Do I need a contract for pet sitting?

A written agreement makes expectations clear on price, cancellations, vet care and access. Many sitters use one for every client. A local attorney can tell you what your area requires.

What should a pet sitting contract cover?

Services and schedule, fees and payment, cancellations, home access and keys, pet health and emergency vet authorization, liability and insurance, photo permission, and how either side ends service.

Can I get clients to sign online?

Yes. Many sitters send the agreement through their booking software or an e-signature tool. Ask your attorney whether e-signatures are fine for your agreement in your state.

Pet sitting contract template: free service agreement

Pet Sitting Service Agreement

Replace everything in [brackets] with your details. Delete any clause that does not fit your business.

This template is for general information only. It is not legal advice. Laws differ by state and city. Have a local attorney review it before you use it with clients.

1. Parties

This agreement is between [YOUR BUSINESS NAME] ("Sitter") and the client named below ("Client"), and covers pet care at the Client’s home.

Client name:

Client address:

Client phone:

Client email:

Pet names and species:

2. Services

Sitter will provide the services listed here: [drop-in visits / dog walks / overnight stays / other].

Each visit includes feeding, fresh water, potty breaks or litter care, play or walking as agreed, and any medication listed on the Client’s intake form.

Sitter will send a short update after each visit: [photo / text / report card].

Service dates:

Visit length:

Visits per day:

3. Fees and payment

Client agrees to pay the rates below. Rates for holidays, extra pets and visits outside normal hours are listed on Sitter’s rate sheet.

Payment is due [at booking / on the day of the visit / within X days of invoice] by [card / bank transfer / other].

Late payments may be charged [X%] after [X] days.

Rate per visit:

Additional pet fee:

Holiday fee:

Deposit (if any):

4. Cancellations and changes

Client will give at least [X hours] notice to cancel or change a visit.

Cancellations with less notice may be charged [X% of the visit fee].

Sitter may cancel for illness, severe weather or safety concerns and will tell Client as soon as possible and help find another sitter where possible.

5. Home access and keys

Client will provide keys, codes or other access and tell Sitter about alarms, locks and any home hazards.

Sitter will keep keys secure and will not copy them or share them. Keys will be returned or destroyed when service ends, as Client chooses.

Client will tell Sitter about any other people who may be at the home during service.

Access method:

Alarm code and instructions:

Where supplies are kept:

6. Pet health, behavior and emergencies

Client confirms their pets are up to date on vaccines required by law and by their veterinarian, and has told Sitter about any bites, aggression, escape habits, fears and medical conditions.

If a pet is sick or hurt, Sitter will try to reach Client and the emergency contact first.

If neither can be reached, Client authorizes Sitter to take the pet to the veterinarian named on the intake form, or to the nearest emergency clinic, and agrees to pay for the care.

Veterinarian name and phone:

Emergency clinic:

Maximum spend without calling first:

7. Risk, liability and insurance

Sitter will use reasonable care. Pets can be unpredictable, and Client understands that accidents, illness and escapes can happen even with good care.

Client is responsible for damage or injury caused by their pets, to the extent the law allows.

Sitter carries [liability insurance / bonding] with [PROVIDER]. [Edit or delete to match your coverage.]

8. Photos and privacy

Sitter may take photos and video of pets to send updates to Client.

Sitter may share photos on [social media / website] only if Client checks yes below. Sitter will not share home addresses, door codes or Client personal details.

Photo sharing allowed (yes / no):

9. Ending service

Either party may end this agreement with [X days] written notice. Client will pay for visits already completed or reserved inside the cancellation window.

10. Agreement

Both parties have read and agree to this agreement. It is governed by the laws of [YOUR STATE].

Client signature:

Date:

Sitter signature: