How do I hire a pet sitter?
Are you looking for a dog, cat or pet sitter? Do you prefer private or professional pet care? Read on to find out which rules apply when hiring a pet sitter.
Unpaid, casual pet sitters
If neighbours or friends occasionally look after your dog, cat or other pet, you do not necessarily need to draw up a contract. However, we recommend writing down all the important information about your pet. This will make it easier for your casual pet sitter to look after your pet and keep your beloved animal happy.
Paid pet care through a private individual
It is also possible to pay a private pet sitter to look after your dog, cat or other pet. If your pet sitter is self-employed, you only pay the pet care bill. But what if this is not the case?
Registering a pet sitter
If your pet sitter works in your home and also does other household chores, you can employ them on a part-time basis via Dienstleistungsscheck (DLS). Their total annual earnings must not exceed the part-time threshold. Your pet sitter will have accident insurance cover via DLS from their first day of employment. To ensure that they also have health insurance, you must register their part-time employment with the appropriate health insurance provider.
NB: employment contract
An employment contract provides you and your pet sitter with legal certainty and clarity about your agreed terms for your pet care. We recommend recording the agreed salary, working hours and holiday allowance in writing.
You can find out how to quickly and easily create an employment contract on the Chamber of Labour website.
Professional pet care
If you opt for professional pet care – e.g. dog kennels, a cattery or a self-employed, full-time pet sitter – they will clarify all the details with you in advance. Professional pet sitters will usually agree a pet care contract with you. We recommend reading through the contract in your own time and clarifying any questions before you sign it.
