Our Policies

(Sitterly Love Pet Care is referred to as “SLPC, We, Our, or Us” and clients are referred to as “Client(s), You, or Owner”.)

 
1. INTAKE FORM: Clients must complete an Intake Form prior to scheduled Meet and Greet. The Intake Form is a mandatory step in the onboarding process. Repeat clients must resubmit information yearly to ensure all is up to date. Failure to complete this step will result in an automatic declination of services.
 
2. EMERGENCY CARE: A Vet Release Form must be signed prior to start of services. SLPC works hard to prevent accidents and injuries. However, these can occur regardless of how well the pet(s) are cared for. If pet(s) needs emergency care or requires transportation for medication administration, the client authorizes SLPC to transport their pet(s) to the veterinarian listed. Should the preferred veterinarian not be available, we will transport the pet(s) to the nearest emergency clinic. SLPC is not responsible for the actions and decisions of the veterinary staff that result in injury or death. Client acknowledges that a valid Debit or Credit Card is on file at the preferred Vet office or left for SLPC, and allows SLPC to charge that card for the care of their pet(s).
 
3. MEET AND GREET (M&G): M&Gs are required and must be completed at least 48 hours before the first service. Once SLPC reviews the completed Intake Form, a complimentary M&G will be scheduled. The M&G is not a contract between SLPC and the client(s), and does not guarantee services. During the M&G, SLPC will meet the pet(s), review completed and signed documents, discuss payment system, and answer questions. The client MUST either provide a copy of the house key OR rent an SLPC lockbox (charges will be applied to each booking), and any alarm codes, if applicable. Should client(s) cancel the initial in-person M&G, there will be a $20 fee to reschedule. If client(s) have guest pet(s) inside the home that are not previously listed, SLPC will suspend services if they are present. This includes, but is not limited to, pet(s) owned by family, friends, neighbors, roommates, or others.
 
4. HOUSE KEYS: Clients give permission that SLPC can enter the home, their property on which it sits, and other outbuildings that rest upon the land for pet-related services. Clients MUST provide at least one house key during the M&G (unless a key is inapplicable). SLPC can make a copy of keys for no additional cost. If client chooses not to allow SLPC to keep key, a $20 handling fee for pickup and return will be in order. For safety and security, SLPC will NOT leave keys under doormats and hidden on the property. Due to power outages, battery failures, or malfunctions, SLPC requires a key to allow access to your home. SLPC will NOT use garage codes as the primary source of access. Without key access, we will not be held liable or responsible for any incomplete services and the client will be charged for the full visit and any related fees. SLPC heavily advises clients have more than one copy of key in the event of accidents (e.g. key breaks in door).
 
5. LOCKBOX: Clients can rent a lockbox from SLPC if unable to grant SLPC a permanent copy of the key. If chosen, a $20 fee will be incurred prior to start of service. SLPC reserves the right to choose the exact location of the lockbox. Clients who reside in apartment complexes are allowed to give some insight as to where the location of the lockbox can be. Upon drop-off, the client will be responsible for maintaining the overall functionality of the lockbox, as well as proper usage (e.g., scrambling code prior to departure to avoid theft) and ensuring lockbox remains at final location as discussed. SLPC will recover lockbox from client within anywhere from 24 - 48 hours of service completed. Client is responsible for removing their key from lockbox 24 hours after completion of service for SLPC to pick-up. Failure to remove and obtain key within the allotted time period will result in a $10 handling fee for pick-up and drop-off. Client is NOT permitted the following: changing lockbox access code, changing location of lockbox or removal of lockbox in any way. Clients MUST be given explicit instructions from SLPC otherwise. If a personal lockbox is used, the responsibilibty of placement falls on client. SLPC reserves the right to move personal lockbox if location is deemed unsafe. 
 
