THE ANIMAL COMPANION NZ LTD
In-Home Pet Care You Can Trust
The Animal Companion NZ Ltd is a successful and prominent in-home pet sitting company. We provide safe, reliable, and trustworthy pet sitting services in the Auckland Region.
Every member of our team has been thoroughly vetted, and are safe and responsible adults, who have years of experience looking after animals.
We have numerous clients who have become close friends, and furry customers who consider The Animal Companion team to be integral members of their family.
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WHY CHOOSE THE ANIMAL COMPANION?
The Animal Companion will come to your home and stay with your pet(s) in the environment they are most at ease in.
Services provided throughout Auckland.
No rural properties.
No extra costs for national/school holidays.
Bookings between December 15 to January 15 must be 7 nights or longer.
Discounts available for long stays.
ADVANTAGES FOR YOUR PET:
Reduced stress as they stay comfortably in their own home with familiar sounds and smells.
Your pet receives undivided attention, love, and care.
They can avoid the trauma of travelling to a cattery or kennel.
Dedicated walk/play time and animal enrichment activities.
Prompt waste/litterbox management
ADVANTAGES FOR YOU:
You don't have to impose on a friend or neighbor who might forget to care for your pet.
You won't be inconvenienced by transporting your pet.
Your house has the added security of someone staying there while you're away.
Mail collection and plant watering.
SERVICES
IN-HOME PET SITTING
Don’t feel guilty about leaving your pet alone. Our In-Home Pet Sitting service gives your pet maximum care, in the one place they feel the most comfortable, their own home! They'll hardly notice you're gone!
We love all animals! However, for now we are unable to accommodate farm animals and horses.
Cats of any breed are welcome.
We welcome all sizes and breeds of dogs, as long as they are trained. This means they respond to commands, are leash trained, and don't jump up or bite.
We are unable to accommodate untrained, and/or aggressive dogs.
Cats
$60/night for 1- 2 cats
$80/night for 3-4 cats
$100/night for 5 cats
Litter Boxes
$5 fee added per litter box per day
Small Dogs
$65/night for 1 dog
$85/night for 2 dogs
Medium Dogs
$75/night for 1 dog
$95/night for 2 dogs
Large Dogs
$85/night for 1 dog
$105/night for 2 dogs
Please contact for rates on mixed animal and multiple sized animal homes, as prices vary. If you are unsure what size your dog is, please inform us in your booking request.
​Stays over 16+ nights receives 15% discount off total.
Longterm stays of 35+ nights receives 20% discount off total.
If a late check out (stay with your pet up until 3pm) on the final day is required, a half night fee will be added. Same for early check in (starting between 10am-3pm).
A deposit of 25% is required for all bookings. Full payment required on first morning of stay.
MEDICATION SUPPORT & ELDERLY/DISABLED PET CARE
Specializing in medication administration and disabled pet support. The safety and wellbeing of your pets is our top priority.
If your pet(s) is on a medication schedule, or have special needs due to age or disability, a fee of $5-10 will be added to your daily cost. Please contact to discuss your pets needs and how involved they are.
Not all of our Animal Companions can provide medical care, so please let us know at time of booking request so your pet can be paired correctly.
OUR ANIMAL COMPANIONS
All of our Animal Companions are animal lovers and have extensive experience with cats and dogs. As well as some of us with extra experience in rodent, lizard, and bird care. Pet love is our buisness, and we love your pets like they're our own!
CHRISTINE - OWNER
Originally from Hawaii, Christine loves travel, tattoos, music, and animal welfare. She works with cats, birds, and small to medium dogs.
KAT
Kat is a local business owner. In her spare time she enjoys photography, and spending time with her family and friends. She is available for all animals throughout Auckland.
JESSIE
Jessie works as a relationship counsellor, and contract photographer. She has years of experience as a house and pet sitter, and adores cats and dogs. Jessie is available for cats and small dogs throughout Auckland.
RINI
Rini is a retired nurse and travel enthusiast. In autumn and winter she travels the world, working on boats and volunteering for animal rescues. Rini is available seasonally from October to April, and is available for cats and dogs throughout Auckland.
MONNIE
Monnie is an actress, model, and DJ. She grew up in Whangarei, with cats and dogs. When she's not living a busy life she enjoys music, art, and skateboarding. Monnie is available for North Shore bookings only.
