Policies
Am I Insured?
Yes! I do have a liability insurance.
Having insurance does not guarantee quality of service. I guarantee the quality of my service.
Am I Bonded?
No! But let me tell you why. According to my research and other pet sitters:"A bond for a sole proprietorship that has NO employees or Independent Contractor's is totally WORTHLESS. A bond protects the employer from dishonest acts (theft) caused by an employee or Independent Contractor of the employer" .I work ALONE & have NO employees/team. It does absolutely nothing for the pet sitting client. With that said; yes, I am "bondable". ;-)
Am I Licensed?
The government does not regulate home pet sitting services and no type of license is required to operate a pet sitting business. I am a licensed business. Nor is there any type of educational or qualifying process in order to practice pet sitting. I read, watch every video I can, and of course my experience is why I am a pet sitter, animals are a passion. It is something I love & feel lucky to be able to do, & I am very good at it ;-)!
Reservations
Please make your reservations early. I can only take a limited number of pets, as I work alone. I fill up spots quickly.
Cancellations
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Critter Sitter of Cary accepts jobs on a first come, first served basis and does not overbook. Late notice cancellations generally make it impossible to re-book the time that was reserved to care for your pets. I ask that if you need to cancel services before they begin, 24 hours notice is required for cancellation of any pet sitting services.
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Cancellations made within 24 hours of a scheduled service or series of services, will be charged at 75% of the complete service ($250 maximum). 3-5 days notice 50% of complete service ($150.00 maximum)
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*New clients that have done a Meet and Greet, paid for service, and cancel services, are charged $20.00 for the Meet and Greet (as are interviews), which is deducted from refund.
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Early Returns: It is not unusual for trip plans to change at the last minute. However, please understand that Critter Sitter of Cary (CSC) carefully schedules my time to service you and my other clients. Therefore, there are no refunds or credits for early returns or last minute changes to pet care. Once pet care begins, payment is due for the original dates scheduled.
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Daily Dog Walks
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If you need to cancel your Mid-Day Dog walk(s), for any reason, e.g.,vacation & your pet is going with you, or you are a teacher that tracks out, you are still charged a retainer fee of 50% for that time period to hold your spot. I cannot resell time that has been expressly held and reserved for you. If for any reason that I am not available for your Mid-Day Dog walks due to illness or my vacation time, I certainly do NOT expect to be paid.
Payments
Payment is due on or before the beginning of service, I do not bill you. First time clients, pay at the Meet & Greet. Ask me for details at our "Meet & Greet". There are NO refunds for early returns. There will be a $35.00 fee on all returned checks. PayPal accepted. Please ask first.
Key Policy
Critter Sitter of Cary (Nina) must have a key to your home before you leave (secured at the "meet & greet"). I will not leave keys "under the mat" or anyplace else, due to security issues for your home and for me. In addition, I will NOT lock keys in the house after the last visit, as I must be able to access your home in case you are delayed on your arrival home and your pet(s) require/need additional visits. After your pet sit is finished I can either mail your key back to you or keep them on file. If I keep your key you will be all set for any future sits (it also comes in handy if you accidentally lock yourself out & I am available - $15.00, much less than a locksmith!). Keys are kept in a secure location and only labeled with your pets name for security reasons. If I do mail your keys back to you, I will not be held responsible for USPS service & there will be a $15.00 fee for all future key pick ups. All of this information is on our service contract & decided upon at the "Meet & Greet".
**Critter Sitter of Cary has the right to refuse service due to safety concerns.
"Nina, without a doubt, is the most loyal & dependable cat sitter we have ever had. She is loving & kind & is diligent in her care giving. We can leave our cats in her care & know they are well taken care of. Nina has been watching our cats for 5 years! Our cats love Nina!"
Lois, Cary, NC
It is now 10 years!