Legal Considerations
Legal Considerations
For the purposes of this document, the terms Client/Owner, Owner, Pet Owner, and Customer are synonymous with the person contracting services for one or more domestic animals.

Payment for pet sitting reservations are not held until full payment is received by Sit and Stay Pet Sitting or special arrangements are agreed upon by both parties. Payment for services is ALWAYS due in advance, a 50% non-refundable deposit is required upon booking and final payment due before trip departure (this only applies to extended trips and not daily visits). We accept Visa, MC, Discover, and American Express.

Before any service can begin, Sit and Stay Pet Sitting MUST have copies of all of your pets rabies certificates.

1. Reservations are made to plan sitter availability to Client/Owners. Therefore, Client/Owners returning home early will be required to pay for the reserved amount of time scheduled. No credits or refunds.

2. No refunds will be made if Client/Owner pays then cancels the pet sitting. All prior monies paid will be applied toward future pet sitting (Within three months or less). Absolutely No Refunds.

3. There is an additional service charge of $10 per visit for services on holidays. Sit and Stay Pet Sitting recognizes the following holidays: New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day.

4. Sit and Stay Pet Sitting is not responsible for wilted, dead or otherwise unhealthy plants. Sit and Stay Pet Sitting will work hard to follow your written directions as precisely as possible, but cannot be responsible if the results are not favorable. Please place all indoor plants together on a waterproof surface in plain sight, as your Pet Sitter is not responsible for water damaged areas or missed plants.

5. Sit and Stay Pet Sitting is not responsible for damage to the home beyond the control of the Pet Sitter. This includes, but is not limited to leaks, electrical problems, and acts of nature. In these situations, the company will attempt to contact the customer and then the emergency contact before making a subjective decision on dealing with the problem. All repairs and related fees (including Special Service, emergency service, time, and coordination fees) will be paid by the Client/Owner, or fully reimbursed to Sit and Stay Pet Sitting within 14 days.

6. Sit and Stay Pet Sitting is not responsible for any damage to property of the Client/Owner or others unless such damage is caused by the negligent act of the Pet Sitter. Sit and Stay Pet Sitting accepts no responsibility for security of the premises or loss if other individuals have access to a Client/Owner's home, or if the home is not properly secured, when Pet Sitter arrives.

7. It is the Client/Owner's responsibility to ensure that Sit and Stay Pet Sitting is provided with the information regarding any friends, relatives, neighbors, or others whom the Client/Owner has given access to the home in their absence including contact information in case of emergency.

8. Sit and Stay Pet Sitting is not liable for any loss or damage in the event a burglary or other crime that should occur while under this contract.

9. Client/Owner agrees to secure home prior to leaving the premises. Sit and Stay Pet Sitting will re-secure the home to the best of its ability at the end of each visit. While keys are in the possession of a Pet Sitter, they will be either on the Sitter's physical person, or be properly stored at an undisclosed location.

10. Client/Owner must have legal rights to place the animals in the care of Pet Sitters, Kennels, and Veterinary Clinics. The Pet Sitter cannot service a home with “visiting” pets or animals that do not belong to the resident of the service site without separate sets of agreement forms, including a Policies & Legal Considerations agreement, accepted and signed by each rightful owner(s), as well as emergency veterinarian information and vaccination records.

11. Sit and Stay Pet Sitting reserves the right to deny service or terminate service for any reason, but especially in the case of safety concerns, financial concerns, unsanitary conditions, inhumane treatment of animals, non-payment of services, or situations that the pet sitter(s) deems inappropriate or uncomfortable.

12. All other individuals (other than Sit and Stay Pet Sitting pet sitters) visiting the home must leave a log of their visits, which will include their reason for being in the home, their name, a contact number, and time of their arrival and departure.

13. In case of pet sitter(s) personal emergency, family crisis, illness, injury, vacation, or personal leave, Client/Owner authorizes Sit and Stay Pet Sitting to arrange for a backup sitter(s) to fulfill responsibilities as set forth in this contract, without prior notification to Client/Owner. Client/Owner waives the right to a meeting with the person who will fulfill these responsibilities, in the interest of time limitations and due to the fact that the person will not be the Client/Owner's permanent pet care provider. If Client/Owner insists upon meeting with substitute pet sitter(s), meeting will be arranged if time permits.