​MANDY
Mandy runs her own business focused on well-being and body work. She loves looking after pets to make sure they feel safe, relaxed and happy while you're away.
Available year round for cats & dogs throughout Auckland.
CAZ
Caz is a public servant for Auckland. On her weekends she enjoys gaming with friends, movies, eating out, and spending time with her church. Caz works with the charity Back2School Project, and also supports Pet Refuge. She is available for all animals in West & Central Auckland.
ANN
Ann is a retired special needs teachers aid. She enjoys walks, photography, and travel. Ann is available for cats and small to medium dogs in Central Auckland.
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TESTIMONIALS
Oscar
I have been using Christine to watch my Oscar since 2019. Her love of animals means she genuinely adores Oscar, and he loves her back. Christine ensures he gets his medication on time every time, as well as taking him to the emergency vet when his allergies play up.
Last year I ended up in the hospital for over a month, and Christine went above and beyond making herself available to watch Oscar for the duration. I don't know what I would have done without her.
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I highly recommend The Animal Companion to anyone looking for a responsible and loving pet sitter.
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​Bow
​We have used The Animal Companion several times for care of our dog. I am constantly impressed by Christine’s professionalism and organisation. Most recently Michelle looked after Bow our 12yo wheaten terrier for a week; she is an older dog who does need some special attention. We could not have been happier. The daily updates and photos were so comforting and Bow appeared to love her time with Michelle. I had full confidence that she was happy and receiving great care while we were away. We came home to a tidy home and a very happy dog. We will definitely be using the Animal Companion again for future bookings.
Sophie
I can fully recommended Ann! Not only did she do an excellent job looking after my little cat Sophie, who has medical issues, she also left the house looking spotless. Ann texted me updates on how Sophie was doing - which helped me not worry about her when on holiday. Sophie doesn’t warm to everybody - but she certainly warmed to Ann and her care. I will definitely use the Animal Companion’s services again as I found them to be professional, and quick to reply to emails.
Ruru
We're really happy with the care and love that The Animal Companion team showed Ruru. Ruru normally isn't the biggest fan of humans so the fact that she seemed to take to the team was a big deal. They sent a few photos while we were away so we could check in with Ruru and she always looked content. Big shout out to both The Animal Companion team and Christine for their flexibility when our travel plans had to change because Ruru hurt her tail, but even when we handed over our cat-in-a-cone, we felt reassured she'd get the best attention.
​Bow
​We have used The Animal Companion several times for care of our dog. I am constantly impressed by Christine’s professionalism and organisation. Most recently Michelle looked after Bow our 12yo wheaten terrier for a week; she is an older dog who does need some special attention. We could not have been happier. The daily updates and photos were so comforting and Bow appeared to love her time with Michelle. I had full confidence that she was happy and receiving great care while we were away. We came home to a tidy home and a very happy dog. We will definitely be using the Animal Companion again for future bookings.
Thor & Maizie
I highly recommend The Animal Companion if you are looking for a trustworthy, reliable and experienced carer for your pets. Our family was so impressed with Ann, who cared for our 13 year old ginger tabby cat and our 7 year old special needs golden retriever. We felt such peace knowing Ann was living in our home for 3 weeks while we traveled overseas. She enabled our fur babies to stay in their familiar home environment while providing the top notch care and cuddles that kept them feeling relaxed, safe and loved while we were away. Ann also provided regular photos and updates for us, and even looked after our plants! We absolutely recommend The Animal Companion in a heartbeat for anyone who considers their pets part of their family.
FAQ
Common Inquiries
MY PET NEEDS TO GO TO THE VET/GROOMER. WILL YOU TAKE THEM?
Yes! When we come to stay we will ask for a list of emergency contact numbers, including one for your preferred vet practice, as well as the nearest animal urgent care. If your pet gets sick or injured during a booking we will contact you and let you know we are taking them to a vet. Payments for the services will need to be arranged between you and your vet clinic separately. For grooming sessions please ensure you've told us at the time of booking, and that the payment is already taken care of.
HOW DO YOU VET YOUR EMPLOYEES?
Every member of The Animal Companion team has been thoroughly vetted. We use a NZ based employment verification company that checks criminal record, immigration status, as well as employment references.
WILL THE PET SITTER BE AT HOME THE WHOLE TIME?
