RATES & FEES

All of our rates and fees can be accessed through our website.

PAYMENT

Platinum Paws Pet Services accepts payment via credit card through our secure merchant account (Time to Pet). For your convenience, the software keeps a credit card on file.  We do not accept checks or cash as payment for services.  Invoices are emailed 14 days before the due date.  Payment is to be paid four days before services and automatically charge to the credit card at 9 am on that morning. For any service requests within the 4-day window, Platinum Paws Pet Services will automatically charge the card on file the next day.  Services will not start until payment is made in full and all visit(s) made, or services performed shall be paid at the agreed rate, with Clients taking full responsibility for prompt payment of fees.  A finance charge of 6% will be added to unpaid balances after 15 days. A handling fee of $25.00 will be charged on all returned checks as well as any overdraft fees that result. In the event it is necessary to initiate collection proceedings on the account, the Client will be responsible for all attorney’s fees and costs of collection.

REFUNDS

We do not provide a refund but use the remaining amount as a credit balance on your account for future pet care needs. Your credits expire after 6 months.

BUSINESS HOURS

Our regular business hours are Monday-Friday from 8 am to 7 pm with weekend hours from 10 am to 3 pm. We are open every day to care for your pets.  

Holidays: 

There will be a double charge PER VISIT on the following holidays:

• New Year's Eve
• New Year's Day
• Easter Sunday
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day

RESERVATIONS

Your reservation is only confirmed when you have received a final invoice/confirmation via email. To make a reservation you may use our online scheduling system, send us an email, or call the office at (410) 935-7179. Please do not text the office number.

LAST MINUTE SERVICE

Sometimes emergencies happen – our goal is to help you when you need it most, even at the last minute. However, do not assume that we have received your last-minute request until you have received an invoice/confirmation via email. A $5 fee will apply to reservations made with less than 24 hours' notice. Reservation requests that are submitted over a weekend for Monday service will be charged the Late Booking Fee.

CANCELLATION POLICY

We adhere to a strict policy of NO OVERBOOKING. Therefore, once you have contracted services, we will turn away business in order to accommodate your schedule. You will be charged for all visits without proper notice of cancellation.

VACATION CANCELLATION POLICY

During non-holiday and non-summertime periods, please note the PPPS, LLC cancellation policy is as follows:

• 8 or more days’ notice for cancellation prior to reservation: NO CHARGE
• 4-7 days’ notice for cancellation: 25% OF TOTAL INVOICE CHARGED
• 3 or fewer days’ notice for cancellation: NO REFUND OR CREDIT

During pet sitting over major national holidays and the summer period between May 1-Sept 30 or for pet sitting reservations that are longer than 20 days in length, the PPPS, LLC cancellation policy is as follows:

• 15 or more days’ notice for cancellation prior to reservation: NO CHARGE
• 7-14 days’ notice for cancellation: 25% OF TOTAL INVOICE CHARGED TO CLIENT.
• 6 or fewer days’ notice for cancellation: CLIENT CHARGED FULL INVOICE.

MIDDAY DOG WALKING CANCELLATION POLICY

Regular midday dog walking Clients agree to give two (2) weeks’ notice should Client decide to discontinue regular ongoing dog walking service or go on vacation. If Client cannot or does not give two (2) weeks’ notice, Client agrees to compensate Platinum Paws Pet Services, LLC for what would have been the total for two weeks of regular dog walking service. Platinum Paws Pet Services, LLC agrees that should the Client discontinue service due to blatantly poor care/service from the walker for any reason, then this two (2) week notice addendum will not be enforced by Platinum Paws Pet Services, LLC.

Platinum Paws Pet Services, LLC, requires the client to notify PPPS by 8 pm the night before of the cancellation of services for the following day via email or phone call, no texting. Failure to do so will result in PPPS charging for full services and repeated offenders who make same-day cancellations without paying for the full visit will have services permanently severed or will no longer qualify for the discounted Midday Client Rate. The cancellation policy will be waived if Washington is closed due to inclement weather. If services are Monday through Friday (minimum of 4 days a week): two last-minute cancellations for sickness or emergency a month up to 12 days per calendar year.  Any more than four cancellations a month will have to pay the full Dog Walking Rate for the remainder of the month.

If flexibility is needed in scheduling for daily clients, it is the client’s responsibility to let PPPS know by Sunday at noon, via email or phone, and call the schedule in for the upcoming week. Failure to notify PPPS by noon on Sunday will be charged a $5 late booking fee.

