The Master Sitting Agreement is made between the freelance cat sitter assigned to the client (hereinafter known as the “Cat Sitter”, Nekoya Pte Ltd (hereinafter known as the “Booking Agent”), and the client (hereinafter known as the “Owner”, who is the rightful Owner of the cat(s) (hereinafter known as the “Cat”).
This Agreement covers all visits by the Cat Sitter to the cat Owner’s home, herein referred to as the “Home”. Unless otherwise specified or superseded by a future dated version of the Agreement, the terms of this Agreement are made between the Owner, and cover the Cat Sitter beginning from the date of which this Agreement is signed.
Cat Sitting Forms
Prior to the first cat sitting visit, it is required to agree to the Master Sitting Agreement and provide information about the cat, disclosing the cat’s health status, feeding instructions, veterinary documents etc. Additionally, a home visit must be scheduled in order to familiarize the Cat Sitter and the Cat(s).
Information Disclosure
By signing this Agreement, the Owner certifies that all information pertaining to the above-named cat(s) disclosed orally and/or in writing, are true and accurate. The Owner is also the caretaker of the Cat, and his or her signature below is sufficient to enter into this Agreement for and on behalf of any other Owner or representative of the Cat.
1. Disclosure of Medical History & Current Health Status
1.1 Sitting Criteria
As there are no requirements to be met within the Home, the Owner declares that all details regarding the Cat’s current health condition have been expressed to the Cat Sitter, such as the presence of any parasites or known chronic illnesses. An emergency veterinary clinic preference has been determined before the start of the Cat Sitting assignment with treatment permissions agreed upon.
1.2 Chronic and Long-Term Conditions
If a Cat suffers from a known chronic or long-term medical condition, the Owner is required to provide a detailed written note that includes information on the type of condition, symptoms of the condition (if any) and requirements for active management of the condition. Any and all medical equipment or medication required for use or administration to the Cat during the assignment must be provided by the Owner. The Owner understands that the designated Cat Sitter is not a veterinary professional and agrees to waive and release the Cat Sitters from any and all claims, actions, damages or liability for injury, death, sickness or illness suffered as a result of the Cat’s chronic or long-term condition, even if advised of its possible existence.
2. Services, Charges and Reservations
2.1 Services
The Owner agrees to pay the Cat Sitter for specific services (collectively referred to as the “Services”) through the Booking Agent. The Cat Sitter agrees to provide Services to the Cat on each visit. The Booking Agent assigns an appropriate Cat Sitter to the Owner based on an assessment of the Owner’s and the Cat’s needs, including but not limited to the Cat’s behavioral profile and medical needs, as well as the Owner’s requested visit schedule and home location.
2.2 Charges
All Services shall be paid for in full at the rates set forth, at the start of each visit (collectively referred to as the “Charges”). Charges begin on the day the Owner leaves the Cat, at the point of successful key-collection by the Cat Sitter. All products purchased, Services rendered and expenses incurred on the Cat’s behalf by the Cat Sitter are payable in full at the point of return.
3. Evaluation and Participation
3.1 Submission of Information
Prior to any Services being provided, it is required that the Owner supplies written information about the Cat (hereinafter known as the “Cat Intake Form”). The Owner represents and warrants that all the information disclosed in the Cat Intake Form is accurate, recent, relevant and true.
3.1.1 Disclosure of Information by Owner
The Cat Intake Form must be provided to the Cat Sitter prior to the Cat’s assigned sitting dates. The Owner is required to submit ONE (1) Cat Intake Form per Cat. Prior to Services being provided, the Owner shall disclose and continue to disclose on an ongoing basis, any and all medical or other conditions, including but not limited to personality concerns or behaviors that may affect, limit or prevent the Cat’s ability to interact safely with the designated Cat Sitter.
3.1.2 Re-Submission of Information
Unless otherwise specified or superseded by a future dated version of the Cat Intake Form, the information provided to the Cat Sitter by the Owner shall be deemed as accurate, recent, relevant and true on each of the Cat’s visits by the Cat Sitter. In the event there are changes to the Cat’s information, the Owner accepts the onus to submit a revised copy of the Cat Intake Form. The Owner shall notify the Cat Sitter and resubmit the Cat Intake Form in compliance with clause 3.1, prior to the Cat’s scheduled Cat Sitting assignment.
