Kat’s Corner: Pet Care Service Non-Negotiables

Louie

Contracts, Policies & Final Must-Haves

Welcome to the final installment of our series on Pet Parent & Sitter Essentials. So far, we’ve covered Questions a Sitter Should Ask Before Meeting & Booking Services, Questions a Pet Parent Should Ask a Sitter, and Minimum Standards of Care. In this last part, we’re diving into the critical contractual and policy agreements every professional pet care provider must have in place—and why they’re non-negotiable for the protection of both sitter and client.

Clear Service Agreements and Contracts

Every professional pet care service needs a written, clear, and comprehensive service agreement or contract that outlines expectations and protects all parties. This is the backbone of your business and client relationships.

Core Contracts & Liability Agreements include:

• General Service Agreement — Covers overall care expectations, fees, cancellation policies, liabilities, and proper procedures.

• General Liability Waiver — Protects the sitter from unforeseen accidents or damages during care.

• Cancellation Policy Agreement — Specifies notice requirements, fees, and refund terms.

Service-Specific Agreements cover:

• Dog Boarding Agreement — Boarding rules, hours, drop-off/pick-up times, daily schedules, safety, and behavior expectations at the sitter’s home.

• Daycare Agreement — Hours, drop-off/pick-up times, enrichment activities, pet interactions, and behavior expectations.

• In-Home Pet Care Agreement — Visit details, home access, security, frequency, pet care routine specifics, and emergency protocols.

• Dog Walking Agreement — Leash rules, walking routes, leash reactivity, and off-leash permissions.

• Pet Taxi Agreement — Transport destinations, safety (crates, harnesses), and liability during transport.

• Other Pet Care Agreements — For unique or one-time services like medication or litter box refreshes.

Medical & Emergency Forms

Proper documentation for medical and emergency care is crucial for ensuring pets’ safety and care continuity:

• Veterinary Release Forms:

  • Emergency Medical Release — Authorizes urgent medical care and time-sensitive decisions.

  • Non-Emergency Medical Release — For scheduled visits or minor health concerns.

• Medical Needs Agreement — Details medication dosages, administration, and health issues.

• Emergency Protocol Plan — Defines steps in emergencies, emergency contacts, and temporary guardian plans.

Behavioral & Risk-Specific Releases

Some pets or services require extra agreements to cover unique circumstances:

• Supplemental Release Form — For off-leash permissions, unusual routines, or multiple caregivers.

• Indoor/Outdoor Pet Safety Agreement — Details pet routines, shelter access, weather safety, and disclaimers about outdoor time during extreme weather.

Service Enhancements

Additional agreements help clarify optional or specialized services:

• Grooming Consent Form — Authorizes grooming, outlines allowed services, and waives liability for minor injuries or stress.

• Media Policy Agreement — Grants or restricts permission to use pet photos/videos for marketing or training.

Why These Contractual Non-Negotiables Matter

Contracts and policies aren’t just paperwork—they create clear, mutual understanding. They protect the sitter legally and financially and reassure clients that their pets will be cared for professionally and respectfully. Without these, misunderstandings can arise that jeopardize trust and even pet safety.

Wrapping Up Kat’s Corner: The Big Picture on Pet Care Non-Negotiables

From secure key protocols and insurance to emergency plans, sanitation, pet care routines, and detailed contracts — every piece of the puzzle matters.

These non-negotiables are the standards that set professionals apart and provide peace of mind to pet parents.

If you’re a pet sitter, use this series as a checklist to evaluate and improve your services.

If you’re a pet parent, let these non-negotiables guide your choices when selecting care providers.

Together, we raise the bar for pet care — because our pets deserve nothing less.

Thanks for following along at Kat’s Corner. I look forward to sharing more insights, stories, and tips with you soon!