Find an experienced dog sitter near you

Airtasker’s dog sitting service covers the typical things you’d do for your pet in a day: feeding them, playing with them, cleaning up their mess, and giving them lots of affection. While the specifics may vary from Tasker to Tasker, and depend on your pet’s own needs, here are the things that you can expect a dog sitter to do.

Puppy collection and delivery

Your puppy sitter can arrange for the collection and delivery of your puppy. A puppy sitter or pet transport service can collect your pup. Then, when you get home from your trip, the sitter can bring your pup back to you. 

Feeding & administering medication

Your puppy sitter relies on your detailed instructions for feeding your pet, providing enough water, and giving them their vitamins and medicine (if applicable). Make sure you have enough supplies before you leave, whether it’s kibble, canned food, home-cooked meals, or raw food. Make sure your sitter is familiar with food prep and portioning. Be clear about what food you allow your dog to eat, and what they’re allergic to.

If your pet is on a special diet, make sure your sitter is informed. The same goes for medication - prepare written instructions and review them verbally before you leave. Don’t just rely on a note on the counter! Good preparation is essential to making sure your pet stays healthy even while you’re out.

Cleaning up pet mess

Puppy sitting also includes cleaning up a pet’s mess. Let your Tasker know your dog’s signal for when they need to “go”, your pet’s usual spot, and how you usually handle dog mess. Make sure your sitter also knows where the cleaning supplies are kept, in case your dog can’t make it to their spot.

Exercise and playtime

Your pet sitter also makes sure your pet/s get enough exercise, playtime, and even training while you’re out. Let your puppy sitter know if they can take your dog on walks while you’re out, and how often this needs to be done. If you have any rules for walks, such as cleaning the paws afterwards or avoiding a rowdy neighbour dog, make sure you tell your sitter about these. Your puppy sitter also makes sure that your pet stays secure at all times, whether inside or outside your property.

Pets, cuddles, and TLC

Your pet will need all the love they can get while you’re out for a friend’s wedding or week-long business trip. Your dog sitter makes sure your pooch gets petted and cuddled regularly. Let your puppy sitter know if they can give your pet treats, and how many they can have per day. Ideally, your pet and the Tasker have met prior to the puppy sitting appointment, so your Tasker will be able to pet and scratch your dog in all their favourite spots.

Puppy grooming

Grooming may include brushing your puppy’s fur and trimming their nails. To avoid overwhelming your puppy, the puppy sitter may brush your puppy’s coat a few minutes at a time throughout the day. If you want to come home to a fresh-smelling pup and a clean house, go ahead and book a sofa cleaning or house cleaning service on our platform as well!

Updates on your pet

If pet updates are part of your Tasker’s arrangement, you can expect an email or message from your sitter on a regular basis. In case of emergencies, you can have your sitter call a relative in the area or your vet - just to make sure your dog is alright.