How to evaluate a Pet Sitter on PetCloud
Finding the right pet sitter is a team effort. PetCloud's verification process gives you a strong, trusted foundation — but you know your pet better than anyone. Here's how the Police check and Biometric check works, and what you need to do to complete the picture.
What PetCloud Verifies
Identity & Police Check
Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers on PetCloud undergo a Nationally Coordinated Police Check linked to a live Biometric check, verified through the Australian Government's Document Verification Service (DVS). This cross-checks identity documents — passports, driver's licences, Medicare cards — directly against official government records. The biometric liveness component confirms the person applying is genuinely the person in those documents, something a standard police check cannot do. It is virtually impossible to bypass or falsify. If a check returns a disclosable court outcome — violence, theft, drug trafficking, animal cruelty — that individual cannot have a live listing on PetCloud.
Profile Verification
Every sitter must also provide:
- A recent, clear headshot
- A verified mobile number and email address
- A valid address, confirmed via Google Maps
- A current Australian Driver's Licence (required for Pet Taxi services)
Training
All sitters are offered training through PetCloud's Pet Professional Academy, covering responsible dog walking, animal care for cats and dogs, pet emergencies, local council laws, pet transport, and the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001. Assessment requires a 100% pass mark. Look for the badge on their profile.
What PetCloud's Checks and Training Cannot Tell You
A passed police check confirms a person's background at the time of application. It is not a guarantee of that person's future moral compass. It is also not a guarantee of suitability for your specific pet, your home, or your situation. Verification tells you a sitter is who they say they are.
Your Responsibility as a Pet Owner
PetCloud gives you the tools. You make the call. Before booking any sitter, you should:
1. Read the reviews critically Look beyond the star rating. Strong reviews mention daily photo or video updates, how the sitter handled something unexpected, attentiveness to routine and medication, and repeat bookings from the same owner. Check the dates — recent reviews carry more weight.
2. Match the sitter to your pet's needs Check their experience with your species and breed. How many other animals do they take at once? Do they have their own pets? What does their home environment look like? Be specific about your pet's needs when you reach out — a good sitter will welcome the detail.
3. Complete a Meet & Greet — in person, at the sitter's property This is your most important step, and it's your responsibility to do it before confirming any overnight or extended booking. Use it to:
- Observe how the sitter interacts with your pet
- Inspect the property — fencing, gates, hazards, space
- Ask how they'd handle an emergency, and which vet they'd use
- Confirm your pet's routine, diet, and any medical requirements
- Trust your instincts — and watch your pet's reaction
A sitter who is reluctant to meet before booking is a red flag.
4. Confirm everything in writing Use PetCloud's messaging system to document feeding schedules, medication, emergency contacts, and access instructions. This creates a clear record and keeps your booking covered under PetCloud's insurance protections.
5. Pay through the platform Never pay a sitter directly by cash or bank transfer. Keeping payment within PetCloud is what activates your insurance coverage. Off-platform payments remove that protection entirely.
The Bottom Line
PetCloud's verification is the strongest foundation available — biometric identity checks, criminal history screening, and vet-endorsed training. But no platform check can replace your judgment as a pet owner. The meet & greet, the questions you ask, and the decision you make are yours. We give you the confidence to start. You take it from there.