Pet Sitters - Options and Costs - The Definitive New Zealand Guide

Explore our comprehensive guide to pet sitting options and costs, which explains the costs, must-know considerations, listing platforms, alternatives, pros and cons and frequently asked questions.

Updated 16 November 2023

Summary:

In New Zealand, pet sitting is a growing industry, with many options available to suit different needs and budgets. Pet sitters offer a convenient and personalised alternative to traditional kennels and catteries. Pet sitters can provide in-home care for pets while their owners are away, including feeding, exercise, and companionship.
A range of pet sitting services are available throughout New Zealand, including individual pet sitters, professional pet sitting companies, and boarding pet sitters. The cost of pet sitting can vary significantly, and pet owners need to shop around and get quotes from multiple pet sitters to find the best price for their needs.
Pet owners should also consider their pet's specific needs and choose a pet sitter that meets them. While pet sitting can be a convenient and beneficial option for many pet owners, it's important to weigh the pros and cons and decide what is best for the pet and the owner.

Our guide covers:

What are Pet Sitters and What Do They Do?

Pet sitting is a service offered to pet owners who need someone to take care of their furry friends while away from home. It's a popular alternative to traditional kennels or catteries, as it allows pets to remain in the comfort of their own home and receive individual care and attention.

Pet sitters are individuals or companies that offer in-home care for pets while their owners are away. They typically visit the pet's home regularly to feed, exercise, provide companionship, and take care of any other pet needs. Some pet sitters may offer additional services such as administering medication or grooming. Pet sitters may work with various pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs.

What are the different types of pet sitters in New Zealand?

There are several different types of pet sitters available in New Zealand:

Individual pet sitters: These individuals offer pet-sitting services on a freelance basis. They may work with various pets and offer a range of services.
Professional pet-sitting companies: These companies offer pet-sitting services as their main business. They may employ multiple pet sitters and offer in-home visits, dog walking, and grooming services.
Boarding pet sitters: These are pet sitters who offer overnight care for pets in their homes. This option can be good for pets who don't do well in a kennel or cattery environment.
Pet-sitting services within a boarding kennel or cattery: Some kennels and catteries may offer pet-sitting services in addition to traditional boarding. These services may include in-home visits or daycare options.

What is pet boarding? How is it different to pet sitting?

Pet boarding is a type of pet care service where pets are housed and cared for by a professional boarding facility or individual while their owners are away. Pet boarding facilities can range from small, family-run businesses to large businesses. Pet boarding facilities typically offer a range of services, including basic care such as feeding and cleaning, as well as additional services such as exercise, grooming, and medical care.
On the other hand, pet sitting is a pet care service where a pet sitter comes to the pet's home to care for the pet while the owner is away. Pet sitters may provide a range of services, including feeding, watering, and cleaning, as well as exercise, playtime, and companionship.
Pet boarding and pet sitting are options for pet owners who need to leave their pets while they’re away, but they differ in terms of where the pet is cared for and the type of care provided.
Pet boarding facilities may offer a more structured and comprehensive range of services but may not provide the same level of individualised care and attention as a pet sitter.
Pet sitting may offer more individualised care and attention but may not be able to provide the same range of services as a pet boarding facility.

Our comprehensive guides to catteries in Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch, Auckland and Tauranga; and dog kennels in Tauranga ,Hamilton, Auckland , Wellington and Christchurch have further information.

How Much Do Pet Sitters Cost?

The cost of pet sitting can vary significantly depending on the location, the service offered, and the individual pet sitter or company. Pet sitters generally charge by the day or visit, and their prices vary depending on the city and region but for Auckland for example, prices range from $60 to $100 per day or $30 to $50 per visit. Some pet sitters may offer discounts for extended stays or multiple pets. To get the best price and service, we suggest getting quotes from multiple pet sitters.

When do people hire pet sitters?

Pet owners may hire pet sitters for a variety of reasons, including:

Holidays: Pet owners may hire pet sitters while on holiday to care for their pets while away.
Business trips: Pet owners may hire pet sitters for shorter periods while they're away on business.
Work commitments: Pet owners who work long hours or have irregular schedules may hire pet sitters to care for their pets during the day.
Medical appointments: Pet owners may hire pet sitters to care for their pets while they're away for medical appointments or treatments.

Warning: In many cases, a pet sitter will be trusted in your home and this is not without its risks. Before hiring anyone or accepting their services, please keep in mind the following:

Pet sitters should be reliable and trustworthy: Pet owners need to choose a pet sitter who is reliable and trustworthy, as they will be responsible for the care of the pet while the owner is away.
Pet sitters should be able to meet the needs of the pet: Pet owners should choose a pet sitter who can meet their pet's specific needs, whether administering medication or catering to a special diet. You'll need to be as specific as possible about this as the needs of pets vary greatly as does a pet sitter's experience.
Pet sitters should have good references: Pet owners should look for online reviews and/or ask for references from pet sitters and speak to previous clients to get a sense of their reliability and the quality of their service.
Pet sitters should be insured: Pet owners should choose a pet sitter insured in case of any accidents or injuries that may occur while caring for the pet.

