Effective Date: 1 December 2024
The Cat Carer (referred to as “we,” “us,” or “our”) is dedicated to providing exceptional care for the Client’s cat(s) and ensuring the Client’s home is treated with respect while the Client is not home. By booking our services, the Client agrees to the following terms:
1. General
1.1 This agreement is between the Client and The Cat Carer. The Client wishes to engage us to provide cat care and agrees to the terms and conditions below.
1.2 The Client will electronically sign this agreement to engage our services. The Client shall be deemed to have accepted these terms and conditions by electronically signing this agreement.
1.3 The Cat Carer may change these terms and conditions at any time. If terms and conditions are changed, the Client will be notified and asked to re-sign to accept the new agreement. Refusal to accept the new terms and conditions will result in termination of service.
2. Bookings
2.1 In order to secure a booking, the Client must agree to our policies, terms and conditions. Failure to adhere to our policies, terms and conditions may result in future bookings or service requests being cancelled or declined.
2.2 If the Client is returning home earlier than planned or needs to extend their booking unexpectedly, the Client should contact The Cat Carer as soon as possible to advise the change.
3. Rates
3.1 The Client acknowledges The Cat Carer’s current rates at the time of booking our services.
3.2 Prices for our services are subject to change without notice.
4. Payment
4.1 Invoices will be emailed to the Client on the day services are completed.
4.2 Invoices are due to be paid within seven (7) days after services are complete.
4.3 We accept payment by cash, bank transfer or online via the Client’s invoice.
4.4 Late Payment:
A late payment penalty of $10 per day will be charged for payments not made by the due date.
4.5 Overdue invoices not paid within 30 days will be forwarded to our Debt Collection Agency, and further charges will be levied in respect of costs incurred in collecting the debt.
5. Cancellation by the Client
We understand that plans may change. Once we have scheduled and confirmed the Client’s booking, a fee may apply for any short notice cancellations. This compensates us for time set aside for the Client’s booking that another client may have been turned away from. By booking with us, the Client agrees to The Cat Carer’s cancellation policy which is as follows:
5.1 We require a minimum of 48 hours’ notice for all cancellations.
5.2 If cancellation by the Client occurs within two (2) days prior to the Client’s booking commencing, the Client will be required to pay the full amount of the booking.
5.3 If cancellation by the Client occurs within seven (7) days prior to the Client’s booking commencing, the Client will be required to pay 50% of the booking total.
5.4 If cancellation by the Client occurs more than eight (8) days prior to the Client’s booking commencing, the Client will not be charged.
5.5 If a booking is made for a service to be performed by The Cat Carer and the Client’s cat(s) cannot be located within 30 minutes of the booking time, the Client will be charged in full, even if the service was not completed.
6. Cancellation by The Cat Carer
While we make every effort to provide uninterrupted care for the Client’s cat(s), there may be rare occasions where illness or injury prevents us from fulfilling our scheduled in-home care visits. In such cases, we will communicate with the Client to ensure their cat(s) continue to receive the care they need.
6.1 If illness arises when The Cat Carer is scheduled to care for the Client’s cat(s), we will inform the Client as soon as possible to discuss alternative arrangements.
6.2 If The Cat Carer needs to cancel other services due to unforeseen circumstances, we will provide as much notice as possible and work with the Client to reschedule.
6.2.1 In rare cases where rescheduling isn’t possible, a full refund will be provided if payment was made in advance.
7. Supplies and Restocking Supplies
7.1 The Client agrees to provide all supplies needed for the care of their cats(s), including but not limited to –
- Cat food
- Water
- Cat litter
- Cleaning supplies
- Plastic bags
- Cat carry cage
- Medications required
If The Cat Carer needs to restock supplies that the Client agreed to provide but are not provided at the time of care (such as food or medication):
7.2 The Cat Carer is authorised to purchase necessary supplies for the satisfactory performance of duties.
7.3 An invoice for the purchases will be provided. Clients agree to pay The Cat Carer all costs/invoice(s) from the purchases within seven (7) days.
Overdue accounts will be forwarded to our Debt Collection Agency, and further charges will be levied in respect of costs incurred in collecting the debt.
8. Cat Illness / Veterinary Care / Medical Emergency
8.1 The Client agrees to provide accurate and complete information about their cat(s) (e.g., medical history, dietary needs, behavioural concerns) as requested by The Cat Carer in our Meet and Greet.
8.2 If necessary for cats with special needs or requirements, the Client agrees to leave clear instructions regarding the care of their cat(s) (e.g., feeding schedules, or pet-specific preferences).
8.3 The Client agrees to inform The Cat Carer of any changes to their cat(s) behaviour, health, or environment that may affect the care plan discussed during the Client’s Meet and Greet with The Cat Carer.
