Since announcing its presence in Australia like an uninvited cousin at a wedding, Coronavirus has made a mess of everything. Beyond putting lives at risk, the spread of COVID-19 has also hampered livelihoods across the nation. Industries ranging from hospitality to real estate have suffered, and unfortunately, Pet Sitting has also felt the sting. Despite the challenges, we’re confident that, with our team of amazing Pet Sitters, we can beat this thing. As a community, we’ve gone from strength to strength, and together, we’ll clear this hurdle!

Since announcing its presence in Australia like an uninvited cousin at a wedding, Coronavirus has made a mess of everything. Beyond putting lives at risk, the spread of COVID-19 has also hampered livelihoods across the nation. Industries ranging from hospitality to real estate have suffered, and unfortunately, Pet Sitting has also felt the sting. Despite the challenges, we’re confident that, with our team of amazing Pet Sitters, we can beat this thing. As a community, we’ve gone from strength to strength, and together, we’ll clear this hurdle!

However, to ensure we can achieve this goal, we’ve needed to take certain precautions. For any Sitters who have new or upcoming bookings, Mad Paws now requires you to adhere to strict health standards. These measures not only exist to safeguard our Pet Owners, but also our Sitters. At Mad Paws, there is nothing more important than the welfare of our pet-loving community, which is why we will not compromise on these rules. Put simply, **if you accept a Mad Paws booking during the pandemic, you will be required to uphold these standards**. By doing so, you’ll be doing your part to kick COVID-19 to the curb.

\
 ![](https://brainfish-storage-dev.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com/uploads/194e8db0-bb76-4a6b-9c71-73089473a0b7/ecb7ebad-1e72-485c-a824-018cb48a05cc/imported?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAQQB3EWECCZCMWOSS%2F20260522%2Fus-east-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260522T223406Z&X-Amz-Expires=3000&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEF4aCXVzLWVhc3QtMiJGMEQCIFAgbMFDkRyePgO9nz1lT7EE%2FrOK0ZzfjPgnLiNXMiUjAiBTM3z4%2F9mwqMI67%2F0Ximz8VZBGr9TAlXxNJgdgfsJypiraBQgnEAEaDDAzNDQ4Mzc3Nzc5NiIMQpjXl3VTIXktEcFKKrcF2R5AIe99NmYr5y6wD99MzAROU4WGret9U5prL19B2AhxohuE14L2JcGaPF%2Fyo9voIZ%2FwYODOUq94Cx0gjw2MNGHwE0FNGvz3k3elHU1xvVodOBB%2Fe7gZREmHWp%2BO0brIPTINtPeZkwqPSzgG9lG2GT7m7B1jqRnYiOns2VUFrs6lYyLx1mufJNO9AeWq2QSjU4dGiSfFGV0%2FSgF7cRSFTPR6bdAvPw%2B259GE%2BWksJGo64uy%2B166lKF6%2Fo9RYxL8HPdX4j%2FITmFePHMtsSQ4QFagupnMH6the3QWdQokjDzQ2k7eP5Js50yjminbnxSopbD5PTLs5Ofr56KXI8Hr0t9nOGS%2F%2BdfY%2FekkymDybLHPyF31jpssVeV1R5z0fRIRNtEtIO2ja85zd93KumGXTw4OXvJx5fEeovXnf0jtiPOukJuU302g3J2U1aWzMZNSA9UihluJqVYu0faVfBP7LhkPidS07dQY0Umgs8IdyH9%2FRaCtys4rKC82x3nPEqOx%2BaCtaqsxKLkG57shIHip7sDkBIA6fqnqEvuZ3RgkStoq5GqRmcGBM1nDWAFAI%2FI8720D0avzO%2B4oRdvgFAovpOSIDO%2Fy2FokuzeZchPdWwsg%2BM6ZOOmbf4sxCZAiPV8SEYE0X3qjokuiD8pQOq87T69seyKEzaB7hil3rea%2BAnO4rX%2BL1eUxGJjzvpiKkB8qgomHqXNrxqWF3vqN1ks9pkA5890ySzTBggL7jIO1qVj2v1LIYyFq7zMoaK5N%2FbsOsT42lA0zyrVdtS3a9YwOfbglSBPrLGMpgBhJHnOFUjFxPUD1aMUIr%2Fx8FX2hXUhAzY2rxJrb27xnWVNsysVFKN%2FTiu8lkoJIw9JY9X4DSVZpn1rul4KfXeMi30o41tDcjApgD4j36WzP3bgH3CujEtSQADwn8cg0w2pjD0AY6kQErf%2BP1qLAd%2BVqXbdj4TNCmD8pZ4zwqMleSJXOckCQXSWFaX8sRfo%2FCpLSx75LRzRpMNLsDFLjEbymRxSrltDG901yN7V%2Fm%2FLfg4vHsl3d1Fs%2FmQC7Xe8B1DEpsDmT2682fgW7tGLvWmGPvSZkpmopETc5AONaaJt44eIhJ3vQ6pWhsgVqfUvyx%2FsV9NEzXcMkj&X-Amz-Signature=970c9eae9353d18f712a8f4bf723896b3a08dcec6d59c6f0b7671063b32e4016&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&response-content-disposition=attachment&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject)

