Last updated:July 2025
Respect Starts Here: Expectations for Members
As a cornerstone of Paws Nearby’s community, we prioritize trust, kindness, and respect in all interactions. To maintain a secure and welcoming environment, we require all new Members to acknowledge and comply with our Code of Conduct when they join.
When engaging a Sitter for my pet(s) (and home, if applicable), I agree to:
- Treat all members of the Paws Nearby community with respect and courtesy, regardless of age, nationality, race, religious beliefs, sex, gender, sexual orientation, and ability.
- Fully complete the Paws Nearby Care Guide prior to the commencement of any Sit.
- Discuss and agree on all expectations and responsibilities with my Sitter before confirming the arrangement.
- Create and maintain a complete and accurate profile, along with a detailed listing for my pet(s) (and home, if applicable).
- Provide enough food, supplies, and medications for the entire duration of the Sit.
- Provide my Sitter with my veterinarian’s contact information and agree to reimburse any reasonable veterinary expenses incurred during a Sit.
- Report any and all members who request monetary payment for their Sitting services through the contact form on the Paws Nearby website.
- Respond to messages in a timely manner before and during my time away, and, if I am unavailable, I will ensure my emergency contact can be reached.
- Change the duration of my absence or cancel the Sit only in exceptional and unforeseen circumstances, in which case I will inform my Sitter with as much notice as possible.
- Ensure the environment is welcoming, safe and tidy, should the Sit take place in my home. Additionally, I agree to leave my home for the entire duration of the sit and ensure that only my confirmed Sitter is present, with no other third parties.
- Finalize all Sit arrangements through the Paws Nearby platform.
When looking after someone else’s pet(s) (and home, if applicable), I agree to:
- Treat all members of the Paws Nearby community with respect and courtesy, regardless of age, nationality, race, religious beliefs, sex, gender, sexual orientation, and ability.
- Discuss and agree on all expectations and responsibilities with the Pet Owner before confirming the arrangement.
- Follow the Pet Owner’s care instructions, even if I would do things differently with my own pet, as long as the pet’s well-being is not at risk.
- Never use harsh discipline or punish the pet; I will always handle the pet with kindness and patience.
- Create and maintain a complete and accurate profile.
- Let the Pet Owner know right away and get vet help if needed, if a pet gets sick or injured while I’m looking after it. I will keep all receipts associated with the vet help and present it to the pet owner in order to get reimbursed for the cost.
- Offer my Sitting services for free, and in return, the Pet Owner will care for my pet in the future.
- Change the duration of my Sit or cancel the Sit only in exceptional and unforeseen circumstances, in which case I will inform the Pet Owner with as much notice as possible.
- Make every reasonable effort to leave the Pet Owner’s home just as I found it, if I am staying in their home.
- Contact the Pet Owner promptly, if any maintenance issues arise during my stay in the Pet Owner’s home.
- Finalize all sit arrangements through the Paws Nearby platform.
Legal Disclaimer: While this Code of Conduct establishes standards for respectful and responsible behavior within the Paws Nearby community, it operates in addition to, not in place of, applicable Ontario laws and regulations. Each Member bears individual responsibility for adhering to both this Code and all relevant legal requirements.