A pet sitting contract is an agreement for pet sitting services between two parties – the Pet Owner and the Pet Sitter. When a Pet Owner needs someone to take care of their dog or cat, this agreement clearly spells out your pet’s normal routines and what is expected from the Pet Sitter. If your pet is older or has unique needs, this form can help Pet Sitters provide the right medication or special care.
1. Pet Sitting Contract Sample and What to Include
A pet sitting contract will outline the following details:
- Time Period: how long will the Pet Sitter take care of the Owner’s pets
- Payment Details: how much, when, and how the Pet Sitter is paid
- Type of Care: how often the Pet Sitter will walk, feed, or groom the pet
- Veterinary Release: authorization to get medical treatment for the pet
- Indemnification: Pet Sitter is an independent contractor and not liable
- Emergency: who should the Pet Sitter contact if the Owner is unavailable
- Signatures: both the Owner and Pet Sitter should sign the agreement
People also call this form by other names:
- Contract for Pet Care
- Dog Sitting Contract
- Dog and Cat Boarding Form
- Pet Boarding Contract
- Pet Care Boarding Agreement
- Pet Care Agreement Form
- Pet Care Contract
- Pet Care Service Agreement
- Pet Sitting Contract
- Pet Sitting Service Contract
Pet Sitting Contract Sample
Below you can find what a standard pet sitting contract looks like:
Pet Care Contract
| State of ______________ | |
| PET CARE AGREEMENT | |
This Pet Care Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made as of this ______ day of _______________, 20______, by and among/between:
Pet Owner(s): _______________________________________________, (collectively “Pet Owner”) and
Pet Sitter(s): _______________________________________________, (collectively, “Pet Sitter”), (each, a “Party” and collectively, the “Parties”).
- Time and Payment. Pet Sitter shall care for Pet Owner’s pet(s) as identified and described below for the time period beginning ____________________, 20______ until ____________________, 20______. In consideration for Pet Sitter’s care and services, Pet Owner shall pay Pet Sitter $_______________ (Check one) ☐ total ☐ per hour ☐ per day ☐ per week. The payment is due to Pet Sitter at the: (Check one)
☐ Completion of the care and services
☐ End of each day
☐ End of the week
☐ Other: _______________________________
and paid via (Check one) ☐ cash ☐ personal check ☐ PayPal ☐ other: _________________.
Pet Owner agrees to reimburse Pet Sitter for reasonable expenses incurred arising from/relating to: (Check all that apply)
☐ Medical care and treatment
☐ Emergency medical care
☐ Services provided by a Veterinarian
☐ Other: _______________________________
paid via (Check one) ☐ cash ☐ personal check ☐ PayPal ☐ other: ____________________________.
- Care and Services. The care and services provided under this Agreement consist of the following responsibilities: (Check all that apply)
☐ Feed the pet(s) and change water bowls
☐ Walk and exercise the pet(s)
☐ Play with the pet(s)
☐ Clean up and dispose of any pet waste
☐ Brush and wash pet(s)
☐ Wash and tidy up bowls
☐ Administer medication
☐ Other: ________________________________________________________________________
The care and services will be provided at ________________________________________ [Address].
- Pet Information. The care and services provided under this Agreement shall be for the following pet(s):
Name: ________________________
Age: ________________________
Gender: ☐ Male ☐ Female
Species/Breed: ______________________________________________________________________
Description (e.g. color): ________________________________________________________________
Health Conditions: ____________________________________________________________________
Behavior History: _____________________________________________________________________
Medication(s) (Name and Dosage): _______________________________________________________
Feeding Instructions: __________________________________________________________________
Name: ________________________
Age: ________________________
Gender: ☐ Male ☐ Female
Species/Breed: ______________________________________________________________________
Description (e.g. color): ________________________________________________________________
Health Conditions: ____________________________________________________________________
Behavior History: _____________________________________________________________________
Medication(s) (Name and Dosage): _______________________________________________________
Feeding Instructions: __________________________________________________________________
- Emergencies. If there is an emergency, Pet Sitter will make all reasonable efforts to first contact Pet Owner. If Pet Owner is unable to be contacted, Pet Sitter shall contact the following:
Full Name: ________________________
Address: ________________________________________
City, State, Zip Code: ________________________________________
Phone Number (H): ________________________
Phone Number (C): ________________________
Veterinarian Name: ________________________
Address: ________________________________________
City, State, Zip Code: ________________________________________
Phone Number: ________________________
In addition, Pet Owner authorizes Pet Sitter to seek and obtain medical attention and treatment as deemed necessary by a veterinarian.