3.2 Interpretation of Information Provided
The Owner understands that assigned Cat Sitters are not trained in the field of veterinary medicine and are not qualified to interpret medical test results, diagnose the Cat, nor make assumptions regarding the Cat’s health status. The Owner agrees to waive and release the Cat Sitters from any and all claims, actions, damages or liability for injury, death, sickness or illness suffered by the Cat, even if advised of its possible existence.
3.4 Owner’s Agreement for Cat Sitter to Visit Cat in Home
If the Owner submits a request for a Cat to receive Home Visits by the Cat Sitter, payment for the Charges shall constitute the Owner’s agreement that the area for the Cat to roam selected by the Owner is suitable for the temporary lodging of the Cat. The Owner agrees that the dimensions of the Cat area are sufficient for the Cat to reside comfortably for the duration of the Owner’s time away from the Home.
3.5 Owner’s Consent for Multi-Cat Sitting
The Owner may submit a request for multiple Cats from the same household to be cared for by the Cat Sitter. The request shall be considered as written consent from the Owner for the Cats to be cared for together. The Owner understands that additional rates will apply for multi-cat sitting arrangements. The Owner must ensure that the cats are compatible in nature and can lodge together without separation. The Cat Sitter shall not be liable for accidents, injuries or illnesses to either cat due to inadequate sitting arrangements or housing.
Additionally, in the event that the cats do not cohabitate well, the Owner must provide instructions to separate the cats and provide suitable lodging for the duration of the assignment.
4. Acceptance of Risk
4.1 Unpredictability of the Cat
The Owner understands that bacteria, virus, fungus and parasites can go undetected in Cats that do not show signs of active infection or illness, and that the Cat may have allergies, underlying, chronic or long-term conditions that remain undiagnosed. The Owner also acknowledges that animals are unpredictable and that there is a possibility of death, injury, sickness or illness to the Cat or to another animal or person. Therefore, as in respect of the Services rendered by the Cat Sitter, the Owner hereby waives and releases the assigned Cat Sitter from any and all claims, actions, damages or liability for injury, death, sickness or illness suffered by the Cat while in the care of the Cat Sitter or otherwise relating to the care, control, health and/or safety of the Cat.
4.2. Interactions between Cats in Multi-Cat Homes
The Owner acknowledges that in the unlikely event that the Cat is injured by another Cat within the Home, or if the Cat injures another Cat in the same household or person, the Owner shall be solely responsible for any injury to the other Cats. The Owner releases any assigned Cat Sitter from any liability for such injury.
4.3. Indemnification and Liability
By engaging the services of Nekoya affiliated freelance Cat Sitters, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms and conditions regarding the limited liability of the Cat Sitter. With respect to the Services rendered by the Cat Sitter, the Owner shall indemnify, defend and hold the Cat Sitter harmless from and against any and all losses, liabilities, damages, fines, penalties and expenses, including but without limitation, the following:
- legal fees and veterinary costs arising from, or resulting from any breach of the representations and warranties contained in this Agreement by the parties to this Agreement or by any third parties;
- any and all acts related to the behaviour of the Cat;
- Sickness and illness, injury, or death to a Cat during provision of the Service; or
- injury or death to a designated Cat Sitter, third party, or any other member of the public.
4.3.1. Limited Liability
The Cat Sitter is a professional Cat care provider and will take all reasonable precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of your cat(s) while under their care. However, the Cat Sitter shall not be held liable for any injuries, illnesses, accidents, or any other mishaps that may occur to your cat(s) during the contracted service period.
4.3.2. Medical Emergencies
In the event of a medical emergency involving your cat(s), the Cat Sitter will make every effort to contact you and seek veterinary care as necessary. You are responsible for all veterinary bills and associated costs. The Cat Sitter is not responsible for the outcome of any veterinary treatment.
4.3.3. Property Damage
The Cat Sitter will take reasonable care while in your home but shall not be responsible for any damage to your property or belongings, including but not limited to furniture, carpets, curtains, or personal items. You are encouraged to inform the Cat Sitter of any fragile or valuable items that require special attention.
4.3.4. Security and Access
You grant the Cat Sitter access to your home for the sole purpose of providing Cat care services. The Cat Sitter will make every effort to secure your property upon leaving but shall not be held responsible for any security breaches, theft, or vandalism that may occur.
4.3.5. Keys and Security Codes
If you provide keys, access codes, or any means of entry to your home, the Cat Sitter will keep them in a secure location and will not disclose this information to any third parties. You are encouraged to provide a spare key to a trusted neighbor or friend in case of emergencies.
