VACAY SITTERS (PTY) LTD
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Last Updated: 21 January 2026
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Vacay Sitters (Pty) Ltd (“Vacay Sitters”, “we”, “us” or “our”) operates a website (“Website”) and mobile applications (“Application” or “App”) that provide a digital marketplace where independent pet sitters, house sitters, and dog walkers (“Sitters” or “Walkers”) may offer services, and where persons seeking such services (“Clients”) may request and book such services.
1.2 Vacay Sitters does not provide pet sitting, house sitting, or dog walking services itself and does not employ Sitters or Walkers. Vacay Sitters acts solely as a technology platform facilitating the introduction, booking, and payment process between Clients and independent service providers.
1.3 Any booking created via the Application constitutes a direct agreement between the Client and the selected Sitter or Walker.
2. APPLICATION OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS
2.1 These Terms and Conditions govern all access to and use of the Website and Application and are binding on all users.
2.2 By accessing or using the Website or Application, Users confirm that they have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
2.3 Users who do not accept these Terms and Conditions may not use the Website or Application.
3. DEFINITIONS
3.1 “Application” means the Vacay Sitters Client and/or Sitter mobile applications and Website.
3.2 “Booking Request” means a request submitted by a Client for Services.
3.3 “Booking” means a confirmed booking created once a Booking Request is accepted.
3.4 “Client” means a person who books Services via the Application.
3.5 “Sitter” or “Walker” means an independent individual registered on the Application offering Services.
3.6 “Pet” means any domestic animal under the care of the Client.
3.7 “Services” means house sitting, pet sitting, and dog walking services.
3.8 “Dog Walking Services” means the collection, handling, walking, and return of a Client’s dog(s), including in public or shared environments.
3.9 “Personal Information” has the meaning assigned to it in the Protection of Personal Information Act, No. 4 of 2013 (“POPIA”).
3.10 “User” means a Client and/or a Sitter.
4. CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT
4.1 These Terms apply to Users who qualify as consumers under the Consumer Protection Act, No. 68 of 2008 (“CPA”).
4.2 Users’ attention is drawn to clauses that limit Vacay Sitters’ liability, create risk or liability for Users, and require Users to indemnify Vacay Sitters.
5. AGE RESTRICTION
5.1 All Users must be at least 18 (eighteen) years of age.
5.2 Only natural persons may register on the Application.
6. HOW THE APPLICATION WORKS
6.1 Clients may search for Sitters and submit Booking Requests.
6.2 Sitters may accept or reject Booking Requests at their discretion.
6.3 Upon acceptance, a Booking is created directly between the Client and the Sitter.
6.4 Vacay Sitters does not supervise, control, or direct how Services are performed.
6.5 Vacay Sitters may conduct verification checks, but does not guarantee the identity, conduct, or performance of any User.
7. REGISTRATION
7.1 Users must provide accurate, current, and complete information.
7.2 Users may only maintain one account.
7.3 Vacay Sitters reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts providing false or misleading information.
8. BOOKINGS, PAYMENTS, AND CANCELLATIONS
8.1 Payment is required at the time of Booking.
8.2 Cancellation fees apply as disclosed on the Application.
8.3 Payments to Sitters are processed after completion of Services.
9. CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES (ALL SERVICES)
9.1 Clients must ensure that their home, pets, and any equipment provided are safe for the performance of Services.
9.2 Clients must provide accurate instructions, access information, and disclose all relevant pet behaviour, health, and safety information.
9.3 Clients are responsible for the security of their property, including alarms, locks, gates, keys, access codes, and remotes, and acknowledge that Vacay Sitters does not guarantee the security of any premises.
9A. ADDITIONAL CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES – PET & HOUSE SITTING
- the property is reasonably secure and safe to occupy;
- pets do not pose an undisclosed risk to the Sitter;
- all special care, medication, or behavioural issues are fully disclosed.
9A.2 Clients acknowledge that Vacay Sitters is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to property or contents arising during a Booking.
9B. ADDITIONAL CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES – DOG WALKING
- dogs are healthy, vaccinated, and safe to walk in public;
- dogs do not have undisclosed aggressive behaviour;
- all applicable laws and municipal by-laws are complied with.
9B.2 Clients acknowledge that Dog Walking involves inherent risks, including public interaction, environmental hazards, and unpredictable animal behaviour.
10. SITTER RESPONSIBILITIES (ALL SERVICES)
10.1 Sitters must perform Services with reasonable care and skill.
10.2 Sitters must comply with Client instructions and applicable laws.
10A. ADDITIONAL SITTER RESPONSIBILITIES – PET & HOUSE SITTING
10A.1 Sitters must take reasonable steps to respect the Client’s home and property.
10A.2 Sitters may not bring additional people or pets into the Client’s home.
10A.3 Sitters may only consume food or drink expressly approved by the Client.
10B. ADDITIONAL SITTER RESPONSIBILITIES – DOG WALKING
10B.1 Sitters confirm they act as independent service providers, not employees of Vacay Sitters.
10B.2 Sitters may refuse or terminate a walk if safety concerns arise.
10B.3 Sitters may not bring or consume alcohol during a booking unless expressly approved by the Client.
11. EMERGENCIES
11.1 In an emergency, Sitters may take reasonable action to protect a Pet’s health or safety, including seeking veterinary care.
11.2 Vacay Sitters is not responsible for decisions made or costs incurred in emergencies.
12. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY (ALL SERVICES)
12.1 Vacay Sitters is not a party to any Booking and is not liable for acts or omissions of Users.
12.2 Services are used entirely at Users’ own risk.
12.3 Vacay Sitters carries no pet, public liability, medical, or property insurance for Bookings.
12A. SERVICE-SPECIFIC LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
- damage to property or contents;
- loss or theft;
- injury to or caused by pets;
- third-party claims arising from Services.
12A.2 Clients agree to indemnify and hold Vacay Sitters harmless against all claims arising from Services, including pet sitting, house sitting, and dog walking.
13. ASSUMPTION OF RISK
13.1 Clients acknowledge and accept the risks associated with animal care, property access, and public environments.
14. FORCE MAJEURE
14.1 Vacay Sitters shall not be liable for failure or delay caused by events beyond reasonable control.
15. USE OF THE PLATFORM
15.1 Users may not misuse the Platform or engage in unlawful conduct.
16. PRIVACY AND DATA PROTECTION
16.1 Personal Information is processed in accordance with POPIA.
16.2 Limited location and activity data may be collected during Dog Walking Services.
17. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
17.1 Users agree to first attempt to resolve disputes through Vacay Sitters’ internal support process.
18. DISCLAIMER
18.1 Use of the Website and Application is entirely at the User’s own risk.
19. OWNERSHIP AND COPYRIGHT
19.1 All intellectual property belongs to Vacay Sitters.
20. TERMINATION
20.1 Vacay Sitters may suspend or terminate access at its discretion.
21. SURVIVAL
21.1 Clauses relating to liability, indemnity, privacy, governing law, and dispute resolution survive termination.
22. GOVERNING LAW
These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa.
23. USER CONFIRMATIONS (IN-APP CHECKBOXES)
SITTER CONFIRMATION
I confirm that I operate as an independent service provider and understand that I am responsible
for
delivering the services agreed with the client, as described above.
CLIENT CONFIRMATION – DOG WALKING
I understand that Vacay Sitters is a platform connecting me with an independent walker, not an
agency
or employer, and that the booking agreement is directly between me and the walker.
CLIENT CONFIRMATION – PET / HOUSE SITTING
I understand that Vacay Sitters is a platform connecting me with an independent sitter, not an
agency
or employer, and that the booking agreement is directly between me and the sitter.