| Minnie |
POLICIES & PROCEDURES
Get acquainted consultation
The first step for a new or potential client is to schedule a free get-acquainted meeting. This allows us to meet you and
your pets, answer any questions and discuss your individual needs. If you do decide to book a reservation during this
meeting, we will go over all the necessary paperwork, take a deposit to hold your reservation and will pick up your keys. It is
highly recommended that your pet sitter interact with all the pets that he/she will be caring for including walking the dogs
outside the home. We reserve the right to ask that other arrangements be made for dogs that growl or show other signs of
aggression. We work on a first come, first serve basis. If you do not book during your consultation, we reserve the right to
book your requested time with another client.
We allow ½ hour for the preliminary, courtesy get acquainted consultation. During this consultation, we normally collect all
necessary instruction on the care of your pets. If you feel that a separate meeting is necessary to gain further background
or supervised, complex instructions are needed, I can provide that time but it will be CHARGEABLE at the rate of $16.00 per
½ hour.
Reservations
Reservations must always be confirmed by telephone or email within 24-48 hours prior to departure. We take reservations
on a first come, first serve basis - please remember, holidays book quickly! We will always do our best to accommodate
your last minute requests, but booking at least two weeks ahead of your departure is greatly appreciated.
A 50% deposit is expected at the time of your reservation.
Holiday Service
Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and
New Year’s Day.
Due to the high demand for pet sitting during these times, the deposit for reservations made during the above noted
holidays is NON-REFUNDABLE. In addition, a holiday service fee of $10.00 will be added per holiday day.
Business Telephone Hours:
We're available from 8am - 7pm 7 days a week. If I miss you, please leave a message and I will return your call promptly.
(usually within 1 hour of your call).
Deposits
For all clients, a 50% deposit is due at the time your reservation is made. This enables us to hold your requested dates.
Payment
Payment of a pet sitting service contract is due in full on or before the first day the contract is to commence. Payment in full
is expected at the time reservations are made for any reservation made with less that 48 hours notice. We accept cash,
personal check, Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover Card via Pay Pal for payments and deposits.
Billing
All billings are due upon receipt by client.
Cancellations & Refund of Deposits
We understand that plans change and if cancellation is necessary, we ask for your courtesy and please cancel your
reservation as far in advance as possible. *Cancellations made with at least 48 hours notice will receive a full refund of
deposit. Cancellations made less than 48 hours prior to the start of a pet sitting service contract will incur a $25.00 fee .
*No refund of deposit will be made for reservations made over a holiday. Please see the holiday service section above
regarding refund of deposit for reservations made over holidays.
Returned Check Fee
A $25.00 fee will be charged to the client for each check returned by the client’s bank regardless of the reason
Keys
BoneJour Pet Sitting will retain two working keys at the time of your initial consultation. Your keys will be returned to you by
mail within one week of the end of your pet sitting contract unless you request they be kept on file for future visits. BoneJour
Pet Sitting cannot be held responsible for keys lost in the mail. If you would like your keys returned in person, there will be a
$10.00 charge. Alternately, Iwe can leave your keys in a secure location of your choosing on the last day of the
assignment.
Key Ready Program
Should you choose, free of charge, BoneJour Pet Sitting agrees to keep your keys in a secure location so we will more
easily be able to serve you and your pets for future visits. Most of our clients have chosen the convenience of being in the
key ready program.
Access to your home
We understand that you may have relatives, neighbors and cleaning or repair services that could have access to your
home while you are away or at work. BoneJour Pet Sitting is not responsible for any damages incurred to your home or
pets by said persons or businesses. If other people will be in your home during our scheduled service contract, BoneJour
Pet Sitting’s insurance may not cover losses incurred.
Substitute Pet Sitters
BoneJour Pet Sitting reserves the right to substitute a caregiver if your primary sitter is not able to perform their duties
during the course of your contract due to illness or injury. You will be notified as far in advance as possible. We only use
persons well known to us and that we would entrust to take care of our own pets while we're away. They will abide by all
policies and ethical practices utilized by the company.
Secured Areas
BoneJour Pet Sitting does not assume and has no liability for any injuries your pets may sustain while in their own
home/property. It is the pet owner’s sole responsibility to pet-proof the home and or property that the pets have access to.
