Pet minding business opens

A new local pet minding business has opened up on the Peninsula.

Umina Beach locals Joel Kelly and Mark Smith have opened Pet Sitting Plus, a service which takes care of pets in their own homes while owners are away.

"We want every pet owner to be able to leave home with peace of mind, knowing their animals and homes are in our responsible care," says Kelly.

"We've got a police clearance and we're fully insured with public liability insurance."

As well as looking after the pets, the new service can also water plants, take in the mail and turn lights on and off to give the impression of a lived-in look while the owners are away.

Kelly says that a lack of pet care services on the Central Coast is what gave them the idea of starting the business.

"We couldn't get anyone to look after our dogs because all the kennels were booked out," he said.

The business is the first on the Central Coast to be associated with Pet Sitters International.

Joint owner Mark Smith says anyone signing up for their service during June and July would also be helping care for sick and injured native animals.

"Pet Sitting Plus will donate 10 per cent of the total sitting fee to a local animal rescue organisation at the end of July," he said.

Ben Rossleigh, June 22