A reliable agreement and an explicit emergency contact plan form the backbone of responsible house and pet care. Whether you are providing homecare or coordinating petcare, document expectations about the property, security measures, and daily routines. A thorough opening paragraph sets the tone for how vetting, scheduling, and liability will be handled, and it helps clarify references, pricing expectations, and procedures if an emergency arises.

Contracts and scheduling

A clear contract should define the scope of homecare and petcare duties, specifying hours, feeding and medication schedules, key handling, and access to property systems like alarms and thermostats. Include start and end dates, routine check-ins, and provisions for unexpected extensions. Contracts should reference any agreed pricing, invoicing cadence, and whether transportation or supplies are included. Well-drafted scheduling clauses reduce misunderstandings and protect both homeowners and sitters from conflicts over availability and responsibilities.

Communication and technology

Communication expectations belong in the agreement: list preferred channels, frequency of updates, and what types of photos or video check-ins are acceptable. Use technology—shared calendars, messaging apps, location-enabled check-ins, and home automation logs—to support transparency. Specify who will handle updates to emergency contacts and how owners should be notified about non-urgent issues. Clear communication protocols increase reliability and allow faster resolution of problems affecting petcare or property.

Emergency plans and contacts

Emergency planning should include primary and secondary contacts, local emergency services, and detailed instructions for medical or veterinary emergencies. Identify nearby veterinarians, family or friend contacts in your area, and the homeowner’s insurance or policy numbers. Describe procedures for property security breaches, water leaks, or power failures. Make sure contact lists are accessible on paper and digitally, and confirm that keys, gate codes, and alarm instructions work before the sitter assumes full responsibility.

Vetting and references

Vetting helps owners feel confident and protects sitters’ reputations. Agreements can require background checks, identity verification, and references from prior homeowners or employers. Ask for references to confirm experience with pets and property, and document any specialized skills—such as administering medications or handling multiple animals. Include an explicit clause explaining how disputes will be handled and whether a trial period or short introductory assignment is required to build mutual trust.

Insurance, security, and liability

Address insurance and liability in writing. Clarify whether the homeowner’s insurance covers sitters, and whether the sitter should carry their own liability coverage. Include security protocols for alarms, cameras, and entry points, noting any privacy agreements about recorded footage or remote monitoring. A checklist of insured items and valuable property can reduce disputes later. Require both parties to document pre-existing property conditions with dated photos to avoid disagreements on damages.

Pricing and practical cost guidance Real-world pricing varies by location, length of assignment, and the level of petcare required. Platforms and local services use different models—membership fees, per-day rates, or commissions—so compare features like vetting, insurance, and dispute resolution when evaluating costs. Below is a brief comparison of common platforms and typical cost estimates to help frame expectations.

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Product/Service	Provider	Cost Estimation
Membership platform for sitters and owners	TrustedHousesitters	Membership roughly $100–$150/year (estimate)
Pet-sitting and dog-walking marketplace	Rover	Per-job fees vary widely; typical pet-sitting $20–$60/day plus platform fees (estimate)
Simple listing & connection service	MindMyHouse	Low annual listing fee, around $20/year (estimate)
National listing and membership	HouseSittersAmerica	Membership often in the $40–$60/year range (estimate)

Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.

Checklists and reliability

Attach clear checklists to the agreement that cover daily routines, medication logs, trash and recycling schedules, security checks, and periodic property inspections. Checklists improve consistency and provide a record of completed tasks, which supports reliability. Include a short escalation flowchart for emergencies: who to call first, who to notify next, and when to contact an insurance or legal representative. Consistently using checklists and documented communication fosters trust between owners and sitters.

A concise, written agreement combined with an up-to-date emergency contact plan reduces ambiguity and improves outcomes for property, petcare, and personal safety. Use plain language, confirm details in writing, and periodically review agreements and contact lists to reflect schedule changes, new vet information, or updates in insurance and technology. Doing so builds a reliable framework that protects owners and sitters alike.