While our Animal Companions are dedicated to looking after your pets, they cannot be there the entire time. Our Animal Companions live full lives including full-time jobs (in the office/work from home), hobbies, friends, and families. To have active and healthy lives, our Animal Companions may enjoy time away from your home during the booking.
Rest assured our Animal Companions will be there to care for your animals for morning and evening feedings/walks/playtime, and overnight. We are typically in your home for at least 50% (12hrs) of the day. Depending on availability, some Animal Companions can spend more time in the home, but it is not a requirement. Please advise us upon booking what your animals needs are.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO BEFORE A BOOKING?
Make sure your pets have enough food and treats for the entirety of the booking. Write down your vets name and number, as well as any emergency contacts we might need during our stay.
Leave us a designated sleeping area, with a pillow and blanket, we will bring our own sheets.
We require a shelf in the fridge and freezer for our food, and space in the pantry.
Make sure you leave your house in a tidy condition. If you have a cleaner that comes regularly, let us know the dates they do this. We are not cleaners. We are there to look after your animals. We will tidy the areas we've used and leave your home in the condition it was found. Homes that are left messy/dirty, or pose a health risk to us or your pets, will result in a termination of booking.
If you have security cameras outside, please keep them active and on for your continual house safety. However, if you do have cameras inside the home, for keeping an eye on your pets, we ask that you turn off those for the privacy of our Animal Companions.
WHAT ABOUT DEPOSITS AND CANCELLATIONS?
All booking require a 25% Deposit. Once received your booking is held and confirmed.
The balance of your payment is due at 9am on the first day of stay. If this day falls on a weekend or bank holiday, please make arrangements with your bank to have it deposited the last business day prior to your booking. If your payment is late/overdue this will result in a cancellation of booking.
In the event you need a cancellation, you may transfer your deposit to another set of dates if they are available, otherwise your deposit is non refundable. We do not provide refunds if you decide to return home early, for any reason.
WHAT IF I HAVE OTHER FLATMATES OR FAMILY MEMBERS WHO WILL STAY AT HOME DURING THE BOOKING?
Unfortunately, we can't accept bookings where other flatmates or family will still be home. In this case, it is best that those people care for your pets instead. We have found that to be an uncomfortable situation for both parties, and a disruption in care for your pets.
We do not provide babysitting or child minding services. We cannot accept bookings inside gated communities, as we have found it hard to negotiate parking and security for our staff.
WHY IS THERE AN EXTRA COST FOR LITTER BOXES?
Litter box maintenance, especially in multi cat homes, can be time consuming as well as pose some health risks to our Animal Companions. The added fee is for the extra time spent cleaning these daily, as well as deep cleaning them when needed.
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS BOOKINGS
While we do not charge extra for bookings during school or national holidays, we do insist that all bookings made between December 15 and Jan 15 are at least 7 nights in length. This is to provide more flexibility and coverage for our clients that go away for long periods of time during the summer season. We appreciate your understanding.
BOOKING REQUEST
For a quote or to make a booking, please list your dates of travel, your suburb/city, and how many animals you have. A picture of your pets is also preferred.
Sometimes our response email will go into your junk folder, so please look there if you haven't heard from us within 3 hours.
Auckland
TERMS & CONDITIONS
The Animal Companion NZ Limited - Terms and Conditions ("Terms")
Our Terms and Conditions were last updated on January 29, 2025. We reserve the right to change or update information and to correct errors, inaccuracies, or omissions at any time without prior notice.
These terms are to be adhered when using our website,
www.theanimalcompanionnz.com (known as “Site” in this document), and requesting and booking services from The Animal Companion NZ Limited (known as the “Company”, “We” “Our”, or “Us” in this document). Staff will be referred to as “Animal Companions“. Services can also be known as “Booking/s” in this document.
Please read these terms and conditions carefully before using Our Services.
By making a Booking through Our Site, You warrant that You are legally capable of entering into binding contracts, and You have fully read and agreed to Our Terms & Conditions.
Information
If You wish to request a quote or booking on Our Site, You may be asked to supply certain information relevant to Your request including, without limitation, Your name, Your email, Your phone number, Your address, and Your pets’ information. Upon making a booking You will be given details to pay using a bank transfer, or make a payment using third party accounting software. We will never directly ask for Your account information or debit/credit card numbers.
You represent and warrant that: (i) You have the legal right to use any credit or debit card(s) or other payment method(s) in connection with our Services, and that (ii) the information You supply to us is true, correct and complete.
