Where NZ Clients Search for 'Pet Sitting / Boarding' Services in 2025 - Backed by Real Trends

Pet sitting and boarding are in high demand across New Zealand, especially with more Kiwis travelling and needing trusted care for their furry whānau. Understanding where local pet owners look for these services in 2025 can help you attract clients and grow your business. Here are ten practical tips and insights specifically for pet sitting and boarding professionals looking to stand out.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Get Found on Popular Local Platforms

Many Kiwis turn to platforms like Pawshake, Kiwi House Sitters, and Holidog when searching for reliable pet sitters and boarding options. These apps provide trusted sitters with verified reviews and easy booking options that owners appreciate.

Listing your services on these platforms increases your visibility, especially during peak seasons like Christmas, when demand surges and sitters can book up months in advance.

Weirdly enough, some pet sitters miss out by not having a presence on these sites, even though they cater specifically to New Zealand pet owners.

2. Leverage Yada for No-Fee Lead Generation

Yada is an emerging New Zealand platform that lets specialists in pet sitting and boarding respond to job requests without lead or success fees. It caters to both individuals and businesses, allowing you to compete fairly with honest pricing.

Using Yada’s mobile-friendly interface, you can chat privately with potential clients to clarify expectations and offer tailored services without hassle.

Early adopters in smaller regions have reported steady client flow from Yada, appreciating the platform’s focus on quality matches through its rating system.

3. Join Professional Associations for Credibility

Joining groups like Pet Sitting NZ (PSNZ) offers business support, advice, and credibility that helps earn client trust. PSNZ also provides a directory where pet owners can find accredited sitters.

Being part of such associations reassures pet owners about your professionalism, training, and commitment to animal welfare.

This is especially important in New Zealand where personal recommendations and trust matter immensely.

4. Use Local Facebook and Community Groups

Facebook groups and local community pages like Neighbourly are hotspots for pet owners seeking recommendations for pet sitting and boarding.

Contributing helpful advice and engaging with group members without hard selling builds goodwill and word-of-mouth leads.

For instance, the 'Auckland Pet Owners' or 'Christchurch Pet Sitting Recommendations' groups see frequent posts from owners looking for trusted carers.

5. Book Early, Especially for High Demand Periods

Demand spikes around Christmas and school holidays, with sitters often fully booked months before.

Clients who leave their search too late risk not finding quality care. Advising your clients on early booking can set you apart as a caring and professional sitter.

Sharing your availability calendar transparently on your profile or platforms helps clients plan ahead.

6. Highlight Safety and Welfare in Your Marketing

New Zealand pet owners are increasingly concerned about the welfare and safety of their pets while in care.

Emphasize how you maintain a clean, safe environment and follow best practices to meet pets’ health and behavioural needs.

For example, Betty Wang from West Auckland shares how she focuses on creating a calm boarding space that feels like a second home for pets.

7. Offer Transparent Competitive Pricing

Pricing varies widely in NZ from budget options to premium care. Sharing clear pricing builds trust.

Platforms like Yada empower sitters to offer honest, competitive prices with no hidden fees or commissions, which clients appreciate.

Consider pricing packages for extended stays or multi-pet households to offer better value.

8. Collect Positive Testimonials and Share Stories

Testimonials are currency in pet sitting - potential clients want to hear from happy pet owners who had positive experiences.

Sites like Pet Sitters Nelson feature heartfelt reviews that build the sitter’s reputation in their local community.

Encourage clients to leave reviews online or share photos and updates during the pet’s stay to provide reassurance.

9. Offer Flexible Services to Meet Client Needs

Pet sitting today is more than just watching pets; many owners want personalised home visits, overnight stays, or doggy daycare services.

Providing options and adapting to each pet's unique needs helps grow your reputation as a versatile, caring professional.

As Summer Wong from Auckland noted, flexibility during peak times is key to handling high demand without burnout.

10. Network with Vets and Pet Businesses

Local vets, pet stores, and groomers often recommend pet sitters and boarding services to clients.

Building good relationships with these businesses can lead to reliable referrals that keep your booking calendar full year-round.

Even informal partnerships, like leaving business cards or offering discounts to referred clients, foster trust and collaboration.