Popular and Trusted Pet Sitting Platforms

Generally, there aren’t chains of pet sitting companies. Instead, pet sitters are local operators working with a handful of pets.
As a result, pet sitting platforms are the most common way for people to find pet sitters (apart from word of mouth).
Our list below covers the most popular pet sitter websites in New Zealand offering pet sitting, and outlines what you need to know.

Kiwi House Sitters

Kiwi House Sitters is a platform that connects pet owners with trusted house sitters in New Zealand.
Pet owners can search for and book a house sitter through the platform and review and rate the services provided. House sitters can create profiles on the platform and offer their services to pet owners.
Kiwi House Sitters aims to provide a convenient and reliable way for pet owners to find someone to care for their pets and homes while they're away.
Kiwi House Sitters is free for pet owners to sign up and place ads to look for a pet sitter. The website primarily generates revenue through advertising and successfully connecting pet sitters to pet owners (it is pet sitters who pay an annual membership fee to look after pets and stay in their owner's homes).
Website: Kiwi Pet Sitters

Pawshake

Pawshake is a website and app that connects pet owners with trusted pet sitters and dog walkers in their local area.
Pet owners can search for and book a pet sitter or dog walker through the platform and review and rate the services provided.
In addition, pet sitters and dog walkers can create profiles on the platform and offer their services to pet owners in their local area.
Pawshake aims to provide a convenient and reliable way for pet owners to find quality care for their pets while away.
Website: Pawshake

Holidog

Holidog is a platform that connects pet owners with trusted pet care providers, including pet sitters, dog walkers, and boarding facilities. Pet owners can search for and book a pet care provider through the platform, and can also review and rate the services provided.
Pet care providers can create profiles on the platform and offer their services to pet owners in their local area.
Holidog aims to provide a convenient and reliable way for pet owners to find quality care for their pets while they are away.
Website: Holidog

Beyond the list above, there are also local providers (that may or may not list themselves on the above websites).

What are the alternatives to pet sitters?

There are several alternatives to pet sitters including:

Kennels and catteries: These are facilities where pets are housed while their owners are away. They offer a range of services, including feeding, exercise, and grooming, but may not offer the same level of individualised care and attention as a pet sitter.
Boarding with friends or family: Some pet owners may have their pets stay with friends or family members while they're away. This choice can be a good option for placing pets in a comfortable environment, but it may not be suitable for all pets.
In-home dog daycare (during a normal workweek): Some pet owners may have their pets stay in a home environment with a dog daycare provider while at work. This option can be good for pets who don't do well in a kennel or cattery environment and need more socialisation.

Pros and Cons of Pet Sitters

There are several benefits to using a pet sitter rather than a kennel or cattery:

Comfort and familiarity: Pets can stay in the comfort of their own home and familiar surroundings, which can reduce stress and anxiety.
Individualised care: Pet sitters offer individualised care and attention to each pet, which can be particularly beneficial for pets with special needs or requiring extra care and attention.
Flexibility: Pet sitters can be flexible with their schedules and visit times, allowing owners to choose a service that best suits their needs.
Convenience: Pet sitters can often offer additional services such as administering medication or grooming, which can be convenient for busy owners.
Peace of mind: Pet owners can know that their pet is being well cared for while they're away.

There are a few downsides to using a pet sitter, including:

Cost: Pet sitting can be more expensive than a kennel or cattery, especially if multiple visits per day are required or if the pet sitter provides additional services such as grooming or administering medication.
Limited availability: Pet sitters may not be available during peak times or in certain locations, making it difficult for pet owners to find a suitable sitter.
Trust: Pet owners may be concerned about leaving their pet with a stranger and need to build trust with their pet sitter.

Frequently Asked Questions

The below list is not exhaustive - please ask the prospective pet sitter all relevant questions before hiring them, and be sure you understand their answers and any limitations they have.

Are pet sitters worth it?

Whether or not pet sitting is worth it will depend on the individual circumstances of the pet owner and their pet. Some pet owners may find that the benefits of pet sitting outweigh the costs, while others may prefer the convenience and lower cost of a kennel or cattery. Pet owners must weigh the pros and cons and decide what is best for their pet and their circumstances.

What’s the difference between a Dog Kennel and a pet sitter? What about a Cattery and a pet sitter?

A kennel or cattery is a facility where pets, typically dogs or cats, are housed while their owners are away. These facilities offer a range of services, including feeding, exercise, and grooming, but they may not offer the same level of personalised care and attention as a pet sitter.

Pet sitters, on the other hand, are individuals or companies that offer in-home care for pets. They typically visit the pet's home regularly to feed, exercise, provide companionship, and take care of any other pet needs. In addition, some pet sitters may offer additional services such as administering medication or grooming.

