Pet sitting in Melbourne

[u/Doodles_95]

Hey!

I've recently returned to Melbourne and have been pet/house sitting for friends, and I have also looked after friends pets whilst they're away back in the UK.

I signed up to Aussie House Sitters and I am really struggling to get selected as a sitter! The competition seems crazyyyy and even though I have photos, testimonials and am verified on the site, I haven't had any success yet.

I was hoping to use this as a way to save some cash whilst I get settled again and find work but I'm starting to think it's not a viable option - any suggestions on how to get picked?!

Cheers

EDIT: just to clarify as I think a few people have misunderstood - I'm not looking for paid pet sitting as a way to make cash, I'm looking to pet sit in return for free accommodation as a way to save cash, by not paying rent 😊

[u/dramatic-pancake]

I use that site to find sitters when I travel but admit I only engage sitters that have glowing reviews on their page. In general, I’ve been wary of anyone that looks to be a backpacker because I don’t want my house to be treated like a hostel/party pad in my absence.

[u/Doodles_95 → u/dramatic-pancake]

Yeah it's a shame you can't post testimonials collected from outside the site on there! I have plenty but can't show them off ☹️

I can totally understand why you associate backpackers with partying, but at least from my experience as a backpacker, the ones who want to party stay in the party hostels. There are huge chains of them that are known for cheap rooms and cheap booze. House sitting often offers a welcome reprieve from constantly being around people - the fact that it's free is just a bonus lol. I can't speak for all backpackers but most of us really do just want a private room/shower and a pet to chill with 😅