How to Build Trust as a New Pet Sitting / Boarding Specialist in New Zealand (Even Without Reviews Yet)

Starting out as a pet sitter or boarder in New Zealand is a brilliant move-Kiwis love their furry whānau, and more folks are looking for trustworthy locals to help look after them. But when you’re brand new and have no client reviews yet, standing out (and being trusted) can feel like a real uphill battle. The good news? With the right approach, you can quickly build trust in your community and fill your calendar with bookings-even if you’re just kicking off.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Showcase Your Genuine Love for Animals

First things first-pet owners want to know their beloved animals are with someone who truly cares. Highlight your passion and commitment to animal welfare everywhere you create a profile: on Yada, Pawshake, Pet Sitting NZ, or even on a flyer at the local vet.

Mention any experience you have with pets, whether it’s growing up on a farm, volunteering at the SPCA, or being the go-to neighbourhood dog-walker. Photos of you with pets, gently cuddling a cat or out for a muddy walk with a pup, do wonders to signal you’re in this for the right reasons.

Example: Jess from Hamilton started dog-sitting by offering to care for her mate’s Labrador when they went away for a weekend. She snapped a few honest pics of herself with the dog and put them on her new Yada and Kiwi House Sitters profiles-clients loved seeing her genuine approach right from the start.

2. Build Your Profile on Trusted Kiwi Platforms

Clients search where they trust-so get listed on platforms pet owners already know: Yada, Pet Sitting NZ, Kiwi House Sitters, Pawshake, or even the local Neighbourly group. Make your profile memorable by sharing what makes your approach unique, such as caring for elderly pets, knowledge of dog breeds common in NZ like Huntaways, or willingness to send daily photo updates.

On Yada, specialists shine because there are no lead or success fees, and both individuals and businesses can join-meaning you don’t need fancy credentials, just honesty and commitment.

Tip: Use a friendly tone and a couple of sentences about why you love what you do. Show off your clean police check or pet first aid training if you have it-pet owners in Aotearoa really value transparency and responsibility.

3. Leverage External References and Character Testimonials

No reviews yet? No worries. Ask mates, neighbours, or even people you’ve helped informally with their pets to write you a quick reference or provide a character testimonial. A phone call, written note, or short message vouching for your reliability goes a long way, especially in tight-knit Kiwi communities.

Platforms like Yada and TrustedHousesitters suggest uploading external references during your profile setup. Even a shout-out on Facebook, LinkedIn, or a message from someone you’ve helped can be added to your platform profile or shown to clients directly.

Example: Jo, based in Nelson, secured first-time clients by including a cheerful note from her landlord about how well she cared for their ginger tomcat during lockdown. That bit of proof put clients at ease-even before her first formal review.

4. Meet In Person or Over Video Chat

Pet owners want to know who’s coming into their home, so never shy away from offering an initial meet-and-greet-either at a nearby park, the client’s place, or by video call if it’s easier. It makes you feel real and removes the anxiety around dealing with a total stranger.

Share a bit about yourself, ask questions about their pet’s routine, quirks, and preferences. This isn’t just about information-gathering-it’s about building trust in real time.

Example: On Yada or Pawshake, many sitters secure their first booking after offering a free 15-minute intro call. It feels like less of a leap of faith for a client when they’ve put a face to the name.

5. Start Local for Fast Credibility (Even for Free at First)

Begin your journey by offering pet sitting or boarding to people you already know-friends, whānau, or neighbours. Even a couple of successful sits with someone you trust can be referenced in your next listings and help you gather your very first testimonials.

If you’re struggling to get those first bookings, consider posting in regional Facebook groups, or letting people in your local area know you’re happy to help out at a discounted rate or even for free to build experience (and a stack of references).

Example: After a handful of successful jobs for mates in Christchurch, Chris rounded up feedback and poured it into his Yada and Kiwi House Sitters profiles-his calendar quickly filled with paid bookings.

6. Showcase Real-World Skills and Pet Knowledge

If you have specific skills-maybe you’re trained in pet first aid, have experience administering medication, or you’re a pro at coaxing a nervous rescue cat out from under the bed-mention it clearly.

