Pet Care Policies

STX Critter Care, the Pet Sitter, must be contacted to reserve care in advance in order to guarantee care if availability allows. This contact includes sharing dates of care needs for your pets. If you are a new client, or if you have added a new pet to your household, a free Meet and Greet will be scheduled to make sure that your pets and I will get along well, to provide them the best care.

Pet Owner will fill out all necessary paperwork during a successful Meet & Greet. 

Pet Owner is to notify Pet Sitter if anyone else has keys or access to Pet Owner’s property other than Pet Sitter during the time the Pet Sitter is caring for Pet Owner’s home and pet(s).  Pet Sitter cannot be held liable for damage done to home and/or pet(s) if others have such access and/or are sharing pet sitting duties.

Pet Sitter will provide the services stated herein in a reliable, caring, and trustworthy manner.  In consideration of these services and as an express condition thereof, Owner expressly waives and relinquishes any and all claims against Pet Sitter except those arising from gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of Pet Sitter. 

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If the pet(s) becomes ill, injured, lost, or accidentally dies, Pet Owner waives and releases Pet Sitter from any claim arising from such an incident. If the pet(s) bites or injures the Pet Sitter, any other human or animal, Pet Owner will be responsible for any resulting injury. In addition, Pet Owner shall hold harmless and indemnify the Pet Sitter against any and all costs, expenses, losses, liabilities and claims arising out of or relating to any acts of the pet(s) except if arising out of negligence or intentional misconduct on the part of Pet Sitter.

If there is an emergency, Pet Sitter will make all reasonable efforts to first contact Pet Owner. If Pet Owner is unable to be contacted, Pet Sitter shall perform duties outlined in the  Veterinary Release. In addition, Pet Owner authorizes Pet Sitter to seek and obtain medical attention and treatment as deemed necessary by a veterinarian.

In the unlikely event of illness or personal emergency to Pet Sitter, Pet Owner will authorize Adrienne Smith of STX Critter Care to arrange for another qualified person to fulfill responsibilities as set forth in this contract. Pet Owner will be notified in such a case. 

If a problem arises such as a pipe rupture, flooding, earthquake, fire, break-in, animal destroying property, etc., Pet Sitter will make every effort to contact owner and follow their instructions.  If Owner cannot be reached and immediate action is necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of the pet(s) and others, owner authorizes Pet Sitter to make any repairs deemed necessary by the Pet Sitter.  The Owner agrees to reimburse Pet Sitter for all expenses incurred for repair of property and will hold Pet Sitter blameless for work done by others. Pet Sitter shall not be held liable for damage done by pet to either the interior or exterior of home when Pet Sitter is not there. 

In the event of inclement weather or natural disaster, Pet Sitter will use their best judgment in caring for Owner’s pet(s) and home, but cannot be held responsible for any damage to home or injury to pet arising from such. Pet Owner is responsible for making arrangements in the event of natural disasters. If a hurricane warning is issued, Sitters will do all they can to make your pets comfortable, but Pet Owner should have a plan for securing their home and property. Pet Owner realizes and understands that we will not provide services until conditions allow us to reach your home safely.

Please see Hurricane Section below for more information.

While Pet Sitter agrees that even aggressive animals deserve loving care, during the meet and greet Pet Sitter will determine if said aggressive animal is one the Pet Sitter is able to deal with. Pet Sitter reserves the right to decline providing services for any such Pet Owner or Pet. Client will be responsible for costs and damages incurred if a Pet Sitter or other persons/animals are bitten or exposed to any disease received from Pet Owner's animal.

Client understands that there are inherent risks in the transport of animals that is beyond the control of Pet Sitter, and releases us from liability in the event of pet's injury during transport. Pets will not be allowed off-leash near roads, traffic or public areas where there may be other animals/people/activities that may present a problematic situation.

A 50% deposit, which goes toward the full payment of services, will be paid during a successful Meet and Greet, before pet services beginning, and service will be confirmed once payment is received. The remaining 50% will be paid at the conclusion of services.

Pet Sitter will accept payments via PayPal, Venmo, or Cash.

For regular clients (Pet Owners) that schedule regular Pet Sitter services, we will discuss and agree on a weekly, twice monthly, or monthly payment plan. 

Any payments that are over 30 days past due will incur a 20% late fee, for every 30 days past due.

In the event of additional unforeseen visits or other costs (such as food or vet fees), payment is expected within 7 days of return.

Pet Owner must give Pet Sitter at least 5 days notice of cancellation prior to beginning service date to receive full refund of deposit.
With at least 2-3 days notice of cancellation prior to service date; Pet Owner will be refunded 50% of deposit.
With less than 24 hours notice of cancellation prior to service date; Pet Owner will be refunded 25% of deposit. 

Refunds are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Credits will be given for early returns/unused services.

Hurricane season runs from June to November of each year, but storms can form at any time. In the event a hurricane watch or warning is issued, sitters will need to secure their own homes, families and pets. Sitters will do all they can to make client's pets comfortable, however, clients should have a plan for securing their home and property.

Keep in mind that it is unlikely that Pet Sitters will be able to reach clients during or after a storm, and will resume services once conditions are safe. We recommend clients plan ahead.

If Pet Sitter is reasonably able, Pet Sitter will bring your pet to their home if they deem it's necessary/safer. 

• *Note: additional fees will be incurred if this is deemed the most appropriate route.

If unable to reasonably bring your pet to Pet Sitter's home, Pet Sitter will: 

• secure your home to the best of our ability, but ask clients to make such arrangements.

• secure your pet, to the best of our ability, in a room or crate for the duration of the storm.

• After the storm is over and roads are passable, we will continue scheduled care. No visits will be made during a storm.

• *Note:

  • Credit will be given for missed visits.

  • Extra charges may apply for any extended visit time necessary at your home prior to and after a storm. 
     

IMPORTANT: STX Critter Care is not responsible for any damage done to your home by a hurricane or other natural disaster.

 

We recommend that clients obtain the following as a Pet Emergency Kit:

• Seven days worth of food and water

• Pet's medical records, medicines, and current vaccinations

• First aid kit

• Extra leashes & collars

• Toys and other items to occupy pet(s)

• A sturdy, safe & comfortable pet carrier/crate for your pet(s)

• Trash bags, mops, newspapers, paper towels, other cleaning supplies

• The emergency care of birds, reptiles & small animals require special consideration.