Hours & General Information
- Core Service hours are 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, seven days a week.
- Services are offered outside core hours and on Holidays for an additional fee.
Payment for JPN Services is due in full on or before the first day of Service. Acceptable forms of payment are cash or check payable to Julie The Pet Nanny. Gratuities are never expected, but always appreciated! 100% of all gratuities are paid to JPN pet sitters.
JPN requires an initial consultation with any Pet Owners requesting Services for the first time.
It is highly recommended Pet Owners provide JPN one house key, along with one backup to be kept on file at the business office. Garage codes are not a reliable method of ensuring access to a home, as power outages or battery failures are common. When services are being performed, the pet sitter will be provided a key to keep with them. The other key will be kept at the JPN business office as a backup in case of accidental lockout or if changing sitters is necessary due to illness or emergency. Keys will be labeled with a confidential, unidentifiable lettering/numbering system.
Note: If Pet Owner moves or changes locks, the Pet Owner will incur all costs to provide replacement keys to JPN, including a $30 trip charge for collection of the replacement keys. If services are discontinued by Pet Owner, the keys will be destroyed by JPN at no cost. Keys may also be returned to the Pet Owner via Priority US Mail with tracking for a $20.00 fee. No other drop off or pickup options are available for keys if services are discontinued.
Scheduling Process
A minimum two weeks’ notice is recommended for any service requests, but services during holidays should be booked a minimum of one-month in advance.
All reservations, cancellations, changes and/or additions to Service Requests must be made through the JPN Business Office by email at [email protected]. Service Requests are scheduled on a first come, first served basis, but JPN will make every reasonable attempt to accommodate the Pet Owner’s time frame(s) requested.
All Service Requests will be coordinated via a "Service Dates Schedule”. Services will not be considered confirmed until the Service Dates Schedule has been emailed to the Pet Owner.
With the exception of regular/reoccurring weekly dog walking clients, no credits or refunds will be provided for the cancellation of any JPN services, whether prior to or during the scheduled services.
The Pet Owner is responsible for notifying JPN of any adjustments to the Service Dates Schedule (i.e. Pet Owner arrives home early or their return will be delayed).
JPN will dispose of pet waste and clean up any accidents properly. JPN recommends the Pet Owner provide plastic bags, towels, cleaning products, paper towels and trash bags and indicate where waste should be disposed. JPN is not responsible for carpet/flooring stains created by the Pet Owner’s pet(s). If a pet sitter needs to spend additional time at the Pet Owner’s home due to extensive clean-up, the Pet Owner will be charged $10.00 every 15-minutes until acceptable and safe cleanup is achieved.
JPN will provide the Pet Owner a “Pawgress” Report, which is a written summary of activity that occurred during each Service.
JPN typically trains and assigns a minimum of two sitters to each Service request in order to appropriately cover longer assignments, or to provide a backup option in the case of illness, inclement weather, unforeseen scheduling conflicts or emergencies.
Emergencies
If emergency care becomes necessary, JPN will first attempt to contact the Pet Owner and/or emergency contact. JPN may also contact the Pet Owner’s veterinarian for instructions, if appropriate. The Pet Owner will be solely responsible for any veterinarian or associated fees. A signed Authorization for Veterinary Care will be required for these purposes.
JPN will contact the Pet Owner at the number(s) provided. If the Pet Owner cannot be reached, emergency contact(s) will be called.
In the event of inclement weather, natural disaster or act of war, JPN will use its best judgment when caring for pets. This may include, but is not limited to, altering Service times, activity (i.e. providing a potty break only versus a walk) and feeding schedules. In the event of extreme weather when time outside or driving is dangerous, we will make every effort to complete Services as scheduled (i.e. in the case of vacationer visits). If conditions are too dangerous where the public is being ordered to stay off the roads, the Pet Owner should consider the sitter’s safety and not require the Service to be completed (i.e. in the case of a dog walk/midday visit where the Pet Owner may be home).
Pet Health
JPN will administer medications as directed, but will not be responsible for any unforeseen complications that may result. A $5.00 medication administration fee will apply to each pet and each administration.
All pets (where applicable) must have a veterinarian, be current on vaccinations, and utilizing a flea/tick preventive before any Service begins. JPN reserves the right to request these immunization records or proof of preventative care at any time. Service will be refused to pets with fleas, any potential contractible conditions, acutely ill pets or those with uncontrolled medical conditions, as the presence of illness or parasites can put other pets—as well as humans—at risk. If bites, exposure to disease or aliment occurs, the responsible Pet Owner will be liable for all resulting costs and damages.
Any additional, necessary costs such as food, litter, cleaning supplies or other items directly contributing to the health and well-being of the Pet Owner’s pet may be purchased by JPN. Receipts will be retained and the Pet Owner will be responsible for JPN’s reimbursement of these items.
