House Sitting Agreement Template

Header. House sitting agreement between [homeowner name] and [sitter name] for the property at [full address]. Agreed [date].

Contacts. Mobile and email for both, plus one emergency contact each: [name], [relationship], [number].

Dates and handover. The sit runs from [date] at [time] to [date] at [time]. Handover takes about [X] minutes and the keys go [location]. If the homeowner's return is delayed, [what happens].

Pets. The sitter is caring for [name, species, breed, age, microchip number]. Feeding, medication and routine are in the care notes dated [date], which both parties have read.

Presence, time alone and updates. The pets may be left alone for no more than [X] hours at a time. The sitter will sleep at the property every night, and any overnight absence needs the homeowner's agreement first. Updates with at least one photo will be sent every [frequency].

Running costs. The homeowner pays all utility accounts for the period and has left [X weeks] of pet supplies. The sitter buys their own groceries. Extra supplies are reimbursed on receipt up to $[amount]. Neither party pays the other for the sit itself.

Vet authority and ceiling. Regular vet: [clinic, phone]. After-hours emergency clinic: [clinic, address, phone]. Pet insurance: [insurer, policy number, excess]. The homeowner authorises the sitter to obtain veterinary treatment for the named pets and to approve treatment up to $[amount] without prior contact. Above that figure the sitter will call [number]; if there is no answer within [X] minutes, [named person] may decide. The homeowner is responsible for all veterinary costs.

Other people and access. Only [names] will stay at the property. Daytime visitors are [permitted or not permitted]. Others who may attend: [cleaner, day], [gardener, day], [neighbour with a spare key]. Keys and codes go to nobody else.

Vehicle. The sitter [may or may not] drive the [make, model, registration]. If permitted: insurer [name], policy [number], excess $[amount], use limited to [purpose], licence [number] and [state]. Fuel, tolls and fines are paid by [party].

Emergencies. On a Watch and Act warning for this area the sitter will [action]. Carriers, leads and the pet emergency kit are kept [location], and the evacuation destination is [address]. In a life-threatening emergency, call 000.

Departure condition. Before leaving, the sitter will wash up, strip the bed, put the [colour] bin out on [day], vacuum, clean the litter tray and leave the keys [location]. Both parties will photograph each main room at handover and at departure. Pre-existing damage noted at handover: [list].

Cancellation, and what this is. Either party will give at least [X] days' notice of cancellation, by [message and phone call], and then [who does what]. Neither party owes the other any payment or compensation for the sit. Both parties hold a copy: [name], [date]; [name], [date].