Consultations – Personalized Pet-Sitting Planning
Initial Consultation
A one-time consultation is required before starting any service. If services are scheduled within a set period after the consultation, the fee may be credited toward your service invoice.
What’s Included:
- Meet & greet with you and your pets
- Review the Client Service Agreement, Veterinary Release, and Pet information sheets
- Get detailed information about caring for your pets and your home
- Review policies and services
- Arrange your pet-sitting schedule and the services needed
- Pick up a house key
House Key Policy – Secure & Convenient
Key Collection
Collected during the initial consultation.
Key Return Options
- Left securely inside your home after the final visit
- Sent via certified mail (shipping fee may apply)
Additional charges may apply for extra key pickups or drop-offs.
Visit Minimums – Tailored for Your Pet’s Needs
Shannon’s Pet-Sitting prioritize your pet’s safety and well-being with minimum visit requirements:
- Dogs: 2 visits per day
- Cats: Every other day
- Small Animals (Guinea pigs, Hamsters, etc.): Once a day
- Birds: Once a day
- Reptiles:
- Over 1-year-old – Every other day
- Under 1 year old – Once a day
- Fish: Every 4 days
Cancellation Policy – Flexible Yet Fair
General Cancellations
- Their services cater to vacation & out-of-town care, typically booked 30 days or more in advance.
- Full payment is required for cancellations made less than 7 days before departure.
- No refunds for late bookings canceled within 7 days
- No refunds for shortened visits once care has started
Holiday Cancellations
(Christmas, New Year’s, Easter, Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, Labor Day, 4th of July)
- Cancellations require at least 7 days’ notice or full payment is required
Payment Options – Simple & Secure
- Accepted Payments: Credit Cards, PayPal, Check, or Cash
- Payment Due: Before or at the time of the first scheduled visit
- Checks Payable To: Shannon’s Pet-Sitting
Vaccination Requirements – Keeping Pets Healthy
- All dogs must have up-to-date rabies vaccinations (per local ordinances)
- Clients must disclose behavioral tendencies (biting, straying, etc.)
- Vaccination waivers require a vet’s written recommendation
As per Lake, Cook, Kane & DuPage County Animal Ordinance:
§ 8. Every owner of a dog or cat four months or more of age shall cause such dog or cat to be inoculated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. Every dog or cat shall have a second rabies vaccination within one year of the first vaccination and every year thereafter. However, if the vaccine used is one recognized by the Illinois Department of Agriculture for a three-year period of immunity, and the dog or cat is over twelve (12) months of age at the time of inoculation, the interval between inoculations may be extended to three (3) years. Evidence of such rabies inoculation shall be entered on a certificate approved by the Board and signed by the licensed veterinarian administering the vaccine.
Inclement Weather – Safety First
In the event of severe weather, they will:
- Contact you for alternate arrangements
- Coordinate with your Inclement Weather Emergency Contact
- Ensure pets have extra food and water if access is delayed
Liability & Damages
Home Damages
Shannon’s Pet-Sitting are not responsible for issues beyond our control (e.g., leaks, storms).
Pet-Caused Damages
Owners are liable for any property damage or injuries caused by their pets.
Medical Emergencies – Immediate Care for Your Pets
- Pets will be transported to your veterinarian if needed
- We’ll attempt to contact you before authorizing treatments
- Owners are responsible for all veterinary costs
Pet Photos – Share the Love!
They may take adorable photos of your pets for Shannon’s pet-sitting use (with your permission).
If you do not wish to agree to any of these statements, please bring it to their attention before completing the client service agreement. Please refrain from making alterations or entering your wording as it will void the contract if they are not made aware of it prior.