By submitting such information, You grant us the right to provide the information to payment processing third parties for purposes of facilitating the completion of Your Services. We strongly advise You to read the terms and conditions and privacy policies of any third-party web sites or services that You visit.
Third Party Websites
Our Service may contain links to third-party web sites or services that are not owned or controlled by the Company.
The Company has no control over, and assumes no responsibility for the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third party web sites or services. You further acknowledge and agree that the Company shall not be responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any such content or services.
Our Services - Pets
We work with most types of pets, with the exception of farm and equestrian animals. We do not work on rural properties, including but not limited to, farms and orchards. We do not work in retirement villages or gated senior care facilities.
-We accept all types of cats, indoor and out (if indoor only they must be litter box trained).
-We accept all sizes and breeds of dogs, as long as they are trained. This means they must respond to commands, are leash trained, and don't jump up or bite.
-We reserve the right to refuse untrained, and/or aggressive dogs. Failing to be honest about Your dogs training and/or aggression will result in immediate cancellation of booking, without refund.
Our Services - Prices & Payment
The Company reserves the right to revise its prices at any time prior to accepting a booking.
The prices quoted may be revised by the Company subsequent to accepting a Booking in the event of any occurrence caused by government action, variation in world health issues (eg Covid Pandemic), increased living costs, and any other matter beyond the control of the Company. In that event, You will have the right to cancel Your Booking.
-Bookings over 16+ nights receives 15% discount off total.
-Long term Bookings of 35+ nights receives 20% discount off total.
-If extra days are added to the end of Your Booking that weren’t quoted during initial booking, they will be charged at regular price, and not discounted.
-Our bookings start after 3pm on the first day, and end at 9am on the last day. If a late check out (stay with Your pet up until 3pm) on the final day is required, a half night fee will be added. Same for early check in (starting between 9am-3pm). Hours that exceed these times will be charged as an extra night. These are all subject to availability, and must be brought up in initial quote request.
-A deposit of 25% (of Your booking total) is required for all bookings and is non-refundable. Deposits are due immediately on confirmation of availability. A receipt will be sent as soon as Your payment is processed. Your booking is not confirmed and held until we have received Your deposit, meaning Your dates will be free to book by others in the meantime. No exceptions.
-Full payment required in the morning on first day of stay. If first day falls on a weekend or bank holiday, payment is due the last business day before the start of Your booking. If Your payment is late (made after 9am on first day of booking) You will be charged a $50 late fee. In the event of a late payment, if it’s not received by 3pm on first day of booking, we reserve the right to forfeit Your booking and it will be cancelled.
-If You request a cancellation We do not provide refunds of deposits.
We reserve the right to not provide refunds if You decide to return home early, no exceptions.
Our Services - Your Home
Your house must be in a tidy condition. We do not operate in dirty or over cluttered homes, as they can pose a health risk to Your animals and Our Animal Companions.
-If You have a cleaner that comes regularly, let us know the dates they do this before the booking starts. Our Animal Companions will keep Your home tidy and leave them in the condition they were found. Our Company does not provide professional cleaning services outside of the waste management of Your pets.
-We do a walkthrough before every new booking to ensure Your pets and Our Animal Companions will be in a safe and clean environment. If Your home is below safety and health standards when we do our walkthrough, this can result in a termination of booking, and you will not receive a refund of deposit.
-You are required to leave Your pets with enough food and treats for the entirety of the booking. If Your pet is on a raw diet and needs fresh meats, eggs, and vegetables, please ensure You leave enough money so Your Animal Companion can keep your pets fed with fresh food. Write down Your veterinarians name and number, as well as any emergency contacts we might need during our stay.
-Leave us a designated sleeping area, a bed with a pillow and blanket, we will bring our own sheets and towels. We require a shelf in the fridge and freezer for our food, and space in the pantry.
-We do not accept bookings where other flatmates or family will still be on the property during Your booking. In this case, it is best that those people care for Your pets instead. It is an uncomfortable situation for both parties, a safety risk, and a disruption in care for Your pets. If we start a booking and people are staying on the property that You have not told us about prior, Your booking will be immediately cancelled, and You will receive no refund.
-Our Company does not provide babysitting or child minding services. We cannot accept bookings inside gated communities or retirement villages, due to parking and safety concerns.
