Question
I only do kitty sitting. Can I be sued by a client if their cat becomes ill, injured or dies while I am kitty sitting? I live in the state of Florida.
Florida, USA
Answer
The simple answer is yes, but whether a cat’s “parent” will be successful in the lawsuit will depend on the facts and circumstances. A cat-sitter may be held liable if a cat becomes ill, injured, or dies while under the cat sitter’s care if the cat sitter was negligent (did not exercise reasonable care). However, some courts have held that in gratuitous bailment situations the bailee (such as a pet-sitter who is not being paid for the service) will not be held liable unless he/she was grossly negligent (demonstrating conscious and egregious indifference to the rights of others). Consider procuring insurance.
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