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Scheduling
We prefer scheduling requests be made through the Time to Pet online portal or app; scheduling requests made this way will be approved or denied within 48 hours.
Scheduling requests can also be made via text (319-535-0748) or email (aaron@palsforpawspetsitting.com)
Scheduling requests will not be accepted via phone call, voicemail, or social media
Scheduling requests for summer and holidays should be made 2-4 weeks in advance to ensure availability.
We have no fees for last-minute requests; if we have availability, we will add your visits regardless of notice given.
Timing of Visits
Our first visit of the day is 7 a.m. and our last is usually 10 p.m. For dogs, we get to all of our early morning visits before 8:30 a.m. and start our bedtime visits at 8:30 p.m.
Visits will be scheduled within a 1-2 hour range; we require this flexibility to schedule intuitive driving routes and accommodate traffic or other emergencies.
We cannot guarantee exact arrival times due to the above; priority scheduling will be given to animals receiving medication and very young puppies.
Cancelation Policy - Dog Walks
Cancellations made outside 24 hours for scheduled dog walks are not subject to a fee
Same-day cancellations for scheduled dog walks are subject to a half visit fee
If we arrive to your home and the walk is not needed you will be charged for a full visit
Cancelation Policy - Pet Sitting Trips
Non holiday cancellations are as follows:
No fee when canceled 48 hours+
20% of total trip due when canceled 24-48 hours in advance
50% of total trip due when canceled same-day
Holiday cancellations are as follows:
No fee when canceled 7+ days in advance
20% of total trip due when canceled 48+ hours in advance
50% of total trip due when under 48 hours
Additional Animals/Extra Time Spent
We do not charge extra for additional pets in the home
If we cannot care for all of the animals in the home in the scheduled time, we reserve the right to request additional visits.
Visits exceeding our standard 20 minutes are approved sparingly dependent on need and staff availability.
Payment Policy
Payment is preferred to be made online via our scheduling portal. Payment information is stored in secure servers through our national payment processor, WePay, and not stored with our company.
Payment is due for new pet sitting clients prior to the start of services
Payment is due for existing clients at the completion of services
Payment is due for dog walks either at the end of the week of services or the end of the month of services, depending on preferred billing frequency
Clients can opt-into auto matic billing where a card will be charged at the end of the service period.
Dog walking services will be ceased if any bill is more than 45 days past due.
Late fees will be assessed at 20% of the total bill after 60 days past due.
Customers with a history of delinquent billing may be required to keep a card on file or pre-pay to book subsequent services.
Key/Entry Policy
We must have a reliable way of entering your home: code, key, or lockbox
Lockboxes will be provided free of charge if you would like us to use a key to enter
Clients who prefer to not use a lockbox will be responsible for providing two keys, with the exception of apartment buildings that use key cards or fobs
Clients who would like to have their keys picked up and returned after each trip will be responsible for arranging pickup from our home OR a secure spot can be designated to leave the key at your home (ie under a mat, mailbox, or other hiding place).
If a key is lost or misplaced by Pals for Paws, we are responsible for the replacement and potential re-keying of your locks.
Clients using an electronic door code or garage code should ensure the code is functional before leaving; a backup key can be kept securely at the Pals for Paws office if desired.
If a client is using an alarm system we prefer to be assigned a unique alarm code.
Communication Methods
Communication with the owners (Rebecca and Aaron) can be done directly via telephone (319-535-0748), email (aaron@palsforpawspetsitting.com), or private message within Time to Pet.
Communication with our staff should be done via the Time to Pet messaging system or written notes.
For our staff’s privacy we do not distribute staff phone numbers or email addresses to clients.
We will message you via the Time to Pet portal and email each time we visit with photos and a report on how the visit went so long as everything is proceeding normally; emergencies or concerns will be communicated by phone and/or text.
Camera Policy
We are completely comfortable with cameras being used inside and outside of the homes we work in, and cameras do not have to be disclosed.
We do ask that cameras not be used in bathrooms, and if motion-tracking cameras are used in areas we are working we may cover them with a light towel or similar while we do chores as the constant “following” motion can be distracting while we are trying to focus on care tasks.
We ask that clients do not talk to our sitters through cameras - this has been quite startling in the past!!
We do have a “company camera” that can be deployed to help locate animals who are hiding - only upon request from the client.
Photo and Privacy Policy
Unless specifically opted out, clients are accepting that photos of their animals may be used promotionally and on Social Media for Pals for Paws Petsitting
Photos of the clients’ property and home, details about your travels or the nature of our care or animals, will never be taken or shared.
We will never allow access to the home by anyone for any reason (family members, utility or repair people), unless specifically authorized and requested by the client in writing.
Staffing
The owners of Pals for Paws Petsitting are Aaron and Rebecca Dirks
In addition, we employ 2-3 full-time and 1-2 part-time employees, and 1-2 as-needed/holiday employees.
Every person who works for Pals for Paws is covered by our insurance, fully vetted, and has undergone our training and shadowing process.
We cannot guarantee the same sitters every time, but make an effort to develop relationships between our staff and your animals, and schedule the staff that is the best fit for your household as frequently as possible.
If there are issues with a specific staff member, we do want them brought to our attention and we can address those concerns on a case-by-case basis.
Emergency Policy
If there is a medical emergency with a client pet, the owner, Rebecca Dirks, will assume care of the animals until it is resolved. Rebecca is pet first aid certified and will assess the situation and handle communication and transportation.
We will make every effort to contact the client and the client’s emergency contact to decide upon care.
In the event the client is not available by phone, text, or email, we will contact the vet on file or the emergency vet to discuss symptoms and make a care plan.
If the vet recommends emergency care and the client is unavailable, we will pursue medical care unless the client has a “no medical care authorized” document on file.
Medical events that happen under our care may be covered by our insurance, but coverage cannot be guaranteed. Accidents are always covered, but complications from pre-existing medical conditions may not be covered.
Insurance & References
We are insured by Pet Sitters Associates. Each walker carries liability insurance that covers medical care for your animal, your personal property, medical care for any person or animal injured by your animal under our care, re-keying in the event of lost keys, and more.
Aaron and Rebecca have been petsitting since 2006 and many of our clients have been with us 5+ years. We are happy to provide references that are relevant to the services you're considering upon request.
We are also Better Business Bureau Accredited with an A+ rating for three years running, and have many 5-star reviews on our Facebook page and Google.