Other Services - Medical & Veterinary
-If Your pet gets sick or injured during a booking we will contact You about taking them to the vet. If we can’t reach You in a timely manner, we will take Your pets to the veterinarian clinic they are enrolled at, for safety. Payments for the services will need to be arranged between You and the veterinarian clinic separately. We are not liable for any charges from the veterinarians. Please ensure that You provide us with the name, address, and phone number of Your pets vet clinic. We are not liable for illnesses or injuries of Your pets.
-Pets that have special needs or are on medications will be an extra $5-10 a day. Failure to be upfront about these needs will result in a $100 fine, on top of the daily added expense.
-The Company is not liable for sudden or expected death of pets. We will notify You immediately if this occurs and make arrangements with Your vet clinic for next steps. If your pets are elderly and/or sick, please provide us with notes on final arrangements that we can make for You while You’re away.
-For grooming sessions please ensure you've told us at the time of booking, and that the payment is already taken care of.
-If any of our Animal Companions are harmed by Your pets while they are in our care, including but not limited to, bites or scratches that lead to infection, concussion due to jumping up or aggressive head bunting, or semi-permanent injury, you may be liable for compensation.
Security
Home security is important to us.
-If You have cameras outside Your home and along the perimeter, please keep them on for ongoing security and safety. Cameras inside the home must be turned off for the privacy of our staff, no exceptions. Failure to do so will result in immediate termination of booking, with no refund. Our Animal Companions will keep Your home safe while inside, and Your cameras and/or security alarms can be activated in our absence.
-We suggest for Your added safety that You purchase Your own home insurance or liability insurance.
-We are not liable for theft or damage of your property made by others. In the event of an emergency we will alert the police, and update You immediately.
-We are not liable for damage or theft made by others You’ve allowed in Your home, including but not limited to builders, plumbers, painters, cleaners, gardeners etc.
-We do not provide our clients names or addresses to anyone outside of the company. No exceptions. This is for our clients' safety and privacy.
Social Media & Advertising
-By agreeing to Our Terms, You are allowing Us to take photographs and videos of Your pets while they are in Our care. We use these for advertising, and updating Our social media pages, including all platforms under Meta, Google, and YouTube. We reserve the right to use the photos and videos at any time on Our platforms and future advertising, including but not limited to adding voice overs, audio clips, and filters.
-Photos and videos taken will not have addresses listed or familiar landmarks shown. Backgrounds of homes can be blurred at Your request before Your booking starts.
-Pets collar tags and licenses will be blurred for privacy.
Staffing
-All of our Animal Companions are thoroughly checked through a NZ based employment verification company. These verifications include police vetting and thorough background checks. The information in these reports are private and not shared beyond the Company’s owner.
-In the event of an Animal Companion getting sick or having an emergency during a booking, another Animal Companion may have to step in and take over. If this is the case, a Company manager will contact You with details of the change.
-Our services are paid by a nightly rate, and not within NZ’s hourly minimum wage. Because of this, our Animal Companions are not required to be in Your home all the time. They may leave for other forms of work, exercise, socializing, and more.
-All staff are required to be in Your home overnight for sleep, and for breakfast and dinner feedings. Depending on availability, some Animal Companions can spend more time in the home, but it is not a requirement. 12 hours a day (50% of the day) is typical.
-If You require Your Animal Companion to be home all the time, a higher rate will incur.
Customer Satisfaction Reports
We appreciate all feedback in regards to Our Company and Services.
After a booking concludes, You may receive a review request. We always want to know how we are servicing our community and Your Feedback to Us.
You assign all rights, title and interest in any Feedback You provide the Company. If for any reason such assignment is ineffective, You agree to grant the Company a non-exclusive, perpetual, irrevocable, royalty free, worldwide right and license to use, reproduce, disclose, sub-license, distribute, modify and exploit such Feedback without restriction.
Changes to These Terms and Conditions
We reserve the right, at Our sole discretion, to modify or replace these Terms at any time. If a revision is material We will make reasonable efforts to provide at least 30 days' notice prior to any new terms taking effect. What constitutes a material is determined at Our sole discretion.
By continuing to access or use Our Site after those revisions become effective, You agree to be bound by the revised terms. If You do not agree to the new terms, in whole or in part, please stop using the Site and our Company.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about these Terms and Conditions, You can contact the owner:
Christine Lilley