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Pet Sitting Contract Template

Updated August 26, 2025

Care with Confidence: Customize pet sitting contracts to define services, outline expectations, and ensure a seamless experience for pet owners.

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A Pet Sitting Contract is an agreement between a pet owner and a sitter that outlines care expectations such as feeding routines, medications, pet quirks, service dates, payment terms, emergency contacts, access arrangements, liability provisions, key access, and cancellation policies.
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Looking after someone's fur baby is a big deal! And no, it's not just about hanging out with a cute animal for a few hours. It's about building trust, keeping the pet safe, and providing the best possible care. This is where a pet sitting contract comes in handy. It's like a safety net that helps pet owners and sitters get on the same page. 

Whether you're a pet parent or a pet sitter, getting familiar with pet-sitting contracts can make the whole experience more enjoyable. So, let's dive in and explore why they're so important!

What is a Pet Sitting Contract?

Think of a pet-sitting contract as a guide to a worry-free pet-sitting experience. It's an agreement between the pet owner and the pet sitter that lays out all the important stuff:

  • What's expected of the pet sitter (and vice versa!)
  • The pet's special needs and care instructions: Any allergies, medications, or quirks
  • The duration: How long the pet-sitting fun will last
  • Payment details (so everything's transparent)

With a contract in place, the pet owner and pet sitter are in sync, knowing exactly what's expected from each other. It's like a weight off your shoulders.

Examples of When Someone Might Need a Pet Sitting Contract

Fellow pet lovers, if you're wondering if you need a pet-sitting contract, here are a few situations where it's a must-have:

  • Vacation Mode: Heading out on a trip and leaving your fur babies behind? A contract lets your trusted pet sitter know exactly what to do, from feeding and walking to giving meds.
  • Long Days at Work: Got a demanding job and worried about your pet's daytime care and companionship? A contract spells out the sitter's schedule and duties, so you can focus on work, knowing your pet's covered!

  • Emergency Situations: Life can be unpredictable! If you need to leave town suddenly, a contract can help you outline a plan for your pet's care.

  • Pet Sitting Business: Are you a pet-sitting pro? A contract can be your best friend! It makes sure everyone knows what to expect, keeps your services consistent, and keeps your business safe.

  • Special Care Needs: If your pet has medical conditions or special dietary needs, a contract makes sure the sitter follows your instructions to the letter!

These situations highlight how important a pet sitting contract is for pet owners and sitters. It helps make sure that your furry, feathered, or scaly friends get the best care possible!

Important Things to Remember as a Pet Owner

If you're about to hand over the reins of your furry friend's care, a pet sitting contract ensures your pet gets the royal treatment.

Here's a quick guide to help you draft the perfect contract:

  • Detail Your Pet’s Needs: Share your pet's daily routine, including feeding times, walks, playtime, and medication needs. Think of it like a blueprint for your pet's perfect day! For example, if Fido needs walks twice a day and eats 200 grams of slightly warmed ground beef at breakfast, lunch, and dinner (lucky Fido!), clearly mention this in the contract.
  • Emergency Contacts: Provide the pet sitter with your vet's details and a trusted sidekick (friend or family member) who can jump in if needed.
  • Behavioral Issues: If your pet has any quirks, like anxiety or furry frenemies, give the sitter the lowdown so they can handle it like a pro!
  • House Rules: If there are off-limits zones in your home or rules for your pet, include them in the contract. 
  • Access All Areas: Sort out how the sitter will get in and out of your home (keys, codes, etc.) and what they need to do to keep your place secure.
  • Payment Terms: Clearly outline the payment plan, including how much, when, and how. And if you want daily pup-date photos, add that in too!

By covering these essential bases, you'll be sure your pet sitting contract is purr-fectly tailored to your pet's needs!

