Terms & Conditions
Payment Policy
Payment for dog walking or pet sitting services is to be paid in full at the time services are booked or on the first day of service. If payment is not received prior to service Client is subject to a $35.00 late fee.
Holiday Fees
Holiday seasons are hectic for everyone—it's best to make your reservations early. A holiday surcharge of time and a half will be charged for all major holidays and a surcharge of $10/visit ($30 for overnights) during our "holiday periods" which are heavily traveled dates surrounding major holidays (listed below). All reservations on a major holiday or in a holiday period must be prepaid and cancellations are non-refundable.
Major holidays: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Holiday periods: December 18th - January 2nd, 3 days before and after Easter, 3 days before and after Memorial Day, July 1st - July 10th, 3 days before and after Labor Day, 4 days before and after Thanksgiving.
Cancellations
We understand the “unexpected”! A 24-hour notice is requested for all daily visits. Cancellations made after 7am on the date of service will be charged a fee of the value of that service. A 48-hour cancellation notice is required for all scheduled vacation visits. Scheduled overnight services require a 2-week cancellation notice for a full refund. No credit will be given for early returns without a 24-hour notice. All holiday reservations require a 10-day notice for changes and cancellations or Client will be charged for reserved services. Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s reservations MUST be prepaid and cancellations are non-refundable. The dollar amount of which is not refunded is shared between the business and your pet sitter who was counting on the income from the booking. This fee is strictly enforced to repay the staff for their dedication to the job.
Last-Minute Requests
Same day requests are subject to a $10 surcharge per visit. When there is availability we will do our best to accommodate your last-minute needs, however, we will never sacrifice the quality of service that we provide to secure your business.
Estimated Arrival Times
Due to the nature of the business, our schedules are in constant motion: pet emergencies, traffic, and weather, just to name a few. As always, it is our goal to get to your pet(s) as close to the requested time as possible, especially for our puppies and seniors. Our general time frames for arrivals are as follows: Morning 7am-9am, Mid-day 10:30am-3pm and Evening 6pm-9pm.
Unsecured Pets
Leashes & Litterboxes is not responsible for or will not be liable for free roaming outdoor pets in the event of any fines, illness, injury, loss or death. This includes pets that are secured with invisible fencing. It is strongly advised that all pets have some form of permanent identification and that they remain inside the home or confined to a yard or pen for their own safety and welfare in your absence.
Job Sharing
We will not share pet sitting assignments with your friends, family members, neighbors or other pet sitters. Quite simply, it’s a recipe for disaster and not allowed by our insurance provider.
Security of Premises / Access to Home by Others
Leashes & Litterboxes accepts NO responsibility for security of the premises, any damages, loss, or injuries to your home or pet(s) if directly or indirectly by the actions or negligence of other individuals who may have access to the home during the term of this agreement. Client must notify Leashes & Litterboxes if others (friends, family members, service technicians, etc.) will have access to the home during an absence by the owner. Pet care will be performed only by Leashes & Litterboxes during all assignments unless prearranged with Client.
Loss or Damage
Leashes & Litterboxes is not liable for any loss or damage in the event a burglary or other crime that should occur while under this contract. Pet owner agrees to secure the home prior to leaving the premises. Leashes & Litterboxes will re-secure the homes at the best of his/her ability at the end of each visit.
Medical Expense / Damages / Aggressive Pets
Client will be responsible for all medical expenses and damages resulting from injury to the pet sitter or other persons by the pet. Client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Leashes & Litterboxes in the event of a claim by any person injured by the pet. Client also agrees that it is their responsibility to notify Leashes & Litterboxes of any pet that has caused an injury to any human. If a pet has a history of biting or other aggressive behavior, Leashes & Litterboxes reserves the right to refuse service. Bites must be reported to the local authorities as provided by law. The Client will be liable for the caregiver’s medical care expenses and damages that result from an animal bite.
Veterinary Release
If client’s pets appear ill, injured, or are at a significant risk of experiencing medical problems at the start of service or while in the care of Leashes & Litterboxes, client gives permission for Leashes & Litterboxes to seek veterinary service from a veterinarian listed on the release form. Other veterinarians or emergency care clinics chosen by the care provider are acceptable.
