Is it easy to switch from Pawshake to TruePath?

Yes — there's no contract or exit fee on Pawshake's owner side. Complete your existing bookings, create a TruePath account, build your dog's profile, and begin searching for sitters. Allow 2–3 weeks to set up the relationship properly: account creation, meet-and-greet, and a trial booking before you're fully transitioned.

Why is TruePath better than Pawshake for Australian owners?

Two main differences: verification depth and platform specificity. TruePath's 3-step verification (ACIC National Police Check, direct reference calls, in-person interview) is more thorough than Pawshake's ID and reference process. TruePath is also built specifically for Australia — the local knowledge, seasonal considerations, and care standards are designed for the Australian context rather than a global template.

Will my Pawshake reviews carry over to TruePath?

No — reviews don't transfer between platforms. Your TruePath profile starts fresh. Focus on building a detailed dog profile, which is what TruePath's matching uses to find the right sitter. Reviews you receive after your first TruePath booking will build your profile there.

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How to Switch from Pawshake to TruePath — Step-by-Step Guide

Moving your pet sitting bookings from Pawshake to TruePath? Here's how the transition works, what to expect from TruePath's matching process, and how to find the right sitter for your dog.

By atticus · 4 min read · Last updated 17 May 2026

Pawshake owners typically switch for two reasons: they want a more thorough sitter verification process, or they want a platform that's Australia-specific rather than a global template applied locally. Both are reasonable motivations. Here's how the switch works.

What drives owners to switch

Verification depth. Pawshake requires ID verification and references, but doesn't require an ACIC National Police Check or an in-person interview as standard. For an owner leaving a dog with a sitter for overnight stays, this matters — the level of screening affects how much you can reliably trust a stranger in your home with your dog.

Platform specificity. Pawshake operates the same model in Belgium, the Netherlands, Australia, and 20+ other countries. This means the local knowledge, the Australia-specific vet referral network, and the understanding of Australian seasons, pet regulations, and care standards that TruePath builds from day one aren't present in the same way.

Pricing transparency. Pawshake's 19% sitter commission pushes listed prices higher. TruePath's pricing at search and booking stage is what you pay.

How to switch

Step 1: Complete your current Pawshake bookings. Don't leave a sitter in the lurch — let existing bookings run, or cancel with the notice that's fair given the timing. Your sitter has arranged their schedule around your booking.

Step 2: Create your TruePath account. Visit truepath.com.au and sign up. It takes a few minutes.

Step 3: Build your dog's profile thoroughly. The matching process works from your dog's profile — the more detail you provide, the better the result. Include:

Breed, age, desexed status, weight
All current medications (name, dose, timing, how administered)
Known triggers and calming strategies
Daily routine and exercise needs
Vet details
Any relevant health or behavioural history

Step 4: Search and message sitters. Browse sitters in your suburb. Filter by service type (overnight, home-boarding, drop-in). Message two or three sitters with relevant experience before committing.

Step 5: Arrange a meet-and-greet. For sitting, allow 45–60 minutes. The sitter needs to understand your home's access, your dog's routine, medication protocols, and emergency contacts. This visit is the foundation of the care relationship.

Step 6: Trial booking. One or two nights before a longer stay. This verifies the match works in practice before you're relying on it for a 10-day trip.

The verification difference in practice

Every TruePath sitter you'll find has completed:

ACIC National Police Check — the same check used by employers in education, healthcare, and other sensitive roles
Direct reference calls — the platform calls the sitter's references, not just accepts self-submitted contact names
In-person interview — a live assessment of the sitter's approach to animal handling, how they respond to challenging scenarios, and whether their manner is appropriate for the animals they'll care for

35% of applicants don't pass. The sitters who do are a pre-filtered pool — you're making a selection within a set that's already been tested.

Find a TruePath walker near you

Background-checked walkers, GPS-tracked walks, and live photo updates. Most owners book their first walk within an hour.

Find a walker

Frequently asked questions

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