EARLY RETURN HOME OR LATE DEPARTURE FROM HOME:

Reservations are made to plan for the sitter's availability for the Client’s reservation dates. Therefore, Clients returning home early or departing later than the reservation will be required to pay for the full reservation amount of time, regardless of whether the Client returned home early or departed later than the prior reservation scheduled. No amount of money will be refunded to Client for early returns to home or late departures from home by Client after a reservation date has been agreed upon.

CALL HOME POLICY:

The safety of your pets is our primary concern. We do everything in our abilities to ensure their safety. We believe that your pets need to be visited the number of times agreed upon during the day. While we certainly anticipate that you will be arriving home on the date you provide to us, we understand that there will occasionally be circumstances beyond your control that will prevent you from returning on the indicated date. If this happens, please call us and we will absolutely extend past the predetermined visits to care for your pets. We ask that you call us when you arrive home. We will also leave a small note card reminding you to call. This covers an unforeseen event in which you do not arrive home and cannot notify us of this situation. IF PLATINUM PAWS PET SERVICES, LLC, DOES NOT HEAR FROM YOU PRIOR TO YOUR ARRIVAL DATE, WE WILL AUTOMATICALLY EXTEND YOUR VISITS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY AND WELFARE OF YOUR PETS. IF WE ARRIVE AT YOUR HOME, and you are either at home or have arranged for other care for your pets; WE WILL CHARGE YOU FOR AN EXTRA VISIT, AND ANY OTHER charges that might apply.

VISIT HOURS

Morning and Evening visits occur between the hours of 7 am and 9 pm. Midday Walks occur between 10 am and 3 pm. For clients with visits 3 times a day, dinner visits are between 2 and 4 pm. For clients with visits 4 times a day, dinner visits are between 4 pm and 6 pm. Cats visits are a minimum of every 24 hours and dogs are visited a minimum of every 12 hours. If you would like to reserve a specific time, $5 will be added to the cost of your visit (except when requiring medicine, i.e., insulin or heart meds).

KEYS

Platinum Paws Pet Services prefers to have keys returned, client agrees to pay $10.00 for key pick-up and/or drop-off for future services. We do suggest our clients purchase a lockbox to use for future services.  The Client expressly gives the pet sitter/PPPS the authority to employ a locksmith on their behalf and to reimburse the pet sitter/PPPS promptly upon their return for all costs incurred in the event of malfunction of the lock, keys, or automatic door opener. 

BACKYARD CLEAN-UP

Regular Backyard Clean-up services will not be scheduled on holidays or on weekends. If regularly scheduled Backyard Clean-up falls on a holiday, then the services will be pushed to either day before or after the holiday (Monday through Friday). If weekend Backyard Clean-up services are needed on weekends, that will be an additional $5. If clean-up services need to be pushed to a weekend date due to inclement weather (rain or snow) then the $5 will be waived. The client is responsible for notifying Platinum Paws Pet Services if inclement weather impedes the clean-up, i.e. if snow is covering the part of the yard where the dog poops. The lawn needs to be properly manicured and upkeep for backyard clean-up services to be performed. Platinum Paws Pet Services reserves the right to cancel services if proper lawn care falls below standard. The client needs to notify any scheduling changes by Sunday at noon for the upcoming week.

SECURED AREAS

It is the pet owner’s sole responsibility to pet-proof any areas of the home and/or property to which the pet has access. This includes thoroughly inspecting fences, gates, latches, doors, and other devices meant to keep the pet inside or away from any ‘forbidden’ areas. The pet sitter does not assume and has no liability for any injuries the pet may sustain while in its own home.

SAFE ACCESS

It is the pet owner’s responsibility to provide safe access to their home shoveling their sidewalks, steps, and porch.

CLIMATE CLAUSE

Platinum Paws Pet Services reserves the right to adjust the thermostat, close/open windows (as long as it remains safe and secure), turn air conditioner on/off or etc. in ALL of our client’s homes if our sitters feel the climate is posing a health risk to your pet(s) in our care. Our staff will notify you if you are accessible.

CONFIDENTIALITY

We recognize that your privacy is important to you and your family. We will not, at any time, either directly, or indirectly, use any information for our own benefit, disclose, or communicate, in any manner, any information to any third party. 

