Cwtch Co Pet Care: Terms & Conditions

1. Our Services

Cwtch Co Pet Care provides professional in-home pet care including feeding, watering (using owner-     supplied food), administering medication, exercise and companionship.

• Home Security: Every visit includes a general security check of windows and doors, as well as mail collection and bin management (depending on the time of my visit aligning with the mail and bin times!). 

• Routine: 

At Cwtch Co Pet Care, we specialise in the care of adult pets (1 year+) to ensure a safe, low-stress experience, focusing on minimising risk and protecting the integrity of your home while you are away.

• Cats: To ensure your cat’s well-being, we require a minimum of one visit per day (providing they are not diebetic, as this will requires two visits for their well-being). 

• For outdoor cats, access to the home must be provided via a cat door. Please note that for the safety of your home and pet, we do not operate an ‘open window’ policy. If your cat is kept strictly indoors, please ensure they have full access to their usual indoor environment.

• Supplies: To keep your pet’s routine consistent, please provide an ample supply of litter, liners, and waste bags. We also appreciate having access to your preferred cleaning sprays or brushes for the tray area to maintain a high standard of cleanliness. You will also need to provide all the daily food needed for the duration that your pet(s) are in my care.

• Dogs: Will require a minimum of two visits per day to ensure comfort and well-being. Your dog(s) must be used to being home alone and indoors during the day and sleeping indoors at night. This ensures compliance with local Dog Control bylaws and the Dog Control Act 1996.

• Supplies: You will need to leave all the daily food required for the duration that your pet(s) are in my care.

2. Payment & Bookings

• Confirmation: Full payment is required within 48 hours of booking to secure your dates.

• Cancellations: * 72+ Hours Notice: Full refund or credit toward a future booking (within 30 days).

  • Within 72 Hours: 50% refund.

• Notification: All cancellations must be made in writing via email to cwtchcopetcare@hotmail.co.nz

• Refunds: Processed via bank deposit within 3–5 business days

Payments made to: 

Name: Cwtch Co Pet Care Bank: ASB Bank Account Number: 12- 3248- 0147165- 37

*Please reference your name and your pets name.

3

Emergency & Medical Care

• Cwtch Co Pet Care maintains comprehensive Public Liability Insurance. However, Cwtch Co Pet Care accepts no liability for veterinary costs. All expenses arising from veterinary care are the sole responsibility of the owner.

• Medical Release: Owners must sign a Medical Release Form authorizing Cwtch Co Pet Care to approve emergency treatment up to a specified amount and detailing preferences for terminal care.

• Emergency Contacts: By providing an emergency contact, the owner confirms they have obtained that person’s consent for Cwtch Co Pet Care to hold their name and contact details for the duration of the booking.

  • Note: To comply with the NZ Privacy Act (IPP 3A), please ensure your nominated contact is aware you have shared their information with Cwtch Co Pet Care for emergency purposes.

4. Safety & Breed Policy

To adhere to insurance requirements and maintain a safe environment, we are unable to accommodate the following breeds:

• Rottweiler, Pit Bull Terrier / Staffordshire Bull Terrier (including American breeds), Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, American Bulldog, Mastiff, Chow Chow, Cane Corso, Greyhound/Lurcher, Siberian Husky, Akita, and Wolf Hybrids.

• Aggression & Safety: If the dog displays aggressive behavior that poses a safety risk to the Sitter or the public, the Sitter reserves the right to terminate the contract immediately.

• Emergency Uplift: If the Client or their Emergency Contact cannot be reached within [2 hours], the Sitter is authorized to contact Council Animal Management to uplift the dog to a secure facility. The Client is solely responsible for all costs associated with council seizure, transport, and impound fees.

Safety & Handling: For the safety of the Walker and the Pets, Cwtch Co Pet Care reserves the right to walk multi-pet households individually if pack behavior or physical size compromises control. Additional time-based fees may apply if separate walks are required.

5. Home Access & Key Logistics

I treat the security of your home with the same absolute care I give your pets. During our Meet & Greet, we will discuss the most secure way for me to access your home.

Option 1: The "Ready-to-Go" Handover (Complimentary) If you feel comfortable at the end of our meeting, you are welcome to provide a key or access code then and there.

• Benefit: We can test the lock and any alarm "quirks" together while you are present, and there are no extra fees.

Option 2: The "Think It Over" Choice ($20 Fee) I completely understand if you would like a little time to reflect after our first meeting. If you decide to move forward later, we can arrange a separate Key Collection trip.

• Note: To cover travel time and fuel, a small $20 Key Collection Fee applies for any additional trips made outside the initial Meet & Greet.

Option 3: Digital & Lockbox Solutions If you prefer not to hand over a physical key, many clients use:

• Lockboxes: You provide a code for a secure onsite lockbox.

• Smart Locks: You can set up a temporary "Guest Code" for the duration of your booking.

Our Security Promise: All physical keys are kept in a secure, unidentifiable location and labeled with a unique coding system—never with your name or address. Digital codes are stored in an encrypted, password-protected system.

Data Security & Integrity: To ensure accuracy, all home access codes are handwritten and verified by the owner during the initial consultation. These records are stored in a physically secured location. For operational purposes, a copy is maintained in a bank-grade encrypted digital vault, ensuring I have secure access during my visits without carrying unencrypted paper records in the field.

• Sole Care Policy: To ensure insurance validity and safety, no other persons (cleaners, friends, or neighbours) may enter the property during the booking period without prior notification.

• Safety Standards: Owners are responsible for "pet-proofing" (securing cords, cleaning products, and hazards). Floors should be clear of small or fragile objects.

• Toys: Damaged toys will be removed for safety. We recommend storing "unsupervised" toys away to prevent choking hazards.

6. Identification & Health

• Dogs: Must wear a current Council Registration Tag and be microchipped.

• Cats: Must be microchipped and registered on the NZCAR.

• Vaccinations: Proof of current vaccinations (including Kennel Cough for dogs and F3 for cats) is mandatory for all bookings.

• Parasite Prevention: All pets must be up-to-date with their flea, tick, and worming treatments. By booking with Cwtch Co Pet Care, the owner confirms that their pet is currently covered by a high-quality preventative treatment. Should a pet be found to have an active flea or worm infestation during a booking, any costs associated with professional cleaning or treatment of the sitter’s property/equipment will be the responsibility of the owner.

7. In the Event of a Pet’s Death

While every precaution is taken, should a pet pass away in our care:

1. The owner and emergency contact will be notified immediately.

2. The pet will be taken to a veterinarian for confirmation or examination.

3. Cwtch Co will cooperate fully with the owner and veterinarian regarding any investigation.