Important Things to Consider as a Pet Sitter

If you're a pet sitter, a contract is just as important for you as it is for pet owners. Here's what you need to keep in mind when drafting or agreeing to a contract:

  • What Services Are Included? Define what services you're offering, like feeding, walking, or playtime. If you'll be doing anything extra, like bringing in mail or watering plants, make sure it's included in the contract.
  • Be Prepared for Emergencies: Agree on what to do if something goes wrong, whether it's a medical emergency or a problem with the house.
  • Liability and Insurance: Discuss who's responsible for any accidents or damage while you're pet sitting.
  • Access and Security: Make sure you know how to get in and out of the house and what to do with the keys or codes afterward.
  • Stay in Touch: Decide how often you'll update the pet owner (text, email, phone). Some like daily updates, while others just want to hear if there's a problem.
  • Cancellations:Include a cancellation policy in your contract to avoid last-minute surprises.
    • Give 'Em a Heads Up: Require advanced notice for cancellations (e.g., 24-48 hours).
    • Don't Get Burned: Include any cancellation fees or charges for those last-minute bailouts.
    • Have a Plan: Outline what happens if the owner cancels at the last minute (e.g., keeping a deposit or charging for missed visits).

Important Terms of a Pet Sitting Contract

Ready to hire or become a pet sitter? A contract can make all the difference. Here are the must-haves to get you started:

  • Service Dates and Times: Get specific! Clearly outline when the pet-sitting happens, including start and end dates and times. No room for misunderstandings here!
  • Pet Care Instructions: Your pet's special needs matter! Provide detailed instructions on feeding schedules, medication, exercise routines, and special care requirements. 
  • Payment Details: Let's talk turkey! Include the total fee, payment method, and schedule. Will it be upfront, after the service, or in installments? Keep it transparent!
  • Liability Clause: Accidents can happen, so be clear on who's responsible. Outline the terms for injuries or damages that might occur while the sitter is in charge.
  • Emergency Protocols: Hope for the best, plan for the worst! Include instructions on what to do in an emergency involving your pet. Better safe than sorry!
  • Cancellation Policy: Life happens, and plans change! Lay down clear terms for canceling the service, including fees or notice periods. 

By including these essential terms in your pet-sitting contract, you'll set yourself up for a worry-free experience that equals happy pets and sitters!

The Problems with Paper Contracts

Let's face it: paper contracts have been the norm for ages, but they're a hassle! Here are just a few reasons why:

  • Inconvenience: One downside of paper contracts is that they need real signatures, which can take time if the people involved are in different places.
  • Cluttered Record Keeping: Storing paper contracts is a chore. They're easily lost, damaged, or misplaced. Looking through paper files can be like searching for a needle in a haystack!
  • Hard to Access: Paper contracts can be a real drag! To review one, you need the physical copy. It's not always convenient, especially if you're on the go.
  • Environmental Impact: Printing and storing paper contracts adds to paper waste and harms the environment. It's time to go green with digital contracts!
  • Updating Issues: Need to make changes to a paper contract? Get ready for a frustrating cycle of reprinting and resigning, which can slow down the whole process.

Why Butterscotch is the Best for Your Pet Sitting Contracts

Tired of dealing with paper contracts? Butterscotch makes managing your pet sitting contracts a breeze! Here's why it's the ultimate pet sitter tool:

  • E-Signatures Made Easy: Send contracts via email and get them signed online in a flash. No more waiting for snail mail!
  • Organize Your Contracts: All your contracts are stored securely online, so you can access them anytime, anywhere. No more lost or disorganized paperwork.
  • Customizable Templates: Butterscotch’s pre-made templates make creating contracts a cinch. Just add your branding, adjust terms, and send it off.
  • Quick and Easy: Sign up for Butterscotch, customize your template, and send it for signatures in minutes. Track the status of each contract in real time.

Want to give your pet the best care possible? Butterscotch streamlines the pet sitting process, making it faster, easier, and more secure. Sign up today to start managing your contracts effortlessly. Don't leave your pet's care to chance, and use Butterscotch today!

  • Petting Sitting Contract

    Jim Clark Co
  • Pet Sitting Contract 

    Jim Clark Co.


    agreement

    This Pet Sitting Contract ("Agreement") is made and entered into on , by and between:


    Pet Owner (legal name): 

    Address: 

    Phone:  Email: 


    Pet Sitter (full legal name): 

    Phone:  Email: 


    Service Schedule & Location

    Pet sitting services will be provided at . The services will begin on date:  and end on date: , unless earlier terminated.