- Injury and Indemnification. If the pet(s) described in Section 3 accidentally dies, becomes ill, injured, or lost, Pet Owner waives and releases Pet Sitter from any claim arising from such an incident. If the pet(s) bites or injures Pet Sitter, any other human or animal, Pet Owner will be responsible for any resulting injury. In addition, Pet Owner shall hold harmless and indemnify Pet Sitter against any and all costs, expenses, losses, liabilities and claims arising out of or relating to any acts of the pet(s) except if arising out of the negligence or intentional misconduct on the part of the Pet Sitter.
- Governing Law. The terms of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of _________________, not including its conflicts of law provisions.
- Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part, the remaining provisions shall not be affected and shall continue to be valid and enforceable as though the invalid or unenforceable parts had not been included in this Agreement.
- Entire Agreement and Amendment. This Agreement contains the entire understanding between the Parties and supersedes and cancels all prior agreements of the Parties. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written agreement signed by all the Parties.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and delivered as of the first date written above.
| Pet Owner Signature | Pet Owner Full Name |
| Pet Owner Signature | Pet Owner Full Name |
| Pet Sitter Signature | Pet Sitter Full Name |
| Pet Sitter Signature | Pet Sitter Full Name |
2. When Do I Need a Pet Sitting Contract?
You need this document whenever you ask someone to take care of your pet. Some pets may require special care and handling. Perhaps your dog dislikes the mailman? Maybe your cat gets upset if his litter box is not cleaned regularly? Does your pet get along with other animals? Perhaps your aging cat has arthritis or your senior dog needs extra attention?
A Pet Care Agreement provides Pet Owners and Pet Sitters a chance to share the little details so your pet receives the best care possible while you are away.
3. Consequences of Not Using a Pet Sitter Contract
Disagreements could arise if the Pet Sitter or Pet Owner only use informal or verbal promises and something unexpected happens to the pet.
The following preventable suffering for a Pet Owner can be resolved with this legal document:
- Lost Money
- Personal funds used to pay the vet for unexpected medical treatment
- Wasted funds for poor or inadequate pet sitting services
- Lost Time
- Need to return home early to properly care for your pet
- Need to personally accompany your pet to the vet
- Mental Anguish
- Unnecessary pain and suffering of your pet not being taken to the vet for medical attention sooner
- Damaged relationship with your family, friend, or Pet Sitter
If you are worried about your pet outliving you, name a future guardian for your pet in a Pet Protection Agreement and provide money to take care of your pet.
Who is responsible if the pet accidentally gets sick or bites someone?
The Pet Owner is usually responsible if the pet accidentally gets sick or bites someone when the Pet Sitter is not negligent or reckless. This document can answer difficult questions about who is legally responsible if something unexpected happens to the pet. For example, what happens if the pet accidentally passes away, gets sick, becomes injured, or is lost while the Pet Sitter is on duty? An indemnification clause can spell out these sticky details ahead of time.
Our free Pet Care Agreement protects the Pet Sitter if any of these unexpected situations arise:
- Your pet accidentally dies, gets sick, becomes injured, or gets lost
- Your pet bites or injures the Pet Sitter, another person, or another pet
- Any costs or liabilities caused by the pet unless the Pet Sitter was negligent or reckless
4. Common Pet Sitter Situations
Both Pet Owners and Pet Sitters use an Agreement whenever a pet is being taken care of as part of a paid service.
Here are some situations when the Agreement should be used:
| Pet | Pet Owner | Pet Sitter |
|---|---|---|
| elderly dog or cat | on vacation | running a business |
| medical condition | family emergency | part-time job |
| history of biting | in the hospital | making extra money |
| food allergies | out of town for work | trusted family, friend, or neighbor |
| special diet | long work hours |
5. What to Include in a Pet Sitter Contract
The form should answer these basic questions:
- Who will be the Pet Sitter and who owns the pet?
- Where will the Pet Sitter take care of the pet?
- When will the Pet Sitter be responsible for taking care of the pet
- What will the Pet Owner pay for the Pet Sitter’s services?
- How should the Pet be fed and how often should the Pet be walked?
What else should be included?
The agreement can further include the following details:
1. Location: Whether the pet will be taken care of at the Owner’s home or Sitter’s home
2. Pet Bio: Describe your pet, including any vaccines, health conditions or behavior history
3. Reimbursements: How, or in what cases the the sitter is reimbursed for any reasonable medical expenses incurred
4. Emergencies: How or when the Pet Sitter should contact the Pet Owner or vet if the fit hits the shan, and the pet is in need of medical treatment.
5. Medical Authorization: Whether the Pet Sitter is authorized to get medical treatment for the pet
6. Governing Law: Which State laws should apply if a problem arises