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🐾 Policies and Procedures

 

We just got home from a weekend trip and used Laura’s Critter Care for the first time. Cindy did a great job and kept us updated the entire weekend. I would highly recommend their services. ~Shanna M. Decker, MPH, DVM-Chief of Staff @ Killewald Small Animal Hospital

English Bulldog puppy, 2 months old, carrying toucan, chameleon, rat and butterfly walking against white background

 
 
Laura’s Critter Care, LLC2185 Hopkins Rd Getzville, NY 14068

(716) 425-8357 Phone Call

(716) 531-4528 Text Number

Client Portal https://www.timetopet.com/portal/laurascrittercare

laurascrittercare@yahoo.com ·  www.laurascrittercare.com

~~~~ Service Agreement ~~~~

This contract is an agreement between LAURA’S CRITTER CARE, LLC and you (Client) for pet care services beginning on the date of this portal signature and thereafter on an as-needed basis.

 

PET CARE AND PAYMENT

1.   Pet care services will be provided at the following rate: $­    See web site for updated pricing.   Rates for subsequent services are subject to change.

2.   Client authorizes LAURA’S CRITTER CARE, LLC to perform pet care services as outlined in your Client Portal, Details/My Information, Pet Profile, and Veterinary Release, which shall become part of this contract. Prior to any future pet care services Client agrees to notify LAURA’S CRITTER CARE, LLC of any changes to the information in their client portal.

3.   Emergency care: In the event that pet(s) being cared for require immediate medical attention, LAURA’S CRITTER CARE, LLC will attempt to contact the Client prior to obtaining emergency care. However, Client agrees that pet sitter has the authority to act in pet’s best interest even if this means seeking medical attention prior to notifying Client. Client agrees to reimburse LAURA’S CRITTER CARE, LLC for any additional fees and/or expenses incurred while tending to emergency or veterinary care. I understand that LAURA’S CRITTER CARE, LLC assumes no responsibility for the loss of any pet and is released from all liability related to transportation, treatment and expense. The consent for treatment has no expiration date unless otherwise noted.

4.  Scheduling is on a first come first serve basis and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. Services can be scheduled by submitting a service request through your client portal or cell phone application by selecting “schedule”.

For out of town or vacation needs all dogs will be visited no less than every 12 hours, although recommended three to four times a day. All cats, rabbits, pocket pets etc. will be visited no less than once every 24 hours but strongly recommended every 12 hours. No exceptions will be made. This is for the health of your pet. Laura’s Critter Care, LLC will visit at the requested times as closely as possible. However, if an unforeseen situation arises, the time may be adjusted.

Please understand that “work in” visits require extra effort on our part and will be subject to additional fees. Please be aware that the visit time may be shorter if we have to work the visit into our already busy schedules. But we will do everything we can to be there when needed in an emergency.

 

We greatly appreciate the extra fee being included in your payment for short notice scheduling and schedule changes.

 

Note: A “Short Notice” that is less than 72 hours for non-holidays or less than 1 week for holiday bookings there will be an additional $5.00 per visit charge. Each visit that is less than 24 hour notice there will be a $10.00 per visit charge.

*100% of all surcharges are paid directly to your pet or house sitter by Laura’s Critter Care, LLC

5.   Inclement weather/Natural disaster/Act of war/or any other legally justifiable circumstance: In the event of inclement weather, natural disaster, or act of war, or any other legally justifiable circumstance LAURA’S CRITTER CARE, LLC is entrusted to use best judgment in caring for pet(s) and home. Client recognizes that in the event of inclement weather, natural disaster, or act of war, or any other legally justifiable circumstance LAURA’S CRITTER CARE, LLC reserves the right to alter services outlined in this contract.

If you are in need of our services in the winter months and the forecast calls for ice and snow we ask that you arrange for a neighbor or a plow service to shovel, snow blow or plow your front porch, walk and driveway. Please also arrange for a pet safe ice melter to be spread onto your sidewalks and porches so that we do not have any serious injuries. Laura’s Critter Care, LLC is NOT insured for snow removal services. If there is an injury the liability will reside with you. Laura’s Critter Care, LLC’s concern is the proper care of your pets. If we cannot get easy access to your home then it makes it difficult for us to give your pets the care they deserve. If Laura’s Critter Care, LLC has to arrange for snow removal you will be charged an additional fee to cover the cost of the snow removal.

6.   Personal emergency: In the event of personal emergency or illness of pet sitter, Client authorizes LAURA’S CRITTER CARE, LLC to arrange for another qualified person to fulfill agreed upon responsibilities as set forth on this contract. Client will be notified in such case.

