Policies
THE BARK'TISSERIE PET SITTERS
By using The Bark'Tisserie Pet Sitters Services, Client consents that policies have been read, all policies are understood, and agreed to. Client acknowledges The Bark'Tisserie Pet Sitters has limited liability regarding incidents that may occur to their home and their pet as outlined in the Service Agreement. The The Bark'Tisserie Pet Sitters reserves the right to refuse service to anyone.
The Consultation: This is a very important first step for both Client and Nanny. It is non-negotiable, and must take place in person prior to any services being provided. Please be prepared to give care instructions, do some paperwork, show proof of vaccinations, and provide two working house keys at this meeting. Payment in-full for the first service is also due at this time. When booked in advance, there is no charge for the consultation. If the consultation is scheduled within 72-hours of your first service, there will be a $25.00 fee.
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Two Keys: In the unfortunate event one key is locked in your home, broken, or does not work, two keys will ensure your service is not interrupted and your pet(s) will be safe. Keys are coded and safely kept when not in use. No identifying information is kept with, or on the keys. There is no charge for us to keep your keys on file. There is a $31.00 charge for emergency ‘lock-out’ service if you find yourself in need.
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Key Transfer: Repeat clients having previously gone through the consultation process will be charged a $15.00 fee for key pick-up prior to your departure or drop off after your return.
Service Agreement: Acceptance of the terms of The Bark'Tisserie Pet Sitters Service Agreement and payment for services must be received prior to any services rendered.
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Veterinary Records and Release Form: Vet records showing your pet(s) are current on all vaccinations are required at time of consultation. We also ask you to sign a vet release form allowing the Nanny to seek medical assistance for your pet if necessary while you are away.
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Base Rates: The Bark'Tisserie Pet Sitters rates are based on two animals in the home. Caring for more pets generally takes more time. We will let you know at the time of booking, or during the consultation if additional charges will apply. In some cases, we may not know until we have cared for your pet(s), the time that is required. In these cases we will let you know prior to, or at the time of your next booking.
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Holidays: An additional holiday fee of $5.00 per visit will be assessed on the following days: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Easter Sunday, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve. Visits performed during select holiday weekends, and the week of Christmas may also be subject to the additional holiday fee.
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Additional Charges: There are times when circumstances beyond our control (related to your pet(s) or home) present themselves during the course of a pet sitting reservation; very messy messes, additional needs due to illness, behavioral issues, or Veterinary care to name a few. While we are always very happy to provide any care necessary in your absence, we must charge for time spent, beyond that for which you have contracted. The charge for this additional care will be billed according to base rates, and/or $6.00 per additional 15 minutes. Mileage will be billed at $1.00 per mile.
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Unscheduled Emergency Visits: (requiring immediate action – or a visit within the hour) Will be performed at the rate of $31.00 each. This is the same rate as emergency lock-out service when circumstances necessitate that we bring you a key. Both of these services are contingent upon a sitter being available. Emergency lock out service is not available after 9pm, and the cost of any unscheduled emergency visit is $61.00 after 9pm.
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Payment Terms Daily Service: Payment is required in full prior to, or at the time of, any single service. When single daily service occurs multiple times within the same week, payment in full is required at the time of the first service. Select clients may be set-up with end of month payment terms. When this is the case, payment is due upon receipt of the invoice for the month. Late payment will result in cessation of services until the account is current.
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Payment Terms Vacation Care: A deposit of 50% may be required at the time of booking to hold your reservation. The balance is due prior to service. Select clients may be set-up with end of month payment terms. When this is the case, payment is due upon receipt of the invoice for the month. Late payment will result in cessation of services until the account is current.
Payment Terms Daily/Monthly Walk Clients: Regularly scheduled recurring services will be billed at the end of each calendar month. Payment is due upon receipt of the invoice. Late payment will result in cessation of services until the account is current.
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Failure to Pay: Please be aware – without acceptance of a Service Agreement and payment prior to first service, The Bark'tisserie Pet Sitters has no choice but to leave your home without providing services. For your pet’s welfare, should this occur during Vacation Care, we will make every attempt to notify your emergency contact. If they are unable or unwilling to care for your pet, the proper authorities will be notified that your pet(s) is home unattended. Failure to pay for daily clients will result in termination of services until account is up to date.
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Payment Type: We accept cash, checks, and Visa, Master Card, and American Express when payment is made on line. Please make checks payable to The Bark'tisserie Pet Sitter. Returned checks will be charged $35.00 plus any bank fees incurred.
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Cancellation Policy Vacation Care: We know that sometimes plans change. We ask you notify us of any change in service as soon as possible. When notified of a cancellation:
0-24 hours notice: 50% of the total reservation bill is due ($250 maximum)
2-4 days notice: 20% of the total reservation bill is due ($150 maximum)
5 or more days notice: there is no cancellation fee
*The Bark'Tisserie Pet Sitters is unable to offer refunds or service credits when clients return early during the course of a pet sitting reservation. During holiday weeks the cancellation fee is 50% of the reservation with 2-4 days notice ($300 maximum), and 100% of the reservation fee with 0-24 hours notice ($500 maximum). Services will be suspended for any client refusing to pay a cancellation fee.
