{"id":8625,"date":"2026-04-06T21:54:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-06T21:54:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/professnow.com\/profession\/top-10-best-dog-walker-pet-sitter-in-melbourne\/"},"modified":"2026-09-17T16:41:57","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T16:41:57","slug":"top-10-best-dog-walker-pet-sitter-in-melbourne","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/professnow.com\/profession\/top-10-best-dog-walker-pet-sitter-in-melbourne\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Dog Walker \/ Pet Sitter in Melbourne: Top 5 (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Introduction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finding a reliable Dog Walker \/ Pet Sitter in Melbourne is a common need for busy professionals, frequent travellers, shift workers, and families juggling school runs and long commutes. In a city with dense inner suburbs, apartment living, and dog-friendly parks, many pet owners want consistent exercise and in-home care they can trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this guide, you\u2019ll learn what a Dog Walker \/ Pet Sitter typically offers, what it costs in Melbourne, and how to compare providers quickly. You\u2019ll also find a shortlist of established services with publicly accessible information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This list was evaluated using practical, local SEO-focused criteria: clear service scope, pricing transparency where publicly stated, signs of real customer feedback (where available), and overall reputation signals that can be checked via official websites and publicly visible profiles. Where details weren\u2019t publicly stated, they\u2019re marked as such.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">About Dog Walker \/ Pet Sitter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A Dog Walker \/ Pet Sitter helps pet owners keep routines stable when life gets busy. Dog walkers focus on exercise, enrichment, and safe handling on-lead (and sometimes off-lead where appropriate and permitted). Pet sitters typically provide in-home visits, overnight stays, feeding, medication support (when agreed), litter\/yard checks, and companionship to reduce stress and separation anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You might need a Dog Walker \/ Pet Sitter in Melbourne if you work long hours, have limited mobility, have a new puppy with toilet-training needs, or you\u2019re travelling and want your pet cared for in a familiar environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Average cost in Melbourne:<\/strong> Pricing varies widely by suburb, pet type, duration, and whether care is one-on-one. As a broad guide, many owners see dog walking quoted per walk and pet sitting quoted per visit or per night. Exact rates are not universal and depend on the provider, time, and requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Licensing\/certifications:<\/strong> In Melbourne (and more broadly in Victoria), dog walking and pet sitting generally do not require a dedicated occupational licence. However, reputable providers often carry public liability insurance, complete pet first aid training, and may offer identity checks or police checks (especially on platforms that facilitate booking).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key takeaways<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dog walking prioritises exercise, safety, and routine.<\/li>\n<li>Pet sitting ranges from quick check-ins to overnight stays.<\/li>\n<li>Expect pricing to vary by duration, number of pets, and care complexity.<\/li>\n<li>No single \u201crequired licence\u201d is commonly mandated, but insurance and first aid training are strong trust signals.<\/li>\n<li>A meet-and-greet and written care instructions are standard best practice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How We Selected the Best Dog Walker \/ Pet Sitter in Melbourne<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We used a practical set of selection criteria aimed at helping Melbourne pet owners choose confidently:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Years of experience<\/strong> (when publicly stated)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Publicly published review signals<\/strong> (only where publicly accessible and clearly attributable)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Service range<\/strong> (walking, drop-ins, house sitting, boarding, medication support where offered)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pricing transparency<\/strong> (publicly stated ranges, clear \u201cvaries\/depends\u201d explanations, or structured membership pricing)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Local reputation<\/strong> (brand presence, operational clarity, and easy-to-find policies\/contact pathways)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Only publicly available information was used where confidently known. If details like phone numbers, emails, or review summaries weren\u2019t clearly published by the business, they\u2019re marked as not published rather than guessed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">About Melbourne<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Melbourne is a large, pet-friendly city with a mix of high-density inner suburbs and spacious family areas further out. Demand for Dog Walker \/ Pet Sitter services is steady across the year, especially around school holidays, long weekends, and peak work periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Owners commonly look for support in areas with busy lifestyles and high dog ownership, including (but not limited to) <strong>Richmond, South Yarra, St Kilda, Carlton, Fitzroy, Brunswick, Docklands, Port Melbourne, Northcote, and Hawthorn<\/strong>. Coverage ultimately depends on each provider\u2019s service radius and sitter availability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Top 5 Dog Walker \/ Pet Sitter in Melbourne<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#1 \u2014 Mad Paws<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rating (format: 4.7\/5 or not published): not published  <\/li>\n<li>Services Offered: Dog walking, pet sitting, house sitting, pet boarding (availability varies by sitter), drop-in visits  <\/li>\n<li>Price Range: Varies \/ depends (set by individual carers)  <\/li>\n<li>Website: https:\/\/www.madpaws.com.au\/  <\/li>\n<li>Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link  (Leave it blank)  <\/li>\n<li>Best For: Choice and flexibility across Melbourne suburbs (many carers and booking options)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#2 \u2014 Pawshake<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rating (format: 4.7\/5 or not