7.   Key policy: We are asking for the use of keyless entry or a lock box. A lock bock can be purchased at any hardware store for around $25. With the lock box option, you simply provide us with your lock box code. If you do use a lock box, we still recommend storing 2 keys inside your lock box in case a sitter accidentally locks your key inside your home. If you do not intend on utilizing keyless entry or a a lock box, we require TWO sets of keys, which will be picked up at your Client Meeting. If not using a lock box and you supply us with a garage code, you must still provide us with 2 sets of keys in a backup lockbox due to possible electrical outages. If less than two keys are provided at the Client Meeting, we will make additional copies for a $5.00 fee for each key. We suggest you check that keys work before the Client Meeting. We do not provide a key drop off or pick up location. Each time sitters have to exchange keys with other sitters or pick them up from our office there will be a $24 key exchange fee. If you change your locks and need to supply us with new keys, we charge a $24 Key Pick Up fee or can provide you with mailing instructions. Keys kept outside are required to be kept in a lock box for the safety of your home and our sitters. Please keep in mind, if supplied, we retain all client keys. If at any point you wish for us to no longer retain your keys, we will destroy them at your request and close your account. WE DO NOT RETURN KEYS and we will not lock keys inside your home. If you are not comfortable with this policy, we highly recommend the use of a keyless entry or a lock box. We do not require keys if you are leaving your home unlocked or have keyless entry. Please let us know if you have keyless entry or some sort of other special circumstances. Each time we might have to exchange keys amongst pet sitters or pick up keys there will be a $24.00 plus tax charged. To avoid this charge please have either a lock box or some other form of keyless entry.

8.   Locksmith: Client gives LAURA’S CRITTER CARE, LLC the authority to use the services of a locksmith in the event of malfunction of the lock, keys, or automatic door opener. Client also agrees to reimburse LAURA’S CRITTER CARE, LLC within 7 business days of return for all costs incurred, and to hold LAURA’S CRITTER CARE, LLC harmless for activities of the locksmith.

9.   Payment: Unless otherwise mutually agreed upon, first time clients must make full payment at the time of their consultation. Established clients agree to make payment in full prior to, or on the first day of the Service Period. LAURA’S CRITTER CARE, LLC accepts major credit cards, ACH check payment, ApplePay, Google Pay or cash. Major credit cards can be entered into your client portal. Credit cards on file will be charged on the day of your first service visit if you do not log into your portal to pay.

We work on the following Holidays with a $15.00 surcharge per day Christmas Day, New Years Day, Easter and Thanksgiving. We work on the following Holidays with a $10.00 surcharge per day Christmas Eve, New Years Eve, New Years Eve, Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day. The major holidays require a 50% non-refundable deposit to secure the dates needed for pet care.

*100% of all surcharges are paid directly to your pet or house sitter by Laura’s Critter Care, LLC

Client will be subject to a $10.00 late fee if payment is not made by the first visit of the Service Period. Invoice will be subject to an additional $25.00 late fee for every 10 days the invoice is overdue. Returned checks are subject to a $35 handling charge, and may result in cash payment being required in advance for future services and/or to settle an existing outstanding balance. Accounts outstanding more than 60 days from the end of the Service Period may be turned over to a collection agency at the sole discretion of Laura’s Critter Care, LLC. Client agrees to pay all costs associated with the employment of such collection agency in obtaining or attempting to obtain the outstanding balance due and applicable late fee(s).

10. Extra Services: Any charges for unplanned services will be due the day the extra services started. Invoice for additional charges (including receipts) will be Emailed. If you have a payment method on file we will automatically charge that method of payment. Invoice will be subject to a $10.00 late fee for every 10 days the invoice is overdue.

11. Confirmation: Client agrees to text or E-Mail the LAURA’S CRITTER CARE, LLC office through their client portal communication section prior to leaving to confirm departure day/time, and again upon returning home to let us know that pets are safe. If Client expects to arrive home earlier or later than planned, LAURA’S CRITTER CARE, LLC must be notified as soon as possible.

12. Cancellation: LAURA’S CRITTER CARE, LLC requires a 24-hour notice of cancellation before the start of a particular service period. Less than 24-hour notice of a particular service period will result in Client being billed for 100% of the fee for booked services. Holiday cancellation requires a one-week notice before the start of the service period. Less than a one-week notice before the start of the service period will result in Client being billed for 100% of the fee for booked services. For the Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve and New Years Day Holiday bookings we require a 50% non-refundable deposit. If services are cancelled there will be no refunds or credits of that deposit. All cancellations must be submitted through your client portal by selecting “schedule” and then “submit a schedule change request”.

13. Early Returns: LAURA’S CRITTER CARE, LLC carefully schedules our time to service you and our other clients. Therefore, there are no refunds or credits for early returns or last minute changes to pet care. Once pet care begins, payment is due for the original dates scheduled.

