House Sitting

Searching “house and dog sitters near me” will get you a wide variety of Australian pet sitters. Visits, overnight stays, and house sitting are all very different options, so which one is right for you?

Visits

The most common and most affordable dog sitting option is a visit. The sitter stops by your house to feed and/or walk your dog, making sure your furry friend is doing well. This is perfect if you’re just taking a day trip or are working long hours.

Overnight Stays

With this option, the sitter will be with your dog overnight, either in your home or at theirs. Dogs are used to having someone home all night, so this can help keep your dog comfortable. Depending on the arrangement, the sitter might leave for most of the day.

House Sitting

House sitting is the option that gives your dog the most attention. The sitter will be staying at your home the whole time you’re gone. If you’re travelling for long periods, this is a great way to ensure your dog’s routine stays consistent.

Overnight and Long-Term Dog Sitters

Overnight and long-term dog sitters are perfect for situations where dogs need lots of attention. You should consider one of these options in the following situations:

• You have a long holiday
• You’re travelling for work
• You have a senior dog that needs extra attention
• You have a dog with advanced medical needs
• Your dog gets anxious when left alone
• Your dog does best when sticking to a consistent routine

In Australia, you can find a suitable sitter by searching “overnight dog sitters near me” or using a platform like Mad Paws or PetCloud.

How Much Do Dog Sitters Charge?

Pet sitters in Australia typically charge anywhere from $25 to $125 per day, depending on the service. Short drop-ins will be more affordable while full house sitting will be pricier.

Location

Areas with a higher cost of living, including Gold Coast, Melbourne, and Sydney, will have more expensive pet sitting services. In these cities, short visits often cost $30 to $35 while overnight stays can cost $70 to $150 per night.

Visit Length

The longer the visit, the more expensive pet sitting is. A brief drop-in visit to feed and let out a dog will cost $25 to $35 while staying for an hour or longer could cost $45 to $60.

Overnight Care

Of course, staying overnight will be more expensive than a drop-in because it requires more time and effort. $50 to $95 per night is common while full house sitting might cost $60 to $120.

Number of Pets

Most pet sitters in Australia have a base rate for one dog. Rather than doubling the price for two dogs, they’ll often add an additional $10 to $25 per dog. 

Public Holidays

Since public holidays are some of the busiest days of the year for sitters, rates may go up on these days. Expect an extra $10 to $20 per visit.

Experience

There’s no required training to be a dog sitter in Australia, but having pet care experience is important. Sitters with years of experience or specialised training will be more expensive than someone just starting out.

How to Choose Trusted Dog Sitters

There are tons of options across Australia, but how can you find the best dog sitters near you? Start by searching “dog house sitters near me” and then do the following to narrow down your search further:

• Look at public reviews on pet sitting platforms, if available
• Use police checks to look for convictions and pending charges
• Set up a meet-and-greet to see if your dog is comfortable with them
• Ask about their experience caring for animals, especially dogs like yours
• Ask what their emergency plan is if something happens to them or the dogs
• Find out if they have public liability insurance (which is highly recommended in Australia)
• Ask them to provide references

Asking lots of questions and getting to know the sitter before booking an appointment is the best way to ensure you’re only letting trusted sitters into your home.

Final Booking Tips

Your first time leaving your dog with someone new can feel overwhelming, but getting to know the sitter first can help ease some of those worries. Making sure everything is prepared before you leave the house can also help things go smoothly, so here’s a checklist to follow:

• Write out all your dog’s care notes for the sitter
• Leave your vet’s details and contact information in case of an emergency
• Make sure you have plenty of food and medications for your dog
• Agree on the number of updates the sitter should send
• Start with a short visit before leaving your dog alone longer

Finding the right sitter can take a lot of time and patience, so start looking long before you need to leave your dog alone. Start by searching “dog sitters near me” to find a qualified option in your suburb.

FAQs

Where can I find free dog sitters near me?

You can get free dog sitters in Australia through platforms like Aussie House Sitters and Mindahome, where you can find sitters that are willing to house sit solely for free accommodations.

What are the best pet sitting sites in Australia?

Mad Paws, PetCloud, and Pawshake are all great pet sitting services because they have a database of pet sitters to help you find the perfect one.

Can puppies stay with a dog sitter?

Yes, a pet sitter is a great option for puppies because they need extra attention and frequent toilet breaks.

Can I leave an anxious dog with a sitter?

Yes, a sitter is a great choice for an anxious dog because your dog can stay in a familiar environment and stick to their regular routine when you’re away.