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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I HAVE A LAST-MINUTE BOOKING. ARE YOU AVAILABLE?

While most of my clients book in advance, it is always worth asking. There may be a cancelation spot, some dates are less popular, and daily visits are often easily to add to the mix. The best policy is to always schedule as soon as you know your out-of-town dates, but also to always ask if you're interested in a last-minute time as well, because I do sometimes have availability.

I NEED A DAILY DOG WALKER. DO YOU DO GROUP WALKS?

I have very limited dog walking availability as my primary service is in-home pet-care. This availability is for as-needed walks rather than as a regular walker. My walking services are currently also limited to dogs who are only in need of short walks or potty breaks. For the walks that are available, I only offer individual walks or "buddy" walks of dogs who have already been introduced. I am also generally only able to walk dogs who are either very small or have excellent leash behavior. 

BOARDING? CAN MY PET STAY WITH YOU?

Short answer, yes and no. I can mostly only offer pet sitting in your home at this time. I do find this to be ideal for most animals, though, since it means they don't have to leave their familiar environment during an already stressful time for them. It is my goal to step *into* their lives and make the transition of you being away as simple and stress-free as possible for them. Being in their normal routine always helps facilitate this very nicely. With that said, I have started opening up my home to some well-behaved small to medium-sized dogs for when this option isn't possible.

WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT AND WHEN IS PAYMENT DUE?

Payment is due before or on the start date of the sit. For electronic payments, I can take Zelle, Venmo, and Paypal. I can also take cash or check. For extensions mid-sit electronic payment for additional days is due at the time of the extension. I am happy to provide an invoice upon request.

DO YOU HAVE A CANCELLATION POLICY? 

I do. I always ask that you give me as much notice as possible if there are changes to your plans to avoid fees, but I also understand that sometimes there are unforeseen circumstances, so these can occasionally be negotiable at my discretion.

 

Non-Holiday Cancelation Policies:

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Stop-ins:

25% fee when given less than 48 hours notice or the charge for one day (whichever is larger)

50% fee on start date or the charge for one day (whichever is larger)*

 

Overnights:

25% fee with less than three weeks notice

50% fee with less than one week notice

75% fee for cancellations within less than 48 hours of the start date

100% fee on start date*

 

Holiday Cancelation policies:

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Stop-ins:

50% fee for anything within a week of the start date or the charge of one day (whichever is larger)

100% fee aka non-refundable with less than 48hrs notice*

 

Overnights:

50% fee with less than 2 months of the start date for Winter Holidays

50% fee for minor holidays within 3 weeks

75% fee for Winter Holidays within 3 weeks

100% fee aka non-refundable with less than 48hrs notice*

 

*Any trip cut short after the start date, holiday or non-holiday, is subject to a 100% cancelation fee aka non-refundable. Under certain circumstances, this is potentially negotiable

 

Exceptions: There is a 48hr grace period for last-minute bookings made within cancelation windows. I also offer soft confirmations for dates in advance while you await finalized details when possible. 

MY PET NEEDS TO GO TO THE VET. WILL YOU TAKE THEM?

Absolutely. I charge $25/hr for visits to the vet when pre-planned or $50/hr for an emergency.* I always make sure to have your and your vet's emergency contact info on hand and plans in place, as well as a working knowledge of any history of health issues.

 

In the unlikely circumstance that a trip is required due to my own liabilty, vet fees would be covered by insurance and hourly fees would be waived. 

 

*Additional $25/hr applies during holiday season

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DO YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH RARE OR EXOTIC PETS?

I have experience with many less common pets but mostly limited to reptiles, birds, rabbits, rodents, and amphibians. I am a fast learner, and love all animals, though, so feel free to ask!

©2020 by Home Sweet Hound

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