GARRETT PETMINDERS
Kathleen Gibbs: 301.334.0674 - Jay Clark: 301.334.2950
P.O. Box 2415, Mountain Lake Park, MD 21550
www.garrettpetminders.com / garrettpets@verizon.net
Garrett PetMinders: Policies, Pet Sitting Guidelines & Service Contract
(Please Note: this information and the stipulations herein are part and parcel of the contract for service which you will be signing with Garrett PetMinders.
Please read carefully!)
PREPARATION
1. Clearly understanding your needs and those of your pet(s) is the best way to establish our new relationship. To minimize possible misunderstandings, we request that prospective clients allow at least 30 minutes for our initial consultation and “get-to-know-you” session. This session will include meeting you, your children and pets we will be caring for, getting a sense of how your home is laid out and where permissible pet areas are both inside and out. We will wish to talk in an undisturbed way about your pets’ habits and preferences, whether any other people will be around, and what their role(s) may be, while we are pet-sitting for you. In addition, we will review our policies and procedures with you as part and parcel of our service contract for Pet Sitting. Finally, we will be asking you to sign a Pet Sitting Contract and a Veterinary Care Release with us for services we will provide for you now and in the future.
2. Should you have young kittens or growing puppies or other young pets when we begin our relationship with you (and them), it will be important that they remain familiar with us. With this in mind, we will often try to arrange visits (“Growth Checks”) with your young animals every month or so. This helps them to remember us and allows us to see them grow and learn about their changing needs. There is no charge for this service.
3. Should you acquire new adult pets during the times when we are not pet-sitting for you, it is important for us to meet them before our next pet-sitting dates. At your request, we will visit you for a “Pet Update Visit” to meet and get to know the new addition to your family.
SECURITY ISSUES
6. Pet Sitting visits are performed seven days a week and begin at 7 AM. The latest regular visits are scheduled not later than 10 PM. Subject to availability, Overnight Pet Sitting is available at $40.00 per night.
7. Garrett PetMinders will visit your pet(s) as closely as possible to the requested times. However, if we are caring for multiple pet(s) in multiple locations, the visiting schedule may be adjusted to accommodate all our clients. We will do our very best to visit your pet(s) at the agreed upon times.
8. Garrett PetMinders will endeavor to make a confirmation call or email to you within 2 days prior to your departure to confirm dates, times, contacts and places regarding the current pet sitting activity. PLEASE reply to these contacts so that we may be sure of our continued understanding.
9. No news is NOT good news!! In using Garrett PetMinders for your pet care needs, YOU AGREE TO TELEPHONE OR CONTACT GARRETT PETMINDERS AS SOON AS YOU RETURN HOME REGARDLESS OF THE TIME OF DAY OR NIGHT to assure us that an appropriate transfer of pet care has occurred, regardless of whether or not we have left you a reminder. CALLS RECEIVED WHILE YOU ARE STILL ON THE ROAD OR IN TRANSIT DO NOT COUNT! Accidents and other unfortunate events can (and do!) happen when you are close to home, but not actually there to complete the transfer of pet-care responsibility. We are happy to hear from you when you are on the way or close to home, but PLEASE also call us when you arrive home to assure us of your pets’ safety. Garrett PetMinders assesses an additional $30.00 per visit for unscheduled visitations with your pet(s) (Please see #24 for details.).
MEDICAL CARE AND SAFETY
10. We request that you provide us with the names of your local veterinarian for use in the event of an emergency. If you are not able to provide us with this information, your pet(s) will be taken, in the event of a medical problem or emergency, to PineView Animal Hospital in Oakland, MD. The telephone number there is 301.334.8393
11. All dogs will be exercised on leashes while we are pet sitting for you.
12. To the greatest degree possible, we will not permit your dogs to interact with other dogs, whether they “know” them or not.
13. Garrett PetMinders will dispose of all pet waste to the greatest degree possible. We would appreciate direction from our clients as to areas their pet(s) are permitted to use as “bathroom” areas. If possible, we request that you provide appropriately sized bags for waste disposal.