8.4 If any medical emergencies occur, we will first make reasonable attempts to contact the Client, then, if the Client cannot be contacted, we will make contact with the Client’s Emergency Contact.
8.5 If the Client and their Emergency Contact cannot be contacted for whatever reason, we will contact a veterinarian and follow their professional guidance and make an appointment with the Client’s regular veterinary clinic if required.
8.6 Should the Client’s regular veterinary clinic be closed or have no appointments available, an appointment will be made either with another local veterinary clinic or an after hours clinic.
8.7 In the unlikely event the Client’s cat(s) requires emergency medical attention, the Client agrees to authorise The Cat Carer to take the cat(s) to a veterinary hospital for treatment. The Client agrees to pay us the sum of $60/per hour should we need to take their cat(s) to a vet.
8.8 The Client is aware and agrees to the medical costs and fees should they arise from their cat(s) being ill or otherwise needing veterinary care.
The Client agrees to take full financial responsibility for all veterinarian expenses. The Client agrees to reimburse us within seven (7) days for ALL costs/invoice(s) incurred from any treatments for their cat(s).
Overdue accounts will be forwarded to our Debt Collection Agency, and further charges will be levied in respect of costs incurred in collecting the debt.
9. Accident Clean Up
9.1 We will take reasonable steps to clean up any accidents or messes made by the Client’s cat(s) that occur while we are caring for the Client’s cat(s).
9.2 This may include disinfecting the affected area to remove odors and bacteria. If there are cleaning products the Client prefers to use in their home, they should be provided for The Cat Carer’s use as per clause 6.
9.3 The Cat Carer is not responsible for cleaning up accidents beyond those caused by your cat(s), nor do we provide repair services for damaged surfaces or materials (e.g., replacing flooring or repainting walls).
9.4 The clean-up of accidents may incur additional costs for the time spent cleaning. These additional costs will be added to the Client’s invoice.
10. Injury to Client cat(s) by another animal
The Cat Carer will not be responsible for any cat(s) that instigate fights with other animals or are injured by another animal while in The Cat Carer’s care.
We will take all appropriate actions to ensure that the Client’s cat(s) are not placed in the company of aggressive or violent animals and/or will immediately remove the Client’s cat(s) from any animal fight.
11. Injury or escape of cat(s)
The Cat Carer and the Client are aware that the highest level of care shall be given to any and all cat(s) under care of The Cat Carer. The Client is aware that cat(s) are instinctual in nature and not always controllable by The Cat Carer even when the highest level of care is provided. Should the Client’s cat(s) run away or be injured, the Client agrees that The Cat Carer will not be responsible for any liability.
The above waiver of liability in favour of The Cat Carer shall not apply or be effective if The Cat Carer’s conduct in providing cat care services is found to be grossly negligent, reckless, or if there is intentional misconduct.
12. Injury to The Cat Carer or another person by the Client’s cat(s)
The Client will be responsible for all medical expenses and damages resulting from an injury to The Cat Carer or other persons by the Client’s cat(s).
The Client agrees to pay the full cost of any and all medical expenses and damages should they arise to The Cat Carer or The Cat Carer’s possessions as a result of the Client’s cat(s) actions.
The Client agrees to indemnify, hold harmless, and defend The Cat Carer in the event of a claim by any person injured by the Client’s cat(s).
13. Unsafe Cat(s)
This contract permits The Cat Carer to use discretion to stop and end service at any time the Client’s cat(s) pose a danger to the safety and health of itself, other pets, other people or The Cat Carer.
14. Privacy Policy
14.1 Information We Collect –
14.1.1 The Client’s Personal Information: We collect personal details necessary for booking and delivering our services, such as the Client’s name, contact information (phone number, email, address), and Emergency Contacts.
14.1.2 The Client’s Cat’s Information: We may collect information about the Client’s cat(s), including health conditions, dietary needs, behavioural information, and veterinary contacts to ensure proper care.
14.2 We use the Client’s information to –
• Provide and manage our services, including scheduling, visiting, and caring for the Client’s cat(s).
• Communicate with the Client regarding bookings, updates, or emergencies.
• Process payments and maintain accurate financial records.
• Ensure the safety and security of the Client’s cat(s) and our staff.
14.3 We take appropriate technical and organizational measures to safeguard the Client’s personal information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.
14.4 We do not sell, rent, or share the Client’s personal information with third parties except in the event of an emergency, we may share relevant information with veterinarians.
15. Photography and Media Release
15.1 We may take photos/videos of the Client’s cat(s) during our visits for marketing, promotional, or social media purposes. The Client has the right to opt-out of this by notifying The Cat Carer in advance during their Meet and Greet.
