A3 House & Pet Sitting — Terms & Conditions
Effective from: 7 October 2026
These Terms & Conditions apply to house sitting, pet sitting, equine care, smallholding/farm care and associated services provided by A3 House & Pet Sitting (“A3”).
By confirming a booking, the homeowner/client (“the Client”) agrees to these Terms & Conditions.
1. Bookings, Quotes & Deposits
1.1 Confirming a booking
All bookings are subject to availability and are confirmed in writing.
A quote is based on the information supplied by the Client about the property, animals, dates, care requirements and any additional duties or restrictions.
The Client must provide accurate and complete information before the booking is confirmed.
1.2 Deposit
A 25% booking deposit is required to secure dates unless A3 agrees otherwise in writing.
Once the deposit has been received and the booking confirmed, those dates are reserved for the Client and A3 may decline other work for the same period.
The remaining balance must be paid by the date stated on the invoice or booking confirmation.
1.3 Changes after booking
Any significant change to the dates, number or type of animals, property, care requirements, required hours of attendance or other agreed duties must be discussed with A3 as soon as possible.
Changes may result in a revised quote.
A3 is not obliged to accept a material change to the original booking where it would not be reasonably practicable to provide the revised service.
2. Time Away From the Property
2.1 Normal arrangements
Unless specifically agreed otherwise before quotation, A3 must be able to leave the property for periods of up to 3 hours at a time for normal personal activities such as shopping, meals, appointments, travel and other reasonable day-to-day requirements.
This does not mean that A3 will routinely leave animals for three hours. Absences will be managed responsibly, taking into account the animals' established routine, welfare, age, health and agreed care requirements.
2.2 Restrictions below three hours
If the Client requires A3 to remain at the property to such an extent that A3 cannot leave for up to three hours at a time, this must be disclosed before a quote is issued and before the booking is confirmed.
Examples include requirements that A3:
return within one or two hours;
provide near-continuous supervision;
cannot leave particular animals unattended;
remain at the property for specified periods outside normal care requirements.
Additional charges may apply because such restrictions materially affect A3's freedom and ability to undertake normal personal activities during a live-in assignment.
If a previously undisclosed restriction is imposed after confirmation of the booking, A3 may charge an appropriate additional fee or, where the change is substantial and cannot reasonably be accommodated, decline the change.
Animal welfare will always take priority in an emergency.
3. Client Cancellation
3.1 Cancellation by the Client
If the Client cancels a confirmed booking, A3 may retain or charge an amount reasonably reflecting the losses resulting from the cancellation.
In determining any cancellation charge, A3 will take into account:
the notice given;
the value and duration of the booking;
work already undertaken in connection with the booking;
travel or other costs already incurred;
the likelihood of obtaining a replacement booking for the cancelled dates; and
any reasonable steps A3 can take to reduce the loss.
The 25% booking deposit may be retained towards those losses. Where A3 is able to obtain replacement work for some or all of the cancelled period, this will be taken into account when calculating any further amount due.
Cancellation at short notice may result in a greater charge because it is less likely that the reserved dates can be rebooked.
3.2 Cancellation by A3
A3 will only cancel a confirmed booking where reasonably necessary, for example because of serious illness, injury, emergency, circumstances beyond A3's reasonable control, or circumstances at the property that make it unsafe or unreasonable to continue.
Where A3 cancels before the assignment begins and the Client has not caused or contributed to the cancellation, any payment received for services that will not be provided will be refunded.
A3 will provide as much notice as reasonably possible and, where practical, will assist the Client by suggesting alternative sources of care. A3 cannot guarantee that replacement care will be available.
Nothing in these Terms affects the Client's statutory rights.
4. Arrival, Departure & Delays
The agreed arrival and departure arrangements form part of the booking.
Clients should provide realistic return times and notify A3 as soon as possible of any delay.
Where the Client's return is delayed and A3 is required to remain beyond the agreed booking period, additional time will be charged at the applicable rate.
If A3 has another commitment and cannot remain beyond the agreed time, the Client must arrange a suitable responsible person to take over the care of the animals and property.
Where A3's arrival is delayed by circumstances beyond reasonable control, including serious traffic disruption, road closures, extreme weather, vehicle breakdown or public transport disruption, A3 will notify the Client as soon as reasonably possible.
5. Animal Care, Health & Behaviour
5.1 Information supplied by the Client
The Client must provide accurate information about each animal, including where relevant:
medical conditions;
medication;
allergies;
mobility problems;
behavioural issues;
aggression or bite history;
escape behaviour;
separation difficulties;
toileting or marking indoors;
feeding requirements;
exercise restrictions; and
any other matter reasonably relevant to safe care.
A3 must be informed of material changes before the assignment begins.
5.2 Veterinary care
The Client must provide details of their usual veterinary practice and an emergency contact.
If an animal becomes ill or injured, A3 will make reasonable efforts to contact the Client or nominated emergency contact.
Where urgent veterinary treatment is reasonably considered necessary and the Client cannot be reached, the Client authorises A3 to seek appropriate veterinary attention in the animal's best interests.
