Pet Care Agreement (UK)
England & Wales
This Pet Care Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made on [Agreement Date] between:
[Owner Name], of [Owner Address], [Owner City], [Owner County], [Owner Postcode], England and Wales (“the Pet Owner”); and
[Carer Name], of [Carer Address], [Carer City], [Carer County], [Carer Postcode], England and Wales (“the Pet Carer”).
The Pet Owner and the Pet Carer are collectively referred to as the “Parties”.
BACKGROUND
The Pet Owner wishes to engage the Pet Carer to provide professional pet care services for the pet(s) described below, and the Pet Carer agrees to provide those services on the terms set out in this Agreement.
1. PET DETAILS
1.1 The pet to be cared for under this Agreement is as follows:
Name: [Pet Name]
Species and Breed: [Pet Species and Breed]
Age: [Pet Age]
Description: [Pet Description]
Microchip Number: [Microchip Number]
1.2 Where more than one pet is to be cared for, the Pet Owner and Pet Carer shall attach a schedule identifying each additional pet with the same details set out in clause 1.1.
2. SERVICES
2.1 The Pet Carer agrees to provide the following pet care services (the “Services”): [Care Type]. [Services Description].
2.2 The Services shall be provided [Service Location].
2.3 The Services shall be provided for the period commencing on [Service Start Date] and ending on [Service End Date], in accordance with the following schedule: [Service Schedule].
2.4 The Pet Carer shall carry out the Services with reasonable care and skill, in compliance with the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and all other applicable legislation, and in accordance with any reasonable instructions given by the Pet Owner.
2.5 The Pet Carer shall provide the pet with adequate food, fresh water, exercise, companionship, and appropriate shelter in accordance with the pet’s welfare needs and the dietary instructions set out in clause 5 of this Agreement.
2.6 The Pet Carer shall not delegate or subcontract the provision of the Services to any other person without the prior written consent of the Pet Owner.
3. FEES AND PAYMENT
3.1 In consideration of the Services, the Pet Owner shall pay the Pet Carer the sum of [Fee Amount] ([Fee Structure]).
3.2 Payment shall be made [Payment Due] by [Payment Method].
3.3 All fees are stated in pounds sterling (£). Any amount not paid by the date on which it falls due shall bear interest at the statutory rate under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, from the due date until the date of actual payment.
3.4 The Pet Owner shall also reimburse the Pet Carer for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses expressly authorised in advance by the Pet Owner, including emergency veterinary expenditure authorised under clause 7 of this Agreement.
4. CANCELLATION
4.1 Either Party may cancel this Agreement by giving not less than [Cancellation Notice Days] calendar days’ written notice to the other Party.
4.2 If the Pet Owner cancels within [Cancellation Notice Days] calendar days of the service commencement date, the Pet Owner shall pay [Cancellation Fee] as a cancellation charge, which represents a genuine pre-estimate of the Pet Carer’s losses arising from the late cancellation.
4.3 If the Pet Carer is unable to fulfil the Agreement due to illness, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances, the Pet Carer shall notify the Pet Owner as soon as reasonably practicable, shall use reasonable endeavours to suggest a suitably qualified alternative carer, and shall refund any fees paid in advance for the period not performed.
5. PET HEALTH, DIET AND BEHAVIOUR
5.1 The Pet Owner warrants that the pet is in good health and fit to undergo the Services, and that the following health information disclosed is accurate and complete: [Health Conditions].
5.2 The Pet Owner discloses the following behavioural characteristics: [Behavioural Notes].
5.3 The pet’s feeding and dietary instructions are as follows: [Dietary Instructions].
5.4 The Pet Owner shall supply all necessary food, leads, collars, medications, bedding, and accessories required for the care of the pet during the service period.
5.5 The Pet Carer shall promptly notify the Pet Owner of any change in the pet’s health, any accident, or any incident involving the pet during the service period.
