Weather and seasons in Sydney
Sydney has warm to hot, humid summers with heatwave days well above 35°C, and mild winters. Bushfire smoke can affect air quality in some summers, and paralysis ticks are common in bushland along the east coast.
Planning around the seasons
On hot days, walk early or after sunset, avoid hot sand and footpaths, and watch for signs of heat stress.
After walks in or near bushland, check your dog for paralysis ticks — especially around the head and neck — and talk to your vet about tick prevention.
Homes, buildings and access
Apartment buildings are governed by strata by-laws that may cover pets, lifts and common areas. Houses often have yards — check that gates and fences are secure before a sitter starts.
Local rules worth knowing
In NSW dogs and cats must be microchipped and registered on the NSW Pet Registry. Dogs must be on a lead in public except in designated off-leash areas, and are not allowed in some places such as children’s play areas. Many beaches ban dogs.
Getting around Sydney with a pet
Rules for dogs on Sydney’s trains, buses and ferries are restrictive and change from time to time, so check Transport for NSW before you travel. A pet taxi is simplest for the vet, the groomer or the airport.
Pet care in Sydney — FAQ
Does OnlyPaw work in Sydney?
Yes. OnlyPaw is available worldwide, including Sydney. Because it's a marketplace, the providers you can book depend on who has been approved near your address — the app shows who's available before you pay.
How much does pet care cost in Sydney?
Providers in Sydney set their own prices, so you see each provider's rate in the app before you book. At checkout OnlyPaw adds a service fee of 10% of the service price, with a minimum of USD 2 and a maximum of USD 20 (or the equivalent in your local currency), shown before you pay. Your payment is held and only released to the provider after the service is completed.
What are paralysis ticks?
Paralysis ticks live in bushland along Australia’s east coast, including around Sydney. They can make dogs and cats seriously ill. Check your pet after walks, use a tick preventative recommended by your vet and see a vet straight away if you notice weakness or a change in bark.
Does my pet need to be registered in Sydney?
Yes. In NSW dogs and cats must be microchipped and registered on the NSW Pet Registry. Keep the details handy for providers.
How are providers vetted?
Every provider submits a government ID and a selfie, passes a knowledge test with a 70% pass mark and uploads service-specific documents — home photos for sitting and boarding, driving licence and vehicle registration for pet taxi, certificates for grooming and training — before the OnlyPaw team approves them.
What happens in an emergency?
Every active booking has an SOS button in the app. It alerts the other party and the OnlyPaw team straight away. If your pet needs urgent medical care, contact a vet or emergency clinic first.
