Heading away and worried about your furry friends?
Whether you’re a homeowner in Auckland or a sitter exploring the Coromandel, figuring out “who pays for what” doesn’t need to be confusing. Here’s everything you need to know.
In NZ, most house and pet sitters provide great home and pet care in exchange for free accommodation. Think of it like this: your sitter gets a cosy place to stay (maybe with a beach view), and you get peace of mind knowing your pets and home are cared for. Some sitters do charge for extra responsibilities, but they’ll always mention this upfront in their sitter profile, so you know if they are a suitable sitter for you.
For short stays, it is usually the homeowner who is responsible to pay for utilities like power, heating, and Wi-Fi. If your sitter’s staying for months (lucky them!), you might split costs, especially if they’re using the heat pump daily or chopping firewood. Make sure you document any details agreed to in your My Messages. This means the sitter can refer to it while you are away, and you both know what you have agreed on.
It is important to have clear communication before the sit begins. You can message each other through the private messaging system on Kiwi House Sitters. This provides a great record for both parties to refer to.
A quick message like, “Hey, just to confirm—we’ll cover power and leave extra pet food in the pantry!” works wonders and ensures everyone is on the same page.
Your sitter will cover their own groceries, but many homeowners say, “Help yourself to tea, coffee, or that half-used jar of Marmite!” Make sure you let them know what’s up for grabs and what’s off-limits. This prevents any issues when you return home and find important food stuffs used up.
As the homeowner it is your responsibility to provide enough pet food, medications and toys for the duration of the sit. Some owners will also leave some emergency cash in case the sitter runs out. Garden tools, cleaning supplies, or firewood are also the homeowner’s responsibility.
Leaving a welcome note with some nice chocolates or biscuits for your sitter’s arrival can also be a nice gesture.
Accidents and breakages can happen, even by the most careful sitter. If they break a wine glass, they’ll probably replace it for you before your return. If the 20-year-old washing machine finally gives up, then that’s the homeowner’s responsibility to replace. Ask them to contact you if anything does happen so you can coordinate with them a solution.
It is up to the house sitter to organise and pay for their own travel expenses to get to your house-sitting job. After all, they are saving on accommodation by staying in your home taking care of your pets.
If you’re asking them to manage your Airbnb guests or feed 50 sheep, that’s beyond a normal house-sitting arrangement. A fair daily rate and a written agreement makes sure that the sitter knows what duties they are responsible for, and they will be compensated for these extra duties. You might also provide some money if your property is very remote, or it is in mid-renovation.
We’re all about trust and simplicity. Thousands of homeowners and house sitters find each other every year at Kiwi House Sitters.
By matching you with our community of animal lovers, you save money on kennels, keep your pets happier at home, and enjoy the best form of home security while you are away.
Ready to find your perfect sitter? Join as a homeowner now.
I would just like to say a huge thankyou to you all. I've had a wonderful time looking after many beautiful homes and pets and meeting lovely people. You offer a great service. Jo