14. Garrett PetMinders requires that all pets under our care have appropriate vaccinations and immunizations before services can begin. As our client, you agree to provide appropriate documentation, should we request it.
15. During your absence, please leave your thermostat set at a temperature that is comfortable and safe for your pet(s). We suggest a temperature in the normal range for humans (68-78 degrees F, slightly cooler in the summer, if you have air conditioning). You agree that Garrett PetMinders has the right to adjust your thermostat or perform other activities as determined by Garrett PetMinders to help maintain the safety and health of your pet(s) in your absence.
16. In the event of inclement weather, Garrett PetMinders has requested the contact information of someone living nearby to you. If, for some reason, Garrett PetMinders is completely unable to reach your home for a scheduled visit due to weather, impassable roads or other incident or event, we will use this information to contact your neighbor or other persons to request assistance in caring for your pet(s). We will NOT use this information for any other purpose. Your pet(s) health and well-being is always at the forefront of our minds. Should events of this nature occur; we will also contact you to advise you of the situation and its resolution. You agree that Garrett PetMinders has the right to make appropriate arrangements for access to your home, such as calling plumbers, electricians, locksmiths, other care-takers, snow plows and others as deemed appropriate to maintain adequate access to your home and to perform pet care services. In addition, you agree to pay for these services should they become necessary.
17. We all want our pets to have the love and attention they deserve, but please be advised that if there are other people entering, leaving or living in your home while you are away, you agree that Garrett PetMinders cannot be held liable for any incidents, problems, injuries to pets or damages which may arise as a result. We request that you inform us of additional persons who may have access to your home or who may interact with your pets while we are pet sitting for you. This includes cleaning services, construction crews, repair persons, friends, family or neighbors. Garrett PetMinders does not accept liability for the actions of other persons who may be in or around your home during pet sitting visits, regardless of whether or not they have your permission.
18. Garrett PetMinders will purchase pet food, litter or other supplies and equipment as necessary for the appropriate care and feeding of your pet(s), should this become necessary. You agree to reimburse Garrett PetMinders for these purchases when they are invoiced and accompanied by an original or photocopy of purchase receipts. You also agree to pay a $15 trip fee for travel to purchase needed supplies.
19. Animal behavior can be unpredictable. Garrett PetMinders does not accept responsibility or liability for animal behavior, normal or otherwise, which results in injury to the client’s animal(s). Furthermore, if a Garrett PetMinders caregiver is harmed or injured by the client’s animal(s), the client/owner agrees to accept full responsibility for the costs of any necessary medical attention required by the Garrett PetMinders caregiver or by their animals. Please note that should a Garrett PetMinders caregiver be injured for any reason by your pet or pets during petsitting duties, the client agrees that Garrett PetMinders has the right to halt caregiving services immediately and to remove the animal to a safe boarding environment or to the care of your specified local contact.
20. Fenced yards are wonderful playgrounds for our dogs and allow them additional space for exercise and play. HOWEVER, NO FENCING SYSTEM IS COMPLETELY SECURE. Garrett PetMinders does not accept responsibility or liability for client’s animals that may escape from a fenced area and become lost or injured, fatally or otherwise. This includes electronic, metal, wood or any other imaginable kind of fence or fencing material. Further, the client agrees that Garrett PetMinders shall not be held liable for loss of a pet or pets should they escape from any confined area and become lost or unrecoverable. Garrett PetMinders reserves the right to determine the serviceability of any and all fencing efforts on the part of clients and adjust methods of exercising pets accordingly.
21. Please point out the location of cleaning supplies in your home. In the event of an accident, Garrett PetMinders will clean up after your pet(s) to the best of our ability. If cleaning supplies are not available, the client agrees to assume responsibility for the purchase of same plus a trip fee of $15.00 to purchase cleaning supplies.
22. Please leave the name and phone number of a trusted maintenance company or a person you can rely on to address household emergencies that may arise during your absence.