published): not published  <\/li>\n<li>Services Offered: Dog walking, home visits, house sitting, daycare\/boarding options (varies by sitter and area)  <\/li>\n<li>Price Range: Varies \/ depends (set by individual sitters)  <\/li>\n<li>Website: https:\/\/www.pawshake.com.au\/  <\/li>\n<li>Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link  (Leave it blank)  <\/li>\n<li>Best For: Owners wanting sitter profiles and booking tools in one place<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#3 \u2014 PetCloud<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rating (format: 4.7\/5 or not published): not published  <\/li>\n<li>Services Offered: Dog walking, pet sitting, house sitting, pet boarding (service types vary by carer)  <\/li>\n<li>Price Range: Varies \/ depends  <\/li>\n<li>Website: https:\/\/www.petcloud.com.au\/  <\/li>\n<li>Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link  (Leave it blank)  <\/li>\n<li>Best For: Owners who prefer an Australian-based booking platform with broad service categories<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#4 \u2014 TrustedHousesitters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rating (format: 4.7\/5 or not published): not published  <\/li>\n<li>Services Offered: In-home pet sitting via house sitting arrangements (typically no paid per-visit walking service; depends on sitter agreement)  <\/li>\n<li>Price Range: Membership-based; varies \/ depends (no standard per-night sitter fee model)  <\/li>\n<li>Website: https:\/\/www.trustedhousesitters.com\/  <\/li>\n<li>Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link  (Leave it blank)  <\/li>\n<li>Best For: Longer trips where owners want live-in care (and are comfortable with a matching process)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#5 \u2014 Aussie House Sitters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rating (format: 4.7\/5 or not published): not published  <\/li>\n<li>Services Offered: House sitting with pet care (arrangements vary by sitter; walking frequency depends on agreement)  <\/li>\n<li>Price Range: Membership\/listing based; varies \/ depends  <\/li>\n<li>Website: https:\/\/www.aussiehousesitters.com.au\/  <\/li>\n<li>Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link  (Leave it blank)  <\/li>\n<li>Best For: Owners planning ahead who want in-home care without typical nightly sitter pricing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Comparison Table<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Professional<\/th>\n<th>Price Range<\/th>\n<th>Best For<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Mad Paws<\/td>\n<td>Varies \/ depends<\/td>\n<td>Flexible options across Melbourne<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Pawshake<\/td>\n<td>Varies \/ depends<\/td>\n<td>Profile-based booking and choice<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>PetCloud<\/td>\n<td>Varies \/ depends<\/td>\n<td>Broad pet-care categories via a platform<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>TrustedHousesitters<\/td>\n<td>Membership-based; varies \/ depends<\/td>\n<td>Longer trips with live-in care<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Aussie House Sitters<\/td>\n<td>Membership\/listing based; varies \/ depends<\/td>\n<td>Planning ahead for house-sitting style care<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cost of Hiring a Dog Walker \/ Pet Sitter in Melbourne<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Melbourne, the cost of a Dog Walker \/ Pet Sitter depends heavily on whether you\u2019re booking a solo walk, a group walk, a short home visit, or overnight care. Many providers price dog walking per walk (often based on duration) and pet sitting per visit or per night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Average price range (general guide):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dog walking is commonly priced per session, with longer walks costing more.<\/li>\n<li>Pet sitting drop-ins are commonly priced per visit.<\/li>\n<li>Overnight house sitting is typically priced higher due to the time commitment and responsibility.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Emergency pricing:<\/strong> Some providers charge higher rates for same-day bookings, public holidays, late-night visits, or extended travel distance. Not all providers offer emergency availability, and it often depends on scheduling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What affects cost<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Duration and frequency<\/strong> (one-off vs recurring weekly walks)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Number of pets<\/strong> (second dog, multi-pet households, different species)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Care complexity<\/strong> (puppies, reactive dogs, medication routines)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Time of day and day of week<\/strong> (peak hours, weekends, public holidays)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Travel distance and parking<\/strong> (inner-city congestion can increase time on task)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Service type<\/strong> (walks vs drop-ins vs overnight care vs boarding)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re comparing quotes, ask what\u2019s included (walk length, photo updates, feeding, litter\/yard checks, basic training reinforcement) and what triggers extra charges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much does a Dog Walker \/ Pet Sitter cost in Melbourne?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Costs vary by service type and suburb. Most pricing is per walk, per visit, or per night, with higher rates for longer sessions, multiple pets, weekends, and public holidays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to choose the best Dog Walker \/ Pet Sitter in Melbourne?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Start with a meet-and-greet, confirm experience with your pet\u2019s breed\/temperament, and check what safety steps they use (leads, harness fit, transport rules). Choose someone who communicates clearly and provides written booking details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are licenses required in Melbourne?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A dedicated licence for dog walking\/pet sitting is generally not published as required. Many reputable carers rely on insurance, first aid training, and clear policies rather than formal licensing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who offers 24\/7 service in Melbourne?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Few providers publish this. Availability depends on the individual business or sitter\u2019s roster. If you need overnight or late-night visits, confirm hours and emergency protocols before booking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s the difference between dog walking and pet sitting?