Pet Sitting Contract (New Zealand)

Under the Animal Welfare Act 1999, any person who is in charge of an animal — including a pet sitter — has a legal duty to meet the animal's physical, health, and behavioural needs. The 'Five Freedoms' framework underpins the Animal Welfare Act 1999 and requires that animals in care have: freedom from hunger and thirst (proper food and water); freedom from discomfort (appropriate environment and shelter); freedom from pain, injury, or disease (prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment); freedom to express normal behaviour (sufficient space and company of their own kind where relevant); and freedom from fear and distress (avoidance of mental suffering). A pet sitter who fails to meet these obligations can be prosecuted by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) for animal welfare offences under the Animal Welfare Act 1999, with penalties including fines of up to NZD $75,000 and imprisonment of up to 5 years for the most serious offences. Pet sitters should ensure they have adequate experience, facilities, and knowledge to care for the specific animals they accept, and should follow the pet owner's care instructions carefully.

Under New Zealand law, a pet sitter's liability if a pet is injured or dies while in their care depends on whether the pet sitter was negligent. Under the law of negligence (which forms part of the common law applying in New Zealand under the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017), a pet sitter owes a duty of care to the pet owner to take reasonable care of the pet. If the pet is injured or dies because the pet sitter failed to take reasonable care — for example, by leaving a gate open, not administering medication, or failing to seek timely veterinary treatment — the pet sitter may be liable to compensate the owner. In New Zealand, pets are treated as property at law, so the owner's recoverable losses are generally limited to the market value of the pet plus any reasonable veterinary costs. It is difficult (though not impossible) to recover compensation for emotional distress caused by loss of a pet. A well-drafted pet sitting contract should include: the pet sitter's obligations and standard of care; authorisation for emergency veterinary treatment; the limits of the pet sitter's liability; and insurance requirements. Pet sitters should consider carrying appropriate business liability insurance.

As of 2026, New Zealand does not have a specific licensing regime for pet sitters. Anyone can offer pet sitting services without a licence or certification. However, pet sitters operating as a business should: register their business with the Companies Office or Inland Revenue (IRD) as appropriate; comply with the Animal Welfare Act 1999 obligations for animals in their care; have appropriate business insurance, including public liability and animal care insurance; comply with any local council bylaws regarding the number of animals on residential properties and noise requirements; and comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 if they employ workers. Professional certification through organisations such as the New Zealand Pet Dog Trainers Association or similar bodies can demonstrate competence and enhance client trust, though it is not legally required. Pet sitters should also be aware of any local body restrictions — some residential zones have rules about the number of animals that can be kept or cared for on a property. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) oversees animal welfare compliance in New Zealand.

A thorough New Zealand pet sitting contract should include: the full details of the pet owner and pet sitter; a description of the pet(s) (species, breed, name, age, microchip number); the dates and times of the pet sitting service; the specific services to be provided (feeding, walking, medication, grooming); the pet's dietary requirements, exercise needs, and any medical conditions; emergency contacts including the owner's contact details and the name and contact details of the regular veterinarian; authorisation for the pet sitter to seek emergency veterinary treatment if the owner cannot be reached (and agreement on who bears the cost); the fee structure and payment terms; cancellation policy; liability provisions (consistent with the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 for consumer services); the pet sitter's obligations under the Animal Welfare Act 1999; and any house rules (if the pet sitter is looking after the pet at the owner's home). The contract should be signed by both parties before the service commences. Clear written instructions reduce misunderstandings and protect both parties.

A Pet Sitting Contract (New Zealand) does not legally require a lawyer in New Zealand, and individuals and businesses may draft and execute the document independently. The Companies Act 1993 does not mandate legal representation for the creation or signing of this type of document. However, seeking independent legal advice from a qualified New Zealand lawyer is recommended for transactions involving substantial financial value, complex regulatory requirements, or cross-border elements where multiple legal jurisdictions may apply. A lawyer can verify that the document complies with all applicable statutory requirements, identify potential risks specific to the transaction, and confirm that the terms adequately protect the interests of all parties involved. The High Court of New Zealand has jurisdiction over disputes arising from this type of document, and Companies Office may impose additional compliance obligations depending on the nature of the underlying transaction. Professional legal review is particularly advisable where the document will be submitted to government agencies or used as evidence in legal proceedings.