It is the pet owner’s responsibility to inform BoneJour Pet Sitting if there are areas of the home and property that pets are
not allowed access.
Unsecured Pets
BoneJour Pet Sitting will not be held liable or responsible for free-roaming pets or pets left in backyards, especially cats and
small dogs. For your pet’s safety and well-being, we require that all cats remain confined indoors during your pet sitting
contract with us. Additionally, while in our care, we would prefer small dogs (those under 30 pounds) not have access to a
doggie door that leads to an area that can be accessed by predators. Too many times in working at animal emergency
hospitals, we have seen the effects of the A,B,C’s on free roaming pets. A=Automobiles, B=Big Dogs & Bad People &
C=Coyotes. Please, please, please keep your pets confined to your home and/or a safe, secure yard. They are unable to
defend themselves against such predators and situations.
Outdoor/indoor cats
We do not sit for cats allowed outdoors…period!
Identification Tags
All dogs and cats should be fitted with collars and identification. During your service contract, free of charge, BoneJour Pet
Sitting will provide identification tags with our contact information.
Daily Diary and E-mail/Telephone Updates
Daily Diary
We will keep a daily diary and log of what took place during each of our visits to your home. We will leave this for you at the
end of the service contract so you can catch up on what your pets were up to while you were gone.
E-mail and Text Message Updates
Should you choose, we will periodically e-mail or text message you updates and pictures of your pets activities. We highly
recommend that you utitlize this free service. It's so much fun getting text or email updates with pictures....very good for
your piece of mind while you're gone!
Telephone Updates
If at any time you would like to check on your pets, you may call BoneJour Pet Sitting between the hours of 8am mst - 7pm
mst daily. In case of emergency, please call at any time.
When you return
We request that you call within 2 hours of your expected return home so we can assure the safety and well being of your
pets and home. Alternately, if your trip is extended or you return **early, please call within 2 hours of what would be the next
scheduled appointment time. This will also ensure no additional charges to you for unneeded visits. We will continue with
your pet sitting service to the best of our ability until we have spoken with you and confirmed that you are home safely and
are able to resume your pets care.
**There is no refund of fee if client chooses to return early from a trip.
Inclement Weather
BoneJour Pet Sitting reserves the right to cancel a schedule walk, turn-out or outdoor play session due to inclement
weather. Whenever possible, an alternative form of exercise will be utilized. Inclement weather can include unhealthful air
quality, temperatures above 90 or below 30 degrees, heavy wind, rains, lightening or snowstorm.
In Case of Emergency
In case of medical emergency, BoneJour Pet Sitting will transport your pets via our vehicle to a Veterinarian as soon as
possible. Every attempt will be made to take your pet to the Veterinarian of your choosing. We will notify you immediately
should this situation occur.
Walking Dogs
We walk all dogs who enjoy walking. Unfortunately some dogs just don’t know how to go for a walk. If a pet fights the leash,
chokes themselves, or just plain does not know how to walk properly, we CANNOT continue to walk the pet. Each visit
includes a walk unless one of these conditions makes it impossible.
Visiting Hours
Unless arrangements are otherwise made, our normal visiting hours for visits are from approximately 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM.
We reserve morning and evening visits for our twice-a-day clients. Twice-a-day clients enjoy having their pets fed near
mealtimes, morning and evening. We always space at least eight to 12 hours between visits so the pet’s days are active.
Preference is given to those pets requiring medications at specific time and/or need to be allowed out of the house for a
potty break. **If your pet is only going to be visited once in twenty-four hours, then we establish REGULAR time for their
visit between the hours of 6:00 AM and 7:30 PM.
**If medications are needed, then we will do our best to accommodate a schedule to coincide with the time
medications/treatments are to be given.
Length of Visits
On all regular calls, our visitations last AT LEAST ½ hour. Many times it exceeds this time-frame. The only exception to
this rule, are those pets who do not enjoy being played with or loved during the visit. If we find, for example, that our entire
checklist has been accomplished within twenty minutes, and the pet does not want to play or be loved, then we may leave at
that point as to not stress the pet with unwanted attention.