Veterinary fees and other reasonable costs relating to the Client's animals remain the Client's responsibility unless caused by A3's failure to exercise reasonable care and skill.
5.3 Medication
A3 will administer agreed medication in accordance with the Client's instructions where reasonably practicable.
The Client must provide sufficient medication, clear instructions and any equipment required for the full assignment.
5.4 Behaviour and safety
A3 must be informed in advance of known behaviour that could reasonably present a risk to people, other animals or property.
If undisclosed behaviour creates a material safety risk or makes the agreed service substantially different from that originally described, A3 may take reasonable steps necessary to protect people and animals and may require alternative arrangements.
6. Property, Utilities & Household Equipment
The Client must provide a property that is reasonably safe, secure and suitable for A3 to occupy for the duration of a live-in assignment.
Essential services and facilities reasonably required for the assignment should be available, including electricity, hot water, heating appropriate to the conditions, working sanitary facilities and reasonable cooking facilities.
A3 will use reasonable care when using the Client's property and household equipment.
A3 is not responsible for breakdown, failure, deterioration or wear and tear of appliances, plumbing, heating systems, showers, toilets, electrical equipment or other household systems unless the loss or damage was caused by A3's failure to exercise reasonable care and skill.
The Client should provide instructions for any equipment requiring unusual or specialist operation.
Any fault or problem noticed by A3 will be reported within a reasonable time having regard to its nature and urgency.
7. Sitter Accommodation & Personal Food
A3 provides a live-in service and the Sitter will bring and provide their own personal food unless otherwise agreed.
Clients are kindly asked to leave reasonable space in both the fridge and freezer for the Sitter's food for the duration of the assignment.
A clean and comfortable sleeping area should be provided, together with clean bed linen and towels for the Sitter's use.
The Sitter should also have reasonable access to normal household facilities required during a live-in stay, including cooking facilities, hot water, heating and bathroom facilities.
8.Cameras, Recording Devices & Privacy
Because A3 provides a live-in service, the property becomes A3's temporary living and sleeping environment for the duration of the assignment.
The Client must disclose before the booking begins the presence and location of any cameras, video doorbells, smart cameras, audio-recording devices or other equipment capable of recording or remotely monitoring areas used by A3.
External security cameras and video doorbells may remain operational where their presence has been disclosed.
Active interior cameras or other interior audio/video monitoring of A3 are not permitted during a live-in assignment unless expressly agreed in writing beforehand.
Cameras must never monitor bedrooms, bathrooms or other areas where a person would reasonably expect a high degree of privacy.
Where an undisclosed interior camera or recording/monitoring device is discovered during an assignment, A3 may require the device to be switched off or otherwise prevented from recording for the remainder of the assignment.
If the Client refuses, or if the circumstances cause A3 reasonably to consider continued occupation inappropriate or unsafe, A3 may terminate the assignment after taking reasonable steps to protect the welfare of animals in A3's care.
Nothing in this clause prevents the use of ordinary household devices that contain microphones or cameras where those functions are disabled and the device is not being used to monitor A3.
10. Third-Party Access
The Client must tell A3 in advance if any other person is expected to enter the property during the assignment, including cleaners, gardeners, tradespeople, relatives, neighbours, dog walkers or other service providers.
Except in an emergency, unexpected access should not be arranged without informing A3.
A3 is not responsible for loss, damage or other consequences to the extent that they are caused by the acts or omissions of a third party and are not attributable to A3's failure to exercise reasonable care and skill.
Where third-party access materially changes the nature of the assignment or creates a reasonable safety, security or animal-welfare concern, A3 may ask the Client to make alternative arrangements.
11. Additional Tasks & Services Outside the Agreed Assignment
The quoted fee covers the services and duties agreed when the booking is confirmed.
Requests for substantial additional work outside the agreed assignment must be discussed with A3 and may incur an additional charge.
Examples may include:
travelling to and caring for another property;
substantial gardening or plant watering;
errands or collections;
caring for additional animals not included in the original quote;
additional cleaning beyond normal reasonable care of the property during the assignment;
regular journeys or tasks for relatives, neighbours or third parties; or
other duties requiring significant additional time or travel.
Where additional work is agreed, A3 may charge for time, mileage and reasonable expenses.
A small incidental favour will not automatically incur a charge. The purpose of this clause is to ensure that substantial additional duties are agreed fairly in advance.
12. Cleaning & Condition of the Property
A3 will take reasonable care of the Client's home and will leave areas used by A3 in a reasonably clean and tidy condition.
Normal house sitting does not include professional cleaning, deep cleaning, maintenance, repairs, clearing or disposing of pre-existing food or household items, or remedying pre-existing property conditions unless specifically agreed.
The Client should leave the property in a reasonably clean and habitable condition at the start of the assignment.
13. Gardens, Plants & Outdoor Areas
Normal light household plant care may be included where agreed.
Substantial gardening, extensive watering requirements, large gardens, greenhouses, vegetable plots or care requiring significant additional time should be disclosed when requesting a quote.
Work at a separate property is not included unless specifically agreed and may be charged in accordance with Section 9.
A3 cannot guarantee the survival or condition of plants where factors outside A3's reasonable control are involved, including weather, pests, disease, irrigation failure or inaccurate care instructions.
