Pawlicies

Meet & Greet

The Meet & Greet is a visit that allows the client to get to know our service and the sitter prior to the start of their services. During this visit, we will introduce ourselves, spend time getting to know your pet(s), review and confirm any information about the pet’s and home’s care, obtain house keys if service dates are needed, and go over paperwork necessary to begin the service. This meeting lasts approximately 45 minutes. We do NOT provide service until the Meet & Greet has taken place.

The first meeting is always complimentary. If you would like to request another Meet & Greet at any time in the future because you added a new pet or moved we would be happy to meet again. Any additional Meet & Greets will result in a $25 fee.

Communication

We understand how difficult it is to leave your pets behind and that is why we will update you on how your pet(s) are doing while you’re away. We will happily leave you messages, send emails, and pictures, or phone texts. You can call to check in on them too! When you return, please contact us. We need to make sure that nothing has changed in your itinerary and therefore we will need you to confirm your arrival back home. When you arrive home, you will have a detailed report of the days and times of the services we performed and all the fun things we did.

Reservations & Short Notice Requests

• Reservations can be made by either phone, email, text, or in person. You should not assume a booking is confirmed until you have received confirmation from us. We recommend you book your Pet Sitting visits as early as possible as we always schedule our Pet Sitting appointments on a first come, first serve basis.

• There is no surcharge for reservations made within 24hrs of the scheduled visit. Please keep in mind, we may not be able to accommodate same-day visits, so it is always best to book In advance to secure your reservation.

Visit Times

ForPetSakes does not guarantee specific time slots. We schedule services in 2-3 hour time slots. ForPetSakes only provides exceptional care for the pets that we are caring for and will not compromise our level of care to rush to our next visit. These time windows allow us the flexibility to deal with any extenuating circumstances that occur(traffic, weather conditions, pet accidents that need to be cleaned up, etc.) This also allows us time to deal with a pet that may be suffering from separation anxiety or just needs a little extra attention that day. As we don't always have the same pets to visit each day and we service different towns, our schedule and route will vary, our travel routes are planned in advance in the most efficient manner possible.

• A One Hour Window is given to pets that need to be given medication around a certain time, pets with medical conditions, Older dogs with incontinence issues and puppies(6 mos or younger) that are working on potty training.

Minimum Number Of Visits For Pet Sitting

To best attend to the needs of your pets, we require a minimum of 2 visits per 24-hour period for all adult dogs, a minimum of 3 visits per 24-hour period for crated dogs, and a minimum of 4 visits per day for puppies under a year old.

For cats and small animals we require a minimum of 1 visit a day. We may require more than these minimums for a particular pet if we feel it is necessary for the pet’s well-being. ForPetSakes is trusted to always use best judgment in caring for pets.

Payment Policy

ForPetSakes preferred forms of payment is Cash, PayPal, Venmo. We also accept checks.

The Payment Policy for each service is as follows:

Pet Sitting Services-100% due at the start of the service. *A deposit may be required during the holidays and summer months.

Dog Walking Services-Due on Friday or the last day of service for the week.

Puppy Package Service-Due on Friday or the last day of the service for the week.

Pet Check-Ins/Potty Visits-If service is used Regularly(10 times or more a month) a payment schedule can be figured out. If used on occasion payment is due at the time of service.

Pet Taxi- Due at the time of service.

Pet Waste Clean-Up- Weekly or Monthly payment options.

Spring Clean-Ups or One Time Waste Clean-Up-Due at the time of service.

Holiday Surcharge

We are happy to spend the holidays with your pet!

*Effective January 1st 2023 the following holidays will result in the following surcharges.

New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day will result in an additional $15 holiday fee

Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day & Labor Day will result in an additional $10 holiday fee

Cancellation Policy

We understand that life happens and sometimes unexpected things occur and plans change. Our cancellation policies are as follows:

Dog Walking Services & Puppy Package-Cancellations made by 7 PM the night prior will result in no fee.

Cancellations made after 7 PM OR day of will be subject to a full visit charge.

Weekly Dog Walking & Pet Check-Ins/Potty Visit clients are allowed ONE cancellation after 7PM or day of a month, no questions asked!