4.4. Social Media Policy
The Owner agrees not to directly or indirectly make, publish or otherwise communicate any unverified claims, disparaging or derogatory statements, or encourage any third parties to make such statements, whether in writing or otherwise, online or offline, which are intended to misrepresent, damage or lower the Cat Sitter’s professional reputation or financial standing, and agrees not to initiate any legal proceedings against the Cat Sitter or any affiliated parties with respect to such released claims.
4.5 Death of a Cat
Before engaging Cat Sitter Services, the Owner must specify a course of action in the unfortunate event that the Cat passes away while in the Cat Sitter’s care, such as bringing the Cat to a preferred Veterinarian to hold until the Owner’s return or requesting cremation services at the Owner’s expense.
5. Modifications, Cancellations and Refunds
5.1 Modifications, Refunds, and Cancellations
Any cancellations or changes to the agreed-upon services must be made in advance, and refunds will be provided according to the Cat Sitter’s cancellation policy, as outlined in the service agreement.
Requests to modify and/or cancel reservations must be received and approved by the assigned Cat Sitter in writing at least (48) hours prior to the Cat Sitting start date. Modifications to reservations are subject to availability. Reservations are strictly non-modifiable by the Owner within (48) hours prior to the Cat Sitting start date. The Company, at their discretion, may allow for an equivalent amount of credits to be issued to the Owner, that may be used on a subsequent booking.
Please note that once a Cat Sitter is assigned, no changes may be made by Owner request. In the event that the assigned Cat Sitter becomes unavailable for any reason, the Booking Agent will assist in searching for an alternative available Cat Sitter. If an alternative cannot be found, the Booking Agent reserves the right to cancel the reservation. 100% funds will be reversed to the Owner.
5.2 Incomplete Stays
No refunds are provided on Charges in the event that the Cat does not require Cat Sitting for the full duration of its intended reservation, including but not limited to scenarios such as earlier-than-intended Owner return dates.
5.3 Refund Policy
The following policy on refunds is maintained for reservations:
- Charges will be refunded in the form of credits for use on a subsequent sitting assignment; or,
- Charges will be refunded in full less a 10% processing fee (based on the total amount paid)
- Reservations cancelled within (48) hours of the Cat Sitter’s start date of assignment shall not be refunded.
6. Appointment of a Responsible Party
6.1 Considerations for Appointment
The Owner must provide a consenting adult, over the age of 21, to be his/her Emergency Contact, otherwise known in this Agreement as the “Responsible Party”. The Responsible Party must be someone other than the Owner and should not be someone traveling with the Owner if he/she is traveling overseas. The Owner authorizes the assigned Cat Sitter to contact the Responsible Party, in the event that the Owner cannot be reached, and that the Responsible Party shall have full and complete authority to make any and all decisions, including those related to the health of the Cat and the expenditure of funds, for or on behalf of the Owner and the Cat.
If the Responsible Party will be responsible for collecting keys from the Cat Sitter on the final day of assignment for the Cat, he/she shall be responsible for all expenses payable on the Owner’s behalf prior to ceasing Cat Sitting services for the Cat.
7. Start and End Dates of Cat Sitting Assignment
7.1 Key Collections
The Cat Sitter is available for business at designated hours. These hours may vary depending on the location of the Sitter. The Owner understands that the time required for key collection and consultation for the Cat is variable, and the Cat Sitter cannot be responsible for any inconvenience or delays caused under any circumstances.
7.2 Returning Home and Inspection of the Cat
The Owner agrees to personally collect their keys from Cat Sitter upon return, or authorise a Responsible Party in writing to collect the keys. The Owner shall declare any injury or illness suspected to be caused to the Cat at the point of key collection. If the Cat is found to be experiencing an injury or illness, a visit to a Veterinarian must be made within 48 hours of the end of the Cat Sitting booking.
7.3 Keys not collected on End Date
If the Owner does not pick up the keys at the agreed upon time, the Owner hereby authorises the Cat Sitter to continue to provide the Services as set forth in this Agreement at additional expense. If the Cat Sitter determines that an extension of Services is required, payment in full may be required prior to providing such Services. In order to maintain scheduling, other clients’ Cats will be seen first before tending to extended assignments. Additional charges will apply.
7.3.1 Extended Service Alternatives
The Cat Sitter may also hand over the Owner’s keys to the specified Responsible Party, as mentioned in Section 6.1. The Responsible Party would assume all responsibilities related to the Cat, including but not limited to: the Cat’s medical care, feeding routine, and hygiene.
Alternatively, the Owner may find another Cat Sitter to continue to render Services for their Cat at the Owner’s expense.