Safety & Security
For snow accumulations of more than two inches, it is the Pet Owner’s responsibility to maintain the home’s accessibility so the pet sitter may perform Services without obstruction. Snow and ice should be cleared from driveways and/or sidewalks within 24 hours of accumulation. In the event the pet sitter cannot gain access to the client’s driveway or entryway to the home due to unsafe conditions, the pet sitter will receive approval from JPN’s Owner to leave the premises. No refunds will be provided to the Pet Owner under these circumstances.
JPN reserves the right to decline Services to animals JPN deems as aggressive or those with a history of biting. If JPN is harmed or injured by a Pet Owner’s animal, the Pet Owner accepts full responsibility for the cost of any necessary medical expenses and damages resulting from injury. In addition, JPN is not responsible or liable for animal behavior which results in self-inflicted injury, injury to other animal(s), and/or damage to the Pet Owner's property or property of a third party.
It is recommended all pets wear ID tags while under JPN’s care. JPN will not liable for free-roaming, outdoor pet(s) in the event of injury, illness, loss or death. It is further recommended domesticated pets remain inside the Pet Owner’s home during the Pet Owner's absence. All dogs are required to be on a leash during any outdoor activity except when secured within the Pet Owner’s property in a contained area or under special circumstances with the Pet Owner’s instruction. It is the sole responsibility of the Pet Owner to pet proof any areas of the home and property accessed by their pet(s). If invisible fencing is used, JPN will not be held liable for any fence or collar malfunctions, resulting in the Pet Owner's pet leaving the Pet Owner's property or other animals entering the Pet Owner’s property.
JPN is not responsible for any actions of third parties during the Pet Owner’s absence. JPN will contact the proper authorities if any suspicious or unsafe activity is detected unless an individual has been identified (in advance) by the Pet Owner. This includes, but is not limited to friends, neighbors, relatives, or other service persons entering the Pet Owner’s residence for any purpose while JPN is providing Services. The Pet Owner shall indemnify and hold harmless JPN from any and all liability stemming from the act(s) of third parties, whether known or unknown, and there is no guarantee of insurance coverage should a problem arise.
JPN reserves the right to have an adult escort present during evening or early morning Services, or in an uncertain/unsafe circumstances.
Other Fees
A $20 fee per occurrence will be charged if additional consultations are requested by the Pet Owner. Note: The Initial Consultation is free of charge.
The regular Service fee plus $5 per Service and mileage, as appropriate, will be charged for any travel and/or Services provided outside of the Service area.
A $10 fee per occurrence will be added to the regular Service fee ($30/day if boarding) on the following holidays:
- New Year's Day
- Easter
- Memorial Day Weekend
- Independence Day (Weekend if applicable)
- Labor Day Weekend
- Thanksgiving & Black Friday
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Eve
A $25 per month fee will be charged for any overdue payments.
A $25 fee, along with any other associated costs, will be charged for returned/NSF checks.
A $30 fee per occurrence will be charged if it is necessary for JPN to pick-up or drop off keys prior to or following a Service. Note: there is no pick-up fee assessed if house keys are collected by JPN at the Initial Consultation.
$3 per occurrence will be added to the regular Service fee if Services are required before 8 am or after 4 pm. $10 per occurrence will be added to the regular Service fee if Services are required after 8 pm.
- Holidays = No refunds.
- Daily/Weekly (reoccurring) Services and Dog Walking = Notice of cancellation must be provided a minimum of 24-hours in advance or by 11AM the day prior to the scheduled service. If proper notice is provided, the Service may be used toward a future booking. There will be no refund if a Service is cancelled outside of this notice timeframe (no grace period).
- All Other Services = With the exception of regular/reoccurring weekly dog walking pet owners, no credits or refunds will be provided for the cancellation of any JPN services, whether prior to or during the scheduled services.
Any Service requested with less than 24-hours’ notice will be subject to the $10 per occurrence short notice fee.
- Daily/Weekly (reoccurring) dog walking or pet services = Notice of a change(s) must be provided a minimum of 24-hours in advance or by 11AM the day prior to the scheduled service. If proper noticed is provided, the changed Service may be moved to an alternative day, provided it occurs within the same week. If the Service is moved to an alternative day within the same week, there will be a $5/occurrence change fee added to the base fee. There will be no refund if less than 24 hours’ notice is provided of a change or if the Service is not moved within the same week.
- All Other Services: A $10/occurrence change fee will be added to the base fee if any change(s) are requested by the Pet Owner following the email distribution of the Service Dates Schedule.
Note: The above Policies & Procedures may be revised when necessary and without notice.