

More than just pet sitting - we're a local family business dedicated to providing the love,
care, and peace of mind your pets and home deserve.
Strokes Home Pet Care
No platform sign up or apps to download, no kennels or cattery trips or favor-asking from family and friends.
In-Home Comfort
Your pet stays relaxed in their familiar environment—no kennel stress, no strange dogs barking, no cold cages.
Direct Contact
Text Suzanne directly—no app middlemen, no delays, no confusion. Just reliable communication.
$10M INSURED
Complete peace of mind with comprehensive public liability coverage and professional standards.
BOOK YOUR FREE MEET & GREET →
"Loved everything so far"
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"My life changed forever"
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"Highly recommend this"
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Strokes Home Petcare is a family-operated business led by three generations.
Suzanne Balen, Ivanna Ruger and Hayley Ruger
(Grandmother, Daughter, and Granddaughter)
united by a deep love for animals and decades local experience.
LOCATIONS
TEAM MEMBERS
Scheduled Visits

Suzanne Balen, 73, is a former assistant vet nurse with a lifelong passion for animal care. She has worked with horse rescues, bringing deep compassion and experience to every animal she helps.

Ivanna Ruger, 44, is a fitness enthusiast and lifelong animal lover who has cared for everything from mice, cats, dogs, and horses to budgies and wildlife rescues.

Hayley Ruger, 8, is full of energy and love for animals. With her bright smile and playful spirit, she brings joy, excitement, and care to every pet she looks after.
Have questions about our pet care service?
We're here to help.
Below are answers to the most common questions Hills Shire pet owners ask us
about our daily visits, home security checks,
and booking process.
Our Policy on Last-Minute Bookings
Yes, we do take last-minute bookings, but they depend entirely on our current availability.
Our schedule is tight, especially for the upcoming November, December, and January holidays. Bookings are often confirmed weeks or even months ahead of time.
A minimum of 48-72 hours notice is usually required to ensure we can schedule a Free Meet & Greet Consultation and finalize all security and pet care instructions before you depart.
To check immediate availability, the fastest way is always to call Suzanne directly:
📞 Call Suzanne Now on 0416 049 506
We will do everything we can to accommodate your needs and provide our trusted, secure care for your pets and home!
Booking Guidelines for Strokes Home Pet Care
1. High-Demand Periods (Holidays & School Breaks)
For the busiest times of the year, booking as far in advance as possible is strongly recommended to guarantee your spot.
Christmas/New Year's (November - January): Book 2 to 3 months in advance (e.g., booking in September/October for December travel). These dates often fill completely.
School Holidays (Easter, Mid-Year): Book 4 to 6 weeks in advance.
2. Low-Demand Periods (Off-Peak)
For general trips or long weekends outside of major holidays:
Book 2 to 3 weeks in advance. This gives us enough time to schedule your Free Meet & Greet Consultation and finalize all your pet care and home security instructions.
At Strokes Home Pet Care, we provide comprehensive, personalized care for a wide variety of animals right in the comfort and security of your own home.
We care for:
Dogs 🐕 (All breeds, sizes, and ages, including puppies and seniors)
Cats 🐈 (From kittens to elderly cats, including those needing medication)
Small Animals 🐹 (Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, fish, etc.)
Horses & Livestock 🐴 (Feeding, rug changes, light mucking out, and paddock rotation)
No routine is too simple or too complex. Our fully vetted team ensures every member of your furry, feathered, or scaly family receives the dedicated attention and specialized care they need while you're away.
Yes, absolutely. For your complete peace of mind, Strokes Home Pet Care carries comprehensive Public Liability Insurance up to $10 million (AUD).
This ensures you are fully protected in the unlikely event of any accident or damage while we are caring for your pets and home.
Choosing a fully insured, vetted service like ours means you can travel with absolute confidence, knowing both your property and your beloved pets are protected by professional standards.
Yes, absolutely. For your peace of mind, every member of the Strokes Home Pet Care team is Police Checked, fully vetted, and carries Public Liability Insurance up to $10 million.
We are a family-run team with security experience, so you can trust us to care for both your beloved pets and your valuable property. We treat your home as if it were our own.
When you choose us, you deal direct with the vetted experts—no platform fees and no risk of hiring a stranger. Our key difference is:
Guaranteed Vetting: We hire and train our own staff.
Integrated Security: We include Home Security Checks with every visit (mail, bins, lights).
Direct Contact: You work directly with Suzanne and our committed family team, ensuring consistent, dedicated care.
es, complex care is our specialty. We are experienced in handling all special needs, including medication administration (oral, topical, and some injectables) and strict dietary or health routines.
We prioritize precision and documentation to ensure your pet's health never misses a beat while you're away.
Our Mission - To provide secure, dependable, and compassionate care
Home pet care so every client leaves home with complete peace of mind and every animal is safe, stimulated, and loved in their own environment.
