Serving Sydney Clients

Since 1992.

Reliable daily pet care and home security checks

while you're away on holiday or business trips.

Your Pets. Our Passion. Peace of Mind.

Trusted Home Pet Care Service

Police-checked & $10M insured. Trusted family team providing professional pet care and home security.

Serving the Hills District & Norwest, Sydney NSW Australia

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Police-Checked Team

$10M Liability Insurance

754 Successful Visits

Former Vet Nurse

Operated Since 1992

Security-Focused Service

Your pets, your home, cared for your way.

Home pet care in the

Hills district.

Flexible care, daily reassurance—tailored just for you.

What's Included in Every Daily Visit: Professional Pet Care + Home Security Checks

While caring for your pets, we check your property.

It's what makes us different from apps, kennels, and asking favors from neighbors.

Pet Care & Companionship

Fresh food & water

Play, walks & cuddles

Home & Property Upkeep

Security & safety checks

Garden care & watering

Lights on/off

Mail & package collection

Bin put-out & collection

(Home Pet Care Visits In The Hills District & Norwest Sydney NSW)

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READY TO GIVE US A TRY?

Why Choose Strokes Home Pet Care?

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 →

What others are saying

"Loved everything so far"

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"My life changed forever"

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"Highly recommend this"

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Who We Are

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.

12

LOCATIONS

3

TEAM MEMBERS

754

Scheduled Visits

Meet the Team

Suzanne Balen

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

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

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.

Service Areas

The Hills Shire Council

We proudly serve 16 suburbs across Sydney's northwest, with plans to expand throughout 2026..

Glenhaven

Dural

Middle Dural

Kenthurst

Annagrove

Glenorie

Galston

Arcadia

Gables

Boxhill

Maraylya

Nelson

Cherrybrook

Castle hill

Baulkham Hills

Don't see your area?

We're always expanding!

Contact us to discuss service in your location.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Do you take last minute bookings

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!

How far in advance should I book?

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.

What types of pets do you care for?

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.

Is Strokes Home Pet Care insured?

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.

Is your pet sitter police-checked and how do I know my home is safe?

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.

Why should I choose you instead of a pet sitting app (Mad Paws/Pawshake)?

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.

Can you handle my dog's medication or complex feeding routine?

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.

Request A Call Back From Suzanne

Your Pet's Wellness Matters!

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.