Cancellation Policy for year round, full time daily dog walking clients: We ask for as much notice as possible when cancelling or changing regularly scheduled daily visits. When notification occurs by 8am the morning of your visit, and we are able to reach the sitter, no cancellation fee. If a sitter arrives for the visit, the full price of the service will be charged.
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Multiple Household Pets: When an additional pet from a second household is brought into a client home for care, a Consultation and a second set of paperwork is required. Service will not be provided without an additional Service Agreement, Veterinarian Release Form, and vaccination records. The second household will be charged at 50% the normal rate for the care of their pet. This arrangement is permissible with single pet households, when agreed upon in advance, and if the pets are compatible ‘room mates’ or ‘walk buddies’.
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Emergency: In the event of an emergency The Bark'Tisserie Pet Sitters will make every effort to contact you, or emergency contacts supplied. However, if you and emergency contacts cannot be reached, The The Bark'Tisserie Pet Sitters will seek emergency veterinary care for your pet(s). Pet owners are responsible for all fees related to emergency care and treatment as stated in the Veterinary Release Form.
Disaster / Weather Related Event: Please consider making arrangements with a neighbor to evacuate your pet in the event of such an emergency. The Bark'Tisserie Pet Sitters will do everything possible to ensure the safety of your pet but cannot guarantee it under these circumstances.
Leashes / Harnesses: For your pet’s safety, and your peace of mind, all dogs will be leashed during outdoor walks.
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Home Security: Please inform The Bark'Tisserie Pet Sitters if anyone other than your Nanny will be in your home or have access to your home in your absence. If things in your home have been disturbed and the Nanny suspects someone has entered while you are away, we will notify the police. The Bark'Tisserie Pet Sitter reserves the right to refuse service in homes that are unsafe, unsanitary, or pose a hazard to sitters.
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Home Safety: It is your responsibility to pet proof any areas of your home and property to which your pets have access. This includes all indoor areas as well as fences, gates, latches, doors, and other devices meant to keep your pet(s) contained. The Bark'Tisserie Pet Sitters does not assume liability for any injuries a pet may sustain or any damage that occurs within their own home or on their property.
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Winter Safety: It is Client responsibility to provide snow removal for safe ease of access to property. The Bark'Tisserie Pet Sitter is happy to clear a small path to safely get pets in and out of the house, but drive, walkways leading to entrance, and sidewalks remain the responsibility of client. Please arrange snow removal prior to departure, and leave contact information for pet care provider. Pet care services will cease, and emergency contacts will be notified to take over the care of your pets should driveways become inaccessible.
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Pet Safety and Security: The Bark'Tisserie Pet Sitters reserves the right to refuse service for any animal that is unhealthy, overly aggressive or otherwise unmanageable, and/or who may be a danger to themselves, toward people, or other animals. You, as pet owner, are responsible for any action taken by your pet that causes damage or harm to other people, pets, or property. The Bark'Tisserie Pet Sitters does not accept responsibility or liability for any pet that is lost or injured due to being left in, or given access to a fenced (electronic or otherwise) outside area. The Bark'Tisserie Pet Sitters will not accept clients whose dogs are crated for unreasonable amounts of time, or chained or tethered in any way.
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Illness and Disease: Please disclose any allergies or illnesses your pet may have prior to service. We want to make sure we are properly caring for your pet(s). If your pet(s) suffers from an illness that requires constant monitoring, boarding with your veterinarian may be the best alternative for their well-being. If your pet(s) suffers severe separation anxiety and becomes destructive or is a harm to themselves, a stay at the kennel with other animals, and the sights and sounds to keep them busy, may be a better alternative to leaving them home alone. We are happy to provide daily walking service for your pet(s) while being boarded.
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Vaccinations: The Bark'Tisserie Pet Sitters requires all pets in their care be current on vaccinations. Clients are required to show proof of Rabies, and DHLPP for each dog, and Rabies for cats.
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Job Share: The Bark'Tisserie Pet Sitters may decline to care for pet(s) when someone else will be looking in on them, or if others will be entering and exiting your home during the contracted period. Too many issues could arise with multiple caretakers and poor communication would cause your pet to suffer. Double feeding, no feeding, incorrect dosages of medications, missed visits, and the misplacement of items needed for the care of your pet(s) are all possibilities when someone else is involved in their care. Home security could also be an issue. Job share will be considered on a case by case basis, but will negate any and all liability The Bark'Tisserie Pet Sitters would have toward your home or your pet(s). Job share, and others on the premises negates any insurance and bonding coverage.
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By using The Bark'Tisserie Pet Sitters services, Client consents that policies have been read, all policies are understood, and agreed to. Client acknowledges The Bark'Tisserie Pet Sitters has limited liability regarding incidents that may occur to their home and their pet as outlined in the Service Aggreement. The Bark'Tisserie Pet Sitters reserves the right to refuse service to anyone.