Do I have to register my pet sitter with the OASI (AHV)?
Many pet owners wonder whether they have to register their pet sitters with the OASI (AHV). While it is clear that social security contributions are due for regular employment relationships, there is often uncertainty regarding short-term or marginal jobs. Our article gives you an overview of the OASI obligations for pet sitters and helps you to create fair working conditions and avoid penalties or back payments.
OASI obligation for pet sitters
In principle, all gainfully employed persons in Switzerland must be registered with the OASI. However, since pet sitters often only work a few hours per week or seasonally, they may fall under special regulations.
Self-employed pet sitters
If your pet sitter is self-employed, they should present a certificate of self-employment from the OASI compensation office. If this confirmation is not provided, it can be assumed that they are not self-employed. Self-employed pet sitters pay their OASI contributions themselves from the first franc of profit, so you as a customer do not have to register them.
Pet sitters who are of OASI retirement age
OASI pensioners are still required to pay contributions, but they benefit from an allowance of CHF 16'800 per year (CHF 1'400 per month) per employer. Only the salary exceeding this amount is subject to contributions.
Pet sitting as domestic help
Pet-sitting can be considered domestic work if the animal is cared for in the pet owner's household, e.g. by feeding or additional tasks such as watering plants. In this case, special OASI regulations apply. However, if the animal is cared for at the pet sitter's home or outside, this activity does not fall under domestic work.
Wage-dependent OASI obligation
- Annual salary of less than CHF 2'500: OASI contributions are only to be paid at the request of the employee.
- Annual salary of more than CHF 2'500: Regular OASI contributions.
- Annual salary of less than CHF 750 in domestic service: OASI contributions are due from the first franc of salary, unless the employee is under 25 years of age. In this case, there is no obligation to contribute up to an annual income of CHF 750.
Pet sitters under 25
Young providers under 25 are exempt from OASI contributions if their annual household service salary does not exceed CHF 750. However, they can voluntarily pay OASI contributions, which can be an advantage for students or people with several small jobs.
Conclusion
Whether a pet sitter is required to pay OASI contributions depends on various factors: the type of employment, the place of work and the annual salary. With the right information and tools, such as our hiring assistant, Fairboss.ch you can manage the employment process correctly and in compliance with the law.
Please note that the OASI regulations are complex and that it is advisable to consult the relevant OASI compensation office or a specialist if you are unsure about something.