This signed document is an agreement and continues until revoked in writing. Platinum Paws Pet Services, LLC agrees to provide pet care services to the Client in a reliable, trustworthy, and caring manner. I authorize Platinum Paws Pet Services, LLC to perform pet care services as outlined in the Client Profile, Pet Profiles, and Policies and Procedures which shall become part of this contract. For the purposes of this document, the terms Client, and Pet Owner are synonymous with the person contracting services for one or more domestic animals. Platinum Paws Pet Services, LLC, PPPS, LLC, PPPS, Platinum Paws, and PPP Services (are synonymous with the pet care company providing care for the Client below).

Client understands each year on the anniversary of said contract, Platinum Paws Pet Services, LLC, reserves the right to increase the base rate and is required to notify via mail or email 30 days before an increase is to take place. The client is required to inform PPPS, LLC, of any additional animals requiring care and may be subject to a price increase. 

The utmost care will be given to watching both your pet(s) and your home. In consideration of these services and as an express condition thereof, the client expressly waives and relinquishes any and all claims against Platinum Paws Pet Services, LLC (PPPS), except those arising from the gross negligence of the pet sitter. Client agrees to notify Platinum Paws Pet Services, LLC of any concerns within 24 hours of return. The pet sitter/ Platinum Paws Pet Services, LLC cannot be held responsible for any mishaps, claims, and/or expenses attributed to the destructive or unpredictable behavior of the client’s pet(s) that cause damage to the client’s home/property and/or a neighbor’s home/property. (i.e., biting, furniture damage, accidental death, etc.) Nor can we be held liable for injury, disappearance, death, or fines of pet(s) with access to the outdoors. The Pet Sitter/ Platinum Paws Pet Services, LLC will be held harmless for complications in administering medications to pets, including accidental injury or death of pet(s). Client agrees to pay Platinum Paws Pet Services, LLC a mileage charge of $.50 per mile outside the normal 10-mile coverage area unless otherwise specified by Platinum Paws Pet Services, LLC.

The client agrees to pay all charges accrued for services rendered. All visit(s) made, or services performed shall be paid at the agreed rate, with Client taking full responsibility for prompt payment of fees. A finance charge of 6% will be added to unpaid balances after 15 days. A handling fee of $25.00 will be charged on all returned checks as well as any overdraft fees that result. In the event it is necessary to initiate collection proceedings on the account, the Client will be responsible for all attorney’s fees and costs of collection. Platinum Paws Pet Services only accepts credit cards for payment of services.

In the event of vacation, personal emergency, or illness of the pet sitter/ Platinum Paws Pet Services, LLC, Client authorizes the pet sitter/ Platinum Paws Pet Services, LLC to arrange for another qualified pet sitter/ company to fulfill pet sitting responsibilities. The client will be notified in such a case. All terms and conditions set forth in this contract will apply to the replacement pet sitters and clients.

In the event of inclement weather, natural disaster, or national emergency, the pet sitter/Platinum Paws Pet Services, LLC is entrusted to use their best judgment in caring for Client's pet(s) and home. The pet sitter/ Platinum Paws Pet Services, LLC will be held harmless for consequences related to such decisions. Platinum Paws Pet Services follows Washington County Closings and Delays. If schools are closed or delayed Platinum Paws Pet Services, LLC will be closed and/or delayed.

Client represents and warrants that pet(s) under the care of the pet sitter/ Platinum Paws Pet Services, LLC are to be currently vaccinated in accordance with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations. Should a pet sitter or a third party be bitten or otherwise exposed to any disease or ailment received from the client's animal which has not been properly and is currently vaccinated, it will be the client’s responsibility to pay all costs and damages incurred by the victim(s).

Platinum Paws Pet Services reserves the right to terminate service at any time before or during pet sits, if PPPS, in its sole discretion, determines the client’s pet poses a danger to the health or safety of the pet sitter. If concerns prohibit the pet sitter from caring for the pet(s), the client authorizes the pet(s) to be placed in a boarding kennel, with all charges from there on to be charged to the client.

Client agrees that this Terms and Conditions form is valid approval for future services of any purpose provided by PPPS and/or outlined in this form. The Terms and Conditions form will remain valid and in effect for as long as the undersigned remains a PPPS Client, permitting PPPS to accept telephone, and email reservations for services and enter client premises without additional signed contracts or written authorization.