Pet Care
Although our service includes brushing on a routine basis, we do not include bathing, grooming, flea dips or trimming. If
your vacation is lengthy and your pet requires a trip to the groomers, we can accommodate you if arrangements are made
IN ADVANCE of your departure. A transportation charge will be made for this service.
Ill or sick pets
We do not knowingly accept sitting assignments with sick pets. We firmly believe that sick pets belong under the constant
care of you veterinarian. However, if you have aged, infirm or medicated pets, this is not a problem if you discuss with us
the special needs of the pet. We never take any chances with illness. Any pet showing signs of illness is taken immediately
to your vet or if unavailable at the time, a qualified veterinarian for treatment. Additionally, if a pet requires medication, but
is extremely shy, scared or aggressive towards being medicated, that pet may be better off at your treating veterinarians
office while you are away.
Adequate Food Supplies
If you miscalculate and run out of food, a shopping charge of $10.00 will be added to your bill if we have to purchase food
or supplies. This is IN ADDITION to the actual cost of the food and/or supplies.
Destruction by Pets
As a rule, most damage to property, furniture and carpets is done by pets who get lonely and bored. Most owners don’t
know in advance what will provoke their pets to such action. We make all attempts to limit any destruction by pets or
household goods. If for example, your pet chews on furniture, Iwe will attempt to remove the attraction. If the problem
continues, we cannot empty your pet’s entire area of attractive temptations. We cannot, therefore, be responsible for
damage done by your pets to your home. We use common sense and attempt to limit and restrict bad behavior by pets.
Drinking Water
We change or top off drinking water on every visit. Good, clean, fresh water is mandatory for your pet’s good health.
Litter Boxes and Yard Clean up
We scoop your litter boxes at each visit. Changing your cat’s litter box is a matter of personal preference. Unless otherwise
instructed, we will completely change out your cat’s litter every 7 days. We pick up and dispose of any and all excrement on
every visit. We feel that cleanliness is extremely important to your pet’s good health. Rest assured that your yard, litter box
and any and all accidents are spotted and removed on each visit. This does not mean however, that you should allow the
excrement to “build up” until our visit. We'd appreciate starting off each assignment with a fresh litter box and a clean yard.
Get acquainted consultation
The first step for a new or potential client is to schedule a free get-acquainted meeting. This allows us to meet you and
your pets, answer any questions and discuss your individual needs. If you do decide to book a reservation during this
meeting, we will go over all the necessary paperwork, take a deposit to hold your reservation and will pick up your keys. It is
highly recommended that your pet sitter interact with all the pets that he/she will be caring for including walking the dogs
outside the home. We reserve the right to ask that other arrangements be made for dogs that growl or show other signs of
aggression. We work on a first come, first serve basis. If you do not book during your consultation, we reserve the right to
book your requested time with another client.
We allow ½ hour for the preliminary, courtesy get acquainted consultation. During this consultation, we normally collect all
necessary instruction on the care of your pets. If you feel that a separate meeting is necessary to gain further background
or supervised, complex instructions are needed, I can provide that time but it will be CHARGEABLE at the rate of $16.00 per
½ hour.
Reservations
Reservations must always be confirmed by telephone or email within 24-48 hours prior to departure. We take reservations
on a first come, first serve basis - please remember, holidays book quickly! We will always do our best to accommodate
your last minute requests, but booking at least two weeks ahead of your departure is greatly appreciated.
A 50% deposit is expected at the time of your reservation.
Holiday Service
Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and
New Year’s Day.
Due to the high demand for pet sitting during these times, the deposit for reservations made during the above noted
holidays is NON-REFUNDABLE. In addition, a holiday service fee of $10.00 will be added per holiday day.
Business Telephone Hours:
We're available from 8am - 7pm 7 days a week. If I miss you, please leave a message and I will return your call promptly.
(usually within 1 hour of your call).
Deposits
For all clients, a 50% deposit is due at the time your reservation is made. This enables us to hold your requested dates.
Payment
Payment of a pet sitting service contract is due in full on or before the first day the contract is to commence. Payment in full
is expected at the time reservations are made for any reservation made with less that 48 hours notice. We accept cash,
personal check, Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover Card via Pay Pal for payments and deposits.
Billing
All billings are due upon receipt by client.
