Policies

By registering with Critter Sitters and More, you are agreeing to the following policies:

While we can send and receive text messages regarding your services, our preferred communication is through your personal Time To Pet Portal. Normal messaging rates apply and the frequency of messages may vary. Mobile Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.

In order to provide our clients and their pets with the most reliable service, Critter Sitters and More recommends that each client provides us with 2 access points to the home. Options include:
*Key Storage Lock Box
*Door Keypad Code
*Garage Door Code
*Key Hidden on Property

In the event that your Critter Care Specialist (Pet Sitter) is required to employ a locksmith to gain entry into Client’s premises due to a malfunction of the lock or a failure of the Client to leave a key, it shall be the responsibility of the Client to reimburse for all costs incurred. The Client expressly gives Pet Sitter the authority to employ a locksmith on Client’s behalf in the event of the aforementioned occurrences.

Your Critter Care Specialist (Pet Sitter) will send you a message when finishing the last scheduled visit to confirm your return home. We request that you send your sitter a message upon arriving home so that we know your critters have been returned to care. If we do not receive verification of your return, we will implement our emergency care procedures.

Critter Sitters and More, LLC does not over-book appointments. We will turn down business to accommodate your schedule.

Non-Holiday Bookings:  The critter parent must cancel service at 48 hours in advance of the visit to receive a full credit of the amount paid, or will be charged 50% of the total amount of the services for that visit. We can apply the remainder of your payment to a future service. If you would prefer a refund and you have paid by credit card, we will credit your card minus the processing fees. Otherwise, we will apply your payment to a future booking for the full value of the original booking.

Holiday Bookings: Services booked over holidays will be automatically be charge $50 non-refundable deposit to hold your booking. Holidays book up quickly so it is important to request your services by the booking deadline. A $35 non-refundable surcharge will be added to the invoice for any holiday bookings requested after the deadline. View our holiday booking deadlines here: https://crittersittersandmore.com/book-critter-sitter/ Holiday Bookings are required to be cancelled 7 days in advanced of services starting to receive a credit on your account for canceled visits minus the deposit and any late booking fees.

All cats and dogs must have a current Rabies vaccination with the expiration date and certificate uploaded in their records. If there is a medical reason for the cat or dog not to receive a Rabies vaccination, then a waiver from the pet’s vet will be accepted.

It is highly encouraged that each pet be vaccinated, dewormed, and protected from harmful insects according to veterinarian recommended standards.

RECCOMENDED VACCINATIONS:

Dogs – DHPP Combo (which includes Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus)
*For any dogs that attend daycare, dog parks, training centers or locations where they interact with other dogs such as breweries, we recommend Bordetella and Canine Influenza.

Cats – FVRCP Combo (which includes Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia)
*Rabies vaccines are required for any outdoor cats you care for.

Equipment/Supplies – Current name tag, collar along with a properly fitting harness are required on all dog walks. Customers must have potty bags available for each walk. Customers are required to purchase necessary safety equipment and potty bag supplies before their first walk. 

Aversive Training Tools – Our walking service is designed to be a fear-free and force-free experience. We use positive reinforcement techniques to ensure that every walk is enjoyable and stress-free for your furry friend. Our trained walkers are committed to creating a safe and loving environment, where your dog can explore, exercise, and have fun without any fear or pressure. Trust us to take care of your dog with the utmost kindness and respect.

As such, we will decline walks that require us to utilize the following aversive training tools:

• Shock collars
• Prong collars
• Choke chains
• Spray collars
• Any form of physical punishment

We believe in promoting a positive and humane approach to dog walking and training. Your dog’s well-being is our top priority.

Retractable Leashes – For the safety and wellbeing of the pets in our care, Critter Sitters and More staff will not be using retractable leashes. Please have an alternative leash ready before time of service. If you do not have an alternative please let us know and we will bring our own leash.

Harness Requirement – Dog will need a properly fitting harness for walks. Clipping the leash to collars can potentially be harmful to our dogs because there are so many vital things in the neck (esophagus, thyroid, cervical spine, nerves, etc.) *With any dog you will need to find a harness that best fits their individual conformation. Use this link to learn more about properly fitting a harness https://www.clickertraining.com/files/Harness_fit_FINAL.pdf

Critter Sitters and More does have a preferred harness, which is the Freedom No-Pull Dog Harness by 2Hounds Design. These harnesses allow us to have more control over the walk as there is a 2 point connect with their double leash which aid in dogs that back out of harnesses to learn more – https://youtu.be/jaFqlQFNoOg The design is such that the harness does not pull on or press against the dogs neck. If you would like to purchase one of the Freedom No-Pull Dog Harnesses by 2Hounds Design, please use our affiliate link to purchase.

Escape Risks – Critter Sitters and More, LLC employees may use coupler device to ensure 2 points of connection if the dog has been know to slip a harness.

Below is our inclement weather policy to ensure the safety of pets and staff during inclement weather conditions. 

Service Adjustments: 

• We will use our best judgment to care for pets during inclement weather. If conditions make it unsafe to travel pets, we reserve the right to alter scheduled visits until it is safe to do so.  
• Clients will be notified as soon as possible if services are affected. If the primary contact cannot be reached, emergency contacts will be notified. 

Midday Dog Walking: 

• Midday dog walking services will be provided as long as it is safe to do so. In cases of heavy rain, thunder, lightning, high humidity, extreme heat, ice, or flooding, the length of walks may be shortened. 
• Dogs will receive a quick potty break, and the remainder of the visit will consist of indoor playtime. 

Travel Pet Sitting: 

• Every effort will be made to complete pet sitting visits for clients who are out of town. Clients and their emergency contacts will be notified if it is not possible to safely reach their homes at the scheduled visit time and will be provided with an estimated time for the visit.  

Emergency Contacts: 

• Clients are encouraged to name an emergency contact who has access to their home and is comfortable caring for their pets if we are unable to provide scheduled services in a timely fashion. 

Communication: 

• We will notify clients as soon as possible of any necessary schedule adjustments due to inclement weather. Notifications will be sent through their Time to Pet account, text, or phone call. 

Client Responsibilities: 

• Ensure that emergency contacts are up-to-date and accessible. 
• Inform us of any specific needs or concerns regarding their pets during inclement weather. 

Safety First: 

• The safety of our clients’ pets and our staff is our top priority. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during inclement weather events. 
• In anticipation of inclement weather, we proactively contact our clients to offer a no-fault cancellation of their services, ensuring a full credit for any cancellations. 

For the health of our sitters, we reserve the right to turn down assignments where there is evidence of smoking in the home.