House and Pet Sitting in the ACT
Canberra travels more than most Australian cities for its size, and a lot of that travel is work rather than holidays: postings, conferences and stretches away at short notice. A sitter who stays in the house handles the pets and the empty-home problem together. Sitterly is free for homeowners, no money changes hands for the sit, and we take no commission.
How house and pet sitting works in the Australian Capital Territory
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 steps below matter.
For the Australian Capital Territory 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 the Australian Capital Territory
- 1Create a profile that shows genuine pet experience, availability and references.
- 2Browse 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.
Why the Australian Capital Territory homeowners choose Sitterly
- ✓Free for ACT homeowners, with no booking fees or commissions
- ✓Suits work travel and short-notice trips as well as holidays
- ✓Pets keep their routine and the house does not sit visibly empty
- ✓Optional ID and police-check verification, which you can filter for
Pet sitters in the Australian Capital Territory
View allBe among the first in the Australian Capital Territory
Sitterly is growing across Australia. Sign up now and be one of the first sitters in the Australian Capital Territory.
Create Your Sitter ProfilePet sitting in the Australian Capital Territory: common questions
How much does a pet sitter cost in the Australian Capital Territory?
Nothing changes hands for the care itself. Sitterly is an exchange: a sitter stays in your the Australian Capital Territory home and looks after your pets, and in return they have a place to stay. Listing your home is free and there are no booking fees or commissions during our growth phase. Owners still cover their own pet costs such as food and vet care.
How do I find a pet sitter in the Australian Capital Territory?
Post a listing describing your pets, their routine, your home and your dates, then browse sitter profiles and applications. You message applicants directly, talk or meet before anything is confirmed, and choose who you are comfortable handing your keys to.
Is it better than a kennel or cattery for pets in the Australian Capital Territory?
It depends on the animal. In-home sitting keeps pets in their own house with their normal routine, beds and yard, which suits pets that find boarding stressful or that have medication and feeding routines. Boarding can be the better option for pets that need constant supervision or that cannot be left alone for the times you are away.
What areas of the Australian Capital Territory does Sitterly cover?
Sitterly is open right across the Australian Capital Territory, including Canberra, Belconnen, Woden, Gungahlin and the smaller towns between them. Availability depends on which sitters have listed near you, so it is worth checking your own area rather than assuming from the state as a whole.
House and pet sitting across the Australian Capital Territory
Before you book a sitter in the Australian Capital Territory
Practical guides on what in-home pet sitting involves, what to agree in advance, and what it costs in Australia.