Mad Paws have been named 2024 Product Review Award Winner for best pet boarding and pet sitting service in Australia.

Our pets are precious members of our family. If we go away, we want to know that we’re leaving them in safe hands. That’s why Mad Paws is delighted to announce that, as voted by the public, we’re officially the best pet boarding and pet-sitting service for 2024.

The award from Product Review highlights why we’re the most trusted source of pet sitting services. Here’s why…

As voted by pet parents across Australia

The Product Review Award is prestigious because consumers vote for it. The website selects winners based on ratings, reviews, and your feedback – our customers. Here’s what some of our recent pet parents had to say:

“We were getting desperate about a dog sitter while we went to Melbourne for AFL GF. After some dead ends, a friend suggested Mad Paws. What a triumph. We had a fab dog sitter. The whole process was easy, reassuring and a reasonable price for a short-term sit. Loved it.”

“The Mad Paws experience is easy, seamless and user-friendly. We found a local pet sitter, who we met in advance and they were wonderful. The booking process is simple and the updates through the app while we were away was equally fantastic. Peace of mind knowing we can rely on Mad Paws in future!”

“We Chose Mad Paws because they screen their sitters, which reassured us the carers we chose to look after our girls were suitable and trustworthy. The carers we chose did a wonderful job caring for our girls.”

Product Review isn’t the only website where our customers share their stories. We have a 4.6-star rating on Google from over 1,100 reviews, 4.1 stars on Trustpilot, and a 4.4-star review from our employees on Indeed.

Why Mad Paws is Australia’s most trusted pet boarding & pet sitting service

Not only do our customers and employees rate us across several prominent platforms we also have the stats and facts to back up our trustworthiness as a brand.

• To date, we have over 2 million completed bookings.
• We employ over 50,000 sitters, walkers, daycare providers, and trainers across Australia.
• We have multiple years of experience assisting pet owners in finding passionate and trusted local pet sitters when they need to go away.
• We have a thorough vetting procedure (only one in four applicants are accepted as pet sitters).
• You don’t pay your sitter until the end of your pet’s stay, so they won’t receive payment until you approve.

There are a multitude of reasons why our customers keep coming back. Here are just a few of them:

Trained professionals. Our sitters complete an online training program and a four-step verification process to ensure they have the skills to provide your pet with the highest level of care.

Personalised care. Instead of the impersonal kennel or cattery experience, your pet will experience a mini-break of their own. You can specify unique routines and requirements with one-to-one service to ensure your pet feels pampered.

Easy booking. Search for pet sitters near me with our easy address finder, view the profiles and feedback for sitters in your area, and then chat. You can arrange a meeting and give personalised instructions to the sitter of your choice.

Peace of mind. With 2 million bookings under our belt, Mad Paws knows the complete process of linking you with the right sitter. As a trusted Australian brand, you can book confidently, knowing that our thoroughly vetted employees are some of the best in the business.

Convenience and flexibility. Do you have a house cat that hates leaving home? You may have a young pup who needs constant attention. The best part about Mad Paws is you get to choose the right care plan for your pet. Have our sitters visit you or take advantage of our pet boarding services.

Range of pets and services. We provide daycare, grooming, walking, training and any other care you can think of for all pets. We know dogs and cats aren’t the only non-human family members, so we recruit sitters to look after birds, rabbits and guinea pigs too. At Mad Paws, we care about providing the best service for all pets.

We understand that leaving your animal companion with an unknown person can make holiday planning stressful. That’s why we do the hard work to ensure quality sitters and a luxury service so that your pet can enjoy its own vacation while you sit back and relax.

Ready to find your pet’s perfect match?

Browse, select & book a Mad Paws Pet Sitter near you >

The post Mad Paws awarded ‘Best Pet Boarding and Pet Sitting Service 2024’ appeared first on Mad Paws.

Our service shines as a beacon for Pet Owners, offering the assurance of trusted house sitting and a loving check-in for your pets and home. With Mad Paws, you get more than just a service; you receive a community dedicated to the highest standard of pet care.

