Calvert Ways Policies

Factors That Determine Your Cost:

Length of visit (Standard visit is approximately 30 minutes - usually, but not limited to 6 am to 9 pm, 7 days a week).
Visits extended with 15 minutes increments.
Special time request visits outside of the normal operating hours.
Your pet: 
      How many pets 
      How many visits required per day
      Pets with special needs
Holidays (New Years Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
Extra visit for key pick-up and/or drop off.
Last minute reservations (less than 48 hour notice)
Extra Services requested beyond "normal". All requests will be discussed at initial interview and agreed on by both parties.
Mileage costs (fluctuates with gas prices).

Early Return: There are no refunds if you return early from your trip, as space has been reserved and blocked for you. Full price will still apply if Calvert Ways arrives at your house, but is turned away

Delayed Return: If your plans change and you wish to extend your stay, the original contract terms will apply. We must be notified at least 48 hours before the end of contract term or an additional fee will be charged. Payment is due immediately upon return.

Cancellation: Full refund for services not yet rendered will apply only if cancelled not less than Two Full Weeks, via email or regular mail, prior to the service requested. If notice is not received in a timely manner, service scheduled within that Two Week time span will be billed same as if performed whereas space was reserved and blocked for you. If applicable, key pick up is non-refundable and key return fee will be charged unless we store your key for future services. This pertains to all contracts, although Poop Scooping and Errand Service only require a 48 hour time span prior to service date.

Payments:

Fee payment is required in full in advance. 
Customer is responsible for all costs related to any and all service requests and payment is due prior to service or immediately upon completion of service.
Cash payments prefered but will accept Money Order, Check, Credit Card via Pay Pal (Add 3% to total for credit card fees)
New customers, paying via personal check, must be submitted no later than ten days prior to first visit.
Existing customers that have a key "stored" with us, may leave their payment "on the counter". 
A $35.00 fee will be charged for returned or stop payment checks.
A 10% late fee will be charged for all unpaid accounts exceeding 30 days of last visit.

Keys:

A fee will be charged if a separate visit has to be made explicitly for key pick up or drop off .
If Calvert Ways gets locked out, due to faulty locks, or keys and can not gain entry a locksmith will be called in order for us to maintain proper care of pets. You will be responsible to pay the locksmiths cost, along with our hourly rate plus visit fee. In order to avoid this situation, please check all keys carefully before initial visit.
For new customers - key will be obtained at the "Get Aquainted" meeting.
For existing customers - avoid the cost of key pick-up each time you retain our services by leaving your key on file with us. Last minute service reservations due to emergencies will be a snap. All keys will be stored safely and permanently in our possession. You may call any time to have your keys returned. If you have made any lock or alarm code changes, it is critical that you notify us when scheduling service. We want to provide the best care for your pets, so please make sure it is brought to our attention; also inform us as to any new pets, or any changes with the existing pets.
Keys left in home on last contracted visit is Not recommended in case of unexpected delays due to bad weather, postponed flights, etc. 
We will Not pick up or leave a key "under the mat" for security reasons unless agreed to by both parties in advance.

Walking: Leash walking is contingent upon weather conditions and the discretion of Calvert Ways. For your pets safety, we will Not allow your dog off leash at any time unless it is in your home or your securely fenced in yard.
ID Tags: All pets must wear current identification tags.

Immunizations: All pets must be up to date on vaccines. Dogs must have their Rabies Shot, Canine Distemper and Canine Bordatello current. Cats must have Rabies, Feline Distemper and Feline Leukemia current. In addition, all cats and dogs must have flea prevention all year long.


Pet History: We must know in advance if your pet is aggressive or has a history with biting. We must be aware of any illnesses your pet may have before services are contracted. We do not discriminate against pets with illnesses or challenging history and will be decided on case by case basis. This information is required to protect all parties from harm. In some cases, it may be better for your pet to be in a 24 hour facility.

Pit Bulls: We love all animals but we have a healthy respect for their ability and talents. We apologize if you are a Pit Bull owner, but due to the increasing attacks reported in the news and locally, the Pit Bull related death in White Sands in May '06, our safety demands that we will Not accept any contracts on pure bred Pit Bulls.

Unsecured Pets: Calvert Ways will not liable for 'free-roaming' outdoor pets in the event of illness, loss, death or injury. 

Secured Areas: It is the owner's responsibility to pet-proof all areas inside and outside of the home. Calvert Ways does not assume and has no liability for any injuries the pets sustain while in its home property.

Fencing and Containment: Calvert Ways will not be liable for pets leaving their yard when contained by any type of underground, invisible, electric, wireless or traditional above ground fence made of any type material. Please inspect your fence for 'escape spots' and note it on the contract.