14.Consultation: New client consultations are free as long as services are booked and paid for. If services are cancelled you will be charged for your consultation. There will be one initial free consultation or meet and greet per professional pet sitter/dog walker thereafter. If you would like additional meet and greets there will be a $24.00 plus tax charge for the professional pet sitters/dog walker time and gas.

     

LIABILITY

1.   LAURA’S CRITTER CARE, LLC agrees to provide services in a professional manner consistent with accepted industry standards. The client waives and relinquishes any and all claims against LAURA’S CRITTER CARE, LLC except those arising from gross negligence of the pet sitter. Client agrees to notify LAURA’S CRITTER CARE, LLC of any concerns related to agreed upon services within 24 hours of return home.

2.   Emergency contact: Client agrees to provide LAURA’S CRITTER CARE, LLC with contact information where he/she can be reached while away. Client will also provide a name and phone number of someone who is authorized to handle any major problems that may arise. If Client or designated contact person cannot be reached in a timely manner, Client agrees to accept any decision LAURA’S CRITTER CARE, LLC makes in regards to pet care or Client’s property.

3.   Visitors: If anyone will be entering Client’s home while it is under our care, Client agrees to notify LAURA’S CRITTER CARE, LLC in advance. LAURA’S CRITTER CARE, LLC will not enter an occupied home if we have not previously made us aware of visitors. Similarly, unless we receive instructions from Client, we will not grant access to the home to any visitors. LAURA’S CRITTER CARE, LLC will not be held responsible for any damages incurred to Client’s home or pet(s) by visitors. It is understood that anyone with access to the home will be notified of LAURA’S CRITTER CARE, LLC presence and vice versa. The police will be called, without exception, on all intruders or suspicious acts.

4.   Outdoor access: LAURA’S CRITTER CARE, LLC will not be held liable for the well being or actions of any pet with unsupervised access to the outdoors.

5.    Fences: Fenced in yards are wonderful play spaces for pets, however, no fence system is totally secure for your pets safety.  LAURA’S CRITTER CARE, LLC does not accept responsibility or liability for any customer’s pets that escape, are injured or become lost, fatal or otherwise when pets are left out or given access to fenced in area. This includes electronic, wood, metal, or any other fence type.

6.   Pet and house/yard cleanup: LAURA’S CRITTER CARE, LLC will properly dispose of pet waste in your outside waste receptacle, and will do our best to clean up any accidents your pet may have. LAURA’S CRITTER CARE, LLC is not responsible for carpet/flooring stains created by your pet(s). We do request that you provide plenty of plastic bags, towels, cleaning products, paper towels, and trash bags and indicate where you would like the waste disposed of. Any charges acquired by LAURA’S CRITTER CARE, LLC for any of the supplies listed that are not left will be due within 7 days of completion of service engagement. Client will also be charged for ½ hour taxi service for a trip to the store to purchase items. Invoice for additional charges (including receipts) will be left at Client’s home upon completion of service engagement.

7.   Aggressive and hostile pets: If a pet has a history of biting, scratching or other aggressive behavior, LAURA’S CRITTER CARE, LLC reserves the right to refuse or cancel service. The owner will be liable for the pet sitter’s or other person’s medical expenses and/or damages that are the result of an animal bite or injury due to pet’s aggressive behavior. Client agrees to indemnify, hold harmless, and defend Laura’s Critter Care, LLC, in the event of claim by any person or legal entity injured by the pet.

8.    Medications: LAURA’S CRITTER CARE, LLC will attempt to administer medications as directed but cannot be held responsible for complications that arise as a result. Excessively shy cats with medical problems can be a serious risk. If you have such an animal, this must be thoroughly discussed.  Under no circumstances will LAURA’S CRITTER CARE, LLC care for any pet that has any form of contagious illness. This is for the safety of our other customers.

9.   Vaccinations: If asked, client agrees to provide LAURA’S CRITTER CARE, LLC with proof of current vaccinations for all pets. Should pet sitter or other persons be bitten or otherwise exposed to any disease or ailment received from Client animal(s), Client agrees to pay all costs and damages incurred.

10. Future Services: Client authorizes this signed contract to be valid for future services without additional signed contracts or written authorization. Client agrees to any future Laura’s Critter Care, LLC term changes relayed verbally, in writing, or posted on our web site under the heading Service Agreement, Liability, Policies and/or Procedures.

The Client states that he/she has read this entire agreement, and understands and agrees to its terms and conditions.

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Client                                                                 Date

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Laura’s Critter Care, LLC                  Date

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Laura Bailey, Member                 Date

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Laura Bailey, Member                 Date

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

                   

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Laura’s Critter Care, LLC  142 Burroughs Drive Amherst, NY 14226
Phone: (716) 425-8357