Home visits for pets

A home visit is a short drop-in at your home, usually 10-15 minutes, where a sitter on PetCloud feeds, waters or medicates your pet. Most owners book one or two visits a day so their pet can stay in familiar surroundings.

Home visits on PetCloud start from $45 for one visit a day and from $90 for two visits a day. Each sitter sets their own prices, shown on their listing.

Home visits are a good idea when your pet needs something checked or given every day. They suit pets on heart medication, where a missed dose can be dangerous, and male cats, which can be prone to urinary blockages that need a vet quickly, so a daily visit means problems are noticed early. They also help in hot weather, to make sure your pet has good ventilation, shade, food and fresh water. Veterinarian Dr Mandy Paterson advises home visits for dogs for a maximum of 2 days. Dogs are pack animals, and when left alone for longer they can become very anxious, bark, damage things, hurt themselves or escape. If you'll be away for longer, book a house sitter or home-based pet boarding.

A meet and greet is recommended, not required. It's a chance to show the sitter your pet's routine and where supplies are kept, and to check your property together for escape routes and hazards.

Yes. Sitters send daily photo updates through the PetCloud app, so you can see how your pet is going while you're away.

Your payment is held securely and released to the sitter after your 24-hour quality check window at the end of the booking. A booking fee of 10%, capped at $40, applies.

It depends on your dog's age, health and routine, but most adult dogs should not be left alone for more than 4 to 6 hours without a toilet break and some company. A midday home visit or dog walk breaks up the day.

Puppies need toilet breaks much more often than adult dogs and can feel anxious when left alone for long periods. A home visit during the day helps keep their toilet training and routine on track.

Many sitters on PetCloud are happy to give tablets, liquid medication or worming treatments during a home visit. Leave clear written instructions with the dose and times, and check the sitter's listing or ask at the meet and greet.

Many dogs will take a tablet hidden in a small treat or pill pocket. If your dog refuses, ask your vet whether it can be given with food or comes in another form. Let your sitter know what works best for your dog.