What Kiwis Really Want When They Hire a Pet Sitting / Boarding Professional

Pet sitting and boarding services in New Zealand are about giving pets comfort and care when their owners are away. For pet sitters and boarding professionals, understanding what local pet owners truly want is essential to deliver quality service and build a loyal client base. Here are 10 practical tips tailored to help Kiwi pet care specialists succeed.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Create a Homely, Comfortable Environment

Kiwis want their pets to feel at home, even when they’re away from it. Whether it’s pet sitting in their own home or boarding at your place, providing a comfy, safe space is critical.

Using familiar items like blankets or favourite toys helps settle pets. For example, many Auckland boarding facilities encourage owners to bring along bedding or toys to ease the transition.

Think of it as creating a 'second home' where pets feel secure and loved, which translates to happy clients coming back again and again.

2. Offer Personalized Care for Each Pet

Kiwis expect personalized attention for their pets. One-size-fits-all just doesn’t cut it.

Understanding each pet’s routine, dietary needs, and behaviour quirks makes a huge difference. Whether it’s administering medication or managing anxiety, tailored care wins hearts.

Pet Sitters Nelson, for example, boasts glowing reviews highlighting their attentive care for senior pets and those with special needs.

3. Be Transparent About Your Services and Pricing

Clear communication about what your pet sitting or boarding includes and how you price it is highly valued by Kiwis.

Use platforms like Yada that let you offer competitive, honest pricing without hidden lead or success fees. This level of transparency fosters trust and repeat business from clients who appreciate knowing exactly what they pay for.

Consider offering service packages or discounts for regular clients, making it easier for pet owners to commit.

4. Stay Connected with Daily Updates

Pet owners often worry about their beloved companions when they’re away. Sending daily updates, photos, and quick chats reassures them their pet is happy and well cared for.

Weirdly enough, these frequent check-ins can set you apart in the market. Apps like Pawshake have built-in messaging for easy client communication, but even a simple text or photo update works wonders.

Many Wellington-based sitters mention clients returning because of the peace of mind these updates provide.

5. Know Local Pet Health and Safety Standards

Kiwi pet owners expect professional knowledge about health and safety, including emergency procedures and vet contacts.

Staying informed about local regulations such as those emerging from the NZ Companion Animal Council codes can prepare you for anything. Offering to administer medication or knowing signs of common illnesses adds to client confidence.

Being proactive about cleanliness, secure fencing, and animal welfare standards ensures pets stay safe and healthy during their stay.

6. Manage Booking and Payments Smoothly

Efficient booking and payment systems make life easier for both sitters and clients. Online scheduling tools, mobile-friendly booking, and clear invoicing save time and reduce misunderstandings.

Yada offers a user-friendly way to connect and communicate privately with clients, letting you respond to jobs for free (with limits based on your rating), and handle everything on any device.

NZ pet sitters who use streamlined software often note better client retention due to the smooth experience they provide.

7. Prepare for Seasonal Demand Swings

Kiwis often travel during school holidays and summer, meaning pet sitting and boarding demand spikes.

Planning ahead with clients and managing capacity wisely is key. Booking well in advance and offering flexible cancellation policies can help manage busy periods smoothly.

For example, many Christchurch providers fill up early around Christmas, so clear policies and advanced communication keep everyone happy.

8. Leverage Local Platforms and Community Networks

Aside from Yada, platforms like Pawshake, Kiwi House Sitters, and Trade Me Services connect specialists with local clients looking for pet care.

Engaging in community groups on Facebook or Neighbourly helps build trust and word-of-mouth referrals in your region.

Many sitters share stories of repeat clients coming through recommendations made in Wellington or Auckland dog-owner groups.

9. Handle Special Needs and Behaviour Wisely

Pets with anxiety, medical needs, or special diets require extra attention.

Kiwi pet owners appreciate sitters who ask the right questions upfront and demonstrate experience with challenging behaviours or conditions.

For instance, some Nelson sitters specialise in caring for older pets with mobility issues, offering tailored care plans that set them apart.

10. Build Trust Through Testimonials and Transparency

Kiwis love hearing from other locals. Collecting and sharing genuine testimonials and reviews is invaluable.

Displaying positive feedback on your website or Yada profile helps build confidence among prospective clients.

One Auckland pet boarding business regularly showcases client stories with photos and updates, which attracts new bookings and strengthens client loyalty.