Our PAW-licies

We are excited to introduce our PAW-licies at PAWsome Companions. Transparency and open communication are key aspects of our business operations. Building strong and reliable relationships with our clients is important to us, which is why we maintain clear and straightforward policies. Our pet services adhere to top-notch quality standards, and we aim to ensure this information is easily accessible to all our clients.

Accepted Forms of Payment

We prioritize the use of Zelle over other payment methods. Additionally, we are able to accommodate payments via Venmo, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Cash App, PayPal, Cash, and finally, credit cards. Please note that there is a 3.49% processing fee for credit card transactions, and we do not take any personal checks.

Medication Administration 

We will make every effort to follow medication instructions, but we cannot be held accountable for any resulting complications. Pets that are excessively timid or easily startled and have medical issues present a significant risk. If you have such a pet, please discuss this thoroughly with us. These pets tend to hide or run away from unfamiliar individuals, making medication administration challenging. When scheduling visits, please consider this factor. We will only attempt medication administration for up to 10 minutes, free of charge. If the sitter cannot find or retrieve your pet, the missed dose will be recorded, and you will be informed each time this happens.

 

We do not provide service to pets with contagious illnesses to ensure the safety of our other clients. All pets must be up to date with their vaccinations before services begin. If our staff is bitten or exposed to any disease from a client's pet that is not properly vaccinated, the client will be responsible for covering all associated costs and damages.

Key Retrieval 

If you choose not to provide keys during the Meet & Greet or keep a key on file, we offer a key pick-up and return service for a fee of $20 per trip. This charge covers our time and travel expenses for driving to your residence when pet care services are not being rendered. To ensure preparedness, keys should be picked up at least 24-hours before the first service so that we can securely store a copy at the office in case your assigned pet sitter is unavailable. If you do not store keys on file or utilize a lockbox, it is important to have a local emergency contact nearby with a key who can grant access to the pet sitter during the service window.

Required Pet Vaccinations

Ensuring your pet is up to date on their vaccinations is crucial for keeping them healthy and safe. We require these vaccinations for doggy daycare, boarding, and all dog walks or outings to the beach, park, etc. These vaccinations not only protect your pet from harmful diseases, but also help prevent the spread of illness to other animals and even humans. By staying on top of your pet's vaccinations, you are not only protecting them, but also contributing to the overall health and well-being of the community.

Pet vaccinations are a form of preventative care that can save you and your pet from having to deal with costly treatments and surgeries down the line. By investing in these vaccinations, you are investing in your pet's long-term health and happiness. These are required for our existing daycare and boarding clients, and new clients with pets under 12 weeks of age.

 

Here are vaccinations for dogs we require:

• Distemper
• Bordetella
• Leptospirosis
• Rabies
• Canine Influenza
• Hookworms/Roundworms

And vaccinations required for cats:

• Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper)
• Feline Leukemia
• Rabies
• Bordetella
• Hookworms/Roundworms

 

Make sure your pets are fully vaccinated and all their shots are good to go. We made sure our kids stayed up to date with vaccines, so as a pet parent, you gotta do the same for your furry friends. Depending on where you live and your pet's lifestyle, different vaccinations may be required. However, most veterinarians recommend common vaccinations for both dogs and cats to ensure they are fully protected. By working closely with your vet to create a vaccination schedule that suits your pet's needs, you can rest easy knowing that you are doing everything you can to keep them healthy and thriving for years to come.

Use of Pinch or Shock Collars

We are dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing environment for your furry friends. Our team recognizes the importance of prioritizing your dogs’ well-being while in our care. We follow positive training techniques to ensure your pets’ safety and comfort, avoiding fear, force, or pain. We have a strict policy against using collars or pet gear that may cause fear or discomfort on a physical or emotional level, such as prong collars, choke collars, or shock collars. Our commitment to a compassionate approach to pet care reflects our goal of providing a positive and relaxed experience for your cherished pets.

Use of Retractable Leashes 

Here at PAWsome Companions, the safety and well-being of the dogs in our care are our top priorities. In order to ensure the safety of both the dogs and our staff, we have implemented a policy stating that retractable leashes are not to be used during walks.

 

Retractable leashes present various safety hazards for both dogs and walkers. These leashes are prone to tangling, which can result in injuries or mishaps. Moreover, the extended length of retractable leashes enables dogs to venture into risky scenarios, like traffic, before the walker can intervene. Additionally, there is a risk of the leash becoming unlocked and releasing the dog entirely. Due to safety concerns and potential liabilities, we choose not to use retractable leashes, and we thank you for your understanding.

 

By using traditional, fixed-length leashes with hooks and carabiners, we are able to maintain better control over the dogs in our care and prevent potential accidents from occurring. This ensures that all walks are safe and enjoyable for both the dogs and our staff. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in following this policy. If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Thank you for entrusting us with the care of your furry family members.