Client agrees to reimburse the pet sitter/PPPS for any additional fees for tending to emergency or veterinary care as well as any expenses incurred for the same. The client also agrees to reimburse for additional time accrued at the rate of $30 per hour in the case of such an emergency. Every effort will be made to contact the client prior to obtaining emergency care. I agree to reimburse Platinum Paws Pet Services, LLC for any additional fees for providing emergency care, as well as any expenses incurred for unexpected visits, transportation, housing, food, or supplies. I also authorize Pet Sitter/Platinum Paws Pet Services, LLC to utilize an alternative veterinarian in the event my primary veterinarian is unavailable. Every effort will be made to contact the owner prior to obtaining emergency care. The client is responsible for notifying PPPS to any and all changes in their pet’s health before the start of services. In event of sickness or illness, and PPPS is unable to reach the client or emergency contact, we will follow the directions of the Veterinary Release form. PPPS will follow the directions of the Veterinary Release Form in case of a pet should become injured or sick.

Client agrees to indemnify pet sitter/PPPS for pet behavior resulting in a bite or written complaint/citation from the local or state government.

The client agrees to provide the pet sitter/PPPS with a phone number where they can be reached while away or emergency contact if they will be unavailable to be reached by phone. The client will also provide the phone number of another person to contact who is authorized to handle any major problems that may occur while away. If the client or the other contact person cannot be reached, the Client agrees to accept any decision the pet sitter/PPPS makes regarding the pet’s care or the Client’s property.

If any friends/neighbors/family members will be entering your home while it is under our care, the pet sitter/PPPS must be notified in advance. The pet sitter/PPPS will not enter an occupied home under any circumstances that we have not been made aware of, nor will we allow entry to any person we have not been made aware of. The pet sitter/PPPS will not be held responsible for any damages incurred to your home or pets by said visitors. It is understood that anyone with access to the home will be notified of the pet sitter/PPPS presence and vice versa. The police will be called on all intruders or suspicious acts without exception.

The client is responsible for supplying the necessary equipment and supplies needed for the care of their pet(s) including, but not limited to, a sturdy, well-fit harness or collar and leash for walking or in case of emergencies, pet food, medications, identification tags, litter boxes, cat litter, and cleaning supplies. The client authorizes any purchase necessary for the satisfactory performance of duties. The cost of all purchases and related service fees will be reimbursed to PPPS within 14 days.

Security System/Privacy Policy 

Any and all photos taken via cameras or security footage at the client’s home cannot be released without the consent of PPPS. The client must notify PPPS of all the cameras in the home and all cameras prohibited from being turned on or present in any bedrooms and bathrooms during the pet sitter/PPPS stay in the home. No photos or videos made by the pet sitter/PPPS will be uploaded online to the website or social media while the client is out of town or without consent.

Platinum Paws Pet Services, LLC agrees to provide the services stated in this agreement in a reliable, caring, and trustworthy manner. In consideration of these services and as an express condition thereof, the client expressly waives and relinquishes any and all claims against the pet sitter/PPPS, except those arising from the sole negligence of the pet sitter. The client agrees to notify the pet sitter/PPPS of any concerns within 24 hours of return.

The client authorizes the use of pet(s) pictures on the website, social media, and/or marketing materials for promotional purposes. If the client would like to revoke or need permission before posting, the client must inform management in writing. We as a company will not post vacation client photos while away on a trip, only have clients have returned home. 

Policies and Procedures:
Platinum Paws Pet Services, LLC agrees to provide the company's policies and procedures on the webpage. Clients will be notified of changes via email and updated at the beginning of the new calendar year. Clients will be given 30 days’ notice before changes to the policies are made. The terms of this contract apply to all pets owned by the Client, including any and all new pets that the Client obtains on or after the date that this contract was signed, at any and all locations the Client designates for service.

Jurisdiction:
This contract is governed by the State of Maryland. Any dispute arising under the terms of this agreement shall be the sole jurisdiction of the State of Maryland.

I have read the above terms and conditions. I know, understand, and appreciate all terms stated above. I authorize this contract to be valid approval for future services so as to permit Platinum Paws Pet Services, LLC, to accept my telephone and/or email reservations and enter my premises without additional signed contracts or written authorization. I have read the above terms and conditions. I know, understand, and agree to all terms above. By Signing below, I am accepting this document as a contractual agreement.