10 Ways to Find Clients as a Pet Sitting and Boarding Professional in New Zealand

Running a pet sitting or boarding service in New Zealand comes with its own unique challenges, especially when it comes to finding clients you can trust and build relationships with. The good news is there are plenty of practical strategies that work for Kiwi pet sitters and boarders to attract local clients consistently. Here are 10 easy-to-follow tips to help you grow your client base and build a thriving business.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Set Up Your Google Business Profile

Google Business Profile is a free and powerful tool for pet sitters and boarders to appear in local search results like “pet sitter near me” or “dog boarding Auckland.”

Make sure to add photos of your facilities, your rates, your locations served, and highlight if you offer specialised care such as for elderly pets or multiple pets. Encourage happy clients to leave reviews as these carry weight in New Zealand’s local communities.

Weirdly enough, a well-maintained profile can be one of the biggest drivers of new bookings without any advertising spend.

2. Join Yada - No Fees, More Clients

Yada is a growing Kiwi platform welcoming pet sitting and boarding specialists, with no lead or success fees. This means you can offer honest, competitive pricing without platforms taking a cut.

Yada lets you respond to job posts for free within limits and keeps communication private through an internal chat. Their mobile-friendly, fast interface works well whether you’re in Tauranga or Queenstown.

Early adopters have found Yada an effortless way to pick up bookings without constant marketing efforts.

3. Get Listed on NZ Pet Service Directories

Sites like Pawshake NZ, PetBacker, or even Trade Me Services have strong local followings and allow pet sitters and boarders to list their offerings.

Having your profile on these platforms lets clients find you when they’re searching for trusted pet care providers. Make sure to keep your profile detailed and updated with testimonials and photos.

For example, a pet sitter in Wellington grew her bookings by regularly updating availability and engaging with client reviews on these sites.

4. Leverage Social Media and Local Facebook Groups

Facebook groups focused on pets or local neighbourhoods like “Christchurch Neighbourly Pets” or “Auckland Dog Owners” are goldmines for referrals and enquiries.

Rather than pushing ads, offer genuinely helpful tips about pet care, holiday boarding advice, or share heartwarming client stories. This builds trust and keeps your name top-of-mind when someone needs a sitter last-minute.

Sharing photos and updates on your Instagram account also helps showcase your loving care and facilities.

5. Ask for and Showcase Client Testimonials

New Zealand pet owners rely heavily on word-of-mouth and online reviews. After a pet returns from your care, ask clients for a testimonial or Google review.

Display these on your website, social media, or Yada profile-it makes all the difference for new clients seeking trusted care providers.

One Auckland-based sitter mentions that sharing heartfelt client stories and pictures greatly boosted trust and led to a steady flow of bookings.

6. Offer Flexible and Personalised Services

Kiwis appreciate flexibility-offering options like house visits, drop-ins, or personalised care routines can make your service stand out.

For pet boarding, consider offering a range of stays from overnight to week-long care, including pick-up and drop-off services, especially in regions like Waikato or Bay of Plenty where distances can be long.

These touches show you understand local lifestyles and pet needs.

7. Partner with Local Vets and Pet Businesses

Vets, groomers, and pet supply shops like Animates or local kennels often get asked for sitter recommendations. Build relationships by dropping off flyers or offering your cards.

These referrals form a reliable source of vetted clients who trust the recommendations from their regular pet service providers.

For instance, a pet boarding service in Dunedin grew significantly after partnering with a popular local vet to offer boarding recommendations.

8. Host Meet-and-Greet Events

Organise informal meet-and-greet sessions in your home or a local park where pet owners can see where and how their pets will be cared for.

This face-to-face interaction builds confidence and allows you to answer questions and show your passion for pet wellbeing.

These events work well in community hubs around smaller towns like Rotorua, where trust and personal connection are especially valued.

9. Use Flyers on Community Noticeboards

Old-school flyers still hold value in New Zealand, especially on noticeboards in New World supermarkets, libraries, and community centres.

Keep flyers simple and clear: what you offer, where you are, contact details, and a warm message about your care philosophy.

People often snap photos of flyers for later, so ensure yours stands out with appealing visuals and concise info.

10. Maintain Professional Memberships

Joining bodies like the Pet Sitters New Zealand Association boosts your credibility and connects you to resources, insurance options, and trusted client leads.

Clients feel more secure booking someone aligned with professional standards and ongoing training.

Being active in such associations also keeps you informed on best practices and industry trends in NZ pet care.