A closer look at the pet sitting industry in Aotearoa — and where PSNZ fits in.
If you’ve ever searched for a pet sitter in New Zealand or tried to advertise a pet sitting business, chances are, you’ve landed on a platform that wasn’t built with Kiwis in mind.
That’s no surprise. For years, pet lovers across the country have relied on overseas platforms to care for their animals or find local jobs, despite the fact that these platforms often don’t reflect our laws, our culture, or the unique standards we hold in our communities.
Pet Sitting NZ was born out of a growing community of local sitters and pet owners who needed more than what existing platforms could offer.
As our group expanded, so did the call for trusted, professional pet care — and we’ve built PSNZ to meet that need. Everything we create is shaped by what our community has told us they’re looking for.
Why We Needed Something New
Most sitters and owners are familiar with names like Pawshake, Kiwi House Sitters, and TrustedHousesitters. Each offers something, but none offer it all.
Here is what we’ve gathered:
- Pawshake takes up to 19% commission from sitters and 9% from pet owners, without providing NZ-specific guidance, support, or cultural fit. They are an international brand.
- Kiwi House Sitters and TrustedHousesitters focus more on free accommodation swaps than professional services, which is great for travellers but not ideal for those looking to work professionally in the industry or owners looking for ongoing pet care.
- Pet Sitters International (PSI) offers training and credibility, but it’s a US platform with no NZ-based marketing, resources or support network.
All of these options have merit. But none were designed to uplift and unite New Zealand’s professional pet sitters, or support pet owners wanting trusted, local care.
Where Pet Sitting NZ Fits In
We didn’t set out to replace the international platforms, we set out to build something complementary, but truly tailored for Kiwis.
At PSNZ, our goal has always been simple: create a trustworthy, local, and community-first space where pet sitters can thrive and pet owners can feel confident their furry family members are in good hands.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- We’re proudly NZ-owned and operated
- No commissions or hidden booking fees — just a fair flat fee
- Sitters commit to our Pet Care Commitment Code of Conduct
- Vetted profiles, promotional support, and ongoing industry resources
- Designed for professionals, part-timers, and those offering more than just a casual service
But What About Cost?
It’s a fair question: Why pay a monthly fee when other platforms take payment per booking?
PSNZ isn’t just about transactions. We’re about transformation, so we provide a range of useful benefits that support pet sitters on their journey.
When you join PSNZ as a sitter, you’re investing in:
- Your credibility (vetted, verified profile and I.D tag)
- Your visibility (promotion across our channels)
- Your future (support, training, and connection)
We’re here for the long haul! For sitters who are serious about building a trusted, lasting presence in their region, the return on investment speaks for itself. We’ve designed it that way.
If you’ve ever tried promoting your pet sitting services, you’ll know how much time, effort, and often money it takes. That’s why we put our experienced digital marketing team to work for you — promoting your profile across our channels, so you can spend less time chasing visibility and more time doing what you do best: caring for pets and connecting with pet parents.
What We’ve Achieved So Far
Our team is small, but motivated. PSNZ has so far:
- Built a nationwide network of free and paid members
- Created a Code of Conduct to uphold pet care standards
- Grown a large online community
- Connected sitters with jobs, training, and each other
- Secured early collaborations with industry professionals from vets to dog trainers and beyond
And this is just the beginning.
What We’re Still Building
PSNZ is a living, growing platform and we’re Kiwi so we’re doing it right!
🐶 Monthly Zoom sessions with pet industry pros
📚 More resources both industry and PSNZ developed
📢 Increased advertising and outreach to help sitters be seen
📎 More tools and networking opportunities
🏷️ Continued development of our PSNZ certification pathway
Resource:
6 Advertising Platforms to Grow Your Kiwi Pet Sitting Business
We’ve created a practical guide that walks you through the best free and paid platforms to advertise your services in Aotearoa, whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale.
Download the Free Guide Here
Final Thoughts
We didn’t set out to replace the international platforms, we set out to build something complementary, but truly tailored for Kiwis.
Pet Sitting NZ is here for the sitters who care deeply, for the pet owners who want peace of mind, and for the animals at the heart of it all.
If you’re looking for a platform that values connection over commission, community over competition, and care over shortcuts — you’ve found your people.
Join the PSNZ Community Today
Support local. Sit with purpose. Care with confidence.
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