Safety & sitting rules

These rules apply to homeowners and sitters and form part of the OpenSits Terms of service. OpenSits helps you connect; you decide whether a particular person, home and care arrangement are right for you. Verification and reviews can inform that decision but cannot guarantee the outcome.

Read the listing and profile, ask questions and have a proper conversation before confirming. A video call, tour or meeting can help. Be clear about anything you cannot manage. You can decline a sit that is not suitable.

Both members should be able to answer these questions before the homeowner selects a sitter and the sitter accepts. Record what you agree in the OpenSits conversation.

• What are the dates, arrival and departure times, and key handover arrangements?
• What daily care, exercise, medication and supervision does each pet need? How long can pets be left alone?
• Are there health, behaviour, aggression, escape or other risks the sitter needs to understand?
• What is the home actually like, what facilities are available and are there hazards or restricted areas?
• Will any other people visit or stay, and are additional guests or animals permitted?
• Where are any exterior cameras, what do they capture and do they record audio?
• What insurance applies, who covers agreed expenses, and who can authorise and pay for urgent veterinary treatment?
• Who is the emergency contact and backup carer if the plan changes?

Homeowners must use accurate, current descriptions and photographs. Disclose material defects, hazards, other occupants, planned visitors, access restrictions and care demands that could affect a sitter’s decision. Prepare the clean, safe and habitable home you have described, with agreed facilities and sufficient pet supplies.

Sitters must describe their experience honestly and only accept care they can reasonably provide. Neither member should introduce extra pets, people, duties, dates or costs after confirmation without the other’s agreement. Tell one another promptly about material changes.

Homeowners must remove all indoor cameras and audio or video surveillance devices before the sit begins. Hidden cameras, pet cameras, baby cameras and devices installed or positioned to monitor occupants are included. A device that is switched off or disconnected is still not permitted to remain as an indoor surveillance device during the sit.

There must be no remote live viewing or listening inside the home, even if nothing is recorded. Sitter consent does not override this rule. Smart-device monitoring cannot be used as a workaround. Ordinary phones and computers are allowed for normal personal use, but not for surveillance of another person.

Disclose exterior cameras and doorbells before confirmation: location, coverage and audio capability all matter. Exterior devices must not capture the inside of the home or private spaces. Do not add devices or change their coverage without telling the sitter and allowing them to reconsider.

This is an OpenSits rule wherever the sit takes place. Recording may also be unlawful under local privacy or other laws. If you discover a device or suspect surveillance, prioritise your safety, document what you can safely and lawfully, and report it. You do not need to prove a criminal offence for OpenSits to review a breach of its own rules.

Homeowners must assess and obtain appropriate home, contents, pet, veterinary and liability cover where needed. Ask the insurer directly whether the planned sitting arrangement is covered, whether notification is required, and what exclusions and excesses apply. Sitters should consider their own liability, travel and medical cover.

OpenSits does not provide insurance or a damage or veterinary-cost guarantee. A verified profile or confirmed sit does not mean a person or property is insured. Discuss responsibility for agreed expenses and emergencies before confirmation.

Leave clear care instructions, adequate supplies, the vet’s contact details, an emergency contact and a backup care plan. Explain locks, alarms, essential household equipment, medication and known hazards. Share access codes and exact arrival information privately with the appropriate person.

Sitters must take reasonable care, follow agreed instructions and report illness, injury, damage or other problems promptly. Respect the home, belongings, neighbours and privacy. Agree visitors or substitute care in advance; do not give someone else access without permission.

If a person is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services. If a pet needs urgent care, contact a vet and the homeowner or emergency contact. Do not delay necessary help while waiting for a platform response.

Agree veterinary authority, payment arrangements and what to do if the homeowner cannot be reached before the sit. OpenSits support is not an emergency service and cannot guarantee immediate assistance, replacement accommodation or alternative care.

You do not have to begin or continue a sit in immediate danger, or accept prohibited surveillance or a material misrepresentation. If safe, explain the concern to the other member and try to agree a resolution. Report the issue to OpenSits and use the available cancellation or withdrawal process.

Do not put yourself at risk to collect evidence. If care must end, contact the homeowner and backup carer promptly and take reasonable steps towards a safe pet handover. Where necessary, ask a vet or appropriate local service for help; this does not require you to remain in danger.

Keep relevant messages and accurate records. Responsibility for costs or losses depends on the facts, your agreement and applicable law. OpenSits does not promise reimbursement simply because a concern is reported.

Use a member’s report option or Help in the app to raise a concern about a listing, conduct, surveillance or an active sit. Give a clear account, dates, the relevant listing or sit, and evidence you can lawfully share. Do not send login codes or publish someone’s private information in a review.

Threats, harassment, discrimination, fabricated reviews and retaliation for a good-faith report are not acceptable. OpenSits may investigate and take proportionate action, including removing a listing or restricting an account. Members can contact support to request review of a decision.

For questions about information handled by OpenSits, use the Privacy policy. For responsibilities and legal limitations, use the Terms of service.