Pet-Sitter FAQ's 🐾

What is Luupo?

Luupo is Australia’s first pet-centric pet-sitting platform where verified pet lovers receive free accommodation in exchange for caring for pets. Whether you’re a sitter or a pet owner, we make it easy to find safe, trustworthy matches.

How does it work?

Pet owners list their sit needs, including dates, pet details, and home info. Sitters apply, and once both parties agree, the sitter stays in the home for free while providing care for the pets. Pet-parents can also browse sitters’ profiles, and message them directly.

Who can become a sitter?

Anyone over 18 with a love for animals and a responsible attitude. Unlike other platforms, every sitter on Luupo is verified, sniffed out & reviewed.

What does the sitter provide?

Sitters offer pet care and a presence in the home—feeding, walking, cuddling, and anything else your furry friend needs. No payment is exchanged, but sitters get free accommodation.

What am I expected to do as a sitter?

As a pet-sitter, you're expected to care for the home and pets as if they were your own. This includes following the homeowner’s instructions for both the pet and the property. You’ll also be responsible for keeping the home clean and tidy during your stay and leaving it that way when you leave. Other typical duties may include taking out the bins, collecting mail, and occasionally doing light gardening or general upkeep.

What does the pet owner provide?

A safe, clean, and comfortable space for the sitter to stay—plus clear instructions about pet routines and house rules (and a new furry friend of course!).

Can I house sit with my pet?

Yes, you can! Many sitters bring their own pets along. That said, not all homeowners are comfortable with this—some homes may be too small, not pet-proof, or have resident pets who don’t tolerate others. While it may limit your options, there are definitely homeowners who are happy to host sitters with pets. Check the listing—homeowners will usually say whether they’re open to other animals.

Can I house sit if I’m from overseas?

Yes! Many Luupo hosts are open to international sitters. That said, it’s your responsibility to make sure your visa or entry conditions allow you to house sit while in Australia. Even though house sitting is unpaid, some immigration authorities may still view it as work. There have been cases where travellers were refused entry after listing “house sitting” as their reason for visiting. To avoid any issues, we recommend checking with the relevant government department before you travel.

Is Luupo safe?

We’ve built Luupo to be a safe and secure platform. All data and payment information is encrypted and handled with care. Sitters and pet-parents can chat, leave reviews, and view detailed profiles with ratings. To ensure a great match, we always recommend a meet and greet—or at the very least, a video call—before confirming a sit.

Is there a fee to join?

Pet sitters pay an affordable annual fee to use Luupo. This fee ensures our platform provides a great experience for everyone, covers the costs of verification, and also the costs of running the platform and customer support.

What kinds of pets can I sit?

Mostly dogs and cats—but we’ve had sitters care for rabbits, chickens, birds, and even the occasional bearded dragon. You’ll always know what’s involved before you apply.

How long are the sits?

Anywhere from a weekend to several months. You can filter listings by duration and availability.

Do I need pet sitting experience?

It helps, but it’s not required. Many sitters are long-time pet owners or vet students, while others are just keen travellers with a big heart for animals. Build up your profile, collect reviews, and you’ll go far.

Do I need to pay rent or bills if I’m pet-sitting?

No. Sitters on Luupo pet-sit in exchange for free accommodation. When you agree to a sit through Luupo, you’re entering into a mutual exchange: you provide trusted care for the pet(s), and in return, you stay in the owner’s home for free. That means no rent, and typically no bills either. Pet owners cover the usual household expenses (like utilities and internet) during your stay. It’s a win-win: pets stay happy at home, and sitters enjoy free accommodation.

Are there cameras in the home?

Home owners must tell you about any security or pet cameras before the sit is confirmed. Interior cameras must be turned off during your stay, and their locations shared with you. If this matters to you, ask about cameras when discussing the sit.

What if something goes wrong?

Good communication is the best prevention. While issues are rare, we recommend using clear checklists and action plans to avoid misunderstandings. You can download our handy templates to help everything run smoothly. It is important that you always have a list of emergency contacts, know your nearest vet, and have an action plan incase things go wrong.