Pet Sitting Contract (UK)
PET SITTING CONTRACT
This Pet Sitting Contract (the "Contract") is entered into on [Agreement Date] between:
PET SITTER: [Sitter Name], of [Sitter Address], telephone: [Sitter Phone] (the "Sitter"); and
PET OWNER: [Owner Name], of [Owner Address], telephone: [Owner Phone] (the "Owner").
Emergency contact (if Owner unavailable): [Emergency Contact]
PET INFORMATION
1.1 The Sitter agrees to care for the following pet(s): [Pet Name]
1.2 Pet details: [Pet Details]
1.3 Medical conditions and special requirements: [Pet Medical Info]
1.4 The Owner warrants that the pet(s) are up to date with all vaccinations, flea treatments, and worm treatments, and that all relevant medical information has been disclosed to the Sitter.
SERVICES
2.1 The Sitter shall provide [Service Type] for the pet(s) from [Service Start Date] to [Service End Date].
2.2 The Sitter shall care for the pet(s) in accordance with the Owner's care instructions, shall provide adequate food, water, exercise, and attention, and shall comply with the Animal Welfare Act 2006 requirements.
2.3 The Sitter shall carry out the services with reasonable care and skill in accordance with section 13 of the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982.
EMERGENCY VETERINARY CARE
3.1 The Owner's registered vet is: [Vet Name]. Out-of-hours emergency service: [Vet Emergency Number].
3.2 The Owner hereby authorises the Sitter to seek emergency veterinary treatment on their behalf if a pet appears ill, injured, or in distress and the Owner cannot be reached within a reasonable time. The Owner accepts responsibility for all veterinary costs incurred.
3.3 The Sitter shall make all reasonable efforts to contact the Owner before authorising non-emergency treatment.
FEES AND PAYMENT
4.1 The fee for the services is £[Daily Fee], with a total booking fee of £[Total Fee].
4.2 A non-refundable booking deposit of £[Deposit Amount] is payable upon signing this Contract to secure the booking. The balance is payable on or before the service start date.
4.3 Cancellation by the Owner within 48 hours of the service start date will result in forfeiture of the full booking fee unless the Sitter is able to rebook the dates.
LIABILITY AND INSURANCE
5.1 The Sitter holds public liability insurance and animal care (care, custody and control) insurance covering the period of this Contract.
5.2 The Owner is responsible for any injury, damage, or costs caused by the pet(s) to third parties or third-party property.
5.3 The Sitter shall not be liable for illness, injury, or death of the pet(s) that was not caused by the Sitter's negligence.
5.4 Nothing in this Contract limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence.
GENERAL
6.1 This Contract is governed by the laws of England and Wales.
6.2 Any amendments must be agreed in writing by both Parties.
AGREED by the Parties:
PET SITTER
Signed: ____________________________
Name: [Sitter Name]
Date: ____________________________
PET OWNER
Signed: ____________________________
Name: [Owner Name]
Date: ____________________________
Pet Sitter
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
Pet Owner
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
What Is a Pet Sitting Contract (UK)?
A Pet Sitting Contract 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.
Professional pet sitting is a growing sector in the UK, covering a range of services including in-home pet sitting (where the sitter stays at the pet owner's home), boarding (where the pet stays at the sitter's home), day care, dog walking, and check-in visits. Each of these service types presents different practical and legal considerations, but all benefit from a clear written contract.
A well-drafted Pet Sitting Contract provides both parties with certainty about what has been agreed. For the owner, it documents the care instructions they have provided, confirms the sitter's obligations, and provides a clear basis for seeking compensation if the sitter fails to meet the agreed standard of care. For the sitter, it defines their obligations precisely, limits their liability appropriately, provides authorisation to seek emergency veterinary care, and gives them a clear record of the owner's instructions in case of dispute.
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 imposes five specific welfare needs that any person responsible for an animal must meet: a suitable environment, a suitable diet, the ability to exhibit normal behaviour patterns, appropriate social conditions, and protection from pain, suffering, injury, and disease. A Pet Sitting Contract should reflect these statutory obligations and require the sitter to follow the owner's specific care instructions.