6. WELFARE OBLIGATIONS — ANIMAL WELFARE ACT 2006
6.1 The Pet Carer acknowledges the duty of care imposed by section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and confirms that the pet shall be provided with:
- a suitable environment in which to live and rest;
- a suitable diet, including fresh water, in accordance with the instructions provided by the Pet Owner;
- the opportunity to exhibit normal behaviour patterns;
- appropriate company or the ability to be kept apart from other animals as required; and
- protection from pain, suffering, injury, and disease.
6.2 The Pet Carer shall not use any punishment, aversive technique, or device that is likely to cause the pet unnecessary pain, suffering, or distress.
6.3 If the Pet Carer reasonably believes the pet has or may have a contagious condition, the Pet Carer shall immediately isolate the pet to the extent practicable and contact the Pet Owner and the registered veterinary practice without delay.
6.4 Where the Services are provided at the Pet Carer’s home and other animals are also present, the Pet Carer shall ensure that the pet is kept separate from any other animals unless and until the Pet Owner has given written consent to interaction.
7. VETERINARY CARE AUTHORISATION
7.1 The pet’s registered veterinary practice is: [Vet Name], [Vet Address and Phone].
7.2 The Pet Owner authorises the Pet Carer to seek emergency veterinary treatment from the registered practice (or, if unavailable, the nearest available emergency veterinary practice) where the Pet Carer reasonably considers that immediate veterinary attention is necessary to prevent the pet from suffering, and the Pet Owner and the emergency contact cannot be reached after reasonable attempts.
7.3 The Pet Carer is authorised to approve emergency veterinary expenditure of up to [Vet Expense Limit] without prior consent from the Pet Owner. Any expenditure above this limit requires the prior verbal or written consent of the Pet Owner or the emergency contact before treatment is authorised, unless withholding treatment would cause the pet unnecessary suffering.
7.4 The Pet Owner shall be liable for all veterinary fees incurred in connection with the pet during the service period, including any emergency treatment authorised under this clause. The Pet Carer shall provide the Pet Owner with receipts and records of all veterinary expenditure as soon as reasonably practicable.
7.5 Emergency contact details: [Emergency Contact Name] ([Emergency Contact Relationship]), Tel: [Emergency Contact Phone].
8. INSURANCE
9. LIABILITY AND INDEMNITY
9.1 The Pet Carer shall take all reasonable care of the pet and shall exercise the care and skill of a competent, professional pet carer. The Pet Carer shall not be liable for any illness, injury, loss, or death of the pet arising from:
- a pre-existing health condition not disclosed by the Pet Owner prior to the commencement of the Services;
- the pet escaping due to defective equipment (such as leads, collars, or enclosures) not supplied by the Pet Carer; or
- events beyond the Pet Carer’s reasonable control.
9.2 The Pet Owner shall indemnify the Pet Carer against any loss, damage, cost, or liability (including reasonable legal fees) arising from any injury, loss, or damage caused by the pet to the Pet Carer, any third party, or any third-party property during the service period, except where such injury, loss, or damage is caused by the Pet Carer’s negligence or wilful default.
9.3 Nothing in this Agreement shall exclude or limit either Party’s liability for: (a) death or personal injury caused by that Party’s negligence; (b) fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation; or (c) any other liability that cannot be lawfully excluded or limited, including under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
9.4 Subject to clause 9.3, the Pet Carer’s total aggregate liability to the Pet Owner arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall not exceed the total fees paid by the Pet Owner under this Agreement.
10. KEY HOLDER AND HOME ACCESS
10.1 Where the Services are to be provided at the Pet Owner’s home, the Pet Owner shall provide the Pet Carer with appropriate means of access (keys, access codes, or other entry arrangements). Keys and access codes shall be used solely for the purpose of providing the Services.
10.2 The Pet Carer agrees to keep the Pet Owner’s property secure at all times, to report any security concerns to the Pet Owner promptly, and to return all keys and access materials to the Pet Owner on the last day of the service period or on earlier termination of this Agreement.
10.3 The Pet Carer shall not permit any person other than those expressly authorised by the Pet Owner to enter the Pet Owner’s property during the service period.
11. DATA PROTECTION
11.1 Each Party shall handle personal data shared under this Agreement in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Personal data (including name, address, telephone number, and email) will be used solely for the purpose of administering and performing the Services and will not be shared with any third party without consent, except where required by law.
12. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION
12.1 This Agreement and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with it (including non-contractual disputes or claims) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
12.2 The Parties irrevocably agree that the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with this Agreement.
13. GENERAL
13.1 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties in relation to the pet care services and supersedes all prior discussions, correspondence, and agreements.
13.2 Amendments. No variation of this Agreement shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by both Parties.
13.3 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
13.4 Third Party Rights. A person who is not a party to this Agreement shall have no rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of this Agreement.
13.5 Notices. Any notice under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered by email or by first-class post to the address of the receiving Party set out in this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have entered into this Pet Care Agreement on the date first written above.
PET OWNER
Full name: [Owner Name]
Address: [Owner Address], [Owner City], [Owner County], [Owner Postcode]
Telephone: [Owner Phone]
Email: [Owner Email]
PET CARER
Full name: [Carer Name]
Address: [Carer Address], [Carer City], [Carer County], [Carer Postcode]
Telephone: [Carer Phone]
Email: [Carer Email]
Pet Owner
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
Pet Carer
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
What Is a Pet Care Agreement (UK)?
A Pet Care Agreement in the United Kingdom sets the services to be provided, the fees, the timetable, and each side's responsibilities for the engagement, and is shaped by the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
The primary piece of legislation governing the welfare of animals in the care of another person in England and Wales is the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Section 9 of the Act places a positive duty on any person who takes responsibility for an animal — including a professional pet carer — to take all reasonable steps to meet the five welfare needs of the animal: a suitable environment, an appropriate diet, the ability to exhibit normal behaviour patterns, appropriate social interaction with other animals, and protection from pain, suffering, injury, and disease. A written agreement that documents the carer’s welfare obligations provides evidence of their awareness and discharge of these statutory duties.
Where a pet carer provides overnight boarding at their own home as a commercial activity, a local authority licence is required under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018. The licensing regime, which replaced the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963, assesses welfare standards and issues star ratings. Non-residential services such as dog walking and day-time care at the owner’s home are generally exempt from the licensing requirement, but carers should confirm their position with the local authority.
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 applies where a pet carer provides services in the course of a business to a consumer. The Act implies into every consumer services contract a requirement that the service be performed with reasonable care and skill (section 49), and renders unfair terms unenforceable (section 62). Liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence cannot be excluded (section 65).
Liability for injuries caused by the pet to third parties during the care period is governed by the Animals Act 1971. The pet carer, as temporary keeper of the animal, may bear strict liability for certain injuries. Public liability insurance is essential for professional carers.
The UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 govern the processing of personal data exchanged between the parties. A well-drafted agreement should include a data protection clause confirming that personal data will be used only for the purpose of delivering the agreed services.
When Do You Need a Pet Care Agreement (UK)?
A formal written Pet Care Agreement should be entered into whenever a professional pet carer in England or Wales is engaged to provide any paid pet care service, regardless of the duration or nature of the engagement. The following are the most common situations in which such an agreement is essential.
When a pet owner is going on holiday, a business trip, or an extended period away from home and needs a professional to provide daily care, feeding, dog walking, or overnight boarding for their dog, cat, rabbit, or other animal, a written agreement protects both parties and documents the full scope of the services that will be delivered.
When a professional dog walker or pet carer is building a client base and needs a standard-form agreement that clearly sets out the services offered, the fee schedule, the cancellation policy, and the limits of their liability — particularly important when the carer holds a local authority licence and is required to maintain written records of client engagements.
When the pet has known health conditions requiring medication administration, special dietary management, or particular handling protocols, and both parties need a written record of those requirements so that the carer cannot be held responsible for undisclosed conditions.
When the service involves the carer entering and staying at the pet owner’s home and holding a key or access code, making it important to document the terms of that access, the carer’s obligation to maintain the security of the property, and the return of keys on completion.
When the pet owner’s pet insurance policy requires documentary evidence that the animal was in the care of a named individual for a defined period, particularly for the purpose of making veterinary claims arising during the care period.
When peak-period bookings are taken — for Christmas, Easter, school holidays, or summer — and the carer needs a cancellation fee provision to protect against revenue loss from last-minute cancellations.