Cancellations & Refund of Deposits
We understand that plans change and if cancellation is necessary, we ask for your courtesy and please cancel your
reservation as far in advance as possible. *Cancellations made with at least 48 hours notice will receive a full refund of
deposit. Cancellations made less than 48 hours prior to the start of a pet sitting service contract will incur a $25.00 fee .
*No refund of deposit will be made for reservations made over a holiday. Please see the holiday service section above
regarding refund of deposit for reservations made over holidays.
Returned Check Fee
A $25.00 fee will be charged to the client for each check returned by the client’s bank regardless of the reason
Keys
BoneJour Pet Sitting will retain two working keys at the time of your initial consultation. Your keys will be returned to you by
mail within one week of the end of your pet sitting contract unless you request they be kept on file for future visits. BoneJour
Pet Sitting cannot be held responsible for keys lost in the mail. If you would like your keys returned in person, there will be a
$10.00 charge. Alternately, Iwe can leave your keys in a secure location of your choosing on the last day of the
assignment.
Key Ready Program
Should you choose, free of charge, BoneJour Pet Sitting agrees to keep your keys in a secure location so we will more
easily be able to serve you and your pets for future visits. Most of our clients have chosen the convenience of being in the
key ready program.
Access to your home
We understand that you may have relatives, neighbors and cleaning or repair services that could have access to your
home while you are away or at work. BoneJour Pet Sitting is not responsible for any damages incurred to your home or
pets by said persons or businesses. If other people will be in your home during our scheduled service contract, BoneJour
Pet Sitting’s insurance may not cover losses incurred.
Substitute Pet Sitters
BoneJour Pet Sitting reserves the right to substitute a caregiver if your primary sitter is not able to perform their duties
during the course of your contract due to illness or injury. You will be notified as far in advance as possible. We only use
persons well known to us and that we would entrust to take care of our own pets while we're away. They will abide by all
policies and ethical practices utilized by the company.
Secured Areas
BoneJour Pet Sitting does not assume and has no liability for any injuries your pets may sustain while in their own
home/property. It is the pet owner’s sole responsibility to pet-proof the home and or property that the pets have access to.
It is the pet owner’s responsibility to inform BoneJour Pet Sitting if there are areas of the home and property that pets are
not allowed access.
Unsecured Pets
BoneJour Pet Sitting will not be held liable or responsible for free-roaming pets or pets left in backyards, especially cats and
small dogs. For your pet’s safety and well-being, we require that all cats remain confined indoors during your pet sitting
contract with us. Additionally, while in our care, we would prefer small dogs (those under 30 pounds) not have access to a
doggie door that leads to an area that can be accessed by predators. Too many times in working at animal emergency
hospitals, we have seen the effects of the A,B,C’s on free roaming pets. A=Automobiles, B=Big Dogs & Bad People &
C=Coyotes. Please, please, please keep your pets confined to your home and/or a safe, secure yard. They are unable to
defend themselves against such predators and situations.
Outdoor/indoor cats
We do not sit for cats allowed outdoors…period!
Identification Tags
All dogs and cats should be fitted with collars and identification. During your service contract, free of charge, BoneJour Pet
Sitting will provide identification tags with our contact information.
Daily Diary and E-mail/Telephone Updates
Daily Diary
We will keep a daily diary and log of what took place during each of our visits to your home. We will leave this for you at the
end of the service contract so you can catch up on what your pets were up to while you were gone.
E-mail and Text Message Updates
Should you choose, we will periodically e-mail or text message you updates and pictures of your pets activities. We highly
recommend that you utitlize this free service. It's so much fun getting text or email updates with pictures....very good for
your piece of mind while you're gone!
Telephone Updates
If at any time you would like to check on your pets, you may call BoneJour Pet Sitting between the hours of 8am mst - 7pm
mst daily. In case of emergency, please call at any time.
When you return
We request that you call within 2 hours of your expected return home so we can assure the safety and well being of your
pets and home. Alternately, if your trip is extended or you return **early, please call within 2 hours of what would be the next
scheduled appointment time. This will also ensure no additional charges to you for unneeded visits. We will continue with
your pet sitting service to the best of our ability until we have spoken with you and confirmed that you are home safely and
are able to resume your pets care.
