The activity of pet-sitters is governed by a number of legal provisions, defined in particular by the French Rural Code. This article looks at the regulations governing this profession, whose services are increasingly in demand from owners of dogs and other pets.

Pet-sitters look after pets in the absence of their owners. They must ensure the animal’s well-being by walking it, giving it the care it needs, feeding it and getting it involved in activities, among other things. The professional therefore has a responsibility towards both the animal and the client. Their commitment is a moral one, but their profession is also governed by regulations. What are they?

Pet-sitting is a regulated activity. To practise this profession, there are certain obligations to be met, such as the need to hold a certificate of competence.

It’s even more important to remember that pet-sitters work within a well-defined legal framework, and that they have a dual responsibility: that of the dog or other pet they look after, but also that of the owner’s home, since they have access to it in the owner’s absence.

The pet-sitter must therefore be someone who can be trusted and who knows that he or she cannot break the rules without consequences.

In addition to the moral commitment and the obligation to provide all the services agreed (walks, activities, meals, care, etc.), the pet-sitter must comply with the legal provisions governing the exercise of this profession.

The pet-sitter profession is one of those listed in article L214-6 of the French Rural Code. This article covers all activities relating to “the management of a pound or refuge, breeding, commercial activities involving the sale, transit or keeping, education, training and presentation to the public of dogs and cats”.

A professional pet sitter, must obtain the Attestation de connaissances pour les animaux de compagnie d’espèces domestiques (ACACED), issued by the DRAAF (Direction régionale de l’Alimentation, de l’Agriculture et de la Forêt). In 2016, this certificate replaced the Certificat de capacité animaux domestiques (CCAD), which is still valid for holders.

This certificate proves the pet sitter has mastered the fundamental knowledge of the needs of domestic animals and the regulations governing their care, so that he or she can work in the pet industry.

The pet sitter must declare his or her activity to the Direction Départementale en charge de la Protection des Populations (DDPP or DDETSPP) in the département, and to INPI to set up his or her business.

If the pet sitter runs his or her business from their home or dedicated premises, he or she must also:

• appoint a veterinary surgeon
• keep a register of animals entering and leaving the premises and draw up health regulations setting out the hygiene rules to be applied ;
• apply to the prefecture for environmental authorisation if he or she keep more than 10 dogs.

As the animal’s guardian, the pet-sitter becomes liable for any damage caused to others by the animal. They will be held liable in the event of an error or simple omission. The pet’s escape is not a reason for exoneration from liability.

For example, the pet sitter is liable if the escaped dog causes an accident or bites a passer-by or another animal. The pet-sitter may be held liable by the animal’s owner if the animal is injured or dies as a result of the pet-sitter’s fault or negligence.

The animal kept in the pet sitter’s premises or at home may also cause material damage to its owner or a third party, or injuries to another animal or a person. Here too, the pet sitter is responsible. The Civil Code states that ‘the owner of an animal, or the person who uses it while it is in his care, is liable for the damage that the animal has caused, whether the animal was in his care or whether it was lost or escaped’. So if the animal causes injury to a person or another animal, the pet sitter may have to reimburse medical expenses and possibly other compensation for bodily injury and damages. The professional may also be required to reimburse the cost of repairing and replacing damaged property, such as furniture or objects.

My advice: ask for the pet sitter’s insurance certificate before entering a contract relationship with them or enter contract through a secure platform that has a strong and reliable insurance policy contract.

Adrien Pech