14. Sit and Stay Pet Sitting will not answer Client/Owner's land line phone while Client/Owner is away, nor will Sit and Stay Pet Sitting be held responsible for important calls Client/Owner may have missed while absent.

15. Sit and Stay Pet Sitting does not, under any circumstances, agree to job sharing with Client/Owner's relatives, friends, neighbors, or others. Job sharing is defined as having anyone besides Sit and Stay Pet Sitting enter the home with the intention of caring for or interacting with any of Client/Owner's pets, whether with Client/Owner's express permission or not. Sit and Stay Pet Sitting is automatically released from ALL liability, and Client/Owner will be deemed to be in breach of contract in these instances. Sit and Stay Pet Sitting also reserves the right to terminate service AT ANY TIME, in the event of job-sharing, due the liability risks involved, and due to the Client/Owner having breached the contract by allowing the job-sharing to occur. If Sit and Stay Pet Sitting is forced to terminate service due to job sharing, pets will be transported to a veterinarian and or boarding facility for boarding until the Client/Owner returns home. Client agrees to pay for boarding and other expenses incurred by the veterinarian and or boarding facility. Client/Owner acknowledges that Sit and Stay Pet Sitting will NOT refund Client/Owner for any remaining visits. No refunds or credits.

16. It is Sit and Stay Pet Sitting policy not to discuss details of Client/Owner's absence with anyone, except in the case of an emergency. Client/Owner may wish to contact the police department and/or their alarm company (if applicable) to inform them of their absence and the presence of Sit and Stay Pet Sitting at the home.

17. Client/Owner must advise Sit and Stay Pet Sitting of any difficulties previously encountered from neighbors, their children, or their pets in relation to Client/Owner's pets.

18. If Client/Owner's trip is extended, Client/Owner agrees to contact Sit and Stay Pet Sitting or the pet sitter. Owner also agrees to notify Sit and Stay Pet Sitting or the pet sitter within 24 HOURS of their return. If you are delayed it is your responsibility to contact us immediately to continue service beyond the reserved pet sitting dates. If contact is not made, Sit and Stay Pet Sitting or the pet sitter will reserve the right to continue service, billing the Client/Owner for the additional visits.

19 Client/Owner agrees to current fee schedule as quoted by online service request and/or by Sit and Stay Pet Sitting office. For questions about rates, please contact Sit and Stay Pet Sitting office. Rates subject to change without notice due to operating and/or fuel costs.

20. If Client/Owner has a complaint about services, they must notify Sit and Stay Pet Sitting within 24 hours of their return.

21. Sit and Stay Pet Sitting will photograph and or video Client/Owner's pet(s) for identification purposes, and may use the photo(s) and or videos in our published advertising, social media, and or website. If Client/Owner disapproves, they must notify us within 48 hours of signing this contract.

22. Client/Owner is responsible for pet-proofing house and yard, and the security fences/gates/latches; this includes shutting of ALL doors that lead to rooms where the pet does not reside or use. Sit and Stay Pet Sitting is not responsible for any damage, to property where Client/Owner has not properly secured (i.e. rooms that the pet does not reside and or use). Sit and Stay Pet Sitting will not be responsible for the safety of any pets and will not be liable for the injury disappearance, death, or fines of any pet with unsupervised access to the outdoors.

23. Sit and Stay Pet Sitting is authorized to seek any emergency veterinarian assistance needed during visits, at the cost of the Client/Owner, from any veterinarian as chosen by the sitter. However, the company is not responsible for the health/well-being of the animal.

24. Client/Owner authorizes Sit and Stay Pet Sitting and or pet sitter(s) to transport my pet(s) to a veterinarian in the event of their illness or injury and authorize treatment deemed necessary by the veterinarian. In the event the pet is in need of hospitalization; Sit and Stay Pet Sitting is authorized to leave the pet until the pet can be transported home. If at-home medication prescribed, Sit and Stay Pet Sitting has my permission to administer the directed dosage. If Sit and Stay Pet Sitting incurs any medical expenses for the pet's treatment, the Customer will reimburse that amount plus transportation fees, as applicable within 14 days. Sit and Stay Pet Sitting/Pet Sitter/Care Taker is authorized to perform care and services as outlined in this agreement. Sit and Stay Pet Sitting/Pet Sitter/Care Taker is also authorized to seek emergency veterinary care with release from all liabilities related to transportation, treatment, and expense should specified veterinarian be unavailable, Sit and Stay Pet Sitting/Pet Sitter/Care Taker is authorized to approve medical and/or emergency treatment (excluding euthanasia) as recommended by a veterinarian. Customer is responsible for paying veterinarian directly, unless this option is not available. If this situation arises, Customer agrees to reimburse Sit and Stay Pet Sitting for any veterinarian expenses incurred, plus any fees for attending to this need within 14 days.