Let’s delve into how our tailored services meet your pet and house sitting needs

How to find trusted Aussie Pet Sitters near you

Finding a trusted, reliable, passionate Pet Sitter is straightforward with Mad Paws. Whether you need overnight care at your place or just a friendly check-in, our service provides a 2-in-1 solution ensuring your pet stays in their own environment with all the comforts of home.

Here’s how you can find the perfect sitter for your furry friend:

Search for Pet & House Sitters with ease

Visit www.madpaws.com.au and enter your location, required service, and dates to see available pet carers in your area. 

Get tailored matches

Over 40,000 Pet Carers Australia-wide are at your disposal. Our platform allows you to browse through profiles and reviews, ensuring you find a pet and house sitter with the experience and personality to match your needs.

Organise a meet & greet

Organise a meeting with potential sitters to ensure they’re the right fit for your pet and you. It’s important that both you and your pet are comfortable with the sitter you choose.

Book with confidence

Confirm and pay for your booking through our secure platform to ensure your spot. All bookings are insured for added security.

Enjoy constant contact

While you’re away, stay connected with your pet through regular photo updates sent by your sitter, providing you with constant reassurance.

Receive comprehensive care

Our sitters provide a range of services from playtime and cuddles to administering medication, if needed. This personalised care is what sets Mad Paws apart from boarding kennels or catteries.

Screened, verified, local Sitters

All Mad Paws sitters are thoroughly police checked and vetted for your peace of mind. They’re local, reliable, and share a professional love for pets.

Be covered with insurance and customer support 

Every booking is covered by Mad Paws Accident Cover. Plus, our Customer Service team is always ready to assist with any enquiries.

By choosing Mad Paws, you’re not just getting a pet sitter; you’re ensuring that your pet receives undivided attention and care in the setting they love most—their own home. Ready to find the perfect sitter? Start your search today and ensure your pet’s best life, even when you’re away.

How it works – Booking trusted aussie house sitters in 3 steps:

In-house sitting: Offering 2-in-1 security for your home and care for your pets

Embark on your next adventure or trip away from home with the confidence that your pets and home are in safe hands. Our in-home sitting service is the epitome of comprehensive care, as our trusted house sitters move into your space to provide 24/7 attention and affection to your pets. 

This service is ideal for pet owners who prefer their pets to maintain their routine in the comfort of their own home, and for those who value the added security of a looked-after household. In our comparison of pet sitting and pet hosting, you’ll see why in-home sitting could be the perfect fit for you.

Moreover, our sitters aren’t just any sitters—they are individuals passionate about animals, handpicked for their reliability and love for pets. They’re trusted aussie house sitters who understand the nuances of caring for pets and are adept at keeping your home running smoothly. 

From managing the quirky habits of your beloved cat to ensuring your dog gets its daily dose of exercise, our sitters are equipped to handle it all. Curious about the experiences of others? Discover how Angeline from VIC provides exceptional care for pets and homes through our sitter stories.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the flexible option of house visits for independent pets, our dedicated commitment to trust and safety, and guide you through finding the perfect sitter for your unique needs.

Prefer just a house visit? No worries! 

Sometimes, your pet may need nothing more than a friendly face to check in on them during the day. Our House Visits service caters to those who require a less hands-on approach, but still demand the highest level of care. 

Whether it’s ensuring your cat is purring happily with their favourite toy, or your dog is taken out for their daily walk, our dedicated sitters offer the same level of care and attention that they would give their own pets. This service doubles as a security measure for your home, providing that extra layer of reassurance while you’re away. 

There’s a significant difference between personalised pet and house sitting and a dog boarding kennel, and with Mad Paws you’ll see why so many Pet Owners highly recommend our services over more traditional pet care facilities.

Experience the value and care of our trusted aussie pet sitters at Mad Paws.

Search for a Mad Paws Pet & House Sitter near you > 

The post Looking for trusted aussie house sitters near you? appeared first on Mad Paws.