Damages: Calvert Ways will not be held responsible for any damage caused to your premises beyond our control including by your pets in our care.

Access to Home: We understand that while you're away, you might have family and/or friends willing to help with some visits, but not all. Unfortunately, we cannot "job share" due to insurance guidelines and other liability issues. If you authorize other individuals, besides Calvert Ways, to access your property while you are away from home, Calvert Ways is NOT responsible for any loss, financial or otherwise, resulting from any incident.

Plants: Calvert Ways will not be responsible for plants that may expire in your absence. Your plant care instructions will be followed but we are Not responsible for replacement of your plants.

Supplies: All pet necessities will be supplied by the owner prior to sitting which includes but not limited to food, water, paper towels, baggies, litter, treats and leash (if required). Make sure we know the location of all supplies. If we need to purchase any supplies, we will do so, but will require reimbursement.

Existing Customers: If you choose to employ us for the same service in the future, the original contract conditions will apply for the new service period and a new contract is not required. Calvert Ways wants to make your continued business with us as smooth and as easy as possible. However, if there are any changes to the existing service, the changes must be agreed upon by you and Calvert Ways, and a new contract may be required.

Emergencies:

Customer is required to leave pre-approved payment and instructions with their veterinarian and/or Calvert Ways, in case of emergency. In the event your animal becomes ill during the time you are away, we will make every effort to contact you. If we cannot reach you, an emergency contact is required. Should you, the specified veterinarian and emergency contact be unavailable, we will approve medical and/or emergency treatment (excluding euthanasia) as recommended by a veterinarian with full reimbursement required.
In the event of inclement weather or natural disaster, we will use our best judgement in caring for your pets and home. Your pets health and safety are our main concern.  
Please leave the name and number of a trusted maintenance company or a person you can rely on to attend to any household emergencies that may arise during your absence. This includes but is not limited to; leaking pipes, malfunctioning water heaters and heating and air units.
In case of sudden illness or personal emergency, we will have another qualified person to fulfill the responsibilities of the contract at our discretion. You will be notified at earliest time possible

Pet Taxi: All pets (up to 120 pounds) are transported in the safety of an SUV or enclosed Ford F150 in a secured carrier (yours or ours). We will not transport aggressive pets or Pit Bulls. Only one customer at a time for safety and sanitary reasons and our crate is sanitized after each use.

Poop Scooping: We must have access to the area, if you have a fenced in yard, the gate must be unlocked or a key provided to us. To guarantee complete removal of dog waste in your yard, it must have limited obstacles. The most common include but are not limited to: excessive leaves, tall grass and weeds, scattered debris, large puddles of water and muddy areas, as well as loose dog stools. Also, please remember that an aggressive, threatening dog is a physical hindrance and a psychological concern to us. We will be able to determine during the 'Get Aquainted' visit whether or not it will be a deterrence to have your dogs in the yard at scooping time. Weather and Holidays: We do not give credit due to unscoopable weather conditions or if your scheduled day falls on a major Holiday. We will try and reschedule you to the next business day but if not, we still have twice the amount of waste to scoop on your next contracted day.

Privacy: We always respect your privacy and will Not use your information for references without your permission. All information supplied will be held strictly confidential. We will Not sell, share or rent your email, home address or your telephone numbers and will be used strictly to provide the best care possible for your pets.

Security: Your safety is a prime concern and as well as our own. We carefully guard your keys, codes, personal information and lock all doors upon entering and exiting your home. We are a husband/wife team and do Not hire employees to come to your home so you can be assured you that we, personally, care for your home and loved ones.

References: If you require references, they can be supplied to you upon request. We have many happy customers!   

Call Us (410) 326 - 3326  
Send us an e-mail:    info@CalvertWaysPetSitting.com
Fax Us: (410) 326 - 9738

Calvert Ways Pet Sitting
Lusby, Maryland 20657 

Visit our store at:
http://www.CalvertWays.com 
for pet products and much more

©2006, Calvert Ways Pet Sitting. All rights reserved.

For Professional Pet Sitting, Dog and Cat Walking, Pet Transportation, House Sitting, Poop Scooping and Errand Services in Southern Calvert County Maryland, Call Calvert Ways Pet Sitting at 410 326-3326 for a Kennel and Doggie Day Care Alternative and happy healthy pets and people * Pet Sitter, Dog and Cat Walker, Pet Taxi, Potty Breaks, Kitty Litter Clean Up, Poop Scooper, 'Lived In' look House Sitter for Home Security, LockOut Service, Errand Service and Special Requests