WHEN PLANS CHANGE
23. Garrett PetMinders requires at least two days notice before pet-sitting can begin. This means that we MUST have concluded our Intake at least 48 hours before our first visit with your pet.
24. It is not unusual for trip plans to change at the last minute or while you are away. In using Garrett PetMinders, you agree to notify us as soon as possible of changes or delays in your travel (or other) plans using whatever means you are able to access (including but not necessarily limited to regular telephone lines, cell or public telephone, Internet Café or airplane telephone, telegraph, Email or any other conceivable means of direct or indirect (through other people) communication with us). Should Garrett PetMinders need to contact you in the event we have not heard of your return, you agree to pay a Contact Fee of $10.00 for each time we try to contact you without success. If, after three efforts, we have failed to contact you, Pet Sitting will continue as usual until the end of any original dates at no charge. Without notice from you, Pet Sitting will continue beyond any original dates, on a daily basis, at the Short Notice charge of $15 plus $30.00 per visit until the situation is resolved.
PAYMENTS
25. Garrett PetMinders accepts cash or checks in payment for services. Typically, we will leave a bill at the conclusion of the last pet sitting visit. All charges are due upon receipt by you, which is the last date for the current pet sitting. Please make your checks payable to: Garrett PetMinders. We assess (and you agree to pay) a $35.00 fee for returned checks, each time the check is returned to us. Payments are considered late if Garrett PetMinders has not received it within 30 days of the last date of the current pet sitting. We assess (and you agree to pay) a fee of $35.00 for every 30 day period which passes until the entire debt is collected. Further, you agree to assume all legal and court costs should Garrett PetMinders find it necessary to pursue you through the legal system for payment of services and/or any other related charges.
26. For those clients who may be borrowing or renting property in the Garrett County/Deep Creek Lake area: Payment is required IN FULL for all services, including Intake, at the time of the Intake Interview. A written invoice will be provided at the time of Intake for services to be rendered. Garrett PetMinders accepts cash or checks in payment for services.
Kathleen Gibbs: 301.334.0674 - Jay Clark: 301.334.2950
P.O. Box 2415, Mountain Lake Park, MD 21550
www.garrettpetminders.com / garrettpets@verizon.net
Garrett PetMinders: Policies, Pet Sitting Guidelines & Service Contract
(Please Note: this information and the stipulations herein are part and parcel of the contract for service which you will be signing with Garrett PetMinders.
Please read carefully!)
PREPARATION
1. Clearly understanding your needs and those of your pet(s) is the best way to establish our new relationship. To minimize possible misunderstandings, we request that prospective clients allow at least 30 minutes for our initial consultation and “get-to-know-you” session. This session will include meeting you, your children and pets we will be caring for, getting a sense of how your home is laid out and where permissible pet areas are both inside and out. We will wish to talk in an undisturbed way about your pets’ habits and preferences, whether any other people will be around, and what their role(s) may be, while we are pet-sitting for you. In addition, we will review our policies and procedures with you as part and parcel of our service contract for Pet Sitting. Finally, we will be asking you to sign a Pet Sitting Contract and a Veterinary Care Release with us for services we will provide for you now and in the future.
2. Should you have young kittens or growing puppies or other young pets when we begin our relationship with you (and them), it will be important that they remain familiar with us. With this in mind, we will often try to arrange visits (“Growth Checks”) with your young animals every month or so. This helps them to remember us and allows us to see them grow and learn about their changing needs. There is no charge for this service.
3. Should you acquire new adult pets during the times when we are not pet-sitting for you, it is important for us to meet them before our next pet-sitting dates. At your request, we will visit you for a “Pet Update Visit” to meet and get to know the new addition to your family.
SECURITY ISSUES
- All the information you share with Garrett PetMinders will be kept completely private and confidential. We will not share any of your information with anyone under any circumstances. No exceptions.
6. Pet Sitting visits are performed seven days a week and begin at 7 AM. The latest regular visits are scheduled not later than 10 PM. Subject to availability, Overnight Pet Sitting is available at $40.00 per night.