Client understands that efforts will be made to be contacted regarding any treatment, illness, injury, or potential problems as soon as the condition is deemed not life threatening and/or contact is possible. Client understands that Leashes & Litterboxes care providers work hard to prevent accidents and injuries, and that such problems may occur no matter how well a pet is cared for. Client agrees to allow Leashes & Litterboxes to use their best judgment in handling these situations, and understands that Leashes & Litterboxes assume no responsibility for the actions and decisions of the veterinary staff, the health, or death of my pet(s).
Client will assume full responsibility for the payment for any and all veterinary services rendered, including but not limited to diagnosis, treatment, grooming, medical supplies, and boarding. Client also agrees to be responsible for all Special Service fees assessed by Leashes & Litterboxes for emergency transportation, care, supervision, or hiring of emergency caregivers, and will pay such fees within 14 days of each incident.
Client further authorizes Leashes & Litterboxes and primary veterinarian(s) to share all of the medical records of all of my animals with veterinary clinics in an emergency in the interest of providing the best care for my ill or injured animal(s).
Every dog and cat at the site of service will be current (per my veterinarians recommendations) on its rabies vaccinations prior to the arrival of any caregiver. Client will also make arrangements to guarantee that each animal will remain current on its rabies vaccinations throughout each service visit period.
This agreement is valid from the date below and grants permission for future veterinary care without the need for additional authorization each time Leashes & Litterboxes cares for one or more of client’s pets. Client understands that this agreement applies to all of the pets in Leashes & Litterboxes care. In signing this contract, client agrees that he has the sole authority to make health, medical, and financial decisions regarding the pets that will be scheduled to receive service.
Weather Extremes
Atlanta has its share of extreme weather. Your pet’s care and safety is Leashes & Litterboxes main concern and their well-being is always first and foremost. Extra care will be taken during extremely hot or cold weather. During severe weather conditions such as flooding or tornadoes, Leashes & Litterboxes will ensure that your pets and home are safe and secure as soon as it is safe to travel and will advise you of any damage and try to prevent any further damage. During winter months, when ice storms are a possibility, it is a good idea to have an extra supply of pet food and bottled water on hand for your pet. It is suggested that arrangements be made with someone to evacuate your pets in case of a disaster or weather related event/crisis/”Code Red”. Leashes & Litterboxes will definitely try to see to your pets safety/care should such events occur, but cannot guarantee it.
Plants
Leashes & Litterboxes is not responsible for wilted, dead or otherwise unhealthy plants. Leashes & Litterboxes will work hard to follow your written directions as precisely as possible, but cannot be responsible if the results are not favorable. Please place all indoor plants together on a waterproof surface in plain sight, as your pet sitter is not responsible for water damaged areas or missed plants.
Keys
Effective 7/1/2022, Leashes & Litterboxes will have access to Client's home via keyless entry systems or lockbox. Lockboxes may be purchased from Leashes & Litterboxes for a fee of $15 or may be provided by the Client. Client agrees to add necessary codes and the location of lockbox to the Client profile. Clients using keyless entry systems agree to provide all codes and location of backup key. In the event that keys are not useable beyond Leashes & Litterboxes control Client authorizes Leashes & Litterboxes to call on the services of a locksmith to gain entry into Client’s home on Client’s behalf. Client will be responsible for all expenses incurred.
Photo Release
Client gives Leashes & Litterboxes permission to take photographs of Client’s pet for business use. Photos taken are the property of Leashes & Litterboxes.
Termination
Leashes & Litterboxes reserves the right to terminate this contract at any time if the Pet Sitter, in his/her sole discretion determines that Owner’s pet poses a danger to the health or safety of itself, other pets, other people, or the Pet Sitter. If concerns prohibit the Pet Sitter from caring for the pet, the Owner authorizes the pet to be placed in a kennel (or previously arranged locale), with all charges (including but not limited to transportation, kenneling, tranquilizing, treating, accessing, and liability) to be the responsibility of the Owner.
Security Systems
It is the responsibility of the Client to provide Leashes & Litterboxes with codes and passwords necessary to arm and disarm security systems. Leashes & Litterboxes will not be responsible for any false alarm fines incurred if necessary information to operate security system is not provided. It is up to the Client to see that all keys on the keypad are in working order.
Client Return
Client must notify Leashes & Litterboxes when you have returned home. If we make additional visits you will be charged for those visits. It is important for us to know that your pets are being cared for and no additional visits are required.