6. AVAILABLE HOURS: Office hours are Monday-Friday from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M, and Saturday 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. The office is closed on Sundays and federal holidays. Our office line is (215) 839-9657 or email: sitterlylovepetcare@gmail.com. During office hours, we will respond to calls and emails as soon as possible. SLPC will do our best to arrive on time, but do not guarantee specific time slots. We require clients select from our four (4) timeframe options, unless pet(s) require medical care, in which a one-hour window will be applied. The timeframes available are as described below:
 
MORNING:  6-10AM
MIDDAY:  11AM-2PM
AFTERNOON:  2-5PM
EVENING:  6-9PM
 
7. MAKING RESERVATIONS: We offer services on a first come, first served basis. SLPC reserves the right to choose bookings at our discretion. Full payment is due at the time of booking (no exceptions). To submit service requests, including cancellations, clients must call, text, or email us. In order to officially have a booking reserved in advance, clients must pay a 50% non-refundable deposit which will lock in their requested booking. We recommend that all overnight visits, for non-holidays, must be booked no less than ten (10) days before and holidays must be booked at least twelve (12) days in advance to ensure placement on our schedule. Please allow up to 24 hours, during office hours, for SLPC to accept or deny service requests. Under no circumstances will the client assume that their visits are covered without a final invoice or confirmation email.
 
8. MINIMUM VISIT REQUIREMENTS: We require dogs to be visited at least three times per day (every 8 hours) for clients who will be away for no more than two (2) days. For vacation clients who will be absent for more than two (2) days, SLPC encourages that stays are booked under our house sitting service. For the health and safety of your pet(s), we especially recommend house sitting for crated or older dogs. We visit cats and small animals at least once every 24-hours between scheduled dog visits, unless medical care is needed. SLPC is not liable for any damages that may occur due to the client requesting fewer appointments than we suggested.
 
9. CONSTANT CARE: Any house sitting booking extending beyond one (1) hour that requires us to remain with pet(s) either the entirety of the service, or with pet(s) who cannot be left alone for more than four (4) hours, will be charged our hourly rate of $20. Our base hourly rate covers one (1) dog and one (1) cat/small animal or up to three (3) cats/small animals. Any additional dog, or additional cat/small animal beyond three (3), will be charged an additional $5/hour. SLPC ensures that they will remain with your pet(s) for the requested time with no interruptions (barring emergencies).
 
10. CANCELLATIONS FOR NON-HOLIDAYS:

Dog Walking: Cancellations must be made by noon the day before the scheduled booking. After that, clients will receive a 50% refund on the first 7 canceled days and 100% refund on any days after that.
Drop-in Visits: Cancellations must be made by noon three (3) days before the scheduled booking. After that, clients will receive a 50% refund on the first 7 canceled days and 100% refund on any days after that.
House Sitting: Cancellations must be made by noon seven (7) days before the scheduled booking. After that, clients will receive a 50% refund on the first 7 canceled days and 100% refund on any days after that.
 
11. HOLIDAYS: The holiday rate will be applied to all services during the holidays as shown below (2023):
 
MLK Jr. Day – January (Third Monday)
President’s Day - February (Third Monday)
St. Patrick’s Day - March (17th) + weekend that follows
Easter Weekend - April (Friday to Sunday)
Memorial Day Weekend - May (Friday to Monday)
Independence Day - July (3rd to 5th)
Labor Day Weekend - September (Friday to Monday)
Indigenous People’s Day - October (Second Monday)
Thanksgiving - November (Wednesday to Sunday)
Christmas - December (22nd to 26th)
New Years - December (31st to January 1st)

On the following dates, no services will be booked:

June 20 - 26

July 26
 
September 11
 
November 18 - 20

 
12. INCLEMENT WEATHER:
 
a.     HEAT WARNING: During heat warnings or temperatures exceeding 90 degrees, SLPC may shorten the walks, or put off a walk altogether, and the remaining time will be spent playing inside.
b.     THUNDERSTORMS: Clients may cancel dog walks at least two hours before services to avoid a cancellation fee. You may also keep the visits, but we will shorten the walks and potty breaks and the rest of the time will be spent playing inside. Please provide towels that we may use to wipe off the pet(s). We will attempt to clean the pet(s), but no guarantees. SLPC is not responsible for any messes or damages that are caused due to dirty pet(s).
c.     SNOW AND ICE: In snow or icy conditions, dog walks and drop-ins may be canceled at least two hours before services to avoid a cancellation fee. Clients must arrange for snow removal that could impede our safely accessing your driveway and/or sidewalks. SLPC shall have no liability for not removing snow or for the removal of any debris from the residences of the client. If SLPC is unable to access the pet(s) or property due to improper maintenance, SLPC will not be held responsible for missed visits or any damages that may occur. This is a cancellation and the applicable fees will be charged. NOTE: If pet(s) miss a medication dose or receive it at a later time because of impassable roads, SLPC will not be held accountable.