Pet Care Agreement
 
This Pet Care Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made as of this __________, by and between __________ (the “Pet Owner”) and __________ (the “Pet Sitter”), (each, a “Party” and collectively, the “Parties”).
 
Pet Sitter shall care for Pet Owner’s pet(s) as identified and described below for the time period beginning __________ until __________. In consideration for Pet Sitter’s care and services, Pet Owner shall pay Pet Sitter __________ __________. The payment is due to Pet Sitter __________ and paid via __________. Pet Owner agrees to reimburse Pet Sitter for reasonable expenses incurred arising from/relating to  paid via __________.
 
Care and Services. The care and services provided under this Agreement consists of the following responsibilities: 
 
Description of Care and Service & Frequency: __________ 
 
The care and services will be provided at __________ located at __________, __________, __________ __________.  
 
Pet Information
Name: __________             
Age: __________ 
Gender: __________        
Species/Breed: __________ 
Description (e.g. color): __________ 
Health Conditions: __________ 
Behavior History: __________ 
Medication(s) (Name and Dosage): __________ 
Feeding Instructions: __________ 

Emergencies. If there is an emergency, Pet Sitter will make all reasonable efforts to first contact Pet Owner. If Pet Owner is unable to be contacted, Pet Sitter shall contact the following individual(s) and veterinarian:  
 
Full Name: __________ 
Address: __________ 
City, State, Zip Code: __________, __________ __________
Phone Number (H): __________   
Phone Number (C): __________ 
 
Veterinarian Name: __________         
Address: __________ 
City, State, Zip Code: __________, __________ __________   
Phone Number: __________  

In addition, Pet Owner authorizes Pet Sitter to seek and obtain medical attention and treatment as deemed necessary by a veterinarian. 
 
Injury and Indemnification. If Pet Owner’s pet(s) accidentally dies, becomes ill, injured, or lost, Pet Owner waives and releases Pet Sitter from any claim arising from such an incident. If Pet Owner’s pet(s) bites or injures Pet Sitter, any other human or animal, Pet Owner will be responsible for any resulting injury and shall hold harmless and indemnify Pet Sitter from any claim or suit that may be brought as a result of such an incident. In addition, Pet Owner shall hold harmless and indemnify Pet Sitter against any and all costs, expenses, losses, liabilities and claims arising out of or relating to any acts of Pet Owner’s pet(s) except for negligence or intentional misconduct on the part of the Pet Sitter.

Governing Law. The terms of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of __________, not including its conflicts of law provisions.

Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part, the remaining provisions shall not be affected and shall continue to be valid and enforceable as though the invalid or unenforceable parts had not been included in this Agreement.

Entire Agreement and Amendment. This Agreement contains the entire understanding between the Parties and supersedes and cancels all prior agreements of the Parties. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written agreement signed by all the Parties.
 
SIGNATURES
 
Pet Owner:                                                           Date: _______________
Print Name: __________
Address: __________
City, State, Zip Code: __________, __________ __________
Phone Number (H): __________
Phone Number (C): __________
 
Pet Sitter:                                                              Date: _______________
Print Name: __________
Address: __________
City, State, Zip Code:  __________, __________ __________
Phone Number (H): __________
Phone Number (C): __________

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GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

WHAT IS A PET CARE AGREEMENT?

A Pet Care Agreement is a contract for pet sitting services between two parties – the Pet Owner and the Pet Sitter. When a Pet Owner needs someone to take care of their dog or cat, this agreement clearly spells out your pet’s normal routines and what is expected from the Pet Sitter. If your pet is older or has unique needs, this form can help Pet Sitters provide the right medication or special care.

WHAT TO INCLUDE

A simple Pet Care Agreement will outline the following details: 
  - Time Period: how long will the Pet Sitter take care of the Owner’s pets 
  - Payment Details: how much, when, and how the Pet Sitter is paid 
  - Type of Care: how often the Pet Sitter will walk, feed, or groom the pet 
  - Veterinary Release: authorization to get medical treatment for the pet 
  - Indemnification: Pet Sitter is an independent contractor and not liable 
  - Emergency: who should the Pet Sitter contact if the Owner is unavailable 
  - Signatures: both the Owner and Pet Sitter should sign the agreement

WHEN IS IT NEEDED?

You need this document whenever you ask someone to take care of your pet. Some pets may require special care and handling. Perhaps your dog dislikes the mailman? Maybe your cat gets upset if his litter box is not cleaned regularly? Does your pet get along with other animals? Perhaps your aging cat has arthritis or your senior dog needs extra attention? A Pet Care Agreement provides Pet Owners and Pet Sitters a chance to share the little details so your pet receives the best care possible while you are away.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T USE A PET CARE AGREEMENT?

Disagreements could arise if the Pet Sitter or Pet Owner only use informal or verbal promises and something unexpected happens to the pet. 		The following preventable suffering for a Pet Owner can be resolved with this legal document:
- Lost Money 
    - Personal funds used to pay the vet for unexpected medical treatment 
    - Wasted funds for poor or inadequate pet sitting services
- Lost Time 
- Need to return home early to properly care for your pet
- Need to personally accompany your pet to the vet
- Mental Anguish
    - Unnecessary pain and suffering of your pet not being taken to the vet for medical attention sooner
    - Damaged relationship with your family, friend, or Pet Sitter

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE IF THE PET ACCIDENTALLY GETS SICK OR BITES SOMEONE?

The Pet Owner is usually responsible if the pet accidentally gets sick or bites someone when the Pet Sitter is not negligent or reckless. This document can answer difficult questions about who is legally responsible if something unexpected happens to the pet. For example, what happens if the pet accidentally passes away, gets sick, becomes injured, or is lost while the Pet Sitter is on duty? An indemnification clause can spell out these sticky details ahead of time.

Our free Pet Care Agreement protects the Pet Sitter if any of these unexpected situations arise: 
- Your pet accidentally dies, gets sick, becomes injured, or gets lost 
- Your pet bites or injures the Pet Sitter, another person, or another pet 
- Any costs or liabilities caused by the pet unless the Pet Sitter was negligent or reckless

WHAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED

1. Location: Whether the pet will be taken care of at the Owner’s home or Sitter’s home
2. Pet Bio: Describe your pet, including any vaccines, health conditions or behavior history
3. Reimbursements: How, or in what cases the the sitter is reimbursed for any reasonable medical expenses incurred
4. Emergencies: How or when the Pet Sitter should contact the Pet Owner or vet in an emergency
5. Medical Authorization: Whether the Pet Sitter is authorized to get medical treatment for the pet
6. Governing Law: Which State laws should apply if a problem arises