A profession subject to regulations
It's not enough to appreciate animals and have free time to improvise as a pet-sitter. It is a regulated profession. The pet-sitter is both responsible for the animal and, sometimes, for the master's home during his absence if he keeps it permanently.
The owner must leave the animal's he alth book with the pet-sitter and draw up a custody contract. Indeed, the pet-sitter is responsible for the animal during the absence of its owner. Thus, if damage is caused to a third party by the animal, it is the responsibility of the pet-sitter who is engaged and not that of its owner.
Special case: if the pet-sitter keeps the animal at home, the regulations are different. This is a pension activity, subject to specific standards. These are defined in article R214-29 of the rural and maritime fishing code. They determine the facilities and equipment to be possessed according to the animals kept, to meet their “biological and behavioral needs”. Finally, a pet-sitter who practices at home must keep a register in which he will note the identification of the animal, the identity of its owner and the references of the invoices.
The obligations of the pet-sitter
To practice legally, the pet-sitter must hold a certification that justifies these professional qualifications to keep animals. This is the ACACED (Certificate of Knowledge for Pets of Domestic Species). This certificate proves that the holder has all the knowledge required to exercise certain professions related to animals.It is obtained following training validated by an assessment of knowledge. This certificate replaces the Certificate of Capacity for Pets of Domestic Species provided until 2016 by the Prefecture. Nevertheless, the latter remains valid if supplemented by recent training. Additional courses are possible. Different themes are covered such as dog breeding, first aid or animal reproduction.
Then, the pet-sitter must declare his activity either to the DDPP (Departmental Directorate for the Protection of Populations) of the department where he will practice. This declaration must be made at least 30 days before the pet-sitter begins its activity.
Finally, the pet-sitter must be insured and have civil liability insurance. It covers bodily and material damage caused by the animal. It is advisable to take out professional insurance.If the pet-sitter has to take care of a dog whose breed is classified as dangerous, he must have, in addition to his insurance, a special authorization authorizing him to keep this type of animal.
The pet-sitter who takes care of the animal during the absence of its owner must provide for all its needs, treat it if it is sick, prevent it from having an accident. It is subject to legal obligations that it is important to respect.