ForPetSakes understands that sometimes you need to change your travel plans. However, since we schedule our client's visits so precise and turn away other clients in order to give each pet their desired amount of time, loving care, and attention, we are unable to fill the empty spots a cancellation creates.

Pet Sitting Services(Non-Holiday)

7 days or more notice will result in no fee

6 days to 3 days notice you will be charged 50% of your reservation

48 hours or less notice will be charged in full

Holiday Pet Sitting & Summer Months

The holidays and summer months are the busiest times for pet sitting. When your reservation is made all visit time slots are specially reserved for your pet's care. We can only be at one home at a time and are unable to take other reservations for your time slot and must turn away other potential clients.

All pet sitting services made during the holidays and summer months require a $50 non-refundable deposit at the time the reservation is made and is applied towards the total. With the expectation of severe weather, life threatening emergencies or a death in the family, any cancellations during the summer months(June-August) and prior to a holiday(Christmas Eve/Day, New Years, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Thanksgiving) are cancellation policy is as follows

Two Weeks Or More Notice will result in no fee

One Week Notice you will be charged 50% of your reservation

6 days or Less you will be charged in full

Under NO circumstances will we ever overbook. When a cancellation occurs we have no way of reselling that time during our busiest times of the year.

•Schedules may be changed within a week of the first visit with no charge as long as the entire schedule is NOT cancelled.

•Early returns and late departures will NOT be refunded.

Refunds: We have a strict NO REFUND policy. If services are cancelled after payment has been made and started for whatever reason you will receive credit minus any applicable cancellation fees for future services. Credits are good for 12mos after you receive it.

Why Do We Enforce A Cancellation Policy?

Cancellation policies are put into effect to protect the customer and the business and to make sure they are mutually committed to the transaction. There are a finite number of hours in a day and the demand for our services continues to grow, we book services weeks, sometimes months, in advance. We take reservations on a first come, first serve basis, and we do not overbook. Late notice cancellations make it impossible to re-book the time that was reserved to care for your pets. Our cancellation policies are the same for everyone. This transparency allows us to schedule clients who are serious about using our services and understand in advance that our cancellation policy is in place to be fair to all.

Weather Policy

ForPetSakes is well equipped to weather Minnesota's elements and walk in all kinds of weather. It doesn't matter if it's raining, snowing, or hot & humid we will be out there. Please assume that despite any weather conditions if you have a visit/walk scheduled with ForPetSakes we will be there. On days where our ability to provide service is hindered by inclement weather, i.e. Icy road conditions or snow, please keep in mind that we may need to adjust the time of your visit/walk to compensate for travel time.

If the client would like to cancel because of weather you must do so before 7 PM of the night before service to avoid being charged for the scheduled visit(s).

In cases where the weather is extreme(stormy, temps 90+, or below 20 degrees) we may shorten your pet's walk to protect your pup and keep them safe. In these cases, we will spend the remainder of the time playing inside.

ForPetSakes requests that clients leave a towel out to dry their dog off during the winter months and when rain is expected.

Invisible Fencing/ Unsupervised Outdoor Access

The use of invisible fences is at the risk of the client. ForPetSakes is not responsible for any injury, loss, or death of your pet that results from us being instructed to use an invisible fence. NO pets will be left unsupervised by ForPetSakes between visits in an invisible fence or tied in the yard. ForPetSakes is NOT responsible for any injury, loss, or death of your pet that may occur if a doggy door is used.

Pet Health & Emergency Medical Care

• It is your responsibility to inform ForPetSakes of any special needs your pet has, including but not limited to, medications, supplements, allergies, physical disabilities, medical conditions and diet restrictions.

• We will do everything possible to prevent your pet from eating anything other than foods and treats provided by you, (or by us if allowed), ForPetSakes is released from all liability related to any injury, illness or vet bills incurred as a result of food, treats or items consumed by your pet while in our care. If you pet is prone to eating dangerous or found items please inform us ahead of time.

• In general, all pets should be currently vaccinated but we do discuss this on a case-by-case basis with our clients. For instance, should your pet have an illness or valid reason to NOT have vaccinations, we are happy to discuss this with you.