Where can I find more about dog boarding?

Check out our definitive guide to dog boarding kennels in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Tauranga

How do I know if a pet sitter is reliable and trustworthy?

There are several ways to ensure that a pet sitter is reliable and trustworthy:

Ask for references and speak to previous clients.
Meet the pet sitter in person before hiring them.
Ask about their experience and training in pet care.
Check if they're insured in case of any accidents or injuries.

What factors should I consider when hiring a pet sitter?

A contract with a pet sitter should include the following information:

The dates and times of the pet-sitting service.
The services to be provided include feeding, exercise, and administering medication.
The rate for the pet sitting services.
Any additional fees or charges, such as for additional pets or extended stays.
The contact information for the pet sitter and the pet owner.
Any special instructions or requirements for the care of the pet.
The cancellation policy.
Any liability or insurance information.

It's important to have a plan in case of emergencies while you are away. Here are some steps to take:

Leave contact information for yourself and any emergency contacts with the pet sitter.
Make sure your pet has identification tags and is up to date on all vaccinations.
Ensure the pet sitter knows the location of important documents, such as medical or vaccination records.
Ensure the pet sitter knows the location of emergency supplies, such as a first aid kit.
Consider purchasing pet insurance to cover any unexpected medical expenses.

Is it okay to leave my pet with a pet sitter for an extended period?

Leaving your pet with a pet sitter for an extended period can be a good option for some pets, as long as the pet sitter is reliable and trustworthy and the pet is comfortable with the arrangement. It's important to ensure that the pet sitter can meet the pet's needs, including providing adequate exercise, companionship, and medical care if necessary. It's also a good idea to check in with the pet sitter regularly and make arrangements for someone to check on the pet if you are away for an extended period.

Can I leave my pet with a pet sitter if my pet has special needs or requires medication?

Yes, it's possible to leave your pet with a pet sitter if they have special needs or require medication. However, it's important to choose a pet sitter who is comfortable and capable of meeting your pet's needs. Be sure to communicate clearly with the pet sitter about your pet's specific needs and ensure they're aware of any medications or special care that your pet requires. It's also a good idea to leave detailed instructions and make arrangements for someone to check on the pet if you are away for an extended period.

Can I leave my pet with a pet sitter if they have special needs, health issues, or behavioral challenges?

Leaving pets with conditions like separation anxiety, health concerns, or behavioural issues with a pet sitter requires thoughtful selection. For pets with separation anxiety, finding a sitter experienced in such situations who can provide comforting items and calming techniques is essential. Consulting a veterinarian or professional trainer may also be beneficial for managing anxiety.

For older pets or those with health problems, the sitter should be knowledgeable and comfortable handling these specific needs. Similarly, pets with behavioural issues need a sitter skilled in managing such behaviours, offering the necessary attention and care for their comfort. Ultimately, the goal is to choose a pet sitter who is experienced and willing to work closely with you to ensure the well-being and comfort of your pet.

How do I prepare my pet for a pet sitter if they have never been left with a pet sitter before?

If your pet has never been left with a pet sitter before, it's important to prepare them gradually to help them adjust to being left alone. Here are some steps you can take:

Introduce your pet to the pet sitter before you leave, and allow them to spend some time together to get comfortable.
Leave your pet with the pet sitter for short periods, gradually increasing the duration as they become more comfortable.
Leave your pet with a familiar item, such as a blanket or toy, to help them feel comforted while you are away.
Consider using a calming pheromone spray or diffuser to help your pet relax.
Leave detailed instructions for the pet sitter and ensure they're familiar with your pet's routine and any special needs.

It's important to be patient, and understanding as your pet adjusts to being left with a pet sitter. If you have concerns about your pet's ability to adjust, it may be a good idea to speak with a veterinarian or a professional trainer for guidance.

How do I ensure that my pet gets enough exercise with a pet sitter?

It's important to make sure that your pet gets enough exercise while you are away. Here are some steps you can take:

Discuss your pet's exercise needs with the pet sitter before hiring them, and ensure they can provide adequate exercise for your pet.
Leave detailed instructions for the pet sitter about your pet's exercise routine and any special considerations.
Consider hiring a pet sitter who offers additional services such as dog walking or playtime to ensure your pet gets enough exercise.
Consider hiring a pet sitter who can take your pet to a local dog park or other off-leash areas for exercise.
Consider hiring a pet sitter who can take your pet for a hike or outdoor adventure if your pet enjoys that type of activity.

Can I leave my pet with a pet sitter if they're on a special diet or have food allergies?

Yes, leaving a pet with a special diet or food allergies with a pet sitter is possible. However, it's important to choose a pet sitter who is familiar with special dietary needs and willing to work with you to ensure your pet's dietary needs are met. Be sure to communicate clearly with the pet sitter about your pet's dietary requirements and leave detailed instructions for their care. It's also a good idea to leave any necessary supplies, such as special food or treats, in an easily accessible location.

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