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Sitter Compatability Guarantee

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All Sitters are Police Checked & Vet-supported

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Customer Support

Daily Photo Updates

Daily Photo Updates on Wellness & Activity

What is Home-based Dog Boarding?

Dog Boarding also known as Pet Boarding, Dog Minding, or Pet Sitting which is a service which involves taking care of another person's Dog for a given time frame in the Dog Sitter's own home.

How do I find home-based dog boarding near me?

1

Find Home-based Dog Boarding near you

Download the PetCloud App, search for Dog Sitters in your area, read the reviews and select the best sitter for you.

2

Meet and Greet

Meet your chosen Dog Sitter at the proposed location of care before the stay.

3

Finalise Your Booking

Seamlessly book and securely pay using the PetCloud digital wallet.

4

Pack, Travel and Relax

Pack your bags, drop off your Dog and relax knowing they are in the best care.

When should you book care in Home-based Dog Boarding?

When you want to book your dog to stay in Sitter’s private family home to experience love and affection, and sleeping on the end of a bed at night, rather than being placed in a cage at a commercial boarding kennel.

In what locations does PetCloud have Dog Boarding near?

Whether you are in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Sydney, Newcastle, Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin or even Alice Springs – PetCloud has Dog sitters nationally, right across Australia.

What makes PetCloud different?

PetCloud’s strong focus on animal welfare and human safety is due to guidance from RSPCA Senior Vets, Foster Carers, Animal Inspectors, and Dog Trainers. PetCloud has been helping Dog Sitters to lead the industry in providing a safe standard of holiday care. PetCloud is part-owned by RSPCA Qld.

When you book Home-based Dog Boarding through PetCloud the benefits are:

  • Daily photo updates on Wellness & Activity sent by the sitter to you
  • Meet in person before your card is charged
  • National Customer Support by RSPCA Qld on shore, in Australia.
  • Compatibility Guarantee – Find a Great Match or we'll help you find better or happily refund you.

If you'd like to connect with a reviewed and verified Dog sitter near you, PetCloud’s unique Dog Jobs Board is the fastest way to connect with a local sitter. All you do is Post a Job this will send out an alert in a 25km radius and available Sitters will apply.

You can also do a location based search by typing your suburb into the search bar to filter for listing of home-based Dog sitters near you.

What does a Professional Home-based Dog Boarder do?

Professional Dog Sitters are responsible for all basic animal care while their clients are on holidays or travelling for work.

They will also:

  • Supervise pet Dogs ensuring they are safe and happy
  • Give daily nose to tail body checks for lumps, scrapes, ticks, and bumps
  • Give first aid attention to hot spots or scrapes
  • Do daily feeding, putting out fresh water in cleaned bowls every morning and evening. Owners provide all food.
  • Brushing and washing Dogs
  • Transporting Dogs to Vet or Grooming Appointments
  • Administering medicine or parasite control provided by the Owner
  • Taking dogs on walks, and providing exercise through play
  • Cleaning kitty litter boxes, puppy pads,or picking up stools in the yard and placing in the wheelie bin
  • Providing a daily photo update to the Owner with a small wellness & activity summary.
  • Notifying owners and taking Dogs to the vet if they should become sick or suffer an injury while under their supervision

PetCloud’s Home-based Dog Boarding nearby are Police Checked

On PetCloud we display Digital badges that show what verifications and qualifications Sitters have obtained.

Professional Dog Boarding Sitters nearby are trained in Animal Care and can spot warning signs if your Dog needs veterinary attention.

They are experienced in understanding what is normal behaviour for Dogs versus behaviour such as;

  • Odd eating habits.
  • Excessive thirst.
  • Rough or dry coat.
  • Lethargy.
  • Vomiting.
  • Unusual stool.
  • Sudden weight loss.
  • Cloudy or red eyes.
  • Scooting or dragging rear
  • Emergency symptoms

Professional Dog Boarders will always have a Meet & Greet in advance

Having a Meet and Greet property inspection at the Dog Sitters home in advance of the stay allows:

  • Dog Sitters and Owners to take joint responsibility to ensure the property is escape-proof and hazard-free and suitable for the size and type of Dog, and if not, discuss whether a solution exists to resolve if possible.
  • Both Sitter and Owner to observe interactions to try and predict whether all Dogs, Children, and Sitters will likely be compatible.

Home-based Dog Boarding is Vet-supported

Home based boarding is Vet Supported. Web Vet is available 24/7 at affordable rates

What types of Dogs do PetCloud Dog Sitters look after?