25. Animal behavior can be unpredictable. Sit and Stay Pet Sitting does not accept responsibility or liability for animal behavior, normal or otherwise, which results in injury to the Customer's animal(s) or property. Customer pledges that pet does not have a history of vicious behavior, including biting. If pet is found to have such a problem, Customer agrees to pay for any and all injuries incurred to Sit and Stay Pet Sitting/Pet Sitter/Care Taker, pet or passersby. Further, if a Sit and Stay Pet Sitting pet care provider is harmed or injured by the Customer's animals; the Customer/owner accepts full responsibility for the cost of any necessary medical attention required by either the Sit and Stay Pet Sitting/Pet Sitter/Care Taker or by the animals. Due to the extreme unpredictability of animals, Sit and Stay Pet Sitting/Pet Sitter/Care Taker cannot be held responsible for any unusual mishaps (i.e., pet's refusal to take medication, escaping from the yard, biting, eating or destroying household items, damage to inside/outside of home, personal injury/accidental death). If Customer requests pet(s) to have outside access, Customer releases Sit and Stay Pet Sitting/Pet Sitter/Care Taker from all liability for loss, injury or death to pet(s). Customer is liable for injury or damage to Third Parties.

26. Pet Owner is responsible for supplying the necessary, safety equipment/supplies needed for care of their pet(s), including but not limited to a sturdy, well-fit harness (halter, collar, etc…) for walks or in case of emergencies, firmly affixed vaccination tags, ID tags, a lead rope or leash, litter boxes, food, cleaning supplies, medicines, pet food, and cat litter.

27. Pet Owner authorizes any purchases necessary for the satisfactory performance of duties. Pet Owner agrees to be responsible for the payment of such items, as well as service fees for obtaining items, and will reimburse Sit and Stay Pet Sitting within 14 days for all purchases made.

28. Pet Owner will be responsible for all medical expenses and damages resulting from an injury to a Pet Sitter, or other persons, by the pet. Customer agrees to indemnify, hold harmless, and defend Sit and Stay Pet Sitting, in the event of a claim by any person injured by the pet.

29. It is suggested that arrangements be made with someone to evacuate your pets in case of a disaster or weather related event/crisis/”Code Red”. Sit and Stay Pet Sitting will make every attempt to see to your pets safety/care should such events occur, but cannot guarantee it.

30. In the event of inclement weather, primarily severe storms, snow/ice conditions
etc., or natural disaster, you will entrust Sit and Stay Pet Sitting/Pet Sitter/Care Taker to use best judgment in caring for pet(s) and home if we are servicing you at the time of inclement weather. If you are aware of a snow or ice storm coming we will not see schedule pets until after the snow, ice or flood is over and it is safe to drive. Do not leave town assuming we will pet sit. Sit and Stay Pet Sitting and/or pet sitter will try to carry out your instructions to the best of our ability. The care we provide to our customer's pets and their safety is our first concern. Customer selection of a nearby emergency contact has been requested. The inclement weather plan will be as follows 1) Every effort will be made to drive to your home and your pets taken and crated/confined to the pet sitters home/ facility; 2) The service scheduled may be changed, interrupted, or altered due to circumstances; 3) If it not possible to drive safely to your home, your emergency contact will be notified; 4) You will be notified that the above mentioned contingency plan has been activated.

31. Future Services: I authorize this contract to be valid approval for services so as to permit Sit and Stay Pet Sitting, to accept all future telephone, online, mail, text, or email reservations and enter my home without additional signed contracts or written authorizations.