7. Garrett PetMinders will visit your pet(s) as closely as possible to the requested times. However, if we are caring for multiple pet(s) in multiple locations, the visiting schedule may be adjusted to accommodate all our clients. We will do our very best to visit your pet(s) at the agreed upon times.
8. Garrett PetMinders will endeavor to make a confirmation call or email to you within 2 days prior to your departure to confirm dates, times, contacts and places regarding the current pet sitting activity. PLEASE reply to these contacts so that we may be sure of our continued understanding.
9. No news is NOT good news!! In using Garrett PetMinders for your pet care needs, YOU AGREE TO TELEPHONE OR CONTACT GARRETT PETMINDERS AS SOON AS YOU RETURN HOME REGARDLESS OF THE TIME OF DAY OR NIGHT to assure us that an appropriate transfer of pet care has occurred, regardless of whether or not we have left you a reminder. CALLS RECEIVED WHILE YOU ARE STILL ON THE ROAD OR IN TRANSIT DO NOT COUNT! Accidents and other unfortunate events can (and do!) happen when you are close to home, but not actually there to complete the transfer of pet-care responsibility. We are happy to hear from you when you are on the way or close to home, but PLEASE also call us when you arrive home to assure us of your pets’ safety. Garrett PetMinders assesses an additional $30.00 per visit for unscheduled visitations with your pet(s) (Please see #24 for details.).
MEDICAL CARE AND SAFETY
10. We request that you provide us with the names of your local veterinarian for use in the event of an emergency. If you are not able to provide us with this information, your pet(s) will be taken, in the event of a medical problem or emergency, to PineView Animal Hospital in Oakland, MD. The telephone number there is 301.334.8393
11. All dogs will be exercised on leashes while we are pet sitting for you.
12. To the greatest degree possible, we will not permit your dogs to interact with other dogs, whether they “know” them or not.
13. Garrett PetMinders will dispose of all pet waste to the greatest degree possible. We would appreciate direction from our clients as to areas their pet(s) are permitted to use as “bathroom” areas. If possible, we request that you provide appropriately sized bags for waste disposal.
14. Garrett PetMinders requires that all pets under our care have appropriate vaccinations and immunizations before services can begin. As our client, you agree to provide appropriate documentation, should we request it.
15. During your absence, please leave your thermostat set at a temperature that is comfortable and safe for your pet(s). We suggest a temperature in the normal range for humans (68-78 degrees F, slightly cooler in the summer, if you have air conditioning). You agree that Garrett PetMinders has the right to adjust your thermostat or perform other activities as determined by Garrett PetMinders to help maintain the safety and health of your pet(s) in your absence.
16. In the event of inclement weather, Garrett PetMinders has requested the contact information of someone living nearby to you. If, for some reason, Garrett PetMinders is completely unable to reach your home for a scheduled visit due to weather, impassable roads or other incident or event, we will use this information to contact your neighbor or other persons to request assistance in caring for your pet(s). We will NOT use this information for any other purpose. Your pet(s) health and well-being is always at the forefront of our minds. Should events of this nature occur; we will also contact you to advise you of the situation and its resolution. You agree that Garrett PetMinders has the right to make appropriate arrangements for access to your home, such as calling plumbers, electricians, locksmiths, other care-takers, snow plows and others as deemed appropriate to maintain adequate access to your home and to perform pet care services. In addition, you agree to pay for these services should they become necessary.
17. We all want our pets to have the love and attention they deserve, but please be advised that if there are other people entering, leaving or living in your home while you are away, you agree that Garrett PetMinders cannot be held liable for any incidents, problems, injuries to pets or damages which may arise as a result. We request that you inform us of additional persons who may have access to your home or who may interact with your pets while we are pet sitting for you. This includes cleaning services, construction crews, repair persons, friends, family or neighbors. Garrett PetMinders does not accept liability for the actions of other persons who may be in or around your home during pet sitting visits, regardless of whether or not they have your permission.
