House and Pet Sitting in Melbourne: How Sitterly Works
Sitterly connects Melbourne pet owners with sitters who stay in the home and keep pets in their normal routine while the owner is away. It's an exchange, not a paid service: the sitter provides care and presence, the owner provides a comfortable place to stay. This page explains exactly how that works in Melbourne — for owners, for sitters, and for anyone deciding whether the model fits.
How the exchange works
House and pet sitting on Sitterly is a two-way exchange. The sitter stays in the owner's home and cares for the pets — feeding, walks, company and the normal routine. In return, the owner provides the stay. No money changes hands for the care itself, which keeps the focus on the right match rather than the lowest price. Pets stay in the place they know, with their own bed, backyard and smells, instead of a kennel.
Sitterly's role is the connection: listings, profiles, direct messaging and optional verification badges. The agreement itself is between owner and sitter — which is why the trust steps below matter.
For Melbourne pet owners
- 1Post a listing describing your pets, their routine, your home and your travel dates. Listing is free.
- 2Browse sitter profiles and applications — experience, availability and verification badges are shown on each profile.
- 3Message directly, have a call or meet-up first, and agree expectations in writing before confirming.
- 4Hand over with a clear routine, emergency contacts and your vet's details, then travel knowing your pets stay home.
For sitters in Melbourne
- 1Create a profile that shows genuine pet experience, availability and references.
- 2Browse Melbourne homes and apply for sits that suit your lifestyle and transport situation.
- 3Ask questions before confirming: pets' needs, alone-time limits, cameras, house rules and costs.
- 4Care for the pets and home as agreed — accommodation is part of the exchange, never a guarantee of housing.
Trust, safety and expectations
Most problems in house sitting come from unspoken assumptions, not bad intent. The fix is the same on both sides: talk first, agree in writing, and plan for the unexpected.
- ✓Meet or video-call before confirming any sit. Neither side should feel rushed.
- ✓Agree the details in writing: dates, pet duties, visitors, cameras, and who pays for what.
- ✓Owners should leave a written emergency plan: vet, contacts, medication and spending authority.
- ✓Verification badges and reply ratings help, but references and a real conversation matter most.
Frequently asked questions
Is house and pet sitting with Sitterly free?
Yes. Sitterly is free for owners and sitters during our growth phase — no booking fees or commissions. The exchange itself is also money-free: sitters provide pet care and presence, owners provide the stay. Sitters usually cover their own food and travel, and owners cover pet-related costs like food and vet care.
How are expectations agreed between owners and sitters?
Directly, before anything is confirmed. Owners and sitters message on Sitterly, then talk or meet. Good agreements cover dates, the pets' daily routine, how long pets can be left alone, house rules, visitors, any cameras in the home (which should always be disclosed), and what happens if plans change. We recommend putting the agreed points in writing in your message thread.
What happens in a pet emergency during a sit?
The owner's written emergency plan applies: which vet to use, who to contact, what the sitter is authorised to approve, and how vet costs are paid. Owners should leave this plan at handover along with medication instructions. Sitters should never have to guess — if you're an owner, prepare the plan; if you're a sitter, ask for it before the sit starts.
Start as an owner or a sitter
Sitterly is growing across Melbourne — from the inner north and Fitzroy to St Kilda, Brunswick, Richmond and the wider suburbs.
Joining is free during our growth phase — no booking fees, no commissions.