A Canadian Pet Sitting Contract is a legally binding agreement between a pet owner and a pet sitter (individual or business) that establishes the terms for temporary animal care services. The contract covers care instructions, feeding schedules, exercise requirements, medication administration, veterinary authorization, payment terms, and liability provisions. Pet sitting includes in-home pet sitting (at the owner's residence), pet boarding (at the sitter's location), daily drop-in visits, and dog walking services.

Pet sitters in Canada are subject to both federal and provincial animal welfare legislation. Sections 444 to 447 of the Criminal Code (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-46) constitute Canada's primary federal animal protection law, prohibiting anyone from causing unnecessary pain, suffering, or injury to an animal or from wilfully neglecting to provide adequate food, water, shelter, or care for an animal in their custody. These provisions apply to anyone with care, custody, or control of an animal, including pet sitters.

Provincial animal protection legislation provides additional standards. Ontario's Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019 (S.O. 2019, c. 13) imposes a statutory duty of care and authorizes inspectors to investigate complaints of animal distress. British Columbia's Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 372) empowers the BC SPCA to investigate and seize animals in distress. Alberta's Animal Protection Act (R.S.A. 2000, c. A-41) imposes specific standards for adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. Quebec's Animal Welfare and Safety Act (A-20.1) recognizes animals as sentient beings and imposes heightened welfare obligations.

A pet sitting contract is needed whenever a pet owner will be away from home and needs someone to care for their animal -- whether for a vacation, business trip, medical procedure, family emergency, or any extended absence. The contract protects both parties by documenting the exact care instructions, establishing the standard of care expected, defining payment terms, and allocating liability for potential injuries or incidents.

This contract is essential when the pet has medical conditions requiring medication administration, special dietary needs, or behavioural issues that the sitter must be aware of. The medication authorization clause is critically important -- a sitter who administers medication without written authorization from the owner may face liability if the pet has an adverse reaction. The veterinary authorization clause protects the sitter by confirming their authority to seek emergency treatment and specifying the spending limit.

The contract is needed for in-home pet sitting where the sitter will have access to the owner's home. The key access clause documents how entry is provided (physical key, lockbox code, smart lock), restricts the sitter's use of the premises to pet care activities only, and requires the return of keys within 24 hours of the service period ending. This clause also protects the owner's privacy under PIPEDA by restricting the sitter from sharing address and access information.

Professional pet sitters operating a business need this contract for every client engagement. It establishes the independent contractor relationship (distinguishing the sitter from an employee for CRA tax purposes), documents the pet's health history to limit liability, and provides a clear cancellation policy. Pet sitters who board animals at their own property should verify compliance with municipal zoning bylaws and noise regulations.

Pet information must include the animal's name, species, breed, age, weight, colour and distinguishing features, microchip or tag number, vaccination status, and any known medical conditions, allergies, or behavioural issues. The owner should disclose any history of aggression toward humans or other animals, as this affects the sitter's liability risk and insurance coverage.

Care instructions should be detailed and specific -- feeding schedule (exact amounts, times, and brand of food), exercise requirements (duration, frequency, leash or off-leash, restricted areas), grooming needs, and any special instructions (e.g., crate training schedule, separation anxiety management, interaction with other household pets). The more specific the instructions, the clearer the standard of care the sitter must meet.

Veterinary authorization must identify the pet's regular veterinarian and emergency veterinary hospital, specify the maximum amount the sitter may authorize without prior owner approval (typically CAD $200-$1,000), and confirm that the owner is responsible for all veterinary costs. The pet owner should provide proof of current vaccinations and any ongoing treatment plans.

Payment terms should specify the fee in Canadian dollars, fee structure (per visit, per day, per night, or flat rate), payment timing (prepaid, deposit plus balance, or upon completion), and the accepted payment method. Include cancellation provisions with a clear notice period -- typically 48 to 72 hours for a full refund, with a partial cancellation fee for shorter notice. If the sitter provides services at the owner's home, include a key access clause specifying the entry method and return timeline. Both parties must sign, and the governing law should reference the applicable Canadian province.