14. Vehicles & TravelVehicles, Animal Transport & Supplies
A3 does not normally transport Clients' animals in the Sitter's private vehicle.
Where an animal requires regular transportation during an assignment — for example, to a secure dog field, walking location or other agreed activity — the Client must provide a suitable, roadworthy and appropriately insured vehiclefor A3 to use.
The Client is responsible for ensuring that any vehicle provided is suitable for the animal or animals concerned and is equipped with appropriate restraints, crates, guards or other equipment required for safe transportation.
Where an animal's size, mobility, temperament, behaviour or other individual needs may make transportation difficult or unsuitable, the Client must ensure that appropriate arrangements are available for veterinary care in an emergency. This may include access to suitable transportation or, where appropriate and available, arrangements for a veterinary professional to attend the property.
In a genuine emergency, A3 may use the Sitter's private vehicle to transport an animal where this is safe, suitable and reasonably practicable, but this cannot be guaranteed.
A3's private vehicle should not be relied upon for the collection or transportation of animal feed, bedding or other bulky animal or property supplies. Where such collections may be required during an assignment, the Client should ensure that sufficient supplies are available beforehand or that suitable transport or delivery arrangements are in place.
Any requirement for regular animal transportation or collection of supplies must be disclosed and agreed before the booking is confirmed.
15. Food, Supplies & Animal Provisions
The Client must provide sufficient animal food, medication, litter, bedding and other essential animal-care supplies for the full assignment.
If essential supplies run out, A3 may purchase reasonable replacements and the Client will reimburse the cost.
Unless specifically agreed as part of the booking, A3 is responsible for its own personal food.
16. Emergencies & Circumstances Beyond Reasonable Control
A3 will act reasonably to protect the welfare of animals and the property in an emergency.
Neither party will be treated as responsible for a failure or delay caused by circumstances genuinely beyond their reasonable control, provided reasonable steps are taken to minimise the effects where possible.
Examples may include severe weather, serious illness or injury, road closures, vehicle breakdown, widespread utility failure or other significant unforeseen events.
This clause does not exclude liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.
17. Liability
A3 will provide services with reasonable care and skill.
A3 is not responsible for loss or damage caused by:
matters that existed before the assignment;
ordinary wear and tear;
inherent defects or mechanical failure;
inaccurate, incomplete or withheld information supplied by the Client;
the independent acts or omissions of third parties;
animal behaviour that could not reasonably have been anticipated from the information provided; or
events outside A3's reasonable control,
except to the extent that the loss or damage was caused or contributed to by A3's failure to exercise reasonable care and skill.
Nothing in these Terms excludes or restricts liability where it would be unlawful to do so, including liability that cannot be excluded under applicable consumer law.
18. Keys, Security & Access
The Client must provide working keys, alarm information, access codes and any other information reasonably necessary for A3 to enter and secure the property.
A3 will take reasonable care of keys and security information supplied for an assignment.
The Client must disclose any unusual locking procedures, faulty locks, gates, alarms or security systems.
Where keys are to be retained for future bookings, this must be agreed between A3 and the Client.
19. Communication During the Assignment
A3 will provide reasonable updates during the assignment in the manner agreed with the Client.
The Client should remain reasonably contactable or provide an alternative emergency contact who is authorised to make decisions where necessary.
Daily photographs or videos may be provided where agreed, but temporary lack of mobile signal, internet access or other technical difficulties may occasionally prevent or delay communication.
20. Prices & Additional Charges
Prices are based on the information supplied when the quote is prepared.
Where the Client requests or introduces a material change after confirmation, A3 may provide a revised price.
Any additional charge will be reasonable having regard to the additional time, responsibility, restriction, travel or expense involved.
A3 does not charge an automatic premium simply because an assignment falls over Christmas, New Year or another bank holiday unless a different price has been specifically quoted and agreed.
21. Complaints & Problems
If the Client has a concern about the service, they should raise it with A3 as soon as reasonably possible so that A3 has an opportunity to understand and, where appropriate, address the issue.
Likewise, A3 will raise material concerns affecting the animals, property or assignment with the Client where reasonably practicable.
Both parties are encouraged to communicate reasonably and promptly in order to resolve genuine problems.
22. Consumer Rights
Nothing in these Terms & Conditions affects the Client's statutory rights.
A3 will perform its services with reasonable care and skill as required by applicable UK consumer law.
If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to apply so far as legally possible.
These Terms are governed by the applicable law of the United Kingdom. Nothing in this clause removes any right a consumer has to bring proceedings in a court available to them under applicable law.
Homeowner Checklist Before A3 Arrives
Please ensure that A3 has:
current veterinary and emergency contact details;
sufficient animal food and medication;
clear medication and feeding instructions;
disclosure of relevant medical or behavioural issues;
working keys and any necessary alarm/access information;
instructions for unusual household equipment;
details of anyone expected to enter the property;
disclosure of cameras and recording/monitoring devices;
details of any restrictions on how long animals may be left;
details of any additional duties not included in the original enquiry; and
accurate arrival and return arrangements.
Please advise A3 of any significant changes before the assignment begins.