For some, this will be a chance to flood their office floors with furry friends. For others, it will herald a day like all others, in which no pets and little joy graces the workplace. No doubt there will be those who haven’t even considered the thought of having pets in the workplace.

Needless to say, at Mad Paws, we fall into the first category. Every office day is like ‘Take your dog to work’ day for us! In fact, in previous years of celebrating this day, we’ve had up to 13 dogs into our office. 

Now, to be fair, Mad Paws is Australia’s largest Pet Sitting platform so dogs are pretty much our thing. However, you don’t need a John Wick-level love of pooches to enjoy their presence in the office. In fact, psychologists and canine experts alike agree that dog-friendly offices work for everyone. And we have actual statistics to back that up…keep reading!

Here are just a few reasons why you should bring your dog to work with you.

#1: Dogs in the workplace benefits your dog

At their heart, dogs are social creatures. Research has proven that our furry friends suffer distress and melancholy when left on their own all day. While Pet Day Care can fill this void, there is no-one a dog would rather be with than their Owner. By bringing them to work with you, you’re not only keeping your pup happy – you’re also strengthening your bond.

Are other colleagues already bringing their doggos to work? Even better. When you expose your dog to others in a controlled environment, you contribute to their socialisation process. In other words, you’re raising them to be a proper and social canine.

#2: Dogs in the workplace benefits employees

If you’re a Dog Owner, you probably don’t need us to tell you that dogs at work serve your wellbeing. Even so, we’re going to do it anyway. Many studies, including one conducted by Washington State University suggest that as little as 10 minutes spent in the presence of pets can lower stress levels and trigger serotonin – thereby creating happier, more motivated employees.

Beyond that, you’ll find that vocational pooches also let you build a rapport with your colleagues. After all, what’s a better ice-breaker than playing fetch with Bella the Labradoodle and Alan from Accounting? As long as you have a HR department if things get a bit hairy…

Finally, nothing will keep you active like a dog beside your desk. Instead of browsing your iPhone on your break, you’ll find yourself walking your furry friend around the block. Not only is this a good excuse for some exercise, but the act of walking (over sitting) has been shown to boost creativity levels. 10,000 steps a day, here we come!

#3: Dogs in the workplace benefits society

You may say we’re reaching with this argument. But our pack at Mad Paws HQ have proven this is an actual thing! When you host dogs in the workplace, you’re casting a light on responsible pet ownership. In fact, Take Your Dog to Work Day first began as a means to highlight the perils of leaving your dog at home alone. Every time you bring your pup with you to the office, you’re encouraging a conversation about proper pet care. When you see other Pet Owners interacting with their own furry friends, it sparks conversation around different dog training techniques, and various ways to provide care for them. 

Want to see a sneak peek of what it’s like working at the Mad Paws office?!

What you should do if you can’t bring your furry friend to work

Of course, not everyone can bring their dog to work with them. Perhaps your office isn’t pet-friendly, or maybe you take public transport to work. Whatever the reason, it’s important to ensure that your doggo doesn’t spend their day mired in worry while you’re away. Whether you leave them with a relative, book them into Doggy Daycare, or even find them a Dog Walker, they’ll appreciate the company until you return to them.

And if your workplace isn’t pet-friendly? SURELY your employer will make an exception for Take Your Dog to Work Day…

The post Why dogs in the workplace benefits everyone appeared first on Mad Paws.

In this article, we’ll explore all the elements of pet microchipping, including details on where and when to microchip, microchipping costs, registry information, and whether or not it is mandatory in your state.

The importance of microchipping your pet

Losing our beloved companions is a pet parent’s worst nightmare, which is why it’s so important to provide our pets with proper identification. There are several ways to provide your pet with an ID, all of which have benefits, but it is crucial to microchip your pets for several reasons.

