Policies & Procedures
The policies and procedures below help us provide safe, consistent care while keeping expectations clear for everyone.
Getting Started
Meet & Greet. All new clients complete a complimentary in-home Meet & Greet before booking services. We’ll get to know your pets, review their care needs, home access and emergency procedures, and make sure we’re a good mutual fit.
Client Portal. We partner with Time to Pet to provide a Client Portal which handles all bookings, service-related communications, scheduling, and payments. We require all clients to utilize this platform for scheduling, profile updates, and billing.
Booking & Confirmation. All service requests are submitted through the Client Portal and are considered pending until you receive confirmation of its acceptance. Requests may take up to two business days to process, and last-minute requests are subject to availability.
Scheduling & Care Requirements
Minimum Visit Frequencies. Because your pet’s safety, health, and emotional well-being are our top priorities, a minimum number of visits is required for all clients traveling or away from home for an extended period.
- Cats: at least one visit per 24 hours, regardless of automatic feeders or self-cleaning litter boxes
- Dogs: at least two visits per day
- Crated dogs: at least three visits per day, including at least one Signature Visit (~60 min)
Visit Timing. Services are performed within scheduled time blocks; exact arrival times are not guaranteed and may vary due to travel, traffic, weather, emergencies, or other circumstances. More precise timing can be arranged when medically necessary.
Disclosure of All Pets. All pets in your home during the service period must be listed in your Client Portal before services begin, including pocket pets and fish. We check on every pet in the household, and undisclosed pets may mean additional charges or discontinued service.
Exclusive Care. For your pet’s safety and consistency, Happy Tails must be the sole pet care provider during scheduled services unless a shared-care arrangement is approved in advance. Notice is required if anyone else—such as family, friends, housekeepers, or contractors—will be entering your home during the service period. When possible, we’ll adjust visit timing to avoid overlapping access.
Cancellation & Schedule Changes
Regular Services (Pet sitting and/or walks without an ongoing prearranged schedule): Cancellations made 48+ hours in advance receive a full refund; 24–48 hours, a 50% refund; under 24 hours, no refund.
Extended Services (Regular Services spanning 4+ consecutive days): Cancellations made 14+ days in advance receive a full refund; 7–13 days, a 50% refund on affected dates; under 7 days, no refund.
Recurring Services (Ongoing services reserved on a consistent schedule): Cancellations made 48+ hours in advance receive a full credit/refund; 24–48 hours, a 50% credit/refund; under 24 hours, the full charge applies.
Holiday Services (Regular, Extended, or Recurring Services scheduled during a Holiday Period, as listed in the next section): A 50% deposit is required at booking. Cancellations made 14+ days in advance receive a deposit refund; 7–13 days, the deposit is non-refundable; under 7 days, the full booking charge applies.
Early Returns & Late Departures. Once the scheduled service period has begun, we do not issue refunds or credits for early returns, late departures, or unused days.
Holiday Periods
We observe the following holidays, which require a deposit to book and carry an additional service rate.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day Weekend (Friday–Monday)
- Presidents’ Day Weekend (Friday–Monday)
- Memorial Day Weekend (Friday–Monday)
- Fourth of July (July 3rd–5th)
- Labor Day Weekend (Friday–Monday)
- Thanksgiving (Thursday–Sunday)
- Christmas Holiday (Dec. 23rd–26th)
- New Year’s Holiday (Dec. 31st–Jan. 2nd)
Billing & Payments
Payment Methods. We accept credit cards, debit cards, and ACH transfers. Cash, checks, Venmo, Zelle, and other payment methods are not accepted; cash tips are always welcome.
Payment Due Dates: Regular Services are due by the first day of service; Extended Services require a 25% deposit for 4–7 days or 50% for 8+ days, with the balance due by the first day; Recurring Services are billed monthly in advance and automatically charged on the 1st; Holiday Services require a 50% deposit, with the balance due before services begin; reimbursements are due upon receipt.
Late Payments. Invoices not paid when due may be subject to a late fee in accordance with our current fee schedule. Declined, reversed, or returned payments may also be subject to a processing fee.
Emergency Supply Purchases. If essentials like food, litter, or medication run out during your service period, we will purchase replacements as necessary – reimbursement for the cost plus a $15 service and travel fee will apply.
Stored Payment Methods. A valid payment method on file is required for all clients. Automatic payments are optional unless you use Recurring Services, which require AutoPay.
Tipping. Tips are never expected but always appreciated for a job well done. Tips can be left in a labeled envelope at your home or added to your invoice.
Home Access & Security
Entry Requirements. Two independent, reliable methods of entry are required during all service periods, such as a lockbox, keypad/smart lock, or garage code. Entry details are securely stored in your client Portal. Lockboxes may be purchased from us for $25.
No Key Retention Policy. We do not store or transport physical keys outside scheduled visits. If keyless entry is not possible, contact us to arrange an alternative.
Camera & Surveillance Disclosure. All interior and exterior cameras, video doorbells, audio-recording devices, or similar surveillance equipment must be disclosed before services begin. Recording equipment is not permitted in areas with a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as bathrooms and changing areas.
Pet Health & Safety
Vaccination Requirements. All cats, dogs, and ferrets in our care must have a current rabies vaccination on file in the Portal. Medical exemptions are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Pet Behavior & Health. If a pet becomes unsafe to handle or develops a contagious illness or care needs beyond what we can safely provide, we may discontinue services and arrange alternative care.
Medication Administration. We administer most oral and topical medications, eye/ear drops, and some injectables. We may decline medications requiring special handling or if a pet cannot be safely medicated.
Veterinary Information. Current primary and emergency veterinary information must be maintained in the Client Portal, along with known medical conditions, allergies, and behavioral history.
Emergency Veterinary Care. A Veterinary Care Authorization & Release is maintained in your Client Portal for medical emergencies. In time-critical situations when we cannot reach you, we are authorized to make necessary medical decisions and approve expenditures up to the amount indicated in your Client Portal.
Photos, Videos & Media
We may photograph or record your pets during services for care updates and internal documentation. We will not use this media for marketing or public promotion without your consent. When shared publicly with permission, we take reasonable care to avoid showing addresses, security details, travel information, or other identifying information about your home or household.
When Services May Be Discontinued
We may suspend or discontinue services for safety concerns, undisclosed contagious illness or behavioral issues, unsafe home conditions, undisclosed recording devices, non-payment, harassment or threatening behavior, unauthorized shared care, or repeated/material violations of our policies.
