Policies
The following is a list of my policies. I want my clients to be fully informed. Please read carefully and feel free to ask any questions.
- Please remember to call upon your return home, otherwise we will continue to make visits to ensure the safety and well-being of the pet(s). Any additional visits will be added to your invoice. You may call at any hour and leave a message. It is very important you call upon your return, or to let us know you will be arriving later than expected. If we do not hear from you we will assume you are not home and make a return visit. Even if you are home when we get there, we will still charge the extra visit amount.
- Payment is expected at the start of service. You may leave payment or credit card information for me to pick up at the first visit. New Clients should expect to pay at the initial consultation. Checks should be made out to DIRTY PAWS. I also accept credit cards and debit cards through Paypal.
- Always confirm your reservation with me directly. You may leave a message, or email, but you will need to hear back from me that it has been received.
- When you make an advanced reservation, (does not apply to regular weekly visits) I will call 24-48 hours in advance to confirm. If you do not hear from me, please get in touch.
- Visits are scheduled between 6:00am and 8:00 pm. I cannot guarantee to be at your home at a specific time, unless specific instructions have been left involving administering medications. I will try to stay as close to a preferred time to keep the pet(s) on a regular schedule. Indoor dogs or animals requiring medications will get first priority.
- I cannot be held liable for free roaming outdoor cats in the event of injury, illness, loss or death. For their safety, it is advised that they remain inside your home during your absence. All dogs are required to be on a leash when outside except for when in secured owner’s property (fenced in yard).
- I will not accept clients with invisible fencing. Insurance will not cover any incidents involving invisible fencing.
- It is the client’s responsibility to "pet proof" any areas of the home where the pet has access. This would include investigating fences, gates, latches, etc. I cannot be held responsible for injuries that the pet(s) suffer due to unsafe conditions in the home.
- Please let me know of any other people who have access to your home while you are away. For my safety and the safety of your home, I will call the police upon finding anyone else there, unless otherwise specified by you. Due to liability issues, I prefer that only Dirty Paws Pet Sitting and Grooming be allowed to care for your animals while you're away. This is for the security of your home and also to prevent any issues that may arise if something happens to the animals on another persons watch.
- In the event of a situation that prevents me from making my scheduled visit, I will arrange for another qualified individual to fulfill the responsibilities set forth in our agreement.
- A $100 nonrefundable deposit is required to hold reservations for Christmas holidays and for extended service requirements (more than 14 days).
- Cancellation Charge Schedule: If service is cancelled for any reason, no refunds will be given but credit will be applied to account for future services.
- I charge time and one half for the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day.
- I visit pets every day. I require that dogs, horses, and goats be seen a minimum of twice daily. All pets in the home are considered under my care.
- I like to take pictures of the pet(s) for a photo album and/or web page. If you prefer I not photograph your pet(s) please let me know.
- There are no refunds if you return early from your trip, since we have already scheduled this time for you. We can either continue the job or issue a credit for future use.
- Since we do work morning, noon, and night, 365 days a year, I cannot guarantee the same pet sitter will always be the one to care for your pet(s). Pet sitters do get sick, injured, and do need to take time off. Because of that, I have found wonderful assistants who are insured through my insurance and who are excellent with pet care.