Domestic animals such as cats and dogs, pocket Dogs/ rodents such as guinea pigs, rats, mice, rabbits, reptiles such as snakes, frill neck lizards, turtles, hobby farm animals such as alpacas, horses, pigs, chickens, ponies, and goats.

What sorts of breeds of dogs do PetCloud Dog Sitters look after?

All breeds of domestic Dogs mentioned, except dangerous dog breeds mentioned.

How do I identify a great Dog Boarder?

Great Dog Sitters are:

  1. Have passed a Police Check (PetCloud checks this)
  2. Have a high number of repeat clients and
  3. Five star reviews, and
  4. Prompt in reply and clear communication with you
  5. Have done a Dog Care Course, such as our industry leading RSPCA Qld Dog Sitting course - as this course trains sitters in animal care to the standard that the RSPCA expects
  6. Requests a Meet & Greet with you at the proposed location of care in advance of the Dog stay.

Also take note of great traits that Home-based Dog Boarding should have.

What Verifications do Dog Sitters have?

Each PetCloud Dog Sitter has clear digital verification badges that display the police verifications they have attained.

What Training do Dog Sitters have?

Each Sitter must sit the online pet care training course created by RSPCA Vets. Once they have completed the course, their profile will display an accredited badge.

Professional Dog Sitters are trained in Animal Welfare standards

Professional Dog Sitters are trained by a recognised industry Dog care course. They are experienced in working with all types of Dog types, breeds, and temperaments and will know how to tailor your Dog’s care based on their unique likes, triggers, fears, and habits.

PetCloud's Dog Sitter's and Dog Walkers uphold the Animal Welfare 5 Freedoms that are internationally accepted standards of Dog care that affirm every living being's right to humane treatment which are:

  • Freedom from hunger and thirst.
  • Freedom from discomfort.
  • Freedom from pain, injury and disease.
  • Freedom to express normal behaviours.
  • Freedom from fear and distress.

What interview questions do I ask Home-based Dog Boarding?

PetCloud will provide you with a set of interview questions and checks when you join. It’s free to join.

How does Home Dog Boarding work?

Both Dog Owners and Dog Sitters join the PetCloud website free. Dog Owners can Post a Job and this will send out a job alert in a 25km radius and available sitters will apply. You review their profiles, and then click to request a Meet & Greet with the Sitter you select.

When do I pay for my Booking and how?

After the Meet & Greet, but before the stay begins you will be shown a link to pay via your PetCloud inbox by the Pet Sitter when they click “Preapprove”. The Sitter will only receive payment at the end of the stay by PetCloud. Never pay Dog Sitters directly.

How much do you pay Home-based Dog Boarding?

When you create a booking, the website will provide you with an upfront estimate.

As a rough guide, Dog Sitters charge $20-$40 a day on average, depending on the services involved and depending on whether they are in metro, or regional areas.

The average cost of a 20-minute home visit is $40, while overnight Dog-sitting costs $20-$55. Discounts may be given if there are multiple Dogs, and longer stays.

Vet Nurse Dog sitters will often charge more for 24-hour Supervision, additional Dogs, and bookings over public holidays when demand is high from many Dog Owners going away on holiday.

Every booking makes an impact

Read more about the impact you make when you book Dog Sitting for your Dog through PetCloud.

Why choose home-based Dog boarding?

PetCloud Dog Sitters keep Dogs safe and happy in a home environment. That’s why all our members are home-based Dog Sitters. Vets agree home is the one place all Dogs feel safe and happy, you can travel with true peace of mind.

PetCloud has different types of services that our home-based Dog Sitters offer:

  1. Dog Sitters who offer overnight care for your Dog in their home,
  2. House Sitters to come and stay overnight in a Guest bedroom at your home for a period of time if you own multiple Dogs or large Dogs,
  3. Dog Sitters who do Home Visits to your home where Home-based Dog Boarding will drive over & call in once or twice a day for 20 minutes to feed and top up water in your Dogs bowls.

Puppy Dog Sitters

PetCloud has Puppy Dog Sitters who will have your puppy stay at their loving home. Use the Advanced Search filter to specify your puppy’s needs.

Senior Dog Sitters

Use PetCloud’s Advanced Search Filters to find Sitters who have homes without steps and ramps for senior pets. If you provide high quality washable Pet Nappies if your pet is incontinent, this will make the stay much easier for your chosen Home-based Dog Border.

Big Dog Sitters

PetCloud has strong big dog sitters with high fenced backyards. We also have House Sitters who can come to stay at your home with your big dog.