• In the event that a pet becomes ill or has a other medical emergency and the veterinarian you use is not available or it's after hours, your pet will be taken to the nearest emergency clinic which is the Animal

Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota in Oakdale. All reasonable attempts will be made to contact client and emergency contact. If client and emergency contact is unreachable, ForPetSakes has permission to authorize any care that the vet deems necessary for the pet’s health, safety, and survival. Client is responsibility for all fees and costs relating to veterinarian care during their absence, which may include x-rays, blood work, surgery and/or other procedures. We suggest informing your veterinarian that ForPetSakes will be providing your pet(s) with care to prevent any issues in case of emergency.

We do not charge extra if your pet gets ill or has a other medicial emergency and needs to be taken to the vet. Handing emergency situations is part of our job. If the future services for the rest of the trip need to be changed in order to accommodate additional medical needs(i.e. Extra visits or longer visits), then we will charge more for that time.

Household Emergencies

Please leave the name and number of a trusted maintenance company or a person you can rely on to attend to any household emergencies that may arise during your absence. This includes but is not limited to; leaking pipes, malfunctioning water heaters and heating and air units. Please discuss any continuous household problems during consult.

Job Sharing & Home Security

• ForPetSakes 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 and will negate any and all liability ForPetSakes would have toward your home or your pet(s).

ForPetSakes will not continue a job started by or hand the job to another party(neighbor, friend or professional) other than to the client or immediate family.

• ForPetSakes requires you to let us know if there is ever the possibility that other individuals(Family members, Friends, House cleaners, Repair companies, etc:) will be in your home during any time period while your pets are in our care. We take the care and safety of your pet(s) and home very seriously.

• ForPetSakes Dog Walking & Pet Sitting accepts no responsibility for loss to the premises if other individuals have access to a client’s home, or if the home is not properly secured.

Access To Your Home

We ask you to provide atleast one method of entry. We recommend at least one of the following options:

Install your own or a company provided lockbox with a key inside.
Provide a keypad code for door entry.
Provide a garage code for garage entry. A lockbox may also be needed or desired for the door from the garage to the house.

If a keypad and/or garage code is provided to us, it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that the pad is operational and that batteries are changed regularly. We do recommend a backup key in a lockbox in case the keypad malfunctions or there is a power outage on any given day.

If we need to make any additional trips to Pick-Up or Drop-Off keys there is a fee of $15.00

Pet Proofing

It is the pet owner's sole responsibility to "pet proof" any areas of the home and/or property to which the pet(s) have access. This includes throughly inspecting fences, gates, latches, doors and other devices meant to contain the pet(s) or restrict them to certain areas.

Care Items

For the care of your pet(s), please provide us with access to the location of your pet's food, treats, toys, leash, litter and cleaning supplies. If critical items are not provided, you will be responsible for reimbursing us for any supplies we must purchase and our time involved in purchasing those supplies.

For the care of your home please provide us with access getting into your home, alarm codes(if accessible), location of breaker box, water shut off, instructions for lights, curtains, plant watering(if needed), mail/newspaper retrievaland trash. If anyone else is expected to make visits to your home please inform us.

Cleanliness & Grooming

ForPetSakes will do its best to remove mud, dirt, salt and snow from dogs before returning them to your home. It is recommended that you leave a towel by the door for this purpose. ForPetSakes is not, however, responsible for ensuring that dogs be bathed, groomed or cleaned beyond a reasonable amount after walks.

We are not responsible for any damage to your property or possessions as a result of anything tracked into the home by your pet(s).

ForPetSakes will do their best to keep your home tidy and clean while caring for your pet(s) performing tasks such as sweeping around litter box areas, washing food and water bowls, picking up pet's toys etc.

Destruction of Property: ForPetSakes is not responsible for damage caused by your dog in your home. This includes but is not limited to tearing up their kennel, toys, furniture, rugs, pillows, harnesses, leashes or any personal items in your home. We always do our best to keep your animals routine, however accidents can happen. If we notice a urine or stool accident we will notify you immediately and do our best to clean up. However we do not accept any responsibility for leftover stains or property damage for any stains. Animal behavior is unpredictable and destruction by them or any damage they may cause does not place blame on ForPetSakes. We will not offer any refunds or credits if your pet destroys something in your home before, during or after our time of visits.

