The terms Client, Owner, Pet Owner, and Customer are synonymous with the person contracting services for one or more domestic animals. The term TD applies to Tails of Distinction LLC.

Services will be provided on an as-needed basis as requested by the client.

CAT CARE: We provide wet and dry food according to your instructions and offer fresh water. We scoop litter and bring waste to an outside trash can, if requested. Then there’s play time for your cat(s), depending upon their disposition. Through the Time to Pet app, we’ll send a photo and a note about the visit.

DOG WALKS: We take your dog out on a leash walk around your neighborhood. The pace, greeting other dogs and/or neighbors, is all customized to your request.

After the walk, we refill the water bowl. A photo, and visit note are sent to your inbox, and a treat is provided (at the owner’s discretion), and if needed, your dog is dried and muddy paws are cleaned with a supplied towel.

OVERNIGHTS: We will stay in your home overnight with your dog(s) and/or cat(s). Your pet sitter will bring in your mail, water plants, and send you daily updates via the Time to Pet app.

TD understands that home security is of utmost importance to our clients. The responsibility of keeping keys and codes safe cannot be overstated. Keys are never labeled with names or addresses.

At our initial consultation, please provide two sets of keys. One set will be for your sitter, and the other will be kept securely in our office for emergency purposes.

The client understands that if a locksmith is required in order to access the home through no fault of the sitter, the client is responsible for all locksmith charges and any additional time the sitter is required to spend at the home.
 

Payment Policy: We ask for a valid credit card to be on file to pay through the Time to Pet app. Cash or check will also be accepted, but credit cards are preferred. If payment is not processed as required, TD may decline to provide the services, as they deem appropriate, including prior to or during the service period. Package rates are available. All packages expire six months from purchase. A percentage of all expired packages will be donated to an animal welfare group.

Reservations: Make reservations or make changes to scheduled reservations through our scheduling software, Time to Pet. You may call or email if your needs are within 48 hours at 339-364-8422 and mark.rossi@tailsofdistinction.net. Please ensure you have an “APPROVED” return email for any scheduled visits and schedule changes.

Cancellations: Cancellations made before 8:00 a.m. on the day of the visit will not be subject to any cancellation fee or visit charge; all remaining visits will also be credited, or refunded by check depending on client preference. If you know you will arrive home early, we will also credit this time if the sitter has not previously made the scheduled visit. This applies to non-holiday pet sitting visits only.

A fee of 50% for cancellations with less than two weeks notice for overnights—100% for less than 48 hours notice.

Holiday Cancellations: Must be cancelled no later than five days in advance. We cannot credit Holiday visit cancellations not made within one week during the dates listed below, as we refuse service due to prior scheduling and full reservations. Our holidays are:

New Year’s Eve and Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day, December 24 & 25.

Holiday Fee: TD will charge a $5.00 holiday surcharge when we sit on holidays.

Time Blocks: TD cannot guarantee the exact time of the scheduled visits. A 2-hour window is scheduled, except in the case of pets that require medication at a specific time or that have a specific medical condition.

Other Visitors: All other individuals that visit the home during scheduled pet sitting visits MUST be disclosed to TD. TD cannot be held liable for the deeds of other individuals. It is the client’s responsibility to ensure that TD is provided with information regarding any friends, relatives, neighbours or others whom the client has given access to the home in their absence. TD is not responsible for any damage to property of the client or others unless such damage is caused by the negligent act of the Pet Sitter. TD agrees to remain fully ensured and bonded including coverage that protects against theft, breakage, etc. as caused by a pet sitter or independent contractor. TD accepts no responsibility for security of the premises or loss if other individuals have access to a client’s home, or if the home is not properly secured by the client, prior to the visits.

Backup: As a sole proprietor, I cannot offer a backup if I need to cancel a visit. The Client is responsible for having a backup for all visits.