Our UK Pet Sitting Contract template covers all the essential elements — party details, pet information, care instructions, emergency vet authorisation, fees, liability, insurance, and cancellation provisions — in a clear, professional format.
The legal framework governing the Pet Sitting Contract (UK) in United Kingdom draws on several key statutes and regulatory bodies. 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. Parties executing a Pet Sitting Contract (UK) in United Kingdom should confirm the document reflects current law, including any amendments enacted since the original drafting date. The Companies Act 2006 sets the foundational requirements.
When Do You Need a Pet Sitting Contract (UK)?
A Pet Sitting Contract is needed whenever a professional pet sitter or animal care provider agrees to look after an owner's pet(s) in exchange for payment. This includes: an owner going on holiday who engages a pet sitter to stay at their home or to carry out twice-daily check-in visits; a dog owner who engages a professional dog walker for regular daily walks; a cat owner who boards their cat with a home boarding pet sitter; and any owner who uses a regular day care or kennelling service.
A written contract is most important where the pet sitting arrangement is ongoing or high-value — for example, a regular dog walking arrangement or an extended holiday pet sitting engagement. In these cases, the contract provides the framework for the entire relationship, reduces the risk of disputes about what was agreed, and provides a clear record of the care instructions provided.
From a professional pet sitter's perspective, a standard written contract is an essential tool for running a professional service. It demonstrates to clients that the sitter takes their responsibilities seriously, provides a basis for charging and payment, limits the sitter's liability, and gives them clear authority to make decisions about the pet's care in the owner's absence.
A Pet Sitting Contract is also important when the arrangement involves any complexity — for example, where the owner has given specific dietary requirements, medication schedules, or behavioural instructions that must be followed carefully. Having these documented in a written contract reduces the risk of the sitter forgetting or misapplying the instructions, and provides the owner with recourse if they are not followed.
Parties in United Kingdom should prepare a Pet Sitting Contract (UK) proactively rather than waiting for a dispute to arise. Courts interpret agreements based on the written terms rather than oral representations. 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. Where the transaction involves regulated activities, prior approval from the relevant authority may be required before execution.
What to Include in Your Pet Sitting Contract (UK)
A well-drafted UK Pet Sitting Contract should include the following key elements.
Party details: The full names and contact details of the pet owner and the pet sitter, including emergency contact numbers.
Pet information: A full description of the pet(s) to be cared for, including name, species, breed, age, microchip number, and any relevant medical conditions or behavioural characteristics.
Services and dates: A clear description of the services to be provided (in-home sitting, boarding, dog walking, check-in visits), the dates and times of service, and the address where the pet will be looked after.
Care instructions: Detailed feeding schedules, exercise requirements, medication instructions (if applicable), behavioural notes, and any specific instructions about the pet's routine or preferences.
Veterinary information: The name and contact details of the owner's regular vet, the nearest emergency out-of-hours vet, and authorisation for the sitter to seek emergency veterinary treatment if the owner cannot be contacted.
Fees and payment: The agreed fee, the payment method and timing, and any additional charges (for example, for medication administration or emergency vet transport).
Liability and insurance: The sitter's liability position and any limitations, confirmation of the sitter's insurance coverage (including public liability and care, custody and control insurance), and the owner's responsibility for any harm caused by the pet to third parties or third-party property.
Cancellation policy: The notice required to cancel the booking and any applicable cancellation charges.
Health and vaccination requirements: Confirmation that the pet is up to date with vaccinations and flea and worm treatments, and that the owner will disclose any health conditions relevant to the pet's care.
Additional compliance elements for a Pet Sitting Contract (UK) used in United Kingdom include: 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. Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for United Kingdom-compliant documentation.
Cite this page
Reference this free template in an article, syllabus, or research note:
Forms Legal. (2026). Pet Sitting Contract (UK) (United Kingdom) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/uk/business/services/pet-sitting-contract-uk
"Pet Sitting Contract (UK) (United Kingdom)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/uk/business/services/pet-sitting-contract-uk.
