CRITTER SITTER PET SITTING

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Scheduling & Visit Times: We request that you contact us at least two weeks prior to the date you need a sitter. Scheduling is on a first come first serve basis, however, we will do our best to accommodate your needs. We will visit at the requested times as closely as possible but if an unforeseen situation arises, the time may be adjusted.

Confirmation Call (Prior to out-of-town departure): Critter Sitter will make a confirmation call or send a confrimation email no less than two days prior to each departure in order to verify all information (dates, contact numbers, etc.) is still correct. Please make sure we speak personally to you, this is to ensure your pet’s needs are carried out as intended.

Extended Absence: If your absence must be extended, we require direct confirmation (not a phone message or e-mail) for the unscheduled visit(s). This is to avoid the possibility of missed messages which could result in interrupted care for your pet(s).

Early Returns: We carefully schedule our time to service you and our other clients. Therefore, there are no refunds or credits for early returns or last minute changes to pet care. Once pet care begins, payment is due for the original dates scheduled.

Cancellations: A full two-day notice prior to the date of the first visit is required for cancellations. Failure to provide notice of less than two days will result in a $30 cancellation fee.

Holiday Cancellations: Pet sitting services and kennels receive more requests for reservations than they can handle during the holiday time periods and we may have turned away clients because we have reserved time for you during this busy season. If you cancel seven days or less prior to any holiday, you will be charged for one-half of the visits.

Emergency Contact: We will request the name and phone number of a person living nearby who has access to your home. This should be a person close enough to walk to your home if roads are impassable. If we are physically unable to drive to your home this information is needed so that we can contact this person to request their assistance to check on your pet(s). Garage door openers are not operational in the event of power outages. In the event that the customer does not provide a nearby emergency contact with access to your home for us, client realizes that Critter Sitter will provide service, but not until conditions allow us to reach your home safely.

Inclement Weather (Primarily severe storms, hurricanes, etc.): We will use our best judgment while caring for your pet(s) at the time of inclement weather. We will try to carry out your instructions to the best of our ability. The care we provide your pet(s) and their safety is our first concern. The inclement weather plan will be as follows: 1) Every effort will be made to drive to your home; 2) The service schedule may be changed, interrupted, or altered due to circumstances; 3) If it is not possible to drive safely to your home, your emergency contact will be notified; 4) You will be notified that the above-mentioned contingency plan has been activated.

Access to Your Home by Others: If client allows any other person access to their home during Critter Sitter’s contract period, we cannot be held liable for any damages to your property or pet(s) as a result. Please notify Critter Sitter if someone will be in your home. Please also notify the person in your home that we are coming so that your visitor is not surprised by our entrance.

Fences: Fenced in yards are wonderful play spaces for pets, however, no fence system is totally secure for your pet’s safety. Critter Sitter does not accept responsibility or liability for any client’s pet(s) that escapes, is injured or becomes lost, fatal or otherwise, when pets are left out or given access to a fenced in area. This includes electronic, wood, metal or any other fence type.

House/Yard Clean-up: We will properly dispose of your pet's waste and will do our best to clean up any accidents your pet may have. We are not responsible for carpet/flooring stains created by your pet(s). We do request that you provide plastic bags, towels, cleaning products, paper towels, trash bags and indicate where you would like the waste disposed.

Collars and Leashes: All dogs will be required to wear a collar with current tags and licenses and be on a leash during outdoor walks.

Thermostats: To ensure the health and comfort of your pet(s), please leave your thermostat setting within a normal comfortable range (60-75 F).

Animal Behavior: Animal behavior can be unpredictable. Critter Sitter does not accept responsibility for liability for animal behavior, normal or otherwise, which results in injury to the client’s pet(s). Further, if a pet sitter is harmed or injured by the client’s pet, the client accepts full responsibility for the cost of any necessary medical attention required by either the pet sitter or by their pet. Bites must be reported to the local authorities as provided by law.

Unacceptable Pets: We have the right to refuse pets that appear to be aggressive, ill, etc. or could cause harm to us or others.

Abandon Policy: If you abandon your pet(s) while in our care, Critter Sitter has the right to report your actions to the appropriate authorities, give your pet(s) up for adoption, etc. The client will be held 100% liable for reimbursing Critter Sitter for all expenses incurred during this time period.

Updates: Client is responsible for providing us with any changes regarding your pet's care and/or other pertinent information.

Payment: Critter Sitter offers a few payment options; a) pay the Total Amount Due at the consultation visit (Meet & Greet), b) remit the Total Amount Due to Critter Sitter before the first scheduled pet visit, c) leave payment in a predetermined spot in your home for the Total Amount Due at the first scheduled pet visit with the option to post-date your check to the LAST day of service. Checks will not be cashed/deposited until after the service is completed or d) be billed on the final visit and remit payment within 5 days.

Return Check Charge: There is a $50 fee for any returned check.

Keys: You may want to consider having Critter Sitter keep your house key on file. With your key on file, we would be able to care for your pet(s) in an emergency situation. Keys are kept in a secured lock system and are coded for customer confidentiality. If you choose not to have us retain a key, picking up and returning a key requires two extra trips and there will be a $5 charge per trip for time and mileage. A second option for key return is via U.S. Mail. To cover costs, the charge for this option is $5. The last, and least preferred option due to safety concerns, is to leave your key in a predetermined place agreed upon prior to the start of sitting. Please check the key you provide Critter Sitter to ensure it will open your door!