\
* **Sanitise your hands before and after collecting your furry client** – This goes for both pickups and drop-offs. To better enable this process, we advise you carry hand sanitiser with you at all times during your booking.
* **Don’t accept a booking if you’ve returned from an overseas trip within the last 14 days**
* **Don’t accept a booking if you’ve met anyone who’s returned from overseas within the last 14 days**
* **Cancel a booking if you’re feeling even mildly unwell**
* **Arrange contactless pickup and drop-off of your pet where possible** – When making a booking with a Pet Owner, arrange for contactless pickup/drop-off in a manner that suits your circumstances.
  * For example, if they live in an apartment building, suggest collecting their furry friend from the lobby. You can coordinate this by messaging the Owner when you’re a minute away from their home.
  * If they live in a house, you can invite them to secure their pet in a crate or carry case in the yard. Once again, you can message on approach to facilitate an easy pickup.
* **Update your profile title and description** – You can put a potential client’s mind at ease by updating your profile to showcase your COVID-19 precautions. You can also [apply for a Fully Vaccinated Badge](https://help.madpaws.com.au/hc/en-us/articles/4407747825817-How-do-I-apply-for-a-COVID-19-Vaccination-Badge-) to show Owners that you are doing your bit to protect yourself and our Community.

\
Again, these measures exist to protect our fantastic Sitters, as well as the members of our wider community. If you believe you’re suffering any COVID-19 symptoms, please review these guidelines from [the Department of Health](https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert?utm_source=crm&utm_medium=email_OBRSU_cats&utm_campaign=COVID&utm_content=department_of_health&blk=true). Should you like to know more about the current situation, check out our resource on [COVID-19 and Pet Sitting bookings](https://www.madpaws.com.au/blog/covid-19-pet-sitting/). Finally, for more info on coronavirus and our furry friends, read our article on [whether COVID-19 can affect your pet](https://www.madpaws.com.au/blog/can-coronavirus-affect-your-pet/).

Stay safe, stay healthy, and know that we’ll make it through this!

COVID-19: Requirements for Pet Sitters

Have a question?? Chat with our Customer Service team today!

How do I become a Mad Paws Sitter?

How long does it take for Mad Paws to review and approve my profile?

Is there an age requirement to sign up as a Pet Sitter?

Do I need to get a permit to become a Pet Sitter?

How do I access the Online Training Course and download the Certificate of Completion?

What are Sitter Statistics? 

Where can I find helpful information about caring for pets?

How do I know if this is a scam?

Getting Started

What are badges? 

How do I get a Mad Paws branded flyer and business card? 

What does a perfect Pet Sitter Profile look like? 

What services can I offer as a Pet Sitter? 

How many hours should I be Pet Sitting for? 

How do I update my calendar?

How do I change my profile availability in my calendar?

How do I add photos to my Photo Gallery?

Where can I see the reviews that Pet Owners have left for me?

Can I remove or respond to a review?

I don't have any reviews yet, what can I do?

 How do I remove my services?

My Profile & Services

Repeat Business - additional tools to help you and your clients

How to gain repeat clients

The New Pet Profile: What you need to know 

How do I cancel a paid booking? 

Can I create a booking for a Pet Owner?

How do I provide feedback about a pet to a Pet Owner?

How do I view my current bookings?

How do I know if this pet will be a good fit in my home?

What happens after a booking finishes?

What is a Meet and Greet?

Bookings and Meet & Greet

Can I offer friends, family or a prospective Owner Mad Paws credit?

What makes a successful Pet Sitter? 

Why is my profile not in the search results?

How do I keep Owners happy while looking after their pets?

How do I improve my position in Mad Paws search results and promote my Pet Sitting profile?

How do I update my Mad Paws Calendar to show that I'm not available for a particular service?

How do I reduce the number of pets I can take in for selected days?

My bookings have been impacted by COVID, what support can I get? 

Running My Business

Responding to an Enquiry

What to do during a Meet and Greet

Create a safety plan

Help! What do I do if the pet runs away!?

Reducing the risk 

Pet Hosting - Pet proof your home 

Pet Sitting - Staying in someones home 

Safety First

How do I change my Services and Rates?

How do I get paid for a booking?

How do I change my bank or PayPal details?

How do I add Seasonal Pricing or a Holiday Surcharge to specific days?

What are promo codes and how do they work?

Can I receive payment for a booking in cash?

Can offline payments affect my Pet Sitter ranking? 

What fees or commission are Pet Sitters charged?

What prices should I charge for my services?

Payments and Pricing

What is Booking Performance? And how can I improve it? 

What is Repeat Performance? And how will this help me?

What is Repeat Customer Rate? Why does increasing it helps me?

How is Repeat Performance calculated?

Response Time - What is it & how it can help me?

Response Rate - What is it & how to increase it to help me?

Completion Rate - What is it & How to increase it to help me?