15.2 The Cat Carer will ensure none of the Client’s personal belongings will be identifiable in the photos/videos. The Cat Carer will not use any identifiable details of the Client in their posts.
16. Keys or Access Codes
16.1 The Client must supply a set of keys or an access code during our Meet and Greet – it will be used to access their home to provide care. It is strongly advised that the Client leaves a set of keys with their Emergency Contact so if their keys/access code fail we can obtain the back up keys from the Emergency Contact.
16.2 The Client gives The Cat Carer authority to commission the service of a locksmith at the cost of the Client should their house lock malfunction or fail for any reason.
All fees for the locksmith will be paid by the Client or fully reimbursed to The Cat Carer within seven (7) days from the incident.
Overdue accounts will be forwarded to our Debt Collection Agency, and further charges will be levied in respect of costs incurred in collecting the debt.
16.3 The Cat Carer can hold house keys and/ or garage remotes for the convenience of the Client. The keys and/or garage remotes will not be tagged with any home address and will be kept securely by us.
17. Client Home Security and Care
17.1 The Cat Carer will NOT accept liability if others (friends, family members, workers etc…) are allowed entry to the home over the course of service.
17.2 The Client MUST notify The Cat Carer if anyone else will have access to the Client’s home during the course of our service.
This is to ensure the safety of The Cat Carer whilst at the Client’s home.
It would be appreciated if the Client would also notify the person(s) with access to the home that The Cat Carer will be caring for their cat(s) during the Client’s absence.
17.3 The Cat Carer will not allow entry to any person who they have not been made aware of in advance. The police will be called on any intruders or suspicious acts without exception.
17.4 Privacy of the Client’s home: We respect the Client’s privacy and will not access personal areas of their home (such as bedrooms, offices, or private drawers) unless expressly required for the care of the Client’s cat(s) or agreed upon by the Client.
17.5 While caring for the Client’s cat(s), we will use their home responsibly and only as necessary for fulfilling our services.
Reasonable use includes accessing areas required for feeding, cleaning, and general care (e.g., the kitchen, bathroom, and living areas).
We will not use the Client’s home for personal reasons, host guests, or engage in any activity outside the scope of our services.
17.6 The Cat Carer is not liable for any loss or damage in the event of a burglary or other crime that should occur while under this contract. The Client agrees to secure their home prior to leaving the premises.
17.7 The Cat Carer will attempt to re-secure the home according to the Client’s instructions at the end of each visit. While The Cat Carer will take all reasonable care to enter and leave the property in a safe and responsible manner, ensuring any doors or gates used to access the home are secure on leaving, The Cat Carer accepts no liability for any breach of security, loss of, or damage to, the Client’s home by a third party.
17.8 The Cat Carer is not responsible for any damage to the property or home of the Client unless such damage is caused by a negligent act of The Cat Carer.
17.9 The Cat Carer is not responsible for damage to the Client’s home beyond our control. This includes, but is not limited to: door lock damages, broken windows, electrical problems, leaks, and acts of nature. All repairs to the Client’s home and related fees will be paid by the Client or fully reimbursed to The Cat Carer within seven (7) days from the incident.
Overdue accounts will be forwarded to our Debt Collection Agency, and further charges will be levied in respect of costs incurred in collecting the debt.
17.10 The Client is responsible for cat-proofing their house and yard and security fences/gates/latches.
The Cat Carer will not be responsible for the safety of the cat(s) and will not be liable for the death, injury, disappearance or legal consequences of any cat(s) with unsupervised access to the outdoors.
18. Extreme Weather or Natural Disasters
18.1 In the event of inclement weather, natural disaster or circumstances beyond our control, e.g. acts of terrorism, lightning storms, blizzards, earthquakes etc. The Cat Carer is entrusted to use best judgment in caring for the Client’s cat(s) and home. The Cat Carer will be held harmless for consequences related to such decisions.
18.2 In the event that we are unable to reach the Client’s home due to poor weather conditions or natural disaster, The Cat Carer will contact the Client by phone to let them know of the situation. We will then work together with the Client’s Emergency Contact to ensure the Client’s cat(s) receive adequate care.
19. Termination of Service
The Cat Carer reserves the right to deny service or terminate service because of safety concerns, financial issues, failure to comply with policy, inappropriate or uncomfortable circumstances.
20. Change of Terms
Policies and procedures are subject to reasonable changes and amendments, which may be implemented from time to time.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Questions about the Terms of Service should be sent to us at TheCatCarerNZ@gmail.com.
Signed: Tory Regan, The Cat Carer
Signed: ______________________________________________________________
(Client)