18. Garrett PetMinders will purchase pet food, litter or other supplies and equipment as necessary for the appropriate care and feeding of your pet(s), should this become necessary. You agree to reimburse Garrett PetMinders for these purchases when they are invoiced and accompanied by an original or photocopy of purchase receipts. You also agree to pay a $15 trip fee for travel to purchase needed supplies.
19. Animal behavior can be unpredictable. Garrett PetMinders does not accept responsibility or liability for animal behavior, normal or otherwise, which results in injury to the client’s animal(s). Furthermore, if a Garrett PetMinders caregiver is harmed or injured by the client’s animal(s), the client/owner agrees to accept full responsibility for the costs of any necessary medical attention required by the Garrett PetMinders caregiver or by their animals. Please note that should a Garrett PetMinders caregiver be injured for any reason by your pet or pets during petsitting duties, the client agrees that Garrett PetMinders has the right to halt caregiving services immediately and to remove the animal to a safe boarding environment or to the care of your specified local contact.
20. Fenced yards are wonderful playgrounds for our dogs and allow them additional space for exercise and play. HOWEVER, NO FENCING SYSTEM IS COMPLETELY SECURE. Garrett PetMinders does not accept responsibility or liability for client’s animals that may escape from a fenced area and become lost or injured, fatally or otherwise. This includes electronic, metal, wood or any other imaginable kind of fence or fencing material. Further, the client agrees that Garrett PetMinders shall not be held liable for loss of a pet or pets should they escape from any confined area and become lost or unrecoverable. Garrett PetMinders reserves the right to determine the serviceability of any and all fencing efforts on the part of clients and adjust methods of exercising pets accordingly.
21. Please point out the location of cleaning supplies in your home. In the event of an accident, Garrett PetMinders will clean up after your pet(s) to the best of our ability. If cleaning supplies are not available, the client agrees to assume responsibility for the purchase of same plus a trip fee of $15.00 to purchase cleaning supplies.
22. Please leave the name and phone number of a trusted maintenance company or a person you can rely on to address household emergencies that may arise during your absence.
WHEN PLANS CHANGE
23. Garrett PetMinders requires at least two days notice before pet-sitting can begin. This means that we MUST have concluded our Intake at least 48 hours before our first visit with your pet.
24. It is not unusual for trip plans to change at the last minute or while you are away. In using Garrett PetMinders, you agree to notify us as soon as possible of changes or delays in your travel (or other) plans using whatever means you are able to access (including but not necessarily limited to regular telephone lines, cell or public telephone, Internet Café or airplane telephone, telegraph, Email or any other conceivable means of direct or indirect (through other people) communication with us). Should Garrett PetMinders need to contact you in the event we have not heard of your return, you agree to pay a Contact Fee of $10.00 for each time we try to contact you without success. If, after three efforts, we have failed to contact you, Pet Sitting will continue as usual until the end of any original dates at no charge. Without notice from you, Pet Sitting will continue beyond any original dates, on a daily basis, at the Short Notice charge of $15 plus $30.00 per visit until the situation is resolved.
PAYMENTS
25. Garrett PetMinders accepts cash or checks in payment for services. Typically, we will leave a bill at the conclusion of the last pet sitting visit. All charges are due upon receipt by you, which is the last date for the current pet sitting. Please make your checks payable to: Garrett PetMinders. We assess (and you agree to pay) a $35.00 fee for returned checks, each time the check is returned to us. Payments are considered late if Garrett PetMinders has not received it within 30 days of the last date of the current pet sitting. We assess (and you agree to pay) a fee of $35.00 for every 30 day period which passes until the entire debt is collected. Further, you agree to assume all legal and court costs should Garrett PetMinders find it necessary to pursue you through the legal system for payment of services and/or any other related charges.
26. For those clients who may be borrowing or renting property in the Garrett County/Deep Creek Lake area: Payment is required IN FULL for all services, including Intake, at the time of the Intake Interview. A written invoice will be provided at the time of Intake for services to be rendered. Garrett PetMinders accepts cash or checks in payment for services.
