Why clear communication and a solid service agreement can save the day

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Pet sitting is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world!

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We get to care for animals, support Kiwi families, and build trust within our communities.

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But even the most experienced pet sitter will tell you: things can go wrong when expectations aren’t clearly communicated.

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Most problems in pet sitting don’t come from bad intentions.

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They come from misunderstandings.

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Tiny gaps in information that turn into big frustrations for both the pet owner and the sitter.

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Below are some of the most common issues that arise in pet sitting, why they happen, and how you can prevent them every single time.

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Common Issues That Can Arise in Pet Sitting

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1. Unclear Expectations

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One of the biggest challenges in pet sitting is not actually the pets, it’s the people.

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Misunderstandings happen when the sitter and owner aren’t on the same page. Some examples of things that should be discussed and written down are:

• What tasks are included
• How often the sitter is expected to visit
• Extra responsibilities (cleaning, plants, mail)
• Home access and security steps
• Medications or special routines

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If these details aren’t spelled out somewhere, each person may assume something different and that’s where things go sideways.

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2. Payment Confusion

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When should payment be made? Before the sit? During? After?

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Many sitters have experienced:

• Late payments
• Partial payments
• Misunderstood rates
• Confusion about cancellations or extensions

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This usually isn’t intentional, it’s simply never been clearly discussed.

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But any uncertainty around payment can create stress and damage an otherwise great pet-sitting relationship.

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3. Communication Misalignment

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Some pet owners love daily updates with photos.

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Others only want one message every few days.

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You don't want to hassle the pet owner, create stress or anxiety but on the other end, you want to ensure they feel their pets and home is being cared for well and in safe hands.

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Communication frequency and type should always be agreed on before the sit begins.

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4. Emergency Scenarios

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Nobody wants to imagine emergencies, but every sitter needs a plan.

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Common scenarios include:

• A pet becomes unwell
• A door or gate breaks
• Severe weather or power outages
• A pet runs off
• A sudden vet visit is required

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If there’s no clear plan of action, the sitter is left guessing, and the owner is left worrying.

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5. Home Care Boundaries

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Many sitters find themselves unexpectedly:

• Watering gardens
• Cleaning excess mess
• Feeding extra animals
• Allowing extra visitors in or out
• Managing household chores they didn’t agree to

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Again, not because anyone is trying to take advantage, but because it wasn’t discussed or documented.

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How Service Agreements Prevent These Issues

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This is where a Pet Sitting Service Agreement becomes an absolute game-changer.

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A service agreement isn’t about being “formal” or “strict.”

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It’s about protecting everyone, including the pet.

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A well-written agreement:

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✔ Sets expectations clearly

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It outlines EXACTLY what the sitter is responsible for and what they’re not.

No guessing. No assumptions.

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✔ Defines payment terms

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How much, when, and by what method.

No awkward conversations or chasing payments.

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✔ Establishes communication preferences

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Daily photo? Quick text? Only updates if something changes?

All agreed in advance.

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✔ Covers emergency procedures

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Who is the emergency contact?

Which vet should be used?

What is the spending limit for urgent care?

This clarity is crucial.

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✔ Protects the sitter and the owner

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Boundaries, expectations, routines, everything is written down.

It reduces risk, prevents misunderstandings, and builds trust.

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Service Agreements Are Free for All PSNZ Members

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As part of PSNZ’s mission to lift the standard of pet care across Aotearoa, we’ve created a detailed, professional Pet Sitting Service Agreement available to every sitter who joins our free membership.

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Inside the free version, you’ll find:

• All core clauses
• Space to outline responsibilities
• Payment terms
• Emergency instructions
• Communication expectations
• Home care notes

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It’s simple, practical, and designed specifically for pet sitters working across New Zealand.

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Prefer a more polished version?

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For sitters who want something styled, branded, or more visually appealing, we’ve also created a downloadable printable/ editable PDF version.

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These are perfect for:

• Presenting to new clients
• Leaving as part of your welcome pack
• Sending digitally to be signed
• Keeping your business looking professional and consistent

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They’re beautifully designed in PSNZ style, clean, warm, and easy for clients to understand.

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Final Thoughts

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Pet sitting thrives on trust, communication, and clarity.

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A service agreement might feel like a small step, but it’s often the difference between a smooth, stress-free sit and a complicated one.

It protects the sitter.

It protects the owner.

And most importantly, it protects the pets.

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If you haven’t yet, you can sign up for your free PSNZ membership to access the full service agreement template and start every sit with confidence.

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🐾 Support local. Sit with purpose. Care with confidence.