**There is no refund of fee if client chooses to return early from a trip.
Inclement Weather
BoneJour Pet Sitting reserves the right to cancel a schedule walk, turn-out or outdoor play session due to inclement
weather. Whenever possible, an alternative form of exercise will be utilized. Inclement weather can include unhealthful air
quality, temperatures above 90 or below 30 degrees, heavy wind, rains, lightening or snowstorm.
In Case of Emergency
In case of medical emergency, BoneJour Pet Sitting will transport your pets via our vehicle to a Veterinarian as soon as
possible. Every attempt will be made to take your pet to the Veterinarian of your choosing. We will notify you immediately
should this situation occur.
Walking Dogs
We walk all dogs who enjoy walking. Unfortunately some dogs just don’t know how to go for a walk. If a pet fights the leash,
chokes themselves, or just plain does not know how to walk properly, we CANNOT continue to walk the pet. Each visit
includes a walk unless one of these conditions makes it impossible.
Visiting Hours
Unless arrangements are otherwise made, our normal visiting hours for visits are from approximately 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM.
- Specific Times of Visits;
We reserve morning and evening visits for our twice-a-day clients. Twice-a-day clients enjoy having their pets fed near
mealtimes, morning and evening. We always space at least eight to 12 hours between visits so the pet’s days are active.
Preference is given to those pets requiring medications at specific time and/or need to be allowed out of the house for a
potty break. **If your pet is only going to be visited once in twenty-four hours, then we establish REGULAR time for their
visit between the hours of 6:00 AM and 7:30 PM.
**If medications are needed, then we will do our best to accommodate a schedule to coincide with the time
medications/treatments are to be given.
Length of Visits
On all regular calls, our visitations last AT LEAST ½ hour. Many times it exceeds this time-frame. The only exception to
this rule, are those pets who do not enjoy being played with or loved during the visit. If we find, for example, that our entire
checklist has been accomplished within twenty minutes, and the pet does not want to play or be loved, then we may leave at
that point as to not stress the pet with unwanted attention.
Pet Care
Although our service includes brushing on a routine basis, we do not include bathing, grooming, flea dips or trimming. If
your vacation is lengthy and your pet requires a trip to the groomers, we can accommodate you if arrangements are made
IN ADVANCE of your departure. A transportation charge will be made for this service.
Ill or sick pets
We do not knowingly accept sitting assignments with sick pets. We firmly believe that sick pets belong under the constant
care of you veterinarian. However, if you have aged, infirm or medicated pets, this is not a problem if you discuss with us
the special needs of the pet. We never take any chances with illness. Any pet showing signs of illness is taken immediately
to your vet or if unavailable at the time, a qualified veterinarian for treatment. Additionally, if a pet requires medication, but
is extremely shy, scared or aggressive towards being medicated, that pet may be better off at your treating veterinarians
office while you are away.
Adequate Food Supplies
If you miscalculate and run out of food, a shopping charge of $10.00 will be added to your bill if we have to purchase food
or supplies. This is IN ADDITION to the actual cost of the food and/or supplies.
Destruction by Pets
As a rule, most damage to property, furniture and carpets is done by pets who get lonely and bored. Most owners don’t
know in advance what will provoke their pets to such action. We make all attempts to limit any destruction by pets or
household goods. If for example, your pet chews on furniture, Iwe will attempt to remove the attraction. If the problem
continues, we cannot empty your pet’s entire area of attractive temptations. We cannot, therefore, be responsible for
damage done by your pets to your home. We use common sense and attempt to limit and restrict bad behavior by pets.
Drinking Water
We change or top off drinking water on every visit. Good, clean, fresh water is mandatory for your pet’s good health.
Litter Boxes and Yard Clean up
We scoop your litter boxes at each visit. Changing your cat’s litter box is a matter of personal preference. Unless otherwise
instructed, we will completely change out your cat’s litter every 7 days. We pick up and dispose of any and all excrement on
every visit. We feel that cleanliness is extremely important to your pet’s good health. Rest assured that your yard, litter box
and any and all accidents are spotted and removed on each visit. This does not mean however, that you should allow the
excrement to “build up” until our visit. We'd appreciate starting off each assignment with a fresh litter box and a clean yard.
| critternrse@aol.com 303.717.7879 |