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author = {{Forms Legal}},
title = {Pet Sitting Contract (UK) (United Kingdom)},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/uk/business/services/pet-sitting-contract-uk}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on Companies Act 2006}
}Also available for these jurisdictions:
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. A Pet Sitting Contract is a legally binding contract under English law, provided the basic requirements for a valid contract are met: offer and acceptance, consideration (the payment of the pet sitting fee), and an intention to create legal relations. The contract will be governed by the common law of contract and, where the pet owner is a consumer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which implies terms including that the service will be performed with reasonable care and skill. The Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 (as amended) applies where both parties are businesses. A written contract is strongly recommended for professional pet sitters because it creates a clear record of the services agreed, the care instructions provided by the owner, the emergency authorisation given, and the liability position of each party. Without a written contract, disputes about what was agreed — for example, whether a particular food was authorised, or whether the pet sitter was permitted to take the animal to a vet — are much harder to resolve. Professional pet sitters in the UK are also encouraged to register with the National Association of Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers (NarPS) and to hold appropriate public liability and animal care insurance.
Professional pet sitters and dog walkers in the UK should hold several types of insurance. Public liability insurance protects the pet sitter against claims from third parties — for example, if a dog in their care escapes and causes a road accident, or if the pet causes injury or property damage while in the sitter's care. A policy with a minimum of £1 million public liability cover per occurrence is standard, and many insurers offer £5 million or £10 million as a matter of course. Care, custody and control (CCC) insurance (also called 'animal care insurance') covers the pet sitter's liability if an animal in their care is injured, becomes ill, or dies as a result of the sitter's negligence. Without CCC insurance, a standard public liability policy may not cover claims relating to the animal itself. Key cover insurance covers the sitter in case client door keys are lost or stolen. Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Animal Welfare Act 2006, pet sitters working with vulnerable animals should also consider whether any DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check requirements apply to their activities. The Pet Sitting Contract should require the sitter to confirm their insurance arrangements and provide evidence of cover upon request.
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 (AWA 2006) is the primary piece of animal welfare legislation in England and Wales. It imposes a positive duty of care on any person who is responsible for an animal, including pet sitters and dog walkers who are temporarily looking after an animal on behalf of its owner. Under section 9 of the AWA 2006, a person responsible for an animal has a duty to confirm that the animal's needs are met, specifically: the need for a suitable environment (a place to live appropriate to the animal); the need for a suitable diet; the need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns; the need to be housed with or apart from other animals as appropriate; and the need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury, and disease. Failure to fulfil this duty of care is an offence under the AWA 2006. A Pet Sitting Contract should reflect these obligations by requiring the sitter to follow the owner's care instructions in detail, to provide adequate food, water, exercise, and shelter, and to contact the owner or seek veterinary attention if the animal shows signs of illness or distress.
Yes. An emergency veterinary authorisation clause is one of the most important provisions in a UK Pet Sitting Contract. If an animal in the sitter's care becomes ill or injured and the owner cannot be contacted, the sitter needs clear authority to seek emergency veterinary treatment on the owner's behalf. Without written authorisation, the sitter may be reluctant to authorise treatment (particularly if it is costly), and the vet may be uncertain as to who is responsible for giving consent and paying for treatment. The contract should specify: the name and address of the owner's preferred vet; the sitter's authorisation to seek emergency veterinary treatment if the owner cannot be contacted within a reasonable time; who will be responsible for the cost of emergency treatment (typically the owner); and the maximum amount the sitter is authorised to commit to on the owner's behalf before seeking further authorisation. The owner's contact details, next-of-kin contact, and the vet's after-hours emergency number should all be included in the contract or in an attached pet care information sheet.
A pet sitter's liability for injury to or death of a pet in their care depends on whether the sitter was negligent. Under the general law of negligence, a pet sitter owes a duty of care to the owner to look after the animal with reasonable care and skill — a standard that is also implied by section 13 of the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982. If the animal is injured or dies as a result of the sitter's failure to exercise reasonable care (for example, allowing the animal to escape onto a road, failing to supervise properly, or ignoring obvious signs of illness), the sitter may be liable in negligence for the value of the animal and any consequential loss suffered by the owner. However, pet sitters often seek to limit their liability in their contracts — for example, by excluding liability for illness or death not caused by their negligence. Under the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 (for B2B) and the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (for B2C), any limitation or exclusion of liability must be reasonable and fair. A blanket exclusion of all liability would likely be unenforceable. Good animal care insurance is the most practical way for pet sitters to manage their liability exposure.
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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