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dog walking focuses on exercise and enrichment during a timed session. Pet sitting usually covers feeding, companionship, home checks, and care routines, either via drop-in visits or overnight stays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Should I choose in-home pet sitting or boarding?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In-home sitting suits pets that dislike change or need routine in their own space. Boarding can suit social dogs that do well in a new environment. The best option depends on temperament, age, and medical needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do Dog Walker \/ Pet Sitter services include feeding and medication?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sometimes. Many sitters will feed and administer routine medication if agreed in advance, but it varies by provider and complexity. Confirm exactly what they will and won\u2019t do, in writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I know my dog will be walked safely?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ask about lead policy, group size (if any), off-lead rules, and how they handle dog-to-dog interactions. A professional will explain their approach to reactivity, recall, and traffic risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What information should I provide before the first booking?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Share your pet\u2019s routine, vet details, allergies, triggers, behaviour notes, and emergency contacts. Provide equipment instructions (harness fit, lead type) and home access details if relevant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I book regular weekly walks in Melbourne?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Often yes, but it depends on capacity and your suburb. Regular bookings are usually easier to maintain with the same walker if you schedule consistent times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Recommendation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want <strong>maximum choice across Melbourne suburbs<\/strong>, start with <strong>Mad Paws<\/strong>, <strong>Pawshake<\/strong>, or <strong>PetCloud<\/strong>\u2014these options typically let you compare multiple carers, services, and schedules in one place (availability and pricing vary by individual).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re planning a <strong>longer trip<\/strong> and prefer <strong>live-in care<\/strong> at home rather than per-night pet sitting fees, <strong>TrustedHousesitters<\/strong> or <strong>Aussie House Sitters<\/strong> can suit owners who are comfortable with a matching process and arranging expectations upfront.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For budget vs premium: budget-friendly outcomes usually come from flexible scheduling and planning ahead, while premium outcomes come from one-on-one care, longer visits, and carers experienced with complex routines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\" \/>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"pn-related wp-block-heading\">Related guides<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Dog Walker \/ Pet Sitter in other cities<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/professnow.com\/profession\/top-10-best-dog-walker-pet-sitter-in-tokyo\/\">Top 2 Dog Walker \/ Pet Sitter Options in Tokyo (2026 Guide)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/professnow.com\/profession\/top-10-best-dog-walker-pet-sitter-in-new-york\/\">Best Dog Walker \/ Pet Sitter in New York: Top 5 (2026)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/professnow.com\/profession\/top-10-best-dog-walker-pet-sitter-in-mexico-city\/\">Best Dog Walker \/ Pet Sitter in Mexico City: Top 2 (2026)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/professnow.com\/profession\/top-10-best-dog-walker-pet-sitter-in-mumbai\/\">Best Dog Walker \/ Pet Sitter in Mumbai: Top 5 (2026)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Other professionals in Melbourne<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/professnow.com\/profession\/top-10-best-lawyer-attorney-in-melbourne\/\">Best Lawyer \/ Attorney in Melbourne: Top 5 (2026)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/professnow.com\/profession\/top-10-best-notary-public-in-melbourne\/\">Top 1 Notary Public Options in Melbourne (2026 Guide)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/professnow.com\/profession\/top-10-best-immigration-consultant-in-melbourne\/\">Best Immigration Consultant in Melbourne: Top 5 (2026)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/professnow.com\/profession\/top-10-best-doctor-physician-in-melbourne\/\">Top 5 Doctor \/ Physician Options in Melbourne (2026 Guide)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get Your Business Listed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re a Dog Walker \/ Pet Sitter in Melbourne and want your details added or updated in this guide, email <strong>contact@professnow.com<\/strong>. You can also register &amp; Update yourself at <strong>https:\/\/professnow.com\/<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Compare 5 Dog Walker \/ Pet Sitter options in Melbourne &#8211; services offered, typical cost ranges, and how to choose the right one. Updated 2026.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[482,72],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8625","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-dog-walker-pet-sitter","category-melbourne"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/professnow.com\/profession\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8625","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/professnow.com\/profession\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/professnow.com\/profession\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/professnow.com\/profession\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/professnow.com\/profession\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8625"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/professnow.com\/profession\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8625\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/professnow.com\/profession\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8625"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/professnow.com\/profession\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8625"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/professnow.com\/profession\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8625"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}