Pawshake connects dog devotees and cat companions with local pet carers who look after animals for as little as $10 per visit. 

The rise of the application is part of a trend seeing online start-ups, such as Uber and Airbnb, challenge traditional services. 

Carers visit the homes of pet owners while they are away, meaning the start-up asks locals to open up their doors to strangers. 

Georgie McGregor, a full-time student and registered pet sitter on Pawshake, says the service is perfect for both owners and the pets alike. 

“It’s much cheaper than boarding and it’s so much more comfortable for the pets, who would normally stress out after being removed from home,” she said.

“We get to spend one on one time with the pet, care for them closely and give them our undivided attention.” 

The pet minding app boasts the slogan, “no kennels, no cages”, and provides insurance free-of-charge to pet owners in case of accident or emergency. 

Dozens of users are now active on the service, with sitters available in all of Wagga’s suburbs.