8. Emergencies
8.1 Definition
Fires, natural disasters, medical situations, unsafe set-ups within the home (i.e. overloaded power points or unsecured windows), and other unforeseen or unpredictable occurrences that are outside of the Cat Sitter’s control shall be referred to herein as “Emergencies”.
8.2 Limitation of Liability
If the Emergency should happen within the Cat Sitter’s visiting hours, the Cat Sitter will undertake every effort to have the Cat evacuated from the Home premise with the use of the carrier provided by the Owner. However, the Owner understands that it may not be possible to safely evacuate the Cat in the event of any Emergencies. The Owner understands that the Cat Sitter will not be held responsible for any death, injury or condition sustained to the Cat as a result of these Emergencies.
8.2.1 Course of Action
In the event of an Emergency, every effort will be made to contact the Owner or the Responsible Party to retrieve the Cat. The Owner agrees that the Cat Sitter, at their sole discretion, is authorised to transport and/or make temporary alternative arrangements to house and care for the Cat until the Owner or the Responsible Party can retrieve the Cat.
8.3. Coverage of Certain Incidents
In the event that the cat sitter is negligent and your cat escapes or goes missing under their care, you may want to ensure the cat sitter is financially responsible for efforts to locate and recover the cat. The Booking Agent may allocate up to $100 of advertising to be used in locating the missing Cat(s) and the designated Cat Sitter will assist in searching for the missing Cat(s).
Additionally, in the event that the Cat suffers an injury or illness that is found to be directly caused by the Cat Sitter from failure to follow instructions given or otherwise, medical coverage of up to $500 may be provided for treatment of the Cat. Said injury or illness must be substantiated by a Veterinarian’s note and medical findings.
9. Medical Treatment
9.1 Definition
If at any time the Cat is found to be ridden with parasites, illness, injury or disease, the Cat Sitter reserves the right to isolate the Cat from other Cat(s) of the same household, initiate and provide the appropriate remedy to the Cat through the engagement of a third party licensed veterinarian at the Owner’s expense on top of Charges paid (henceforth referred to as “Medical Treatment”).
9.2 Owner’s Consent for Medical Treatment
In the event that the Cat should require Medical Treatment while in the care of the designated Cat Sitter, the Owner requests that the following condition be adhered to:
a. Save the Cat regardless of the cost of any necessary treatment, medication, or surgical procedures.
b. Use any and all reasonable and customary treatments, medications, or surgical procedures necessary to treat the Cat, not to exceed a previously disclosed amount.
c. Owner does not want the Cat treated by a veterinarian under any circumstances.
9.3 Expenses Incurred and Imposed Fees
All expenses incurred by the Cat, including but not limited to transportation costs, grooming and veterinary bills must be paid in full or reimbursed to the Cat Sitter at the final date of Cat Sitting Assignment.
Based on an assessment of the Cat by the Cat Sitter, the Owner may also be required to pay for additional Services to be provided, so that the Cat may be cared for safely and effectively (collectively referred to as “Imposed Fees”). Imposed Fees include, without limitation:
- Service Fee – of $80 applicable per trip, per Cat, if a Cat is required to be brought outside of the Owner’s Home for the provision of third-party Services by external service providers
- Cleaning Fee – of $10 per day, which shall apply to any case of a Cat presenting with severe diarrhea, spraying or marking, thereby requiring additional, thorough disinfection and sterilization of the designated Cat area more than twice daily.
10. Governing Law
This Agreement, and any dispute, controversy, proceedings or claim of whatever nature arising out of or in any way relating to this Agreement or its formation (including any non-contractual disputes or claims), shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Singapore. All issues resulting from the Owner’s use of the Cat Sitter’s Services shall be submitted to and the Owner shall submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of Singapore.
11. Photography & Media Clause
11.1 Photographs and Updates
The Cat Sitter may take photographs or videos of your cat(s) for documentation and updates during their visits. These may be shared with you for informational purposes or on the Cat Sitter’s website or social media unless requested otherwise.
12. Miscellaneous Provisions
This written Agreement constitutes the entire and only agreement between the Owner and the Cat Sitter, and there are no oral agreements or understandings except as provided for in this Agreement. The illegality or unenforceability of any provision of the Agreement shall not in any way affect or impair the legality or enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement.
Additionally, the Owner understands that any Services provided are through randomly assigned Freelance Cat Sitters. At different bookings of Cat Sitting Services, the assigned Cat Sitter may vary.