Rates and Policies

Policies

Keys

Keys to the home must be stored on the property, and must be accessible from outside the home at all times. Keys can be kept in either a lockbox or a designated secure hiding spot. We do not keep copies of keys and our pet sitters do not carry keys with them between visits. For this reason, we cannot service apartments that require key fob entry, unless the key fob can also be stored in an accessible spot on the property.

Locksmith Fee- $300

Prior to leaving on your trip, please check that your lockbox is fully functional, your keys work in your lock and/or your electronic lock is functional to ensure that we can access the home. We recommend also leaving a key copy with your emergency contact. In the case where we are not able to access the home due to a problem with the key, and we have concerns about the safety of your pet, we will make a concerted effort to contact you about what you would like us to do. In rare cases we may have to bring out an emergency locksmith. The cost for emergency locksmith services is $300.

Deposit and Payments

For first-time clients, we require a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the total to confirm your scheduled visits. The remainder will be invoiced upon completion of the visits.

For returning clients, no deposit is required. The total charge will be invoiced upon completion of the visits.

invoices are sent via email, and all payments are processed online through our secure processing system.

Cancellations

Please notify us as soon as possible if you need to cancel visits. We will charge for any visits that were scheduled to occur within 48 hours from the time we receive notice of cancellation. We will not charge for any visits that were scheduled to occur past the 48 hour window.

Returning home

Please contact us when you get home from your trip so we know all is well. If we don't hear from you after the last scheduled visit, we will return for another paid visit to check in on your pets and make sure they're alright, in case something went wrong and you weren't able to return home as scheduled. 

Supply pick-up

If you need us to pick up supplies while you are away, a fee of $25 plus the cost of the items will be applied.

Photos

Weapon-free environment

In an effort to ensure a safe working environment for our pet sitters, we require that any weapons such as guns and gun-related paraphernalia be securely stored and not visible in the areas of the home where pet sitters will be working with your pets.

Visitors to the home

Please inform us if you are expecting any other visitors to your home (gardeners, cleaners, neighbors, roommates, family members) during the time frames you have asked us to come care for your pet. If a pet sitter arrives at the home and believes there is an unexpected visitor inside, for example, if they see an unfamiliar car in the driveway, they have been instructed to remain outside the home and attempt to contact the client. If we cannot reach you to verify that the visitor is a known person, the visit will not be completed.

Similarly, if you have asked neighbors to keep an eye on your home while you are out of town, please notify them that you are having pet sitters come to the home. Our sitters are a diverse group, and they may see different people coming by on different days. Any concerned neighbors are welcome to initiate a conversation with the sitter, who can provide identification that they work for our company.

Our commitment to racial justice

We are firmly committed to racial justice and to ensuring that our diverse team, as well as our clients, feel safe and welcome working with our company. We do not tolerate any form of racism against our clients, our team members, or our communities. Please visit our page outlining our commitments to racial justice and the Black Lives Matter movement.

Our COVID-19 safety protocol

Our business is founded on safety and quality of care, and we are dedicated to keeping all of our clients and sitters safe throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Please visit our page outlining our COVID-19 Safety Protocol.

2023 Holiday Pricing Fee- $10 per visit

Services and Rates

Standard Visit (30 minutes)- $40 per visit

During a Standard Visit, we will visit your home to provide the following services:
Feeding, treats, and water refreshSimple medications or supplement administrationLitter box cleaningShort dog walk in the neighborhood or backyard potty breakPlenty of playtime, cuddles, and interaction with your pet(s)Bring in mailWater basic household plantsBring garbage bins to curb and/or return from the curbTurn lights on/offOpen/close curtainsProvide an update message after each visit with pictures

Recurring Visit/Walk (30 minutes)- $35 per visit/walk

For clients who would like to book with us on a recurring basis of at least once per week, we offer the same services as a Standard Visit at a slightly discounted rate.
Recurring visits are often used for our dog clients who need potty breaks while their owners are working, but we also have clients with younger puppies, elderly pets, or cats who need socialization and would like a recurring visit from a pet sitter for playtime. We are happy to provide whatever your pet needs on a recurring basis!

Advanced Visit (30+ minutes)- $60 per visit

During an Advanced Visit, we offer the same services as a Standard Visit, but we will stay as long as needed (typically closer to 45 or 60 minutes) to complete more complex pet and home care tasks. We also offer a high level of responsiveness and communication with our management team to make sure we have a detailed understanding of your needs. We will also provide additional one-on-one training to our staff on your particular home and pet care instructions to make sure we are able to provide the best service to you on each and every visit. 
If you are unsure if this is the best option for you, we can assess with you at the New Client Consultation. This Advanced Visit option is best for clients with one or more of the following situations:
More complicated medication administration, such as delivering pills orally or providing insulin injectionsMulti-pet homes (3 or more pets)Multi-level homes with multiple feeding/litter stationsMore complex feeding/litter routinesKeys located off-siteMore complex alarm systemsHomes located in apartment buildings/complexes which require gate/lobby entry or elevator access

To book services, head over to the Schedule Services page!

Last-minute scheduling fee - $10 

We welcome last-minute requests and are happy to quickly make accommodations for any requests that come in on short notice. To help cover the administrative costs associated with last-minute bookings, a fee of $10 will be added to your booking if you schedule visits to start within 48 hours.

Referral Discount

Refer a friend, and both you and your friend will get one free drop-in visit!

Other Services

Pet Grooming and Transportation with High Mantenance Pet Spa!

If you’re in need of a dog groomer, we recommend our friend Tristian Ranson and his business High Manetenance Pet Spa! Tristian does pick-up and drop-off pet grooming for both cats and dogs throughout the Bay Area! He’s been in the business for 7 years now. Feel free to check out his Instagram, and please reach him at (510) 679-8658.

Dog Training with the Canine-Kid Connection!

Dog not listening to you? Pulling on leash? Jumping up on visitors? Does your dog need a training refresher? Imagine your dog calm, responsive to you, and well-behaved. It can happen!

With over 25 years’ experience in dog training, owner Jane Rosenblum, CTC, can help fix your dog problems. I come to your home, help you with any problems you have, and transform your dog into the dog you’ve always wanted. And if children live in your home, or visit, I have years of expertise working with families with dogs and children. To reach Jane, email at caninekid@earthlink.net, or call (510) 869-3799. Website is www.caninekidconnection.com.