Pet Care Blog, Tips & Guides for Australian Pet Owners
Expert guides, industry news, and stories for Australia's pet-loving community.
Rover Bought Mad Paws for $62M. Here's What Every Australian Pet Owner Should Know
In November 2025, the US company Rover quietly acquired Australia's biggest pet-care platform. Fees are changing, many sitters are asking questions, and 300,000 Australian pet parents are wondering what comes next.
In-Home Pet Sitter vs Kennel: What the Science and Your Dog Are Both Telling You
Before you book another kennel stay, it's worth understanding what actually happens to your pet's stress levels when they leave home. The answer might change how you think about this.
10 Pet Sitter Red Flags Every Australian Owner Should Know Before Booking
Most pet sitters are genuinely wonderful people. But knowing the warning signs of a bad match, before it becomes your problem, is the most important research you will ever do for your pet.
How to Become a Pet Sitter in Australia: Your Complete 2026 Guide
Free accommodation across Australia, flexible hours, and genuinely meaningful work. Pet sitting is one of the fastest-growing ways to travel and live well in Australia. Here's exactly how to get started.
15 Questions Every Australian Homeowner Should Ask Before Confirming a Pet Sitter
The difference between a sit that goes smoothly and one that doesn't often comes down to what was discussed beforehand. These 15 questions will tell you what you need to know.
House Sitting in Australia: How to Travel the Country and Live Well Without Paying for Accommodation
With accommodation costs soaring across Australia, house sitting has become one of the smartest ways to explore the country, and one of the most rewarding experiences you can have as an animal lover.
How to Find a Trusted Pet Sitter in Australia (2026 Guide)
Finding a reliable pet sitter in Australia doesn't have to be stressful. This step-by-step guide covers where to look, what to check, and exactly how to vet someone before handing over your keys.
How Much Does Pet Sitting Cost in Australia? 2026 Price Guide
Pet sitting in Australia costs $25–$80/night with traditional sitters, plus platform commissions of 15–25%. Or pay nothing with the house-sitting exchange model — here's how the numbers really stack up in 2026.
Cat Sitting in Australia: The Complete Guide for Cat Owners
Cats have specific needs that most dog-focused pet care services don't fully address. This guide covers what cat sitting actually involves, how to find a good cat sitter in Australia, and why keeping your cat at home nearly always leads to a happier animal.
Mad Paws Alternative Australia 2026: Where Pet Owners Are Going After the Rover Acquisition
Mad Paws has been acquired by Rover. If you're looking for an Australian alternative — no commissions, no booking fees, free for homeowners — here's an honest comparison of every platform still operating locally in 2026.
What Mad Paws Sitters Should Know About the Rover Acquisition
If you've built a sitting business on Mad Paws, the Rover acquisition is more than a corporate news story, it changes how you get paid, how disputes are handled, and what your platform options look like next.
Should I Switch From Mad Paws After the Rover Acquisition? An Honest Decision Framework
Switching platforms isn't free. Staying isn't free either. This is a practical framework for deciding whether to move on from Mad Paws, written for both pet owners and sitters who don't want a one-size-fits-all answer.
How Much Can You Save House Sitting in Australia? A 2026 Breakdown
House sitting isn't paid work, it's free accommodation in exchange for caring for someone's pets and home. Done well, it can save you $14,000 to $25,000 a year. Here's the honest maths.
House Sitting and Tax: What Australian Sitters Need to Know in 2026
Free accommodation in exchange for pet care has tax implications most house sitters never think about. Here's a plain-English overview of the ATO position, when it matters, and when you can safely ignore it.
House Sitter Insurance in Australia: What You Need to Know in 2026
Sitterly does not provide insurance. Here's what house sitters in Australia should actually think about before a sit, what your homeowner's policy covers, what your travel insurance might cover, and where the gaps usually are.
House Sitter Profile Tips That Win Sits in 2026
Most sitters don't get the sits they apply for. The good ones get more applications than they can take. The difference is rarely experience, it's how the profile is written and presented. Here's what actually works.