Pet-parent FAQ's 🐾

What is Luupo?

Luupo is Australia’s first pet-centric pet-sitting platform. Verified sitters care for your pets in your home while you’re away—free of charge. It’s a trusted, stress-free alternative to kennels and catteries.

How does it work?

List your sit—including dates, details about your pets, and home information. Verified sitters apply, and you choose who feels like the right fit. Once confirmed, the sitter stays in your home and cares for your pets while you’re away.

Who are the sitters?

Every sitter on Luupo is verified, reviewed, and has a genuine love for animals. Many are experienced pet owners, vet students, or remote workers who enjoy travelling and caring for pets. You can browse their profiles, read reviews, and chat before confirming.

What do I need to provide?

A clean, safe, and comfortable space for the sitter to stay—plus clear instructions about your pets’ routines, medications (if any), quirks, and anything else they need to know. It’s also important to include basic house guidelines and emergency contacts.

Do I pay the sitter?

No. Luupo is based on a mutual exchange—sitters care for your pets in return for free accommodation. There’s no money exchanged between parties, just peace of mind for you, and a place to stay for them.

How do I know my sitter is trustworthy?

All sitters on Luupo are ID verified and reviewed by the community. You’ll have access to detailed profiles and past reviews. We always recommend a video call or in-person meet and greet before confirming a sit. Additionally, Luupo takes pet-care very seriously, and any pet-sitters shown to not adhere to our standard of care will be removed from the platform.

Can I choose who stays in my home?

Absolutely. You’ll receive applications from interested sitters and can review them all before deciding. You’re never obligated to accept a sitter if they’re not the right fit.

What if my pets need special care?

Many of our sitters have experience with older pets, anxious pets, or animals that need medication. You can include all special requirements in your listing, and we’ll help you find someone who’s comfortable and confident with the care your pet needs.

Can I set house rules?

Yes, and you should! It’s your home—clearly outlining your expectations helps make the sit a great experience for everyone. You can specify rules about guest access, areas off-limits, feeding times, cleaning, and more.

Is Luupo safe?

Yes. Safety is our top priority. All users are ID verified, and we provide tools to message, review, and vet sitters. We also encourage pre-sit checklists, emergency contact forms, and templates to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Are pet sitters allowed to bring their own pets?

Only if you’re comfortable with it. Some sitters travel with their own pet, but they’ll only apply to your listing if your home is suitable and your pets are likely to get along. You can indicate in your listing whether you’re open to this or not.

Can I get in touch with my sitter during the sit?

Yes. Most pet parents stay in regular contact with their sitter—sharing updates, photos, and the occasional funny moment. You’re free to agree on the level of contact that suits you both.

Is there a fee to use Luupo?

Yes. Luupo charges an affordable annual fee for both pet-parents and sitters. This fee helps cover verification, platform maintenance, and customer support—keeping Luupo safe and stress-free for everyone.

What happens if something goes wrong?

Start with clear communication. We recommend using our sitter checklist, emergency plan, and vet contact form to reduce the chance of anything going sideways. If an issue does come up, you and your sitter can reach out to our support team—we’re here to help.

Can I use Luupo if I have an unusual pet?

Yes—as long as it’s safe and legal to do so. While most sits are for dogs and cats, we’ve had listings for rabbits, chickens, parrots, reptiles, and even fish tanks. Just be sure to include clear care instructions and check the sitter is comfortable.

Are cameras allowed in the home?

If you have security or pet cameras, you must let the sitter know before confirming the sit. Interior cameras must be disclosed and turned off during the stay. Transparency is key to building trust.

How far in advance should I post a sit?

The earlier the better—especially for peak holiday periods. We recommend listing your sit at least 4 weeks in advance to attract the best applicants.

Can I cancel a sit after confirming?

Yes, but cancellations should be a last resort. If your plans change, let the sitter know as early as possible so they can adjust theirs. Frequent cancellations may affect your standing on the platform. Likewise, sitters are expected to honour their commitments unless there’s an emergency.

What if my pet gets sick while I’m away?

Sitters are instructed to follow your emergency plan, contact you immediately, and visit your preferred vet if needed. We recommend leaving a signed vet authorisation form and billing instructions or pet-insurance details at your vet, just in case.

Can I list multiple sits or recurring dates?

Yes. If you travel frequently or have set weekends away, you can create separate listings or note future dates in your current one. Some pet-parents even form ongoing arrangements with favourite sitters.

Do I need insurance?

Home and contents insurance is recommended, and some policies may require you to disclose house sitting arrangements. Luupo doesn’t currently offer insurance but we’re working on partnerships to provide optional cover.

What should I include in my listing?

The more detail, the better! Include your pet’s routines, quirks, temperament, medical needs, and anything about the home (e.g. WiFi, access to public transport, local attractions) that would help sitters decide if it's the right fit.

Can sitters have guests in my home?

It’s up to you. You can specify whether sitters may have visitors or overnight guests. Most pet-parents prefer sitters not to have guests unless discussed beforehand.

What’s the difference between Luupo and other house sitting sites?

Luupo is pet-first. Unlike general house sitting platforms, our community is built around animal lovers—and every sitter is ID verified before they can apply. We also provide more tools, templates, and transparency to help you feel confident every step of the way.

Can I request references or background checks?

Every sitter is ID verified, and many include reviews, references, and even police checks on their profiles. If you’d like additional checks, you can request them directly when chatting with applicants.

What if no one applies to my sit?

Try tweaking your listing—include more detail, photos, update your headline, or widen the date range. You can also browse sitters’ profiles and reach out directly to invite them to apply.

Can I leave a review?

Yes—and we encourage it! After each sit, both parties are invited to leave honest, constructive reviews. This helps keep our community safe and accountable.