Microchipping provides your pet with a permanent form of ID. Once the chip is implanted, it stays with them for life, so you don’t have to worry about maintenance or replacements (you need to keep your details up-to-date, though!). And, unlike collars, which often break or allow your pet to crawl out of them, it is extremely rare for a microchip to become dislodged.

The procedure is simple: a microchip roughly the size of a grain of rice is implanted just below the skin, usually between the shoulder blades. This process is quick and minimally painful for your pet.

Additionally, microchipping is mandatory in most areas of Australia, so you could face a fine of up to $5,000 if you fail to implant and maintain a microchip.

Is pet microchipping mandatory?

For the majority of Australia, microchipping is mandatory, though each state has different regulations as outlined below:

ACT

Microchipping is mandatory. The Domestic Animals Act 2000 and the Domestic Animals Regulation 2001 require all cats and dogs to be microchipped before sale and by the age of 12 weeks.

NSW

Microchipping is mandatory. The Companion Animals Act 1998 requires all cats and dogs to be microchipped before sale and by the age of 12 weeks.

In addition, it is mandatory to include identification numbers in advertisements for selling or giving away a cat or dog. Per the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act 1979, this can be the microchip number, breeder identification number, or rehoming organisation number. This allows people to view the pet’s details and make informed decisions about their purchase.

NT

Microchipping is not mandatory. However, it is compulsory as part of the Council’s Animal Management by-laws if you live in the City of Darwin. Other local governments could implement similar by-laws, so you should check current regulations with your local authority.

QLD

Microchipping is mandatory. The Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 requires all cats and dogs to be microchipped before the age of 12 weeks. There are some exceptions, but you would need to provide a valid reason, such as a medical note from your vet.

SA

Microchipping is mandatory. The Dog and Cat Management (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 2016 requires all cats and dogs to be microchipped before sale and by the age of 12 weeks.

TAS

Microchipping is mandatory. The Dog Control Act 2000 requires all dogs to be microchipped by 6 months.

Microchipping cats is mandatory before they are sold or given away and by the age of 4 months. There are some exceptions, but you would require a vet-issued certificate stating that microchip implantation could negatively impact the cat’s health and welfare.

VIC

Microchipping is mandatory. The Domestic Animals Act 1994 requires all cats and dogs to be microchipped by 3 months as a condition of the animal’s registration. You also need to microchip animals before selling or transferring if you are a domestic animal business.

The Domestic Animals Act also requires animal advertisements to include the animal’s microchip number. Domestic animal businesses must display either the microchip number or breeder registration number along with the name of the issuing council.

In addition, any individual or business advertising a dog or cat for selling or giving away must enrol on the Pet Exchange Register.

WA

Microchipping is mandatory. The Dog Act 1976 requires all dogs to be microchipped before sale or transfer and by the age of 3 months. The Cat Act 2011 requires all cats to be microchipped before sale or transfer and by the age of 6 months.

How much does microchipping cost?

The average microchipping cost for your pet is around $60-$80, depending on which state you’re located in and where you choose to have your pet microchipped. However, cats and dogs must be microchipped before sale or transfer, so the cost is the responsibility of the breeder or rescue centre, and it is often included in the adoption fee.

The microchip is often registered at the time of the procedure, so typically, there is no additional cost. However, depending on the type of pet, size, breed, and number of pets you already own, there are extra costs to register your pet with your regional council.

Finding free microchipping is challenging, but some vets or shelters may offer discounts from time to time. Additionally, the microchipping cost is small when considering that it lasts for a lifetime (and prevents you from incurring fines), and it vastly increases your chances of being reunited with a lost pet.

Where to get your pet microchipped

You may be wondering, “Can I access microchipping near me?” The answer is yes, you can. Most vets and animal welfare organisations, along with some local councils, can microchip your pet. Only authorised microchip implanters are permitted to carry out this procedure, so your local vet or animal shelter is the best place to start.

Where the information is stored

When your pet is microchipped, its number is recorded on a database registry along with your details. It’s crucial that you know where this information is stored and keep your details up-to-date.