Special Needs Dog Care

PetCloud has an advanced search filter on the Search Results screen where Dog Owners can filter to find Vet Nurse Dog Sitters who have had their Vet Nurse Qualifications verified and have been allocated a Vet Nurse digital badge.

Dog Owners love our local Dog sitters whether it’s because it’s easier to meet in person or they want someone who already knows the best dog walks, many people are looking for local Dog sitters in particular.

Pet Owner Reviews

Members across Australia tell us their lives have changed thanks to Dog sitting. From local Dog sitters who tell us it’s filled a gap in their life left by the loss of their own Dog, to dedicated Dog Owners who can finally take a well-deserved break, there are so many touching Pet Owner reviews.

Post a Job and available Dog Sitters will apply

Can Dog Boarders care for special needs pets?

Dog Boarders booked through PetCloud recognise that every pet is unique, with different needs. When you book Dog Boarding via PetCloud, you can expect your dog’s specific needs to be met.

Whether your dog has a disability, is Senior, requires vaccinations, oral medication or other special attention, you can bring it up at the Meet & Greet. During this meeting, it also helps to provide your Host with a list of important details. In this way, your Dog Boarder will have clear instructions to ensure your pet receives exactly the care they require.

How do I become a Dog Boarder?

Do you know how to soothe a timid dog, tire out an energetic dog, or reward an obedient dog?

If so, you could have what it takes to offer Dog Boarding through PetCloud! As a PetCloud Dog Minder, you’ll be able to:

  • Set your own work hours
  • Set your own services and prices
  • Grow your Pet Care business
  • Work from the comfort of your own home
  • Be a part of a pet-loving community that spans across Australia
  • Decide what quantity and which breeds or sizes of dogs you’d like to care for
  • To learn more about providing Dog Boarding through PetCloud, visit our “Become a Sitter” page. We’re always on the lookout for new pet lovers, and we’d be thrilled to hear from you!

Frequently Asked Questions


What is dog boarding and how does it work?

Dog boarding is overnight care for your dog away from home while you travel. With in-home boarding your dog stays in a vetted sitter's house as a guest; with facility or kennel boarding it stays at a licensed premises. On PetCloud you compare local hosts, see reviews, and book online for one night or long term.

Supporting points
  • In-home boarding suits dogs that prefer a home environment and one-on-one attention.
  • Facility boarding suits owners who want purpose-built premises and set routines.
  • You confirm your dog's routine, feeding and any medication with the host before the stay.

Pet sitting vs dog boarding - which is better?

Neither is universally better - it depends on your dog. Pet sitting (care in your own home) keeps your dog in familiar surroundings and its normal routine, ideal for anxious or older pets. Dog boarding (care at a sitter's home or facility) offers company, supervision and structure, ideal for social dogs. Both are bookable on PetCloud.

Supporting points
  • Choose sitting if your pet is stressed by new environments or has a strict routine.
  • Choose boarding if your dog enjoys company and you want constant supervision.
  • Cost, distance and your dog's temperament are the main deciding factors.

Where can I leave my dog when I go on holiday in Australia?

In Australia you can leave your dog with an in-home pet sitter, an in-home boarding host, a licensed boarding facility or kennel, a house sitter who stays at your place, or a trusted friend or family member. Marketplaces like PetCloud let you find and book verified, police-checked, vet-supported carers near you online.

Supporting points
  • In-home options keep your dog in a house environment rather than a kennel run.
  • Book early for school holidays and long weekends, when carers fill quickly.
  • Always confirm vaccinations, insurance and an emergency vet plan before you go.

Dog boarding vs kennels - what's the difference?

The main difference is environment. Traditional kennels house dogs in individual runs at a commercial facility. In-home dog boarding places your dog as a guest in a private home with a family and often other pets. Home boarding offers a more domestic setting and personal attention; kennels offer purpose-built facilities and set routines.

Supporting points
  • Kennels: structured, staffed premises; dogs are usually housed separately.
  • Home boarding: fewer dogs, home comforts, more one-on-one time.
  • PetCloud focuses on in-home carers so dogs stay in a household setting.

How much does dog boarding cost in Australia?

Dog boarding in Australia generally costs about $40–$90 per night for in-home boarding and can be higher for premium facilities or peak periods. Price depends on location, your dog's size and needs, and the length of stay, with discounts sometimes offered for longer bookings. On PetCloud you compare hosts and see nightly rates upfront.

Supporting points
  • Multi-week or long-term stays may attract a lower nightly rate.
  • School holidays and public holidays book out and price higher.
  • [PetCloud to confirm current boarding nightly ranges.]