32. Sit and Stay Pet Sitting reserves the right to terminate this contract at any time if the Pet Sitter, in his/her sole discretion determines that the Owner's pet poses a danger to the health or safety of itself, other pets, other people, or the Pet Sitter. If concerns prohibit the Pet Sitter from caring for the pet, the Owner authorizes the pet to be placed in a kennel (or previously arranged locale), with all charges (including but not limited to transportation, kenneling, tranquilizing, treating, accessing, and liability) to be the responsibility of the Owner.

33. Sit and Stay Pet Sitting agrees to provide services stated in this agreement in a reliable, caring and trustworthy manner. In consideration of the services as an expressed condition thereof, the Client/Owner expressly waives and relinquishes any and all claims against the company and its employees, except those arising from negligence.

34. Sit and Stay Pet Sitting/Pet Sitter/Care Taker will attempt to administer medications as directed but cannot be held responsible for complications that arise as a result. Excessively shy cats with medical problems can be a serious risk. If you have such an animal, this must be thoroughly discussed. Under no circumstances, will Sit and Stay Pet Sitting/Pet Sitter/Care Taker service any pet that has any form of contagious illness. This is for the safety of other customers. Sit and Stay Pet Sitting/Pet Sitter/Care Taker requires that all pets have the necessary vaccinations immunizations or titers before service begins, with NO EXCEPTIONS. Sit and Stay Pet Sitting/Pet Sitter/Care Taker is bitten or exposed to any disease or ailment received from the Customer's pet(s) which has not been properly or currently vaccinated, the Customer will be responsible for all costs and damages that may incur.

35. Client/Owner agrees to notify Sit and Stay Pet Sitting of any concerns within 24 hours of return.

36. The terms of this document apply to all the pets owned by the Client/Owner, including any and all new pets that the customer obtains on or after the date this document was signed, at any and all locations the owner designates for service.

37. This agreement is valid from the date signed, and replaces any prior Legal Considerations agreements. Client/Owner agrees to any future Sit and Stay Pet Sitting term changes relayed verbally to the Client/Owner, mailed or emailed in writing to the Client/Owner, or posted on our website.

38. All dogs will be required to be on leash during outdoor walks. There will be no exceptions. This is required by law and for the safety of the animals and pet sitter.
30. Please provide us with any changes regarding your pet's care and other pertinent information.

40. Two working copies of your house keys must be provided before start of service. If you live in a gated community, you must provide a gate card, remote control, or appropriate access codes. No keys will be returned by regular mail, hidden outdoors or locking in homes at last visit. If you are not already doing so, consider letting Sit and Stay Pet Sitting retain your house key. In the event of an unexpected trip, you will be glad you did. Keys are kept in a secured lock system and are coded for customers confidentially. If you choose not, to have Sit and Stay Pet Sitting retain a key, picking up and returning your keys requires two extra trips and there will be a $10 pick up fee. A second option for key return is via U.S. certified mail. To cover costs, the charge for this is $10. Please check the key you provide Sit and Stay Pet Sitting and/or pet care agent. Should keys become unusable, lock malfunctions, Customers fails to leave a key or for any other reasons beyond the control of Sit and Stay Pet Sitting control, Customer authorizes Sit and Stay Pet Sitting to employ the services of a locksmith to gain entry into Customer's home on Customer's behalf. Customer will be responsible for all expenses incurred and reimburse Sit and Stay Pet Sitting upon return.

41. Please leave your thermostat settings within a normal comfortable range (64-78°). If the house temperature is outside of this range, Sit and Stay Pet Sitting or pet care agent will adjust the thermostat. This is to ensure the heath and comfort of your pets and Sit and Stay Pet Sitting/Pet Sitter/Care Taker during our time of stay.

The owner states that he/she has read this agreement in its entirety and fully understands and accepts its terms and conditions and agrees that this contract is subject to the laws and regulations of the state of Georgia.

Print Full Name: _____________________________
Sign Full Name: _____________________________ Date: _______________


Ready Key
Ready-Key Enrollment Form
Client/Owner request enrollment in the Ready-Key Program by my signature below. As a participant, Client/Owner agree to provide Sit and Stay Pet Sitting with two (2) keys to my home; one of which will be retained by my assigned pet sitter and the other to be securely maintained in the company's office. Client/Owner understands that Sit and Stay Pet Sitting, its employees, and independent contractors will take all precautions to safeguard and protect the identity of my house keys.