There are currently five private microchip registries and two state government registries:

• Australasian Animal Registry
• Central Animal Records
• Petsafe
• HomeSafeID
• Global Micro
• NSW Government Registry – the NSW Companion Animal Registry
• SA Government registry – Dogs and Cats Online (DACO)

The easiest way to identify which registry is linked to your pet’s microchip number is to search http://www.petaddress.com.au.

If you have a greyhound and its number is not listed on any of the above registries, you should check the Greyhound Microchip Registry. This dog microchip register includes all Victorian-born greyhounds, including racing hounds and retired hounds.

What happens if your pet goes missing

It’s a horrible feeling when you realise your pet is missing, but there are several steps you can take to ensure their safe return.

1. Check the local area and alert neighbours that your pet is missing.
2. Report your missing pet to local vet clinics, animal shelters, and councils.
3. Contact your microchip registry and ensure all your details are current and correct.
4. Post your missing pet on social media and regularly check any local lost pet pages.
5. Register your missing pet with your local RSPCA.

It’s important to note that microchips are not tracking devices; they are not GPS, but they significantly increase the chances of a safe return. The most crucial element of successful microchipping is to keep your details current. That way, when someone finds your pet, the local vet, rescue shelter, or even council will be able to contact you and reunite you with your precious companion.

The post Pet microchipping – what you need to know appeared first on Mad Paws.

March is pet adoption month so what better time than now to shed some light on the world of pet adoption, and also highlight the wonderful work of the RSPCA Adopt a Pet program.

And, because at Mad Paws we’re obsessed with pets, we’ll also share some heartwarming stories of pet adoption from members in our team. Cue the tissues!

How does pet adoption work?

Pet adoption is about providing a second chance to an animal in need of their forever home. For various reasons, pets are surrendered to shelters such as RSPCA because their owner could no longer care for them. 

Whether you choose to adopt a pet who’s young, like a puppy or kitten, a senior pet, or a pet with special care requirements, these animals will undoubtedly leave a paw print on your heart.

Pet adoption requires some research and planning to ensure you’re matched with the pet that will fit into your family and lifestyle. Remember, they’re a lifelong responsibility so it’s vital that you consider all factors before diving in to pet adoption. This is where you can seek the guidance of pet adoption shelter staff who can talk to you about each particular animal, their needs, and their background.

RSPCA NSW, for example, will also ask you questions about how they will live with you – do you have other pets? What exercise and routine can you provide? These questions and more will help to determine the breed and/or specific pet will be right for you. Above all else, their main concern is the animal’s welfare. After all, it’s about finding their forever home.

Pet adoption success stories from the Mad Paws pack

Meet Abbie and Billy

Abbie works in our Customer Service and Support team, and adopted Billy in 2023 after his original owners could no longer care for him due to allergies. This union was just meant to be!

Meet Hannah and Pearl

Hannah, who works for our Pet Chemist business in Queensland, discovered Pearl and was instantly in love. Pearl deserves all the love in the world and Hannah is the perfect pet parent to provide that!

Meet Soti, Boomer and Jiji

Soti, our Creative Director at Mad Paws, adopted Boomer and Jiji 10 years ago. Although Boomer has some health issues, he wouldn’t change a thing. Soti feels privileged to care for them and provide the best life imaginable.

Meet Shannon, Lockie and Zoe

Shannon is Mad Paws’ Office Manager and has adopted two beautiful kitties from RSCPA NSW Shelter. On a work trip to visit the shelter, she couldn’t resist the purrs of Zoe and knew that this would be Lockie’s new sibling!

Meet Ellie and Yhandi

Ellie’s our Warehouse Manager based in Melbourne and moved heaven and earth to adopt this mixed breed, Yhandi. It’s been love at first site since 2021 after driving 4 hours to meet him!

Keen for more beautiful pet adoption stories to read? Check out these happy tales (and tails).

Where to look for pets up for adoption

Every year, the RSPCA provides shelter to thousands of animals in need of a good home. If you’re looking to adopt a pet, consider the RSPCA Adopt a Pet program.