    The pet sitting services will be provided according to the following schedule (e.g., specify hours): 

    .


    Location Access & Security

    Grant of permission for Pet Sitter to access property:  Yes

    Access method (keys/codes/lockbox): 

    Alarm/garage/gate instructions: 

    Special entry/exit notes & securing pets/home: 

    .


    Pet Information

    Pet 1 Name:  Age:  Sex:  

    Species:  Breed: 

    Color(s):  ID #/Microchip Details:  

    Last Rabies Shot:  Rabies Tag: 

    Medical Conditions/Allergies: 

    

    Behavior/Personality Notes: 

    


    Pet Owner affirms each listed pet has a current Rabies shot. Initials: 


    Pet Care

    Sitter will provide the following pet care services according to the schedules and requirements of the Client.


    Feeding. Sitter will feed and provide water to pet(s) according to the following diet and schedule:

    

    

    . Medications. Pet Sitter will provide medications and will monitor the pet(s) for any signs of illness or discomfort. The medication dosage and schedule is as follows: 

    

    . Exercise. Sitter will provide playtime activities or walks  at least  daily for a duration of  minutes. Cleaning and Waste Disposal. The Pet Sitter will clean up after the pet(s), including waste disposal and litter box cleaning if applicable. Other Care. Additional services to be provided include: 

    

    


    Home Expectations, Transportation & Pet Equipment

    Transportation of the pet(s)  is not permitted /  is permitted by Owner. Sitter may transport the pet(s) for  reasons. Transportation expenses will be covered by  Owner /  Sitter. The crate, leash, for the pet(s) will be provided by the  Owner /  Sitter.


    Overnights at the Owner's home  allowed. Guests  allowed at Owner's home.


    Veterinary & Emergencies

    In an emergency, Sitter will use commercially reasonable efforts to contact Owner.

    • Primary Veterinarian (name/phone/address):  
    • Preferred ER Clinic (if different): 
    • Treatment authorization up to (USD): $  per incident (beyond this, seek owner approval if feasible). The Owner remains responsible for all emergency medical costs.


    • Emergency Contacts:
    • Primary (Name):  Phone: 
    • Secondary (Name)  Phone 


    Supplies & Purchases

    Client-supplied items on hand (food, meds, litter, bags): 

    If supplies run out:  Sitter may purchase and be reimbursed /  Call client first

    Reimbursement method: 


    Fees & Payments

    • Base rate / visit or day: $ Overnight (if applicable): $
    • Holiday rate (dates or %):  
    • Extra pet fee (if any): $
    • Payment schedule:  Per visit  Weekly  End of service term — Due by: 
    • Accepted payment methods: 


    Payments not received within  days of the due date shall incur a late charge of %.


    Time-Off & Backup Coverage

    Sitter time off/sick days handled by:  Sitter arranges (subject to client approval)  Client will arrange. Sitter will inform Client within  days for planned time off.

    Backup contact (if known): 


    Compliance & Insurance

    Sitter will maintain all necessary licenses and permits to legally provide pet sitting services.

    Licensing/compliance (if applicable): 

    Sitter insurance (type/limits if applicable): 


