Insured through time of pet insurance company
Service Agreement & Professional Policies
This agreement is into between Josie’s Pet Sitting (the "Sitter") and the undersigned (the "Client"). By booking services, the Client acknowledges and agrees to the following terms and conditions.
1. Services & Scheduling
Service Delivery: The Sitter agrees to provide the services selected (Overnight Care, Drop-In Visits, Dog Walking, or Pet Transportation) as detailed in the booking confirmation.
Overnight Care Standards: For the comfort and safety of your pets, the Sitter guarantees that pets will not be left unattended for more than eight (8) consecutive hours.
Inclement Weather Policy: For the safety of the animals, scheduled walks may be converted to "Drop-In" visits if temperatures fall below 32°F or exceed safe heat thresholds as determined by the Sitter. If a fenced yard is unavailable, a brief relief break (under 10 minutes) will be provided before returning the pet indoors.
Consultation (Meet & Greet): A complimentary initial Meet & Greet is mandatory for all new clients to assess pet compatibility and home safety. Any subsequent consultations requested by the Client will be billed at the Sitter’s standard half-hour or hourly rate.
2. Financial Terms & Payments
Booking Deposit: A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to secure all requested dates. No dates are held until this deposit is received.
Final Balance: The remaining 50% balance is due three (3) days prior to the start of the first scheduled visit.
Short-Notice Bookings: Services requested within seven (7) days of the start date must be paid in full at the time of booking.
Recurring Services: Ongoing or weekly services must be paid on a week-by-week basis, with payment due in full prior to the first visit of each week.
Accepted Methods: Payments are accepted via Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, Check, or Cash.
Note: If paying by cash or check, an in-person hand-off must be scheduled and completed prior to the service start date.
Late Payments: Failure to submit payment within the required timeframes may result in the immediate forfeiture of your booking dates. Services will be suspended until the balance is cleared.
3. Cancellation & Early Return Policy
72-Hour Notice: Cancellations made at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled start time are eligible for a 50% refund of the total booking cost.
Late Cancellations: Cancellations made within 72 hours of the first visit are non-refundable.
Early Returns & Delays: No refunds or credits will be issued for early returns or unused visits once the service period has begun. In the event of a delayed return, the Sitter will attempt to accommodate the pet’s needs, but cannot guarantee continued overnight availability; services may be converted to drop-in visits until the Client returns.
4. Client Obligations & Home Access
Pet Information: The Client must provide comprehensive details regarding the pet's medical history, behavioral triggers, and daily routines.
Supplies: The Client is responsible for providing all necessary food, medication, waste bags, leashes, and cleaning supplies. A surcharge may apply if the Sitter must restock essential items.
Access & Security: The Client must provide reliable access to the premises (keys, gate codes, or smart locks).
Surveillance Disclosure: While the Sitter respects the Client’s desire for home security, all indoor and outdoor cameras must be disclosed prior to the first visit.
Privacy Protections: For the safety and privacy of the Sitter, cameras are strictly prohibited in private areas such as guest bedrooms or bathrooms.
5. Health, Safety & Emergencies
Vaccinations: The Client certifies that all pets are current on Rabies vaccinations as required by Illinois law.
Emergencies: In a medical emergency, the Sitter will attempt to contact the Client and the designated emergency contact immediately. If unreachable, the Sitter is authorized to seek veterinary care at the Client’s expense.
Certifications: The Sitter maintains active Pet CPR and First Aid certifications.
Right of Termination: Josie’s Pet Sitting reserves the right to terminate services immediately if a pet exhibits aggressive or unsafe behavior, or if the home environment is deemed hazardous or unsanitary.
6. Liability & Insurance
Professional Coverage: Josie’s Pet Sitting is fully insured through Pet Care Insurance. Our business operates in strict accordance with Illinois state laws and regulations.
Exclusions: Insurance coverage does not extend to pre-existing medical conditions, owner negligence, or "Acts of God" (e.g., pets escaping through faulty fencing or structural home failure).
Third-Party Liability: The Client assumes full financial responsibility for any medical expenses or property damage resulting from their pet biting or injuring the Sitter or a third party (e.g., postal carriers, neighbors, or service professionals).
7. Travel & Promotional Policies
Travel Fees: For services located beyond a 10-mile radius of New Lenox, IL, a mileage fee of $0.65 per mile will be applied.
Photography: The Sitter may take photographs of the pets for promotional use on Facebook or the company website. If the Client wishes to opt out, this must be submitted in writing.
8. Privacy & Home Boundaries
Confidentiality: I maintain a strict privacy policy. Client names, addresses, and home entry codes are never disclosed to third parties. All sensitive data is securely stored and professionally shredded annually. As such, a new waiver must be signed by the Client each year.
Authorized Entry: Josie works alone; no unauthorized persons will be brought into the Client’s home under any circumstances.
Restricted Areas: The Sitter will only enter areas of the home necessary for pet care. Clients are encouraged to close doors to any rooms they wish to remain private.
Prohibited Items: The Client agrees to secure all weapons, medications, or hazardous materials in a locked or inaccessible area of the home.
Security Checks: For drop-in durations, the Sitter will perform a daily walkthrough to ensure the home is secure. If an unauthorized person is suspected to be on the premises, the Sitter will contact the Client immediately. If a threat is deemed active, local law enforcement will be notified.