Before jumping into the search for your forever fur friend, take a look at some helpful information about what responsible pet ownership looks like. And, recap on all the reasons why adopting a pet will change both your life and that of the animal.

Not sure if you’re ready to adopt a pet?

Perhaps a pet foster care program may be your first step. RSPCA NSW’s Foster Care program provides temporary homes to animals who need a helping hand. Temporary care may be needed where an animal is too young to be adopted, or if they’re in recovery from an injury, illness or surgery, or because a shelter may be overwhelming for that particular animal. Pet foster care is also common in regional areas where there isn’t an RSPCA facility nearby to provide shelter.

Foster care is all about providing the level of care and support they need until they’re ready to be adopted into loving forever homes.

The post Pet adoption stories that’ll melt your heart appeared first on Mad Paws.

As you research and compare policies, certain questions arise – what if your travel plans change and you need to add extra coverage? Does the policy cover overseas medical emergencies? How can they help when your luggage gets lost or your trip gets cancelled?

Although the thought of purchasing travel insurance can cause decision-paralysis, there’s a flexible travel insurance option on the market that will make the process easier… before and even during your holiday!

Freely is a fresh take on travel insurance. Backed by a trusted name in the industry, Zurich, Freely allows you to build upon your policy as you go – meaning you only pay for the coverage you need on the days you need it. Game changer!

Get extra coverage for activities in real time

Picture this: you’re in the heart of Seminyak in Bali and decide you want to venture to other areas on a moped or motorcycle. Instead of risking a ride without insurance, you can use the Freely app to add motorcycle cover* to your policy just moments before you start riding – and just for the days you need it.

Tell us that’s not the best travel insurance for Bali?!

Freely lets you embrace spontaneity for other adventure activities, too. If you unexpectedly get the chance to go snowboarding or hop on a cruise, you can add snow sports cover or cruise cover to your policy in real-time.

*It is mandatory to have the Motorcycle Cover Boost toggled on and to meet the coverage requirements in order to be covered, whether you’re driving or a passenger.

5 reasons to choose Freely travel insurance:

1. Only pay for the extra cover you need on the days you need it

One of the most frustrating aspects of travel insurance is paying for coverage you don’t need. Freely tackles this by offering the flexibility to add extra coverage for activities in real time – and just for the days you need it.

2. Travel insurance in your back pocket

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is key. With the Freely app, you can adjust your policy, make claims, access 24/7 medical and emergency support and reach out to their customer support team via chat.

3. 24-hour emergency support

With the Freely app, you can access 24-hour medical and emergency specialists wherever you are, and receive location-specific safety alerts.

4. Easy-to-make claims in the Freely app

Sometimes our trip doesn’t go to plan. With the Freely app, it’s easy to submit claims – so you can get back to enjoying your travels sooner.

5. Contact real humans via live chat

Need to talk to someone about your travel insurance? Reach out to the Freely team via phone, email or live chat with the Freely app – every day from 7am to 7pm AEST/AEDT.

There you have it: where travel insurance has traditionally been one-size-fits-all, often leaving travellers to pay for coverage they don’t need, Freely steps in with a flexible option.

Travelling soon? Get a quote for Freely travel insurance.

Next on your to-do list: Book a Pet Sitter!

Find a 5-star Pet Sitter near you, to care for your furry friend while you’re off on your next adventure! For those who haven’t yet decided the destination for your next adventure, we’d naturally suggest holidays you can take with your pet. 

Disclaimer: Be mindful that there are several terms, conditions and exclusions that apply, which you must be aware of before purchasing Freely travel insurance. For full details on their conditions of coverage, see their PDS.

The post Looking for flexible travel insurance? We’ve found it! appeared first on Mad Paws.

Picking up poop never looked so cool… said noone… until they came across the Mad Paws merch store!

That’s right, we’ve launched our inaugural collection of merchandise for our Pet Owners, Pet Sitters and our community of 1+ million pets, of course.

