Are there animal welfare and safety rules Pet Sitters need to abide by?

Are there animal welfare and safety rules Pet Sitters need to abide by?

Yes.  We uphold the RSPCA's 5 freedoms of animal welfare:

  • Freedom from Hunger and Thirst.
  • Freedom from Discomfort.
  • Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease.
  • Freedom to Express Normal Behaviour.
  • Freedom from Fear and Distress.

Sitters found to breach these values will be prosecuted.  When a pet is booked with you, you have a duty of care.  Duty of care places a legal obligation on those in charge of animals to provide for an animal's needs in an appropriate way. The Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 includes a specific offence for people who fail to meet their duty of care obligations towards the animals in their charge.  The maximum penalty for an individual convicted of a breach of duty of care is $36,570 or 1 year imprisonment.

For example;

  1. Never leave a dog in a car
  2. Never walk a dog unleashed
  3. Never take a dog on heat out in public.
  4. Never take a guest pet to an off leash dog park as these parks are unpredictable and are well known for fights breaking out.
  5. Never drive with a dog on your lap
  6. Never leave a dog outside in the hot sun with no shade or water
  7. Never leave a dog harness on longer than the journey its being used for
  8. Always use positive reinforcement through reward and never hit, choke, drag, torment, deafen or shock a dog to discipline them. Using citronella or ultrasonic bark collars are also not condoned.
  9. Always seek medical attention for disease or injury
  10. Twice a day always feed and water a pet
  11. Don't force pets to endure fireworks and loud carnivals if it makes them terrified.
  12. Don't place pets in cages too small for them - EVEN if you are asked to by their Owner. Just say no. You have our full support.

Please also read House & Garden Dangers