Policies

PAYMENT

Payment in full is due at time of first visit.  We accept cash and checks.  There is a $20 fee for all returned checks.

Early Returns:

If you return from your trip early there is no refunds unless 48 hours notice is given. Once you book a spot it is yours we do not put another pet in your slot. So returning early without notice prevents us from being able to reserve the slot for another pet.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

We ask that you be courteous in canceling your reservations 2 weeks prior to your reservation. Last minute cancellations prevent another pet from being cared for. Two last minute cancellations  will require a 100.00 deposit for future bookings.

Holidays

For reservations made for Thanksgiving & Christmas Holiday:
Will require a 100.00 deposit.  This deposit will go towards your visits.

If the reservation is canceled two weeks prior to reservation it is fully refundable. If reservation is canceled under the two weeks it is non-refundable.

​The following holiday weekends and holiday seasons have an associated $5.00 surcharge per visit: Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years.

KEY POLICIES

We normally keep your house keys in our own fireproof safe until after your return, unless otherwise instructed. If you are unexpectedly delayed in returning home, we can continue to care for your pets. We can also keep your key on file for future visits. All keys are anonymously coded and kept safe.  We will pick up and drop off your key the first time of service. After that clients are welcome to drop off and pick up their key. 

VISITING HOURS

For mid-day visits, our normal hours are 11:00am to 2:30pm. We can try to accommodate specific times, but ask that some leeway be given because some visits take longer than expected, especially in a case of emergency.

For once-a-day pet visits, we space the visit time approximately 24 hours apart.

For twice-a-day pet visits, we space the AM and PM visits roughly 12 hours apart. Morning visits are usually done between 6:30 am and 9:30 am, and evening visits done between 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm. If a pet needs medication at a specific time, please notify us so that we will accommodate that need.

For three times-a-day visits we will space the visits morning, mid-day, and evening.

ADEQUATE FOOD SUPPLIES

We ask that you have enough food on hand for your pets to eat during your absence. If you miscalculate and run out of food, a shopping charge of twenty dollars ($20.00) will be added to your bill if we have to purchase food. This is in addition to the actual cost of the food and/or supplies.

SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

Many people like to include neighbors, relatives and friends in the pet sitting duties. These well-intentioned actions can cause much confusion during a sitting assignment. Common problems reported include overfeeding, unlocked doors, lost keys, or missing some feedings altogether.  Discovery Bay Pet Sitting Service absolutely cannot be responsible for any sitting assignment where others are going to share the workload. It is our experience that making one person responsible for the entire pet sitting assignment creates the most reliable results.

DESTRUCTION BY PETS

As a rule, damage to property, furniture and carpets is done by pets who get lonely and bored. Often owners don’t know in advance what will provoke their pets to such action. We make all attempts to limit any destruction by pets of household goods. If, for example, you wish your pet kept indoors and the pet chews on furniture, we will attempt to remove the attraction. If the problem continues we will not empty your pet’s entire area of attractive nuisances! We simply cannot, therefore, be responsible for damage done by your pets to your home. However, we always use common sense, and attempt to limit and restrict bad behavior.

EARTHQUAKE / FIRE / FLOOD PROCEDURES

In the event that a catastrophic earthquake or fire evacuation should occur during your absence while we are in charge of your pets, we will, if at all humanly possible do the following:

• We will check your home, make certain your pets are safe at your residence, and note any damage. If the pets are not safe there…
• Then:
  
• We will take your pets to our home that is still safe and secure.
  
• After our initial check, we will call you at your travel location.
  
• We will tell you on the telephone any available information about your pets and your property. If your pets are not in your home, we will inform you of their exact whereabouts.
  
• Be prepared, as soon as you hear from us, to tell us on what date you can possibly return, and when you can retrieve your pets.
  
• Your pets cannot be transported long distances to relatives or friends because many roads may be impassable. We will keep your pets as close to your neighborhood as possible.
  
• If you somehow manage to get home before we can contact you, please call us immediately and let us know so that we can be assured of your pets safety.
  
• Give your pets a “head start”: right now, stock up at least three extra days of food and some bottled water so these items will be available where they are needed… at your own home!
  

SICK PETS

Discovery Bay Pet Sitting Service will not knowingly accept sitting assignments with contagiously sick or seriously ill pets. We firmly believe that sick pets belong under the constant care of a veterinarian. However, if you have aged, infirmed, or medicated pets, this is not a problem if you discuss the special needs of the pet with us. We never take any chances with sickness. Any pet showing signs of a possible life threatening illness is taken immediately to the local Discovery Bay Vet, or if unavailable at the time, an emergency veterinarian for treatment.
We will do our best to contact you prior to making this decision, but if you are unreachable, we will not let your pets health condition deteriorate while waiting for a response. 
First Aid Education and common sense will always apply.
If a veterinary emergency visit is deemed absolutely necessary, Discovery Bay Pet Sitting Service will not be responsible for any and all Veterinary bills incurred while you are away under our supervision.
All Veterinary fees will be the sole responsibility of the owner and cli