🇦🇺 Australian-owned & operated
Zero overseas corporate fees
ThePetSitter > MadPaws
Remember when MadPaws cared about Australian pet owners? We do. Get the independent, local service MadPaws used to be - without Rover's overseas policies and price hikes.
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Compare platforms
See why pet owners choose ThePetSitter over MadPaws
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Better rates
Zero commission means quality care for less money
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Switch today
Join thousands making the switch to ThePetSitter
MadPaws vs ThePetSitter: The Australian Difference
Compare independent Australian service vs Rover's corporate takeover
| Service Feature | MadPaws (Rover) | ThePetSitter |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | 🌍 Overseas Corporate Rover USA policies | 🇦🇺 Independent Australian Local focus |
| Commission Fees | 20% Increases your costs | 0% Better rates |
| Background Checks | ⚠️ Basic Overseas standards | ✅ Comprehensive Australian criminal checks |
| Emergency Support | ❌ Basic Call center support | ✅ 24/7 Local Australian vets |
| Insurance Coverage | ⚠️ Limited US-based policies | ✅ Comprehensive Australian conditions |
| Local Focus | ❌ Corporate One-size-fits-all | ✅ Australian Local expertise |
Australian Pet Owner Experiences: Before & After Rover's Takeover
MadPaws After Rover Acquisition
- 😟"Service quality dropped after Rover takeover"
- 😟"Customer service moved overseas - long wait times"
- 😟"Prices increased but service quality decreased"
- 😟"Lost that personal Australian touch"
- 😟"Insurance claims became more complicated"
- 😟"Sitter quality became inconsistent"
ThePetSitter Australian Excellence
- 😊"Independent service focused on Australian needs"
- 😊"Local customer support who understand Australia"
- 😊"Fair pricing without corporate markup"
- 😊"Personal service that cares about Australian pets"
- 😊"Insurance designed for Australian conditions"
- 😊"Consistently high-quality Australian sitters"
Serving Major Australian Cities
Sydney
140+ neighbourhoods
Professional sitters
Melbourne
85+ neighbourhoods
Local expertise
Brisbane
Growing network
Queensland focused
Perth
Western Australia
Local sitters
Proudly Australian-owned and operated
Independent service focused on Australian pet care standards
Frequently Asked Questions
About Choosing ThePetSitter Over MadPaws
- ThePetSitter offers superior Australian-focused service with comprehensive background checks, zero commission fees leading to better rates, full insurance coverage, 24/7 local emergency support, and real-time GPS tracking. Since Rover's acquisition, MadPaws follows overseas corporate policies rather than focusing on Australian pet care needs.
- Yes! Because we charge zero commission to sitters (vs MadPaws/Rover's 20%), our professional pet care providers can offer competitive rates while maintaining higher quality standards. You get better service at better prices with true Australian focus.
- Our insurance covers everything - pet injury, property damage, and theft with no exclusions, designed specifically for Australian conditions. MadPaws' coverage has significant limitations and exclusions that could leave you exposed.
- ThePetSitter provides 24/7 Australian-based emergency support with direct veterinary partnerships in major cities. Unlike MadPaws' basic customer service, we ensure your pet gets immediate local expert care from qualified Australian veterinary professionals.
- Every ThePetSitter sitter undergoes comprehensive Australian criminal background checks, reference verification, identity confirmation, and ongoing performance monitoring. MadPaws/Rover's approval process is much more basic and follows overseas standards.
- Absolutely! Our professional sitter network offers same-day availability in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and other major Australian cities. Our sitters are dedicated professionals focused on Australian pet care standards.