TD is not responsible for damage to the home beyond the control of the Pet Sitter. This includes, but is not limited to, leaks, electrical problems, and acts of nature. In these situations, TD will attempt to contact the client and then the emergency contact on file before making a subjective decision on dealing with the problem. All repairs and related fees will be paid by the client or fully reimbursed to TD within 7 days.

TD is not liable for any loss or damage in the event of a burglary or other crime that should occur during the scheduled visits or non-visit time or under this service contract. Client agrees to secure home prior to leaving the premises. Our pet sitters will re-secure the home to the best of their ability at the end of each visit. While keys are in the possession of a pet sitter, they will be either on the sitter’s physical person or be properly stored in an undisclosed location, or in a lock box as provided by TD or the client.

Your Pet: The terms of this document apply to all the pets owned or who are in the possession of the client, including any and all new pets that the customer obtains on or after the date this document was signed, at any and all locations the owner designates for service. Any new pet(s) must have a Pet Information Form on file with TD before scheduling a visit.

TD and its pet sitters shall not be held responsible for the loss, injury, or death of any pet that the client has left outside or has instructed the sitter or a third party to allow outside unsupervised, and without a leash, whether in the Client’s fenced or unfenced yard. This also includes any crate or containment product used to restrict access for the pet. TD will confirm all entry and exit doors are closed or locked on the pet’s crate, but will not be responsible for any damage caused by the pet if the pet is able to escape its containment once the crate is securely closed.

It is solely the Client’s 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 contain the pet or restrict access to specific areas. TD does not assume responsibility and is not liable for any injuries the pet may sustain or property damage the pet may cause while in its own home/property.

TD is not responsible if, despite our best efforts, a pet refuses to eat, to drink, to accept medication, or to be walked. Pets that will not eat, drink or take medication will be transported to a vet if required. Client is responsible for payment of visits, even if we are unable to walk the dog if the sitter has arrived for the scheduled visit.

The Owner is responsible for supplying the necessary equipment/supplies needed for the care of their pet. The Pet Owner authorizes any purchases necessary for the satisfactory performance of duties if the supplies run out or are not available for the scheduled visit. Pet Owner agrees to be responsible for the payment of such items.

The Owner will be responsible for all medical expenses and damages resulting from an injury to a Pet Sitter or other persons caused by the Pet. Customer agrees to indemnify, hold harmless, and defend TD, in the event of a claim by any person injured by the Pet.

For multiday visits, TD has a minimum visit policy; we must visit your dog at least three times in 24 hours.

Pet Sitters: Client acknowledges that another qualified person may fulfill responsibilities as set forth in this contract, without prior notification to Client. The Client waives the right to a meeting with the person who will fulfill these responsibilities, if there are time limitations. An initial visit will always be scheduled when/if time permits.

Job-Sharing: To protect our insurance, TD does not agree to any job sharing with the Client’s relatives, friends, neighbours, or others. Should anyone besides TD enter the home with the intention of caring for or interacting with Client’s pets, whether with Client’s express permission or not, TD is automatically released from ALL liability.

While you are away: It is our policy not to discuss details of the Client’s absence with anyone, except in the case of an emergency. The Client may wish to contact the alarm company to inform them of their absence and the presence of TD at the home. Client must advise TD of any difficulties previously encountered from neighbors, their children, or their pets in relation to Client’s pets. Clients must advise us of dates and times that relatives, friends, housekeepers, and other service people will be visiting the home.

Returning from Trip: Please message TD when you have returned home from your trip. Otherwise, we may need to continue to visit to assure the well being of the pet(s). Additional charges will be added to your bill at the regular visit rate.

Photos: We will photograph the Client’s pet during each visit. These photographs may be used, without any identifying information, in our advertising materials, on social media platforms, and/or on our website.

Pet Sitting Software: The Client agrees to continue to update the pet and client information on the Time to Pet app.

Visit Descriptions/Pricing: The Client agrees to view the visit descriptions and pricing prior to scheduling services, either via www.tailsofdistinction.net or the confirmation message for scheduled visits. Client further understands that pricing, description, and time length may be revised in the future.