Effective Date: 15/01/26
This policy sets out the terms under which Strawberry Paws provides pet sitting services for
reptiles that may display aggressive, defensive, territorial, or potentially dangerous behaviour.
The safety of the animal, the pet sitter, household members, and the public is our highest
priority, alongside full compliance with UK legislation.
Legal Compliance
All reptile care provided by Strawberry Paws must comply with relevant UK laws, including but
not limited to:
- Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976
- Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018
- Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
Local authority requirements and conditions
Reptiles that require a Dangerous Wild Animals (DWA) licence (including but not limited to
venomous reptiles or crocodilians) will not be accepted unless: The owner holds a valid, current
DWA licence, and Written confirmation is if pet sitting by a third party is permitted under that
licence.
Definition of Aggressive Reptiles
For the purposes of this policy, an “aggressive reptile” includes any reptile that:
- Has a history of biting, striking, tail-whipping, or lunging
- Displays defensive or stress-related aggression
- Is territorial or unsafe to handle
- Requires specialised handling equipment or restraint
- Poses a foreseeable risk of injury
Disclosure Requirement
Clients must disclose all known behavioural issues, including aggression, defensiveness, or
previous incidents, before services commence.
Any failure to disclose accurate behavioural information may result in:
- Immediate termination of services
- No refund of fees
- Client liability for any resulting injury, damage, or loss
Handling and Care Limitations
For aggressive or defensive reptiles, Strawberry Paws reserves the right to provide hands-off
care only, which may include:
- Feeding without direct handling
- Spot-cleaning only (no enclosure removal)
- Visual health checks only
- No interaction beyond what is necessary for welfare
The pet sitter will not:
- Handle aggressive reptiles unless explicitly agreed in writing
- Remove reptiles from enclosures
- Administer medication requiring restraint
- Intervene in aggressive behaviour beyond basic safety measures
Enclosure and Safety Requirements
Clients must ensure:
- Enclosures are secure, escape-proof, and lockable
- Warning labels are clearly displayed if appropriate
- All necessary tools (hooks, tongs, feeding equipment) are provided
- No children or unauthorised persons can access the enclosure
- If enclosures are deemed unsafe, services may be refused or discontinued.
Right to Refuse or Terminate Service
Strawberry Paws reserves the absolute right to:
- Refuse care for reptiles deemed unsafe
- Terminate services immediately if aggression escalates
- Withdraw if conditions breach legal or welfare standards
In such cases, fees are non-refundable.
Emergency Situations
In the event of:
- An escape
- Injury to the animal or pet sitter
- Equipment failure
- Sudden extreme aggression
The pet sitter will act in the interest of personal safety first, then animal welfare, and may contact:
- The client
- A veterinary professional
- Local authorities if legally required
Liability
By booking services, the client agrees that:
- Strawberry Paws is not liable for injuries caused by aggressive reptiles
- . The client remains fully responsible for the animal’s behaviour
- . Any damage or injury resulting from undisclosed aggression is the client’s responsibility
Booking reptile pet sitting services with Strawberry Paws constitutes acceptance of this
Aggressive Reptile Policy in full.