How to Find a Pet Sitter in Australia: A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Pet Owners
You have a trip coming up. Your pet cannot come with you. And you want to make absolutely sure they are safe, comfortable, and in good hands while you are away.
Finding the right pet sitter can feel overwhelming — especially if you have never done it before. There are a lot of options out there, and not all of them are as trustworthy as they look.
This guide walks you through every step of the process — from knowing what to look for, to asking the right questions, to booking with confidence. By the end, you will know exactly how to find a pet sitter in Australia who you can genuinely trust.
Step 1: Know What Type of Pet Care You Actually Need
Before you start searching, it helps to know what kind of care your pet needs. There are several different service types available on PetCloud, and the right one depends on your pet’s personality, routine, and needs.
Pet Boarding
Your pet goes to stay at the sitter’s home — like a second home. They are cared for as part of the family, fed and walked on a regular schedule, and are never kept in a cage. This is great for social dogs who do well in a home environment.
House Sitting
The sitter comes to stay in your home overnight while you are away. Your pet never leaves their own environment. Your property stays occupied. This works well for pets who are more anxious, older, or simply more settled in their own space.
Home Visits
The sitter comes to your home once or twice a day to feed, water, and check on your pet — then locks up and leaves. This is the most popular option for cats, who generally do better staying in their own home without a stranger sleeping there.
Dog Walking
A one-on-one walk in your suburb, 30 minutes or 1 hour. Great as a regular weekly service for busy pet owners who cannot always get their dog out during the day.
Doggy Day Care
Your dog spends the day at the sitter’s home while you are at work. Ideal for dogs that struggle with being home alone and benefit from company and stimulation during the day.
Not sure which service is right for your pet? Browse all services and prices on PetCloud to compare your options.
Step 2: Know What Checks Actually Matter
This is the most important part of choosing a pet sitter — and the part most pet owners skip.
A pet sitter is someone you are letting into your home and entrusting with a member of your family. That means the most important thing you can check is whether they have been properly verified.
Here is what to look for — and what to avoid.
What to look for: An ACIC-accredited police check
The gold standard for sitter verification in Australia is a live biometric identity-linked police check through an ACIC-accredited provider. This means:
- The sitter’s identity has been confirmed using biometric data — not just a name or ID document
- Their criminal history has been checked against the national database through the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission
- The check is tied to a specific, verified person — it cannot be faked, forged, or passed on to someone else
This is the same level of verification used by banks and healthcare providers. It is the standard PetCloud requires of every sitter before they can take a single booking.
What to avoid: Weak or unverified checks
Many platforms use the word “vetted” without explaining what it actually means. Some accept self-uploaded police checks (which can be edited or out of date), Blue Cards or Working With Children Checks (designed to protect children, not to verify someone entering your home), or simply a photo of a driver’s licence uploaded by the sitter themselves.
None of these confirm who the person actually is. Only a biometric, identity-linked check through an ACIC-accredited provider does that.
Want to understand the full picture? Read our guide: How to Find a Safe Pet Sitter in Australia.
Step 3: Search for Sitters Near You
Once you know what type of care you need and what to look for, it is time to start searching.
On PetCloud, you can search by suburb and filter by service type. Every sitter who appears in your results has already passed the police check requirement — so you are only ever browsing verified, trustworthy carers.
When browsing sitter profiles, look for:
- Verified badges — these confirm the sitter’s police check status and any training they have completed
- Reviews from real pet owners — read them carefully, not just the star rating. Look for comments about communication, reliability, and how pets behaved after the stay
- Experience with your type of pet — a sitter who has cared for dozens of dogs like yours is a better fit than someone with only general experience
- Their listed services and availability — check they offer the type of care you need on the dates you need it
Step 4: Request a Meet-and-Greet
Once you have found one or two sitters you like the look of, do not book straight away. Request a meet-and-greet first.
