Blog

Pet Sitting Emergency? How to Minimise Risk in Last-Minute Bookings

A blurry dog
Jessica

When a pet owner asks for help at the last minute, it can be tempting to say yes right away. This is especially true if you have free time. But for any pet sitter, jumping into a booking without preparation can lead to serious challenges.

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Pet Sitting Emergency? How to Minimise Risk in Last-Minute Bookings

The Pet Sitter’s Guide to House Sitting: Safety, Routine & Respect

It's their home - you're just visiting
Jessica

House sitting is one of the most trusted services on Pawshake, offering sitters the chance to care for pets in their familiar surroundings—while enjoying the comfort of a home-away-from-home. Not only do you get to bond with pets in a relaxed environment, but you also play a vital role in maintaining house sitting safety and keeping the owner’s home secure and lived-in while they’re away.

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The Pet Sitter’s Guide to House Sitting: Safety, Routine & Respect

Setting Boundaries and Negotiating Rates: A Guide for Pet Sitters

Negotiating doesn't have to be a Tug-of-War
Jessica

As a pet sitter, you’re passionate about animals and want to give them the best care possible. Offering your time, experience, and energy does not mean you have to say “yes” to everything. This is especially true when someone asks you to do more than you agreed to or for less than you deserve.


 

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Setting Boundaries and Negotiating Rates: A Guide for Pet Sitters

Doggy Daycare 101: How to Run a Winning Day Service

A Dalmation Puppy
Jessica

If you're a Pawshake sitter looking to offer Doggy Daycare, you’re in the right place. This service is more popular than ever. Pet parents want better options than kennels to care for their dogs during the day.

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Doggy Daycare 101: How to Run a Winning Day Service

Dog Boarding Done Right: How to Run a Safe & Successful Service

Two Corgis
Jessica

Dog boarding can be a fantastic way to grow your pet sitting business on Pawshake while spending time with dogs in the comfort of your own home. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, it's important to be on top of what's required of you.

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Dog Boarding Done Right: How to Run a Safe & Successful Service

How Long Can You Leave a Pet Alone?

A dog waiting
Jessica

Whether you own a pet and go to work or work as a pet sitter, you should know how long a pet can stay alone. Every pet has different needs. These needs depend on their age, health, personality, and species. Knowing what is safe is important for their wellbeing.


 

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How Long Can You Leave a Pet Alone?

What Services Are Appropriate for Cats?

A cat focused blog
Jessica

As a cat owner, it can sometimes feel like the world of pet care is all about dogs. Doggy daycare, dog walking, home dog boarding… but what about our feline friends?

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What Services Are Appropriate for Cats?

I Didn’t Know My Pet Sitting Profile Could Do That?!

A hiding cat
Jessica

Whether you’re a seasoned sitter or just starting, your Pawshake pet sitting profile is more powerful than you think. It has useful tools and hidden profile features. These tools simplify your bookings, ensure your safety, and help your pet sitting business grow.

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I Didn’t Know My Pet Sitting Profile Could Do That?!

How to Choose the right Pet Sitter for Dog Boarding

A dog meets new friends
Jessica

Planning a holiday is exciting, but ensuring your dog is well cared for while you're away is just as important. Finding the right pet sitter for dog boarding gives your furry friend a safe and comfy home. Here’s how to find the best sitter for your dog while you're away.

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How to Choose the right Pet Sitter for Dog Boarding

Is my Dog Suitable for Home Boarding?

A dog on the couch
Jessica

Home dog boarding can be a wonderful experience for many dogs, offering a comfortable home environment and personalised care. But is your dog suited to staying in a sitter’s home? Here’s how to determine if home boarding is the right choice and what steps you can take to prepare your pet for a successful stay.

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Is my Dog Suitable for Home Boarding?

How to approach a cat: tips to earn their trust

Jessica

As a cat sitter you regularly meet new feline friends. So how do you earn their trust? Cat behaviourist Yvonne Sweere shares the most important do's & don'ts - as well as the biggest misconceptions - when it comes to interacting with cats.

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How to approach a cat: tips to earn their trust

This is how you become a top pet sitter in 2025

Een vrouw aait een zwart-witte kat
Jessica

Want to petsit more often, get better bookings, and have more fun while doing them? Keep growing as a sitter, and you'll attract more, better, and higher-paying bookings. Here are our top tips for a thriving petsitting business in 2025!

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This is how you become a top pet sitter in 2025

Pimp Your Pet Sitting Profile

A black cat with a laptop
Jessica

Today is the perfect time to prepare your pet-sitting profile for the upcoming season. Pet owners are already searching for reliable and trustworthy sitters, and you want your profile to be the one they choose. Here’s how to make sure your profile stands out and attracts more bookings.

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Pimp Your Pet Sitting Profile

Skip the Meet & Greet? Sure, If You Love Stress – Stay Smart, Stay Safe!