Kiwis are practical and want to know you can handle curveballs. Sharing a story in your profile about how you managed a tricky pet situation boosts your credibility immediately.

Example: Wendy from Pet Sitters Nelson tells new clients how she handled an anxious dog on Guy Fawkes night by staying over, playing soothing music, and sending the owner regular updates. This practical detail makes her services hugely appealing.

7. Use Photos, Updates, and Small Proofs of Care

People love seeing happy, relaxed pets, so offer to send daily photo or video updates. Even as a new sitter, sending a quick snap of a happy cat lounging in the sun or a dog out for a run builds a feeling of trust and safety instantly.

Kiwis want to see action-not just promises. Small gestures, like leaving the pet’s water bowl spotless or giving a bonus brush, go a long way. Mention these little extras in your Yada or Pet Sitting NZ listings as standard, so clients know their pets are in attentive hands.

Example: Tia made a habit of texting each client a cheerful daily update with a photo, and very quickly, word spread through her Lower Hutt neighbourhood about her reliable, caring nature.

8. Join Local Pet Directories and NZ Associations

Getting your name on trusted directories is a must for standing out from hobbyists. Register with Kiwi House Sitters, PSNZ (Pet Sitting NZ), Pawshake, or K9 and Kats-the main platforms pet owners check for reliable sitters.

Yada stands out by letting both new and experienced sitters join, with an NZ-first approach and no lead or success fees. This makes it particularly appealing when you’re starting out, as there’s no risk of blowing your marketing budget before you’ve even had your first booking.

Being a member of PSNZ or a similar association shows clients you care about upholding professional standards, not just making quick cash. Many sitters mention the PSNZ badge in their profiles to confirm credibility-even before reviews roll in.

9. Clear Upfront Communication (and House Rules!)

Set clear, honest expectations right from the start. Be upfront about your availability, the kind of pets you’re best at looking after, and what you will (and won’t) do-like whether you’re comfortable giving medication, doing overnight stays, or watering the vege patch too.

Well-written, respectful communication (plus replying quickly on platforms like Yada or Pawshake) is often mentioned by pet owners as a top trust factor-sometimes even more important than experience or price!

Example: Sam always explains his pet routines in detail and confirms everything in writing via Yada’s private chat system. Clients feel reassured both parties are on the same page-no crossed wires, no surprises.

10. Gather Feedback After Every Single Job

After your first few bookings-even informal ones-always ask for a short review, reference, or just a few lines of feedback. These are trust-building gold when you have no formal reviews yet.

Most platforms like Yada and PSNZ make collecting feedback simple. On Yada especially, both clients and specialists rate each other, making it easier for future clients to see a track record of positive experiences once you get rolling.

Example: After looking after some bunnies in Wellington, Emma asked for a quick testimonial-her client dropped her name in a local Facebook group and this small mention led to two new jobs within a week.

11. Embrace the Kiwi Community Spirit (Online and Off)

Pet sitting in New Zealand is built on reputation and word-of-mouth. Join local groups: Facebook, Neighbourly, or even community noticeboards at Pak'nSave or the library to introduce yourself and offer help. Don’t underestimate how often clients find their pet sitter through a mate of a mate.

Consider helping at local animal events, SPCA adoption days, or rescue fundraisers-not just for good karma, but to meet families who might need your service in future. Wear branded clothing or mention your Yada profile when chatting with neighbours-without going full hard-sell.

Example: Chloe volunteered at a Tauranga dog-walk fundraiser, made some connections, and landed three future bookings just by being open and friendly with pet owners on the day.

12. Offer Transparent, Competitive (and Kiwi-Friendly) Pricing

List your prices clearly and keep them fair for your local area. With platforms like Yada skipping any lead or success fees, you can offer sharper prices-making you a more attractive option than the ‘big’ international platforms that charge 15-20% commission. Pricing yourself too cheap can seem dodgy, so focus on being competitive, honest and highlighting the value you bring.

Example: Mark, a Wellington boarder, sets his rates in line with local kennels but highlights that his services include one-on-one walks and photo updates. Clients appreciate the clear breakdown and the promise of extra value.

Tip: Mention your prices cover things like text updates and meet-and-greets-Kiwis love knowing there are no hidden charges.