Pet Sitting in Australia: What to Leave Your Pet Sitter + Cost Guide

Planning a holiday is exciting, however, leaving your furry friend behind can feel stressful. Whether you’ve arranged house and pet sitting or daily visits, preparation is key to a smooth experience. Providing detailed instructions, supplies, and comfort items ensures your pet stays happy and healthy during your absence, plus gives your sitter confidence in caring for them.

How to Find a Pet Sitter

Finding a reliable sitter is essential for your pet’s wellbeing. Consider the following:

• Ask friends, family, and neighbours for recommendations; word-of-mouth is often the most trustworthy method around your specific location.
• Use trusted pet sitting platforms and apps in Australia to browse sitter profiles, read reviews, and find someone with experience in the type of care your pet requires.
• Schedule a meet-and-greet before committing, allowing your pet to become familiar with the sitter and giving the sitter insight into your pet’s routines.
• Check special experience for pets with medication needs, senior pets, or those with behavioural quirks.

How Much Should I Pay – or Charge – for Pet Sitting

Understanding pet sitting costs is useful whether you are hiring a sitter or starting your own service. Consider these points:

• Daily visit rates generally range from $20 to $35 depending on your city.
• Overnight stays typically cost between $45 and $90.
• Live-in weekly care can range from $250 to $500+.
• Factors affecting rates include multiple pets, special medical requirements, public holidays, and extra household duties.
• Confirm prices upfront with your sitter to avoid misunderstandings and ensure fair compensation.

Here’s a quick city-specific guide for Australian rates:

What to Leave Your Pet Sitter

Preparation reduces stress and ensures your pet receives consistent care that aligns to their routine. Focus on the following areas:

1. Emergency Contact Information

It can help to provide these details in a small, scannable list of:

• Your contact details, including your mobile number and travel itinerary.
• A backup contact nearby in case you are unreachable.
• Regular vet and emergency vet clinic information.
• Pet insurance details, if applicable.

This allows the sitter to act quickly in case of any emergencies.

2. Pet Care Details

Even straight-forward pet care benefits from clear instructions. Include:

• Feeding schedule and portion sizes, especially if your pet has weight management needs.
• Treats and how often they should be given; long-lasting chews like VeggieDent or Oravet are ideal if the sitter is visiting, helping reduce stress while your pet is left alone.
• Medication type, dosage, and timing to maintain health and routines.
• Walking routines for dogs, including duration, preferred routes, and leash rules.
• Behaviour quirks, such as fear of vacuums or reactivity to other pets, so your sitter can respond appropriately.
• Sleeping arrangements, whether in a crate, spare room, or your bed.
• Litter box instructions for cats, including location, scooping schedule, disposal, and where fresh litter is stored.

Detailed instructions help maintain routine and minimise stress for your pet.

3. Ensure the sitter has the right supplies

Ensure your sitter has everything they need for the entire trip, with a little extra just in case. This includes:

• Food and treats, enough for the entire trip plus a small buffer.
• Medication, with clear instructions for timing and dosage.
• Litter and trays for cats.
• Poop bags for dogs.
• Cleaning products, including carpet cleaner, disinfectants, and paper towels.
• Toys and enrichment items, such as KONGs or long-lasting treats, to keep pets occupied and calm.

4. Make sure your pet has their comfort Items

Pets thrive on familiarity, so leave items that make them feel secure. This might include:

• Favourite beds, blankets, or toys that provide familiarity.
• Items with your scent (such as a worn t-shirt) to comfort anxious pets.
• Interactive or long-lasting toys to reduce boredom and stress during your absence.

5. Home Information

If your sitter is staying at your home, provide:

• Wi-Fi password and other access codes.
• Alarm and security instructions.
• Spare keys for entrances.
• Appliance instructions, such as for washing machines, pools, or irrigation systems.
• Parking or local transport info, if relevant.

Test all devices and codes before leaving to avoid confusion.

6. Cleaning Supplies

Accidents happen, so make cleaning products easy to find:

• Paper towels and cleaning cloths.
• Disinfectants and carpet cleaner.
• Mop, vacuum, and broom.
• Garbage disposal instructions and collection schedule.

Preparing your pet and home before leaving ensures a stress-free experience for both sitter and pet. Providing clear instructions, sufficient supplies, and comfort items helps maintain your pet’s routine and wellbeing. Whether you’re arranging pet sitting in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or elsewhere in Australia, thorough preparation is the key to a smooth, worry-free holiday.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Sitting

How much should I charge for pet sitting in Australia?

Rates vary depending on city, type of service, and care requirements. Daily visits are typically $20–$35, overnight stays $45–$90, and live-in care $250–$500+. Extra care, multiple pets, or public holidays may increase rates.

What should I leave for my pet sitter?

Provide emergency contacts, vet details, feeding instructions, medication information, walking routines, behaviour notes, sleeping arrangements, litter box instructions, and essential supplies like food, treats, and toys. Comfort items and enrichment toys help keep pet's calm.

How do I find a reliable pet sitter?

Ask friends or family for recommendations or use trusted Australian pet sitting apps. Always schedule a meet-and-greet to ensure your sitter is the right fit.

What types of pets can sitters care for?

Most sitters can care for dogs and cats, and some have experience with birds, small mammals, or reptiles. Always check their experience for pets with special needs.