Queensland

    In-Home Pet Sitters in Townsville

    Townsville runs on rosters and postings. Defence families at Lavarack, hospital staff on shift work and people flying out to Mount Isa or the Bowen Basin all need someone at the house while they are away. A sitter stays in your home, walks the dog before the heat sets in and keeps the routine going through the wet season. Owners message sitters directly and choose who they trust.

    How house and pet sitting works in Townsville

    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 Townsville pet owners

    1. 1Post a listing describing your pets, their routine, your home and your travel dates. Listing is free.
    2. 2Browse sitter profiles and applications — experience, availability and verification badges are shown on each profile.
    3. 3Message directly, have a call or meet-up first, and agree expectations in writing before confirming.
    4. 4Hand over with a clear routine, emergency contacts and your vet's details, then travel knowing your pets stay home.

    For sitters in Townsville

    1. 1Create a profile that shows genuine pet experience, availability and references.
    2. 2Browse homes and apply for sits that suit your lifestyle and transport situation.
    3. 3Ask questions before confirming: pets' needs, alone-time limits, cameras, house rules and costs.
    4. 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 Townsville homeowners choose Sitterly

    • ✓Pets keep the dry tropics routine they already know, with early walks up Castle Hill or along The Strand and quiet time indoors once the middle of the day heats up.
    • ✓Defence postings, mine rotations and hospital rosters make for trips that run well past a weekend, and a sitter can stay for the whole stretch.
    • ✓Through cyclone season someone is at the house to bring in the outdoor gear, check the yard and keep an anxious pet company during a storm.
    • ✓Magnetic Island owners can skip the ferry run to a mainland kennel and leave their animals at home, and mainland owners heading over for a break can do the same.
    Post Your Listing FreeSee How It Works

    Sitters available across Queensland

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    No sitters have listed in Townsville yet, so these are sitters elsewhere in Queensland. Message anyone whose availability and travel suits your dates.

    Charles Smith, pet sitter
    Police checkID verified

    Charles Smith

    Retired Couple

    Retired Marine Engineer

    Hi there, I'm Charles, a retired marine engineer up in Hervey Bay. I've kept dogs, parrots and a tank of barramundi over a long career out on the boats, so caring for animals comes naturally. I'm home most of the day, walk a few kilometres along the Esplanade every morning, and I'm comfortable with older or quieter pets who need a steady hand. Happy to help out fellow homeowners up and down the Fraser Coast.

    Sunshine CoastBrisbane+2
    18 years pet careView profile
    Sarah & Michael Barnes, pet sitter
    Police checkID verified

    Sarah & Michael Barnes

    Couple

    Animal Physiotherapist

    Hi! We're Sarah and Michael, a couple living on the Gold Coast who are absolutely passionate about animals. Sarah is an animal physiotherapist and Michael is a personal trainer , we're both very active and outdoorsy, which means your pets get long beach walks and lots of attention every single day. We have a lovely home with a big secure garden. We're non-smokers, police checked, and have 9 years of house sitting experience across Queensland. We love animals as much as you do!

    Burleigh Heads
    9 years pet careView profile
    Jessica Taylor, pet sitter
    ID verified

    Jessica Taylor

    Solo

    Graphic Designer

    Hi! I'm Jess, a graphic designer living in New Farm, Brisbane. I've grown up surrounded by animals and genuinely can't imagine life without them. I work from home most days which means your pets are never left alone. I'm easy-going, super tidy and treat every home with total care. I love morning walks along the river with dogs, and cats tend to warm up to me instantly. Non-smoker, very reliable, and I always send heaps of photos so you can relax on your trip!

    New Farm
    4 years pet careView profile
    Browse all Australian pet sitters

    Pet sitting in Townsville: common questions

    How much does a pet sitter cost in Townsville?

    Nothing changes hands for the care itself. Sitterly is an exchange: a sitter stays in your Townsville 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 Townsville?

    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 Townsville?

    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 Townsville does Sitterly cover?

    Sitterly is open across Townsville and the wider Queensland region, including North Ward, Kirwan, Douglas, Idalia and surrounding suburbs. Availability depends on which sitters have listed near you, so it is worth checking your own suburb.

    Pet sitters across Townsville's suburbs

    North WardKirwanDouglasIdaliaAnnandaleBelgian GardensBushland BeachMagnetic Island

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