As Australia’s first and largest pet sitting & dog walking marketplace, it’s only natural that we’d design and produce a range of the fetching fashion items goin’ round.

For the hoomans, we have crew neck t-shirts, tote bags and bum bags.  For the four-legged fashionistas, don a bandana and add extra cred when passing other pooches in the street. (The bandana’s also suitable for humans if you want that matchy-matchy look – we won’t judge!)

From trendy t-shirts to practical poop bag holders and chic tote bags, the Mad Paws merchandise collection has something for hound and hooman.

Be the envy of your local dog park and strut your stuff in our new line of merchandise.

You’ll find all items available on our Pet Chemist brand’s website.

Shop the Mad Paws Merch Store >

The post Sit. Stay. Slay. In NEW Mad Paws merch! appeared first on Mad Paws.

In our ongoing journey to become a more sustainable and environmentally responsible company, our Green Team have been working hard to keep the wheels turning on some initiatives planned for this next quarter.

Here are some key updates on the steps we’ve taken to improve our sustainability practices:

• Solar panel installation:

  We’re thrilled to announce that we have the green light to install solar panels at our location in Tweed Heads. Due to be completed before the end of December, this is a significant step in our transition to renewable energy sources to power our operations, reducing our carbon footprint.

• Melbourne warehouse waste reduction:
  

  Our Melbourne warehouse has been actively implementing changes to how we process waste. We’re proud to report a remarkable 40% reduction in the waste generated at this location!

• Eco-friendly packaging:

  We are currently in discussions with a recycling company with the intention to purchase a cardboard cushioning machine. This will allow us to shred cardboard boxes and recycle them into packing material. 

We’re proud of these accomplishments as they reflect our genuine dedication to minimising our environmental impact.

But of course we won’t stop here!

Here’s what’s next for the Mad Paws Green Team:

After starting the process of replacing single-use plastics – packing items such as packaging tape, pallet wrap, plastic mailing satchels – with biodegradable alternatives, our next step is to continue this commitment in other areas of our business.

Having moved our warehouses to green power usage, which is 100% carbon neutral, to now installing solar panels at our Tweed Heads warehouse, we’ll keep pushing to have more of our locations move to solar power in the near future, where possible.

We’re also working with suppliers to source cost effective sustainable raw materials. This area is a little more challenging as it can limit our supply (in line with demand) but that certainly won’t stop us from making it a priority when doing business with external suppliers!

As at November 2023:

+ Here are the projects we’re supporting:

• Cool Fire Traditional Land Management, Australia 
• Rimba Raya Peatlands Conservation, Indonesia 
• Katingan Peatlands Conservation, Indonesia 
• Coorong Lakes Biodiversity Conservation, Australia 
• Efficient cookstoves, Nepal
• Generating clean wind energy, India 
  
  

Learn more about our Sustainability plan and progress report >

The post Our latest sustainability progress report appeared first on Mad Paws.

Cecelia has been pet-sitting for 7 years now, and loves it more than ever! For the last two years, she’s been Pet Sitting full time, only spending max 5 weeks at her parent’s house a year in between jobs or for a break. Suffice to say, she’s got lots of experience and is in demand!

Read Cecelia’s pet sitting story, in her own words:

My first pet-sitting job was in 2017 when a family I babysat for asked me to take care of their 10-week-old golden retriever puppy for 2 weeks while they visited family interstate. It was a no-brainer, being 18 and thinking “oh boy, 2 weeks with this bundle of cuteness” (see photo below for full effect). I had two family dogs at this stage so I was wise to the care of dogs but ignorant to the effort of a puppy.

The two weeks were a blast and I’ve been taking care of that puppy, Teddy ever since. Sadly they moved to another state a year ago and honestly, it was heartbreaking, part of me considered him my own. Luckily by then, I’d built up a client base of about 20 dogs on regular rotation who I loved! 

