Policies

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” – Gandhi

In order to provide the best service for you, your pets and others, we have established the following policies.

Payment

Payments for walking or sitting services are to be paid in full at the time of booking or on the first day that service begins. If payment is not received at the time of service, a $25.00 late fee may be added to your invoice. Homeward Bound Pet Care Services accepts all Visa, Mastercard, Discover Card, checks, or cash. Credit cards will automatically be charged for future services. There will be a $35.00 charge for all returned checks. If Client requests to extend service, the Client guarantees payment at the same rate for all services provided upon return.

Holiday Surcharge Policy

An additional holiday charge of $10 per day for visits made on the following holidays: New Years Eve, New Years Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Cancellations

For early return and cancellation of service (for non-holiday reservations), a 24-hour notice is required or Client will be charged the rate of one visit. After cancellation fees, any remaining balance will be applied to future pet sitting visits only. No refunds will be given. No credits will be given for early returns during the holiday periods.

Emergency Care

In the event of pet illness or other medical emergency and specified vet is unavailable, pet will be taken to closest vet or the Animal Emergency Clinic SE. Client understands and agrees that attempts will be made to contact them in case of emergency and if Client is unreachable, Pet Sitter has permission to authorize any care that the vet deems necessary for pet's health, safety and survival. Client agrees to reimburse Homeward Bound Pet Care Services for any additional fees and all costs relating to vet care during their absence, which may include x-rays, blood work, surgery and/or other expensive procedures, as well as an emergency medical transport fee of $35.00.

Pet Vaccinations

All pets should be current with their vaccinations. Should Pet Sitter be bitten or otherwise exposed to any disease or ailment received from Client's animal which has not been properly vaccinated, it will be the Client's responsibility to pay all costs and damages incurred by the victim.

Extra Fees / Charges

Homeward Bound Pet Care Services reserves the right to invoice/bill, at $18.00 per half hour or any portion thereof, for additional time spent over a 30-minute visit that is necessary for the care of Client's pet(s) and home. This includes service and time for the following, but not limited to: all veterinary trips; pet illness; excessive clean-up resulting from pet incontinence, accidents or frequent vomiting; complications administering medications; obtaining pet food, medication or supplies; wait time for emergency home repair; search for pet(s) that escaped confinement or leash. Client will be held responsible for all expenses incurred and reimburse Homeward Bound Pet Care Services upon return.

Key Policy

Two working copies of your house keys must be provided at time of registration / consultation. If you live in a gated community, you must provide a gate card, remote or appropriate access codes. NO KEYS will be mailed by regular mail, hidden outside or locked in homes on last visits. Should keys become unusable, lock malfunction, Client fails to leave a key or for any other reasons beyond Pet Sitter's control, Homeward Bound Pet Care Services has the authorization to employ the services of a locksmith to gain entry into a Client's home on Client's behalf. Client will be responsible for all expenses incurred and reimburse Homeward Bound Pet Care Services upon return.

Homeward Bound Pet Care Services will return all keys at no extra charge, but will charge $15 to pick up a client’s key, after the initial new client meeting.

Visit Times

Visit times are approximate and subject to change based on the needs of all pets under Pet Sitter's care. Pet Sitter is entrusted to use best judgment in caring for pet(s) and home, in the event of an emergency situation, inclement weather or natural disaster.