Registration in the Ready-Key Program will allow Sit and Stay Pet Sitting to accept my reservations for future services with less notice than is normally required. Retention of a second key in the company's headquarters will ensure continued care for my pet(s) and home by an authorized company representative in the event that my regularly assigned pet sitter is unable to perform duties because of illness, injury, personal emergency or scheduled vacation.

As a Ready-Key participant, Client/Owner agree to hold Sit and Stay Pet Sitting harmless for any loss, damage or injury of any kind to pet or property during periods that Sit and Stay Pet Sitting is not under written or oral contract for pet sitting services. Sit and Stay Pet Sitting understands that either party with 48 hours advance notification may terminate this agreement.

If a Sit and Stay Pet Sitting representative is required to employ a locksmith to gain entry into my house due to a malfunction of the lock or Client/Owner fails to leave a key, it is the Client/Owner responsibility to reimburse Sit and Stay Pet Sitting for all costs insured in these circumstances, Client/Owner expressly give the pet sitter the authority to employ a locksmith on my behalf. ___________ (Client/Owner's initials).

Print Client/Owner Name: _________________________________________
Signature: _________________________________ Date: _____________________


Same Day Service Requests
All same day service requests will be charged an additional $10 per visit.

Veterinary Release Agreement
In the event that any of my pets or large animals appears to be ill, injured, or at significant risk of experiencing a medical problem at the start of service or while in the care of Sit and Stay Pet Sitting, Client/Owner gives permission to Sit and Stay Pet Sitting to seek veterinary service from a veterinarian or a veterinary clinic. Client/Owners preferred veterinary services are listed on each individual Pet Information Disclosure. Other veterinarians or emergency care clinics chosen by the Pet Sitter are acceptable.
Client/Owner understand that efforts will be made to contact me regarding any treatments, illness, injury, or potential problems as soon as the condition is deemed not life threatening and/or contact is possible. Client/Owner understand that Sit and Stay Pet Sitting care providers work hard to prevent accidents and injuries, and that such problems may occur no matter how well a pet is cared for. Client/Owner agree to allow Sit and Stay Pet Sitting care providers to use their best judgment in handling these situations, and Client/Owner understand that Sit and Stay Pet Sitting and its staff assume no responsibility for the actions and decisions of the veterinary staff, the health, or death of my pet(s).
The Client/Owner will assume full responsibility for the payment and/or reimbursement for any and all veterinary services rendered, including but not limited to diagnosis, treatment, grooming, medical supplies, and boarding. Such payments will be made within 14 days of the initial incident. Client/Owner also agree to be responsible for all Special Service fees assessed by Sit and Stay Pet Sitting for emergency transportation, care, supervision, or hiring of emergency caregivers, and will pay such fees within 14 days of each incident.
Client/Owner further authorize Sit and Stay Pet Sitting and my primary veterinarian(s) to share all the medical records of all of my animals with veterinary clinics in an emergency in the interest of providing the best care for my ill or injured animal(s).
Every dog, cat and applicable animal, the site of service will be current (per my veterinarians recommendations) on its rabies vaccinations prior to the arrival of any caregiver. Client/Owner will also make arrangements to guarantee that each animal will remain current on its rabies vaccinations throughout each service visit period and provide Sit and Stay Pet Sitting with proof.
Client/Owner agrees to notify Sit and Stay Pet Sitting of any signs of injury or possible illness before any visit as soon as the condition appears. Sit and Stay Pet Sitting reserves the right to cancel service at any location where a pet with a potentially infectious condition exists. Sit and Stay Pet Sitting strives to provide clean, safe service to each of our Client/Owners. In doing so, Sit and Stay Pet Sitting strongly recommends that each pet and large animal be vaccinated, dewormed, and protected from harmful insects according to veterinarian recommended standards.
This agreement is valid from the date below and grants permission for future veterinary care without the need for additional authorization each time Sit and Stay Pet Sitting cares for one or more of my pets. Client/Owner understands that this agreement applies to all of the pets and large animals within Sit and Stay Pet Sitting care. In signing this contract, the Client/Owner agree that Sit and Stay Pet Sitting and/or but not limited to sitter has the sole authority to make health, medial, and financial decisions regarding the animals that will be scheduled to receive service.

Print Client/Owner Name: _________________________________________

Signature: _________________________________ Date: ___________