When the carer’s public liability insurance provider requires written client agreements to be in place as a condition of coverage, or when the carer wishes to demonstrate professionalism and compliance with the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to prospective clients.
What to Include in Your Pet Care Agreement (UK)
Parties and Pet Details — Identify the pet owner and the pet carer by their full legal names, street addresses (including postcode), telephone numbers, and email addresses. Record thorough details of the pet to be cared for: name, species, breed, approximate age, colour and distinguishing features, and microchip number. Under the Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015, all dogs must be microchipped and registered; confirming the microchip number in the agreement assists recovery in the event the pet becomes lost during the care period.
Scope of Services — Define the services with specificity. State whether the engagement covers dog walking, feeding, day-time supervision, overnight home boarding, medication administration, grooming, or a combination. Specify whether services will be performed at the owner’s home, the carer’s home, or both. Vague service descriptions create the potential for disputes; clear definitions of what is and is not included protect both parties.
Service Period and Schedule — State the start and end dates of the engagement and the daily schedule, including visit times and duration. If the service is ongoing rather than for a fixed period, set out the notice provisions for bringing the arrangement to an end.
Fees and Payment Terms — State the fee clearly as a fixed total, a daily rate, or an hourly rate, specifying whether it is inclusive or exclusive of expenses such as pet food or grooming products. Set out when payment is due and the accepted payment methods. Reference the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 so the owner is aware that statutory interest applies to overdue sums.
Pet Health and Dietary Instructions — Require the owner to disclose all known health conditions, medications, allergies, and feeding requirements before the service begins. Undisclosed conditions that cause harm to third parties or other animals in the carer’s care may expose the owner to civil liability. Confirming the pet’s vaccination status is important where the carer also looks after other animals.
Veterinary Authorisation — Name the registered veterinary practice, provide its address and telephone number, and specify the financial limit up to which the carer may authorise emergency treatment without prior consent. An emergency contact clause confirms that the carer can always reach a person with authority to approve veterinary expenditure if the owner is unreachable.
Animal Welfare Act 2006 Compliance — Include an explicit acknowledgment of the carer’s obligations under section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and list the five welfare needs the carer will meet. This demonstrates statutory awareness and provides the owner with assurance about the standard of care.
Liability and Limitation — Exclude the carer’s liability for loss arising from undisclosed pre-existing health conditions or owner-supplied equipment. Require the owner to indemnify the carer against third-party claims caused by the pet. Cap the carer’s liability at the total fees paid, subject always to the mandatory exceptions under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (no exclusion of liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence).
Key Holder and Security — Where the carer will access the owner’s home, document the access arrangements and the carer’s obligation to maintain the security of the property and return keys on completion.
Cancellation Policy — Specify the notice period required to cancel and the cancellation fee payable for late cancellation. A genuine pre-estimate of losses provision confirms that the cancellation fee is enforceable as a liquidated damages clause rather than an unenforceable penalty under Cavendish Square Holding BV v Makdessi [2015] UKSC 67.
Under the Companies Act 2006, Companies House maintains the register of UK companies. Section 386 of the Companies Act 2006 sets accounting record obligations. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) enforces the Consumer Rights Act 2015. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates financial services under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. The High Court of Justice has jurisdiction under the Senior Courts Act 1981. The forms-legal.com Pet Care Agreement (UK) template covers the mandatory elements under Animal Welfare Act 2006.
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Forms Legal. (2026). Pet Care Agreement (UK) (United Kingdom) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/uk/business/contracts/pet-care-agreement-uk
"Pet Care Agreement (UK) (United Kingdom)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/uk/business/contracts/pet-care-agreement-uk.