Straight out of school, I began volunteering at my local rescue shelter, 3 months later started working there and another 3 months later became lead kennel hand. Working with rescue dogs compares to nothing else, the bond you form with them as they overcome their trauma is unmatched. As some of my favourites started to trickle out of the shelter into wonderful homes, I’d often visit them and this snowballed into me pet-sitting them when their families went away. From 2kg Chihuahuas to 55kg Great Dane crosses I’ve seen and cared for (almost) all of it. 

“Working at the rescue shelter enabled me to learn amazing handling skills, and not to toot my own horn but as a young female, I still feel proud I can manage 50+ kg dogs with ease even when they’re reacting like crazy or unfortunately trying to bite me.”

My journey with Mad Paws:

As I realised I wanted to petsit more I joined Mad Paws and created a profile that brought me some wonderful clients I still sit for today. My local area is however mostly oodles and little dogs, which I love, I have one of my own but I like to work with big dogs and somewhat complicated cases. 

As the years went on I became a vet nurse and juggled that with working at the rescue so my handling skills improved even more and my growing medical knowledge enabled me to take medical cases like post-surgery rehab or diabetic dogs.

My full-time jobs allowed me to make some wonderful connections in the industry and I now have an extensive network of rescues, vets and trainers who recommend me to their clients and I direct them straight to my Mad Paws profile.

This often means my meet-and-greet process is very different. I sometimes spend months bonding with dogs before agreeing to do a pet sit for them. Honestly, my weakness is dogs who are shy, aggressive or reactive. Winning them over is unbeatable. I do this by slowly building a relationship, starting with a weekly or fortnightly walk with the Owner there and gradually making our way to walks alone, daycare without the Owner and then always, always, always an overnight trial!!

Whilst I learnt a tonne of skills from my jobs which I’ve been able to use to excel in my pet-sitting career I’ve learnt a lot of things from pet-setting. 

• The benefits of Pet Sitting in their home! For more complicated dogs the more you can stick to their routine, the better. They prefer their home without a doubt.
• Airtags. Only once have I ever had a cat go neighbourhood wandering for a day (thankfully to return home safely) but I now put an Airtag on the collar of every dog in my care and ensure they have a quick-release collar so they never get trapped or caught on things. 
• Meet & Greet, one isn’t always enough and 0 is always too few. I prefer to do 2-3 meet-ups with the dog before any booking as normally it’s 2+ weeks. The more comfortable the dog is with me, the easier the booking goes.

Spending time with dogs is one of life’s greatest pleasures and in today’s society filled with apartment living, housing crisis, and cost of living crises it’s a luxury to own a dog. I don’t ever intend to stop pet-sitting but I hope one day soon I’ll settle into my own place and foster dogs so that my pet-sitting skills can enable dogs to find the loving homes they deserve. 

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The post Sitter Stories: Meet Cecelia from Sydney appeared first on Mad Paws.

Aylie has always loved animals and wanted to share her love by caring for as many as she could.

As one half of the dynamic sitting duo with her Mum, she began pet sitting from a young age and it’s given her the ability to buy her first car and save for a house, all while completing distance education and graduating high school.

This is Aylie’s Mad Paws Sitter story:

Being a Mad Paws Sitter fits my overall lifestyle super well. It’s an easy way to save money on the side doing something I love. I’ve been able to make extra money on top of my other job because it’s extremely flexible, and you are your own boss so it teaches you lots of business skills and communication skills.

Bonding with the quiet or shy dogs is always so special…There is something so personal about caring for dogs at your house especially when it’s for long periods and they get super comfortable being part of your family.

Any special experience or memory that’s come from pet sitting?

I don’t have one particular booking or memory, but we actually own a Border Collie named Sassy that used to be a client of ours and now she has been a part of the family for years! We wouldn’t have met her if it hadn’t been for Mad Paws and we are so grateful for the opportunity to have her come about.

Read what Pet Owners say about Aylie:

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The post Sitter Stories: Meet Aylie from the Gold Coast appeared first on Mad Paws.