    Terms & Conditions

    1. Services and scope. The pet sitter will provide reasonable and customary in-home pet care as outlined in the completed form above, including feeding, fresh water, litter/waste cleanup, exercise/play consistent with the pet’s abilities, medication administration per written instructions, basic home-care tasks incidental to pet care (lights/shades, mail/packages, indoor plants as agreed), and prompt status updates as reasonably requested.
    2. Property access and security. The client grants permission to access and secure the property using the keys/codes provided and agrees the sitter may use a lockbox solely for the engagement. The sitter will lock doors, arm systems per the instructions, and take reasonable measures to prevent escape or injury. The client confirms all enclosures, fences, leashes, harnesses, and equipment are safe and in good working order.
    3. Home expectations. Unless overnight care is expressly agreed, sitter’s presence is limited to visit windows. No third-party guests are permitted without the client’s advance consent. The sitter is not responsible for property maintenance unrelated to pet care (e.g., appliances/HVAC/landscaping) but will notify the client of material concerns observed.
    4. Transportation. If the client has authorized transportation, pets will travel only with appropriate restraints (crate, carrier, seat belt, barrier) and in compliance with applicable laws. The client will provide required equipment or consent to sitter-provided equipment.
    5. Emergencies and veterinary care. If a pet appears ill or injured, the sitter will make reasonable efforts to contact the client and the emergency contact. If unreachable and delay risks harm, the sitter may obtain veterinary care at the designated clinic or the nearest appropriate facility. The client authorizes treatment up to the stated cap above and agrees to be fully responsible for all veterinary and related costs, including transport. The sitter is not liable for outcomes of veterinary decisions.
    6. Supplies and purchases. The client will supply adequate food, medications, and materials for the engagement. If supplies are depleted and purchase authority is granted above, the sitter may procure reasonable quantities and seek reimbursement with receipts. Mileage or delivery fees may be billed at a reasonable rate if noted in the fee schedule.
    7. Payment, holidays, and changes. Fees, surcharges, and holiday rates are as stated in the form. Invoices are due as indicated; late payments may incur the late fee. Material schedule or scope changes should be requested in writing and may adjust fees. Additional time on site (e.g., emergency cleanup, severe weather) may be billed at the applicable rate.
    8. Vacations, sick days, and backup. The sitter will give reasonable notice of planned time off and will either arrange a qualified backup subject to the client’s approval or defer to the client to arrange care, as selected in the form. The sitter remains responsible for communicating coverage details and handoff of care notes when the sitter arranges backup.
    9. Licensing, compliance, and insurance. Each party will comply with applicable laws and regulations. Where indicated above, the sitter will maintain the listed insurance and provide proof upon request. This agreement does not create an employer-employee relationship; the sitter is an independent contractor responsible for their own taxes and benefits.
    10. Health and risk acknowledgment. The client represents the pets are current on required vaccinations and discloses any bite history, aggressive tendencies, or conditions that could pose risk. The client understands animal care involves inherent risks and agrees the sitter is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the sitter’s aggregate liability is limited to the total fees paid for the services at issue.
    11. Cancellations and termination. Either party may cancel future services without cause by giving reasonable written notice within  days. A good-faith cancellation policy may apply for peak dates or holidays (e.g., forfeiture of a portion of scheduled fees). Either party may terminate immediately for material breach or unsafe conditions.
    12. Amendments. Changes to this agreement are effective only if made in a signed writing (email with explicit assent is acceptable). Routine scheduling adjustments confirmed in writing are binding for the affected visits.
    13. Dispute resolution and governing law. The parties will first attempt good-faith negotiation, then non-binding mediation. If unresolved, the parties agree to submit the dispute to  Binding arbitration administered under the rules of  in ;  Litigation courts located in . Governing Law: This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of  (conflicts rules excluded). Either party may seek temporary injunctive relief to protect safety or property.
    14. Notices and confidentiality. Notices may be sent to the contacts listed above by text/email confirmed receipt or by courier. The sitter will keep client personal information, access codes, and non-public details confidential and use them only for providing services.
    15. Entire agreement; severability; e-sign. This document (with any written addenda/messages confirming dates and rates) is the entire agreement. If any provision is unenforceable, it will be limited to the minimum extent necessary; the rest remains effective. Electronic and counterpart signatures are valid.
    Participants
    • Pet Owner
      John Doe
      123 Main St
      New York, Ny 10012
      (212) 555-1212
    • Pet Sitter
      Jim Clark
      3445 Ravenwood Dr
      College Park, GA 30349
      (404) 763-3294
    Signatures
    • Click to sign
      John Doe
    • Click to sign
      Jim Clark
  • Just edit, sign & send
  • ESIGN Act
  • UETA Act
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