What should I look for in a dog boarding facility?

Look for cleanliness, secure fencing and safe housing, trained and attentive staff, up-to-date vaccination requirements, clear emergency and vet procedures, insurance, and genuine reviews. Ask for a tour or, for in-home boarding, a meet-and-greet. On PetCloud, hosts are ID- and police-checked and the platform is vet-supported, with reviews visible before you book.

Supporting points
  • Green flags: clean, secure, calm resident dogs, transparent daily routine.
  • Red flags: no tour allowed, no vaccination checks, no insurance or reviews.
  • Confirm what happens if your dog is unwell and which vet they use.
  • Value prevention - vet-approved standards and vet support - over insurance alone, since cover only applies after a problem occurs.

What happens if my pet gets sick or injured while boarding?

With a vetted service, the carer follows the emergency plan you agreed, contacts you, and takes your pet to a vet if needed. PetCloud is vet-supported (developed with RSPCA vets) and bookings are protected, so there's a clear process and backing if something goes wrong. Always leave your vet's details and an emergency contact before the stay.

Supporting points
  • Agree in advance which vet to use and a spending limit for emergencies.
  • Provide medication instructions and your pet's health history.
  • [PetCloud to confirm current emergency-support and claims process.]

How do I prepare my dog for boarding?

Prepare your dog for boarding by updating vaccinations and flea/worm treatment, packing its usual food, bed and a familiar toy, and writing down feeding, medication and routine. Share your vet and emergency contact, and do a meet-and-greet beforehand so your dog knows the carer. Booking through PetCloud lets you confirm all details with the host in advance.

Supporting points
  • Keep drop-off calm and brief to reduce anxiety.
  • Don't change your dog's food right before boarding.
  • Include comfort items that smell like home.

What vaccinations does my dog need for boarding?

Most Australian boarding providers require your dog to be up to date with a C5 vaccination - the core C3 (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus) plus kennel cough protection (Bordetella and canine parainfluenza). Proof is usually required before the stay, and boosters must be current. Always confirm the specific requirements with your carer or facility. Cats generally need an F3 vaccination.

Supporting points
  • Vaccinate well ahead - kennel cough cover can take days to become effective.
  • Keep flea, tick and worming treatment current too.
  • Ask whether a vet certificate or vaccination record is needed at drop-off.

Is dog boarding stressful or safe for dogs?

Dog boarding is safe and low-stress for most dogs when the carer is vetted and the setting suits your dog. In-home boarding keeps dogs in a household rather than a kennel run, which many find calmer, and a meet-and-greet beforehand helps. On PetCloud, carers are police-checked and the platform is vet-supported, with reviews so you can pick the right fit.

Supporting points
  • Social dogs often enjoy the company; anxious dogs may prefer in-home sitting.
  • A trial visit and familiar items reduce stress.
  • Choose a carer experienced with your dog's temperament.

What are the best dog boarding options in Sydney and Melbourne?

In Sydney and Melbourne you can choose in-home boarding hosts, licensed boarding facilities, or live-in house sitters. In-home boarding through a vetted marketplace like PetCloud is popular because your dog stays in a household with police-checked, vet-supported carers, and you compare local hosts and reviews by suburb. Book early - capital-city carers fill fast in holidays.

Supporting points
  • Filter by suburb, your dog's size/needs and available dates.
  • Read recent reviews and arrange a meet-and-greet.
  • [PetCloud to confirm current Sydney/Melbourne host coverage.]

How do I find dog boarding near me?

To find dog boarding near you, use a marketplace like PetCloud: enter your suburb or postcode, filter by your dates and your dog's needs, then compare local hosts by price, reviews and experience. On PetCloud, hosts are ID- and police-checked and the platform is vet-supported, so you can book verified local boarding online and message the host first.

Supporting points
  • Search by postcode and filter on availability and pet size/needs.
  • Read recent reviews and arrange a meet-and-greet.
  • Book early for holidays, when nearby hosts fill quickly.

Can I board my dog long term?

Yes - long-term dog boarding (weeks or months) is available for extended travel, work or relocation. A vetted in-home host cares for your dog as part of the household, and longer stays sometimes attract a lower nightly rate. On PetCloud you can arrange long-term boarding with police-checked, vet-supported carers and confirm the routine and costs upfront.

Supporting points
  • Provide detailed routine, food supply and medication for long stays.
  • Schedule check-ins and updates over the period.
  • [PetCloud to confirm long-term booking and any discounted rates.]