1. Services: Basic services include: feeding, walking, brushing, administering medications,
simple cleaning (litter boxes, cages cleaned, etc.), and TLC for animals. Services are available
for any number of pets. There is an additional charge for 5+ pets. Also included in basic services:
bringing in mail and papers, alternating lights, watering plants and taking trash to
the curb. Additional services considered at an additional price.
2. Reservations: Reservations should be made within 24 hours of service. This
allows time for an initial visit and key pick-up. First time customers should attempt
to make reservations at least a week in advance so there is time to schedule an
initial interview. Interviews are usually done during the weekend, but can be
scheduled during the week if needed. Customers must sign service contract
prior to service, this will be done at the home interview.
3. Cat visits: Since we seek to give the best care to our clients, we do not provide
every other day visit to cats. This avoids any emergency that could arise in a
longer period. Although cats are independent, they still need special attention and
care at least every 24 hours.
4. Keys: Hound At Home Pet Sitting must be supplied with a key during initial
visit. The key may not be hidden outside home or left with a neighbor, in order for
Hound At Home Pet Sitting to be responsible for the security of the key. Client
will be asked to furnish names of others with keys to the home. Hound At Home
Pet Sitting will not allow anyone except emergency personnel inside the
home while we are in the home. For security purposes, the key will be tagged
with a number only, which will correspond to a file in our office. The key will be
personally returned after services are complete. Repeat customers who prefer that
we keep a key on file for last minute reservations can do so at no extra charge.
These keys are kept in a locked cabinet and again labeled with a number only.
5. Back-up sitter: Should a sitter be unable to make a visit,
the back-up sitter would make the visit at the regularly
scheduled time. Client would be notified in such a case.
Names and personal histories of back-up sitters are available
upon request. Our back-up sitters are covered by our insurance policy.
6. Pet illness: Should a pet be found ill upon arrival, we will administer care to the
best of our abilities. Should the illness be severe enough to require vet services,
the client's vet will be contacted. Should the pet require emergency transport to the
vet we will transport the pet and you will be notified immediately. Arrangements
should be made in advance with the vet for the client to be billed directly.
7. Vaccinations: All pets under the care of Hound At Home Pet Sitting are
required to be up-to-date on all vaccinations. Documentation may be required.
8. Leash walking: All dogs will be walked on leashes when taken outside a
fenced area. The exception would be dogs that do not have a fence but normally
are free when outdoors.
9. Outdoor Pets: We will provide care for outside pets, but we will not be held
liable should that pet run away or stay gone for long periods of time. Should these
outside pets become lost, get hit by a car or die in any accident, Hound At Home
Pet Sitting cannot be held liable.
10. Contacts: Clients must leave a number where they can be reached in case of
emergency. An alternate contact, to be called if the client can't be reached is also
necessary. The client should inform this emergency contact that we have been
given their number to be used if the client cannot be reached.
11. Security: Hound At Home Pet Sitting will follow these guidelines to ensure
both our sitter's security and the security of our clients' pets and home:
~We will service the home in plain clothes and unmarked cars.
~We will not allow anyone to enter the home while we are there without written
permission to do so. We expect to be advised of any other scheduled visits.
~We will label client keys with a reference number only, which is matched to a
number in our files containing the name and address.
~We will not answer client's telephone.
~We will pick up and return clients keys personally. Keys will not be left in home at
end of service.
12. Initial Interview: Before service begins, the sitter and client will have a
meeting to become acquainted, to pick up a key and to sign the pet sitting
contract. This meeting should take place in the home, so that the sitter and pets
may become comfortable with each other and the sitter acquainted with the house.
This is the time for the client to familiarize the sitter with the services required.
After the initial interview and the service contract is signed, the client will be billed
for one visit if services are cancelled. This is to cover the time spent at the
interview and any preparations made. A typical interview will last from 30 minutes
to an hour.
13. Return call: Client should call Hound At Home Pet Sitting
immediately upon returning home so as to avoid the cost of another visit. If not
notified, we will continue to visit your pet. This ensures that if there is any
emergency or delay in your return, your pets will continue to be cared for. Upon
returning home, please call and leave a message that you have returned home.
(this policy has been revised and will now be determined at
the initial interview. Clients may choose to call when they return home OR
they may set up to only call if there is an emergency and they need another visit.)
14. Payment: Payment is due before or AT time of service. Clients may leave
cash or check for petsitter to be picked up at first visit.
Holiday bookings will not be held without deposit.
If you have any questions or concerns about these policies, please contact
Karen Orozco at houndathome@centurytel.net
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