Sitter Statistics

What are Repeat Weekly Bookings?

How do Repeat Weekly Bookings work? 

How can I offer Repeat Weekly Bookings? 

How do I change a One-off Booking to a Repeat Weekly Booking?

Can I edit or add to an existing Repeat Weekly Booking?

Repeat Weekly Bookings

COVID-19: How We’re Keeping Our Community Safe

COVID-19 and Pet Sitting: What You Need to Know

How do I apply for a COVID-19 Vaccination Badge? 

COVID-19

Help, there's an emergency!

Mad Paws Accident Cover - What is included?

What happens if a pet runs away when in the Pet Sitter's care?

How does Mad Paws help me resolve any issues I have with a booking?

Will I need to pay taxes for my services and do I need an ABN?

Emergencies, Accident Cover and Tax

Why can't I reset my password?

test for spacing

How can I share my Sitter Profile?

As a Sitter can I change my pricing on specific dates?

As a Sitter can I edit the booking details?

App not working? 

Mobile App 

How does Mad Paws verify their Pet Sitters? 

What information does Mad Paws share?

How do I connect my Mad Paws account with my Facebook account?

How do I reset my Mad Paws account password?

What is the Mad Paws Feedback Policy?

What's the difference between Pet Hosting and Pet Sitting?

General 

v0.3.11 - Circular SG Help Widget settings [Sidebar]

test for alex

test for help center image

How to create a benchmarking analysis based on Peers?

Sitters

*Ongoing Booking Guide

Mad Paws Accident Cover: What is included?

I have a complaint about the Pet Sitter/Service.

How to Report a Pet Sitter

Mad Paws Insurance

*Insurance and Emergencies

I want to delete or edit a review

After a booking can I give feedback to my Pet Sitter?

How do I Confirm the End of Stay?

How do I leave a Review?

*Post-Booking Guide

What is the Vetting Process for Sitters?

Why use Mad Paws? Is it reliable and safe?

How does Mad Paws verify their Pet Sitters?

*Trust and Safety

What is the Mad Paws Cancellation and Refund policy?

How do I cancel a paid booking?

Understanding Booking Cancellation Policies

*Cancellations and Refund

How To Add More Information About Your Pet

How to edit or delete a pet profile

How can I add my pet to my profile?

*My Pet Profile

A Quick Guide to Meet-and-Greet Sessions

What are the drop off times?

What are the drop off / pick up times?

Preparing Your Home for a Booking

What Does My Pet Need While in the Pet Sitter’s Care?

What to Do if my Sitter Did Not Show Up?

*Pre-Booking Guide

What happens if the automatic payment doesn’t go through?

What is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for Repeat Weekly Bookings?

How do I make a Repeat Weekly Booking?

What are Repeat Weekly Bookings (RWBs)?

When do I pay for Repeat Weekly Bookings?

How do I cancel just a week of Repeat Weekly Bookings?

Can I edit/add to an existing Repeat Weekly Booking?

How do I distinguish ‘Repeat Weekly Bookings’ to standard one-off bookings?

How do I Pause a Repeat Weekly Bookings?

My Pet Sitter isn’t offering Repeat Weekly Bookings and but wants to sign up?

*Repeat Weekly Bookings

Can I pay my Sitter in cash?

Can I negotiate the price of my booking?

Can I pay a Pet Sitter in cash?

How do I change the dates of my booking?

How do I pay for my booking?

What is a Puppy Surcharge?

How to Edit a Paid Booking Request

How are Pet Sitters Paid by Mad Paws?

What type of pets does Mad Paws accept?

What is your booking fee?

What services does Mad Paws offer?

How does the Mad Paws booking flow work?

What does the Pet Sitter's rate cover?

Where do I find a Sitter's contact information?

What if the Pet Sitter doesn't reply?

Can I Archive a Booking Message / Conversation?

Can I block a Pet Sitter?

I can't find a sitter's profile

Is Food Included in the Booking?

How do I find a Pet Sitter for my pet?

How Do I Accept a Booking?

Understanding Booking Flow and Status

What do I need to supply to the Pet Sitter for my booking?

Can I meet a Pet Sitter before agreeing to a booking with them?

*General Booking Guide

What fees are the Pet Owners charged?

App not working?

How can I download the Mobile App?

How do I address problems with mobile apps?

Can I earn Qantas Frequent Flyer Points with Mad Paws?

What is Mad Paws?

About Mad Paws

Is Mad Paws right for my pet?

Need help with something? Chat with our Team Monday-Friday 9-5pm (AEST)

Are there any costs associated with using Mad Paws?

Terms of Service

MP Referral Program - Terms & Conditions

*General

How to Change My Email Address

I need to Verify my Account

Delete my Mad Paws Account

I want to unsubscribe or delete my account.

My Photo

How do I Update my Payment Details?

How to Add Photos

*Managing My Mad Paws Account

FAQ for Pet Owners

Guide

Brainfi

COVID-19: Requirements for Pet Sitters

Share

Share

COVID-19: Requirements for Pet Sitters

Share

Share