We ask that you make us aware of any food allergies or food sensitivities your dog may have. We also ask that you inform us if your pet has the tendency to be stressed out and anxious with your absence. Some dogs do just fine with a little change while others have a harder time with it--not eating, acting out and doing things that they normally wouldn't do. Providing us with as much information as possible will help us be on the lookout for any signs of stress.

If your dog is Boarding with us and happens to get sick or has any accidents you won't be charged anything extra. Messes can and do sometimes happen when you have pets and we understand this.

Medication Administration

We understand the importance of your pet getting the medications they need. We are happy to administer oral medications. However, in the event that your pet refuses to shallow, or otherwise take any prescribed medications, we cannot be held responsible for unsuccessful medication administration attempts.

Termination of Weekly Services

Client's that use ForPetSakes services on a weekly basis agree to give two(2) weeks notice should decide to discontinue regular weekly walks or visits. If client cannot or does not give two weeks notice, client agrees to compensate ForPetSakes for what would have been the total for two weeks of dog walking and or visits.

Multiple Dogs For Dog Walks

For households with more than one dog, ForPetSakes reserves the right to walk the dogs separately and charge accordingly. All walks are individual unless there are two dogs in the household who easily can be walked together. Walking one dog, or a well matched pair, allows the dogs to get the best workout and sensory experience possible while outside. It also allows us to give each dog our undivided attention, and to be able to monitor their behavior, health and safety.

Third Party/Dog Interaction

•Dog walks will be specific to the dogs in each household and will not include other dogs.

•To ensure the safety and well being of the dogs in our care, our staff, third parties and their dogs, ForPetSakes's staff will make all attempts to avoid interaction with other individuals and dogs during our walks. We will change the direction of our walk to avoid interaction with third party individuals and/or dogs, and politely decline offers from third parties to interact with the dogs in our care.

Emergency Contact

An Emergency Contact is defined as anyone that the client authorizes ForPetSakes to contact to make decisions regarding the care of client’s pets or home if we aren’t able to reach the client in the event of an emergency.

Injury, Risk & Liability

You agree that you are solely liable for medical care expenses and all damage to persons, animal or property caused by your pet(s). You will be responsible for the actions of your pet(s) if they cause any damage whatsoever, including but not limited to damage or injury to other dogs, people or property while in the care of ForPetSakes.

While ForPetSakes's walkers/sitters will always do their best to protect your pet from injury, you acknowledge that there are reasonable risks involved with walking dogs off-property and that small cuts, scrapes, bruises and other minor injuries may be a part of participating in dog walking services.

You also acknowledge that there are even further risks associated with off-leash dog parks and that by agreeing to participate in these programs you release ForPetSakes from any liability associated with injury, illness or loss suffered as a result of these adventures.

You are responsible for ensuring that you have the necessary municipal licenses and registrations for your pet(s). ForPetSakes will not be responsible for any fees or citations against your pet for being found to have incorrect or insufficient licenses or tags while in the care of ForPetSakes.

Terms & Conditions

•Client authorizes ForPetSakes to take photos of Client’s pet for documentation, social media, and updates on visits sent directly to the client. All photos taken by ForPetSakes are property of ForPetSakes.

•Cameras are a security method used by businesses, homeowners and property owners. Without the consent of the present parties, it is always illegal to capture video recordings in areas of extreme privacy. These areas include bathrooms, changing or dressing areas, and bedrooms. Taping without consent is considered an "invasion of privacy." While ForPetSakes supports clients' right for property security, uploading any security footage of ForPetSakes staff to any and all internet outlets without ForPetSakes's consent is strictly prohibited.

•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 the best judgment in caring for the pet(s) and home, in the event of an emergency situation, inclement weather, or natural disaster. ForPetSakes and its contracted staff will be held harmless for consequences related to such decisions.

•ForPetSakes reserves the right to terminate this agreement at any time before or during its term if Pet Sitter determines that Client's pet poses a danger to the health or safety of herself/himself, other pets or other people. If concerns prohibit Pet Sitter from caring for the pet, Client authorizes pet to be placed in a kennel with all charges to be charged to Client.

•ForPetSakes reserves the right to change and/or update our Policies at anytime without any prior notice

•ForPetSakes reserves the right to change our rates at any time