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title = {Pet Care Agreement (UK) (United Kingdom)},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/uk/business/contracts/pet-care-agreement-uk}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on Animal Welfare Act 2006}
}Also available for these jurisdictions:
Frequently Asked Questions
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 imposes a positive duty of care on any person who takes responsibility for an animal, including a professional pet carer. Section 9 of the Act requires that person to take all reasonable steps to meet the five welfare needs of the animal in their care: the need for a suitable environment; the need for a suitable diet; the need to exhibit normal behaviour patterns; the need to be housed with, or apart from, other animals as appropriate to the species; and the need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury, and disease. A pet carer who fails to meet these standards may be guilty of a criminal offence under section 9, even if the animal does not actually suffer. The Act also makes it a criminal offence under section 4 to cause unnecessary suffering to an animal. Both offences can result in an unlimited fine, a community order, or up to five years’ imprisonment.
Yes, in most cases. The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 (SI 2018/486) require any person who provides home boarding for dogs as a commercial activity — that is, caring for other people’s dogs overnight at the carer’s own home — to hold a licence from the local authority. The 2018 Regulations replaced the older Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963 and introduced a star-rating system that assesses welfare standards. Dog walkers who collect and return dogs to their owner’s home without overnight boarding are generally not required to hold a licence, but carers should confirm their position with the relevant local authority. Unlicensed provision of licensable activities is a criminal offence. Professional carers should confirm they obtain the appropriate licence and display their licence number in client agreements.
Liability for animal-related injuries in England and Wales is primarily governed by the Animals Act 1971. Section 2 of the Act provides that the ‘keeper’ of an animal of a non-dangerous species (such as a domestic dog) is liable for damage caused by that animal if the damage was of a kind the animal was likely to cause unless restrained, or was likely to be severe if caused, and the characteristic was known to the keeper. During a professional care engagement, the pet carer typically becomes the temporary ‘keeper’ of the animal for the purposes of the Act and may therefore bear strict liability for injuries caused to third parties. The carer may also face liability in negligence under general common law principles if they fail to exercise reasonable care in controlling the animal. Public liability insurance is strongly recommended for this reason. The Animals Act 1971 also preserves the common law liability of the animal’s owner for injuries caused by the animal’s known dangerous propensities.
Yes. Under the Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/108), all dogs kept in England must be implanted with a microchip and registered on a compliant database before they reach the age of eight weeks. A pet carer who takes custody of a dog should check that it is microchipped, particularly for outdoor activities such as dog walking where the risk of the animal becoming lost is higher. If a microchipped dog becomes lost while in the carer’s care, the registered keeper details on the database will identify the owner, which aids recovery. The 2015 Regulations place responsibility for ensuring microchipping on the owner of the dog, not the carer. However, a carer who discovers that a dog in their care is not microchipped should notify the owner immediately, as keeping an un-microchipped dog is a criminal offence carrying a penalty of up to £500.
A pet carer who provides services in the course of a business to a consumer pet owner is subject to the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Under section 65 of the Act, a trader cannot exclude or restrict liability for death or personal injury caused by the trader’s negligence. Under section 62, any term in a consumer contract that creates a significant imbalance in the parties’ rights and obligations to the detriment of the consumer and is not transparent and prominent may be found to be unfair and unenforceable. A limitation of liability clause that caps the carer’s liability at the total fees paid is likely to be enforceable if it is brought clearly to the consumer’s attention before the contract is entered into. However, carers should be aware that the Consumer Rights Act 2015 also implies into every consumer services contract a term that the service will be performed with reasonable care and skill (section 49), that the service will be performed within a reasonable time (section 52), and that the service will be provided at a reasonable price where no price is agreed in advance (section 51). These implied terms cannot be excluded.
Before handing over care of a pet, the owner should provide the carer with full and accurate information covering: the pet’s feeding routine, portion sizes, and any dietary restrictions or allergies; all known health conditions, including any chronic illness, mobility issues, or sensory impairments; all medications the pet currently takes, including dosage, frequency, and any side effects to watch for; the pet’s behavioural characteristics, including any aggression, fear responses, or tendencies to escape; the name, address, and telephone number of the pet’s registered veterinary practice; confirmation of whether the pet is vaccinated, microchipped, neutered, and insured; and the name and telephone number of an emergency contact who can authorise veterinary expenditure if the owner is unreachable. Withholding or misrepresenting material information — particularly health information — that results in harm to the carer, third parties, or the pet itself may expose the owner to civil liability for the resulting losses.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.Full disclaimer
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