A meet-and-greet is a short, relaxed visit — usually at the sitter’s home or yours — where your pet and the sitter get to know each other before any booking is confirmed. It is free. It is built into PetCloud’s booking flow so you can request it formally through the platform.
This step matters more than most pet owners realise. Here is why:
- You get to see how the sitter interacts with your pet in person — not just on a profile
- Your pet gets to smell, explore, and get comfortable with the sitter before the big day
- You can ask questions face to face and get a feel for whether this is the right person
- If boarding at the sitter’s home, your pet can check out the environment before they stay there
A good sitter will always welcome a meet-and-greet. If a sitter pushes back or seems reluctant — that is a red flag.
Step 5: Tell Your Sitter Everything They Need to Know
The more your sitter knows about your pet before the booking begins, the better they can care for them. Do not assume anything is obvious.
Here is everything to cover before you hand over care:
Daily routine
- What time does your pet eat, and how much?
- What food do they eat — and what are they not allowed to eat?
- What time do they usually go for a walk or have exercise?
- What time do they usually go to sleep?
Health and medical needs
- Does your pet take any medications? How much, and when?
- Do they have any allergies or health conditions the sitter needs to know about?
- What is your vet’s name and phone number?
- What are the signs that something might be wrong with your pet?
Personality and behaviour
- How does your pet behave around other dogs, cats, children, and strangers?
- Do they have any fears or triggers — thunderstorms, fireworks, traffic, vacuum cleaners?
- Are they allowed on furniture? Do they sleep in a crate?
- What are their favourite toys, games, and comfort items?
Emergency contacts
- Your mobile number and the number of a trusted friend or family member who can be reached if you cannot
- Your vet’s after-hours emergency number
Putting this in writing — even a simple list — makes it easy for the sitter to refer back to and means nothing gets forgotten.
Step 6: Stay Connected During the Booking
A good pet sitter will keep you updated without being asked. Most pet owners appreciate a quick photo or message each day letting them know their pet is happy and settled.
On PetCloud, sitters are encouraged to share walk route updates using Google Maps so you can see exactly where your dog went. Your sitter takes a screenshot of the walk route from Google Maps Timeline after each walk and sends it to you via the PetCloud messaging system alongside a photo update.
You can find out more about how this works here: How to Share Your Dog Walk Route with Pet Owners.
The 5 Questions to Ask Any Pet Sitter Before You Book
Not sure what to say at the meet-and-greet? Here are the five most important questions to ask.
- “Have you passed a police check through an ACIC-accredited provider?” This is non-negotiable. Every sitter on PetCloud has — but if you are ever booking elsewhere, always ask this first.
- “Do you have any animal care training or qualifications?” Training from a vet or recognised animal welfare body is a strong sign of commitment. Sitters on PetCloud can complete training developed in collaboration with RSPCA Vets.
- “Have you cared for a pet like mine before?” Experience with your specific breed, age, or type of pet matters — especially for dogs with high energy, anxiety, or medical needs.
- “What would you do if my pet got sick or injured?” A confident, prepared sitter will have a clear answer. They should know where the nearest emergency vet is and be comfortable acting quickly if needed.
- “How will you keep me updated?” Know upfront what to expect — daily messages, photo updates, walk route sharing. Good communication gives you peace of mind while you are away.
Finding a Pet Sitter for Specific Situations
Finding a Cat Sitter in Australia
Cats are creatures of habit. Most cats do far better staying in their own home rather than travelling to a sitter’s house. A home visit service — where a police-checked sitter visits once or twice a day to feed, water, play with, and check on your cat — is usually the best option.
For cats that do okay with new people and environments, pet boarding can also work well. Browse verified cat sitters near you on PetCloud.
Finding a Dog Sitter for an Anxious Dog
Anxious dogs need extra care and a calm, consistent sitter who understands their triggers. When booking for an anxious dog, look for a sitter with experience in anxiety and behaviour management — PetCloud’s search allows you to find sitters who specialise in high-needs or anxious pets. A meet-and-greet is especially important so your dog can settle in gradually.
