Answers for homeowners and sitters using House Sitting Australia
Join at https://hsa.oze.au · Questions? hsa@oze.au
General
What is House Sitting Australia?
HSA is a member platform at hsa.oze.au that helps Australian homeowners and sitters connect. Our Facebook group (135,000+ members) is where the community meets. The app is where you list, apply, message, and manage sits.
Is the Facebook group still used?
Yes. The group remains the heart of the community. HSA organises what happens after you connect — listings, applications, messaging, and agreements.
How do I get started?
Sign up at hsa.oze.au. Homeowners can list free until 31 December 2026. Sitters — see /pricing/
Homeowners
How do I find a reliable sitter?
Browse sitter profiles in the app. Read bios, verification badges, and experience. Message shortlisted sitters to discuss your needs before you decide. Reviews are coming soon.
Is my address shown publicly?
No. Listing cards show suburb and postcode only. Your full street address is stored privately and shared with your chosen sitter through the sit agreement.
How do I create a listing?
Sign in as a homeowner, add your dates, pets, photos, and sit requirements. Publish when ready. Sitters apply through the app — not via Facebook comments.
What if I get too many applications?
Use the shortlist and polite decline messages built into the app. Keep conversations inside HSA so nothing gets lost.
Sitters
How do I find sits?
Search in plain English by location and dates. Read full pet and property details on each listing before you apply.
How do I build a strong profile?
Add a honest bio, relevant experience, and photos. Optional verification badges (identity, Police Check, WWC) help homeowners trust you — none are required.
Do I need a Police Check?
No. Police Checks and WWC are optional badges you can add. Many sits do not need them.
Pricing and membership
Is there a fee?
Homeowners: free until 31 December 2026.
Sitters: founding membership $12 for the first year (until 31 December 2026), then $55/yr. Full details at /pricing/
What is the $10 identity check?
Optional green-tick verification via Stripe Identity. Currently $5 until 30 June 2026. Non-refundable. Details: /how-identity-verification-works-on-hsa/
Trust and safety
How does HSA help keep things safe?
Verified profiles, private messaging, digital sit agreements, pet care cards, and suburb-only public listings. Always do your own interviews, references, and checks before agreeing to a sit.
What do verification badges mean?
They confirm certain details were checked. They are not a guarantee of character or competence.
Facebook login security?
We offer extra security for Facebook sign-in. Read: /why-were-adding-extra-security-for-facebook-logins/
What if something goes wrong during a sit?
HSA does not mediate disputes. Contact the other party first. Serious issues: hsa@oze.au. See /terms/ and /disclaimer/
Checklists
Homeowner checklist — before you leave
Meet or video-call your sitter before confirming
Complete pet care cards for every pet
Sign the digital sit agreement
Leave emergency contacts and vet details
Show sitter around the home — security, appliances, plants, bins
Confirm insurance cover for the sit period
Leave clear written instructions for anything unusual
Sitter checklist — before you arrive
Read the full listing and pet care cards
Confirm dates, address, and access arrangements via the agreement
Ask about pet routines, medications, and emergency vet
Clarify Wi-Fi, parking, and house rules
Arrange a handover call or visit where possible
Bring anything the homeowner has asked for
Keep the homeowner updated during the sit
Police Check
Optional. Can be added as a profile badge. Not required for most sits. Apply through official Australian channels and upload to your profile when ready.