A guide to Dog Sitting

Understand the care, prepare useful questions and agree the details directly with your sitter. The software is free; sitters charge for their care.

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What is Dog Sitting?

Dog sitting is care for your dog while you are away. Depending on the service, a sitter visits or stays at your home, or your dog stays at the sitter's home or premises.

The right setting depends on your dog's needs. A quiet home, a group daycare and a purpose-built boarding facility offer different routines. Ask about exercise, sleeping arrangements, group sizes and supervision.

Sitters set their own rates. Confirm the total, currency and any agreed extras before booking, then pay the sitter directly. The Pet Sitter is free and takes no booking commission; an external payment provider may charge its own fees.

What to expect

One-on-one care from a dedicated local dog sitter

Care in the home or premises described on the profile

Daily walks, exercise, and play time

Meals served on schedule with your dog's own food

Medication administered if needed

Overnight sleeping arrangements agreed before booking

Regular photo and video updates

How Dog Sitting works

Step 1

Connect with your dog sitter

Public search for dog sitters is coming soon. Today, use a sitter's shared profile or booking link to review their home, experience, and reviews, message them, and arrange a free meet-and-greet.

Step 2

Meet and greet

Bring your dog to meet the sitter (or vice versa). Discuss your dog's routine, diet, exercise needs, and any behavioural quirks.

Step 3

Drop off and relax

Leave your dog with their sitter, knowing they're in great hands. Receive daily updates with photos and videos. Pick up a happy, well-exercised dog.

Ideal for

Holidays and weekend getaways

Business trips lasting one night or several weeks

Dogs who need individual attention (not suited to group settings)

Anxious or nervous dogs who need a calm environment

Puppies who need constant supervision and training consistency

Senior dogs who need gentle, patient care

Frequently asked questions

How much does dog sitting cost?

Agree whether the care is boarding, house sitting, visits or walks, then ask for a total for your dates and dogs. Sitters set their own rates. Confirm the total, currency and any agreed extras before booking, then pay the sitter directly. The Pet Sitter is free and takes no booking commission; an external payment provider may charge its own fees.

What's the difference between dog sitting and dog boarding?

Dog sitting is a broad term covering home visits, house sitting and care at the sitter's home or premises. Boarding means an overnight stay at the provider's home or premises. Check the profile to see the setting and service offered.

Can I find a dog sitter for just one night?

Absolutely. Whether you need one night or one month, dog sitters on The Pet Sitter are flexible. Most sitters are happy to accommodate both short and long stays.

Will my dog be with other dogs?

Each provider sets their own maximum pet capacity, shown on the profile. Ask how many dogs will be there during your booking, including resident pets, and how they will be grouped.

How do I prepare my dog for sitting?

Bring your dog's food, any medications, a favourite toy or blanket, and your vet's contact details. A pre-stay meet-and-greet helps your dog get comfortable with the sitter and their home before the actual booking.

How do I find a dog sitter near me?

Public search for dog sitters is coming soon. Today, a sitter can share their profile or booking link with you; use it to review their rates, reviews, and home setup, message them, and arrange a free meet-and-greet before booking.

What is overnight dog sitting?

Overnight dog sitting can mean your dog stays at a sitter's home or premises, or the sitter stays at your home. Agree meals, walks, sleeping arrangements and supervision in advance. Sitters keep 100% of their booking earnings.

Dog Sitting by city

Read about care arrangements in each city. These guides do not indicate live sitter availability.

Australia

Melbourne

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