How to choose dog care you can trust
Updated 5 August 2026
You're choosing care for a family member, and good operators know it — the best ones welcome scrutiny.
Whatever the service, the same trust stack applies: police check, insurance, a meet and greet before any commitment, and reviews from owners of dogs like yours. On AusLocal, verified credentials show as badges and reviews only come from completed jobs.
The universal checklist
Book a meet and greet first, always — watch how they handle your dog, and how your dog responds to them. Ask about experience with your dog's size, breed and temperament (anxious, reactive, puppy, senior). Confirm the police-check badge and insurance. Ask what happens in an emergency: which vet, who decides, who pays.
Red flags: refusing a meet and greet, vagueness about who exactly will handle your dog, no questions about your dog's temperament, and pressure to book immediately.
Common questions
What should I bring to a meet and greet?
Your dog, their vaccination certificate, and honest answers about temperament. The operator should ask more questions than you do — that's a good sign.
Why do police checks matter for pet care?
Sitters and walkers often access your home; groomers and daycares handle your dog unsupervised. A police check is the baseline for that trust.
Run a dog-care business?
These are the credentials customers look for. Don't have them yet?
Get a national police check
ACIC-accredited national police checks, usually back in 1–3 business days.
Get a national police check via Rapid Screening →Compare business insurance
Public liability and business insurance for cleaning and pet-care operators — compare quotes in minutes.
Compare business insurance via BizCover →Reviews on AusLocal come only from verified completed jobs — find a trusted local provider.