Booking Holiday Pet Care
Christmas, Easter, and school holidays are the busiest times of year for pet care in Australia. The best sitters fill their availability weeks in advance. If you are travelling during a peak period, start your search at least 4–6 weeks ahead, request your meet-and-greet early, and confirm your booking as soon as you are happy. Do not leave it to the last minute.
Finding a Pet Sitter for a Weekend
Short bookings — even a single weekend — are completely normal on PetCloud. Browse available sitters in your area, check their calendar, and book directly through the platform. A meet-and-greet is still recommended even for short stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a trusted pet sitter in Australia?
The safest way is to use a platform that requires all sitters to pass a live biometric identity-linked police check through an ACIC-accredited provider and offers vet-endorsed training. PetCloud is one of Australia’s largest pet care marketplaces and holds every sitter to this standard before they can take their first booking.
What questions should I ask a pet sitter before booking?
Ask whether they have passed an ACIC-accredited police check, whether they have animal care training, whether they have experience with your type of pet, what they would do in an emergency, and how they will keep you updated. On PetCloud, you can request a formal meet-and-greet through the booking flow before committing to anything.
Do I need to meet a pet sitter before I book?
Yes — and a good sitter will always welcome it. A meet-and-greet lets your pet and the sitter get comfortable with each other before the booking begins. On PetCloud, you can request one formally through the platform. It is free, and it is one of the most important steps you can take.
How do I find a cat sitter in Australia?
You can find a police-checked cat sitter near you on PetCloud. For most cats, a home visit service — where the sitter comes to your home once or twice a day — is the least stressful option. Browse verified cat sitters by suburb on PetCloud.
How do I find a dog sitter near me in Australia?
Visit PetCloud, enter your suburb, and browse police-checked sitters in your area. You can filter by service type, read reviews, and request a meet-and-greet through the platform before confirming your booking.
What should I tell a pet sitter about my dog?
Cover your dog’s daily routine, food and dietary needs, any medications or health conditions, your vet’s contact details, their behaviour around other animals and people, any fears or triggers, and their favourite toys and comfort items. The more information the sitter has, the better they can care for your pet.
How do I prepare my dog for a pet sitter?
Book a meet-and-greet so your dog can meet the sitter in a relaxed setting. Maintain your dog’s normal routine in the days before the booking. If boarding away from home, bring familiar items like their bed and a favourite toy. Stay calm at drop-off — dogs read your emotions.
Can I track my dog’s walk in Australia?
Yes. Dog walkers on PetCloud can share a screenshot of your dog’s walk route after each walk using Google Maps Timeline, so you can see exactly where they went. Learn how here: How to Share Your Dog Walk Route with Pet Owners.
How do I know if a pet sitter is qualified in Australia?
Look for verified badges on their profile confirming their police check status and any completed training. Sitters on PetCloud can complete training developed in collaboration with RSPCA Vets, and PetCloud holds an active partnership with Greencross Vets, Australia’s largest veterinary network.
Can I get a pet sitter for a weekend in Australia?
Yes. Pet boarding, house sitting, and home visits on PetCloud can all be booked for a single weekend. Browse available sitters near you on PetCloud and check their calendar for your dates.
How do I book a pet sitter for the holidays in Australia?
Start your search at least 4–6 weeks before Christmas, Easter, or school holidays. These periods book out fast. Find a sitter on PetCloud, request a meet-and-greet, and confirm your booking early to avoid missing out.
Ready to Find a Pet Sitter Near You?
Pet sitters on PetCloud pass a live biometric identity-linked police check through an ACIC-accredited provider. Browse by suburb, read real reviews, request a free meet-and-greet, and book with confidence — all in one place.
Find a verified pet sitter near you on PetCloud today.
Also worth reading:
