New South Wales covers everything from apartment living in the inner city to acreage past the Blue Mountains, and the care problem is the same in both: someone has to be at the house. Sitterly connects homeowners across the state with sitters who stay in your home and look after your pets and your place while you are away. Listing is free, no money changes hands for the sit, and there is no commission.
How house and pet sitting works in New South Wales
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 email-confirmed accounts. The agreement itself is between owner and sitter, which is why the steps below matter.
For New South Wales pet owners
1Post a listing describing your pets, their routine, your home and your travel dates. Listing is free.
2Browse sitter profiles and applications - each profile shows experience, availability and whether references are available.
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 New South Wales
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.
✓Reply ratings and reviews help, but references and a real conversation matter most.
Why New South Wales homeowners choose Sitterly
✓Free for New South Wales homeowners, with no booking fees or commissions
✓Sitters across Sydney, Newcastle, the Central Coast and Wollongong
✓Message applicants directly and choose who you trust with your keys
✓References on request, shared privately in Sitterly messages
How much does a pet sitter cost in New South Wales?
Nothing changes hands for the care itself. Sitterly is an exchange: a sitter stays in your New South Wales home and looks after your pets, and in return they have a place to stay. Listing your home is free right now, with no booking fees or commissions. Owners still cover their own pet costs such as food and vet care.
How do I find a pet sitter in New South Wales?
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 New South Wales?
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 New South Wales does Sitterly cover?
Sitterly is open right across New South Wales, including Sydney, Newcastle, Central Coast, Wollongong 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.