A confused dog
Jessica

As a pet sitter, your top priority is providing excellent care while protecting yourself, the pet, and the client. A meet and greet is not just an extra step. It is important for reducing risks and ensuring online safety. It helps create a smooth experience and activates the protections from Pawshake, including the Pawshake Guarantee.

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Skip the Meet & Greet? Sure, If You Love Stress – Stay Smart, Stay Safe!

How to Get the Most Out of Booking a Pawshake Pet Sitter

A paw-shake!
Jessica

Booking a pet sitter through Pawshake is like finding your pet's new best friend. While meeting someone new online can feel unfamiliar, with some planning and clear communication, it can be a great experience for everyone—especially your furry friend!

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How to Get the Most Out of Booking a Pawshake Pet Sitter

Signs of a Snake Bite in Dogs and What to Do Next

A brown snake
Jessica

A hot summer means more outdoor adventures for our furry friends. From bush hikes to off-leash parks and days at the beach. However, the warm weather also brings out some scaly visitors to our yards and parks: snakes.

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Signs of a Snake Bite in Dogs and What to Do Next

Best Dog-Friendly Swimming Spots around Melbourne

A dog jumps off a pier
Jessica

Summer promises to be a scorcher this year. Whether you are an owner or a dog sitter, there’s no better way to cool down with your furry pal than a quick dip.

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Best Dog-Friendly Swimming Spots around Melbourne

Pickup and Drop-Off for Pet Sitters: Best Practice

Dog in Car Window
Jessica

With the rollout of Add-On Services, you may have decided to offer a pick-up and/or drop-off service for your clients. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you manage pet transport safely.

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Pickup and Drop-Off for Pet Sitters: Best Practice

Keeping Your Pet Safe During Fireworks

A Dog hides behind a branch
Jessica

Fireworks can be a stressful event for dogs. As a pet sitter, it's your job to make sure the dog feels safe and secure throughout the service. This guide gives tips for taking care of a guest dog during fireworks.

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Keeping Your Pet Safe During Fireworks

Pet duos: animals that need a buddy

Doggy Pals
Jessica

Are you thinking about a second pet to give your furry friend some more social support? This blog will help you decide if your pet is right for an animal companion.

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Pet duos: animals that need a buddy

How to Wash a Guest Dog

A muddy dog
Jessica

Has your guest rolled in something unsavoury? Have they had time off-leads at the beach and brought the smell home with them?  Here's a handy guide to help you get your furry guest clean and comfortable.

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How to Wash a Guest Dog

Meeting A New Dog: Etiquette guide for Sitters

A happy dog
Jessica

When meeting a new dog, it's important to know how to introduce yourself. This applies whether you're meeting a client's dog at a Meet & Greet, or making a new furry friend on the street.

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Meeting A New Dog: Etiquette guide for Sitters

Pembroke Welsh Corgi: Dog Breed Spotlight

Welsh Corgi outdoors
Jessica

Affectionately known as the "Corgi," the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small herding dog breed known for its short legs, long body, and spirited personality. This article delves into all you will need to know about Corgis, including their origin, distinctive traits, and how to care for them.

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Pembroke Welsh Corgi: Dog Breed Spotlight

Pet Sitter Checklist: Getting Your Home Ready for Dog Boarding

A Corgi in a Yurt
Jessica

Getting your home ready for dog boarding is important to make sure your furry guests feel safe and welcome. This checklist will help you get your home ready for guest pets, ensuring their staycation is a smooth one.

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Pet Sitter Checklist: Getting Your Home Ready for Dog Boarding

Sitter Background Checks: What to know about Police Checks

A cat on the couch
Jessica

The moment you decide to leave your furry friend under someone else's care, it's human nature to have some worry and anxiety. One small piece of paper can go a long way to offer comfort and reassurance: an up-to-date police check.

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Sitter Background Checks: What to know about Police Checks

What Information should I give to my Pet Sitter?

A dog on a foot rest
Jessica

Booking a new pet sitter for the first time is both an exciting and nerve wracking event. This guide will help your prepare for a first time booking , taking the time to ensure you are both on the same page and have a stress-free time.

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What Information should I give to my Pet Sitter?

Pawshake Guidelines: Pet Safety During Extreme Heat

Puppy on a surf board
Jessica

This guide, tailored specifically for Pawshake members, is designed to equip pet sitters & owners alike with knowledge to ensure the safety and comfort of their dogs during extreme heat events.


 

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Pawshake Guidelines: Pet Safety During Extreme Heat

Protect your Pets During Bushfire Season

A dog & cat snuggle
Jessica

The threat of bushfires can be a harrowing experience for both humans and their pets. A crucial, well-thought-out plan can help ensure the safety of our furry companions during these challenging times.

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Protect your Pets During Bushfire Season