Secure Areas

It is the sole responsibility of the client to pet-proof any areas of the home and/or property to which the pet has access. This includes conducting a thorough inspection of fences, gates, latches, doors, and other devices intended to confine the pet inside or prevent access to forbidden areas. PAWsome Companions, LLC. and the pet sitter or dog walker do not assume any liability for any injuries sustained by the pet(s) while in their own home.

Contacting Team Members

Please refrain from placing our sitters in uncomfortable situations by proposing pet sitting or dog walking services outside of PAWsome Companions. While you may have their private cell phone numbers for emergencies during your absence, we kindly ask that you refrain from contacting them to schedule future engagements upon your return. Our sitters are bound by a contractual agreement that prohibits them from independently seeking or accepting work directly from clients. It is essential to respect our sitters' professional boundaries and uphold the agreements in place to ensure a harmonious working relationship. By adhering to these guidelines, we can maintain mutual trust and support within the PAWsome Companions community. Your consideration and cooperation are greatly appreciated in providing a positive experience for both our sitters and clients. Thank you for your understanding and commitment to our shared values.

Meet and Greets

At PAWsome Companions, meeting and greeting our clients is a big deal, and one of the many reasons they are required if you book services with us. We totally get the importance of connecting with both you and your pets right from the start. Our aim is to make the whole experience super easy and helpful for you. When we meet, we’ll chat and gather all the important info about your pets and what you need. This helps us make sure our services are just right for your fur babies.

 

In addition to learning about your pets, we will also guide you through our client forms to ensure that we have all the necessary details to provide the best care. If you prefer, our team is more than happy to assist with filling out the forms based on the information you provide during our meeting. This personalized approach ensures that every aspect of our interaction is designed to make the process seamless and efficient for you. We look forward to the opportunity to meet and greet you, and to begin this journey of providing excellent care for your pets!

Doggy Boarding

We frequently receive inquiries about providing boarding services in our facility. Presently, our boarding service is exclusively available to new clients on a case-by-case basis as we encourage our clients to provide these services in their own home. This change is primarily driven by the observed impact we've seen with boarding. Boarding in our private residence often results in increased stress and anxiety in the dogs we've cared for. Many dogs experience anxiety when removed from their familiar environment and placed in an unfamiliar setting with other animals. Therefore, we believe that boarding services should ideally be conducted at the client's home, where their pets feel most comfortable and secure.

 

For clients who have utilized our boarding services in the past, this option remains available. We appreciate the trust our regular clients place in us, and we have tailored our daycare and boarding services at our facility to meet their specific needs. To ensure a stable and secure environment for our recurring pets, we do not offer tours to new clients or in general. Introducing new individuals and pets into our environment could disturb the comfort of our clients' pets and cause unnecessary stress from exposure to unfamiliar faces, both human and animal. Our primary focus is to maintain the safety and familiarity that our clients' pets experience under our care. However, we understand that there may be exceptional circumstances, so we encourage reaching out to explore alternative doggy daycare and boarding options, as we are always willing to consider individual situations.

Early Returns

By booking our sitters for a specific duration, you are effectively reserving our team’s time, resources, and unwavering commitment to tending to your pets throughout the entire time frame.

 

We uphold a policy wherein the full duration of the originally scheduled pet sitting period is charged in the event of an early return. This policy is implemented to safeguard the uncompromised quality of our service, ensure efficient allocation of resources, and fairly compensate our pet sitters for the time dedicated to caring for your pets. When making reservations with our establishment for specific dates, it is possible that we may need to refuse other clients who have also requested the same dates or times. This can result in missed business opportunities and the potential loss of a long-term client. To mitigate this loss, we have implemented this ‘Early Return Policy’ that requires our clients to honor their original booking dates.

Pet Sitting & Dog Walking Arrival Times

We are committed to providing the highest quality pet care services to our valued clients. Our dedicated team prioritizes the well-being of your pets during visits and walks, ensuring they receive the care and attention they deserve.

 

While we strive to be punctual, however, we cannot guarantee exact arrival times. To manage our schedule effectively and allocate sufficient time for each visit, we employ 'time blocks' for estimated arrival times. These time blocks are available in 2-hour intervals, which you can select when booking your service. Ranging from 5:00am to 11:00pm, the time blocks ensure timely service within the chosen 2-hour window. For instance, the earliest time block is 5:00am - 7:00am, indicating our arrival between 5:00am and 7:00am, and the pattern continues with 7:00am - 9:00am, 9:00am - 11:00am, and so on.

 

By utilizing time blocks, we can ensure that your pets receive the exceptional care they deserve without feeling rushed. Your understanding and flexibility are greatly appreciated as we work to optimize our services and provide the best possible experience for both you and your furry friends. We greatly appreciate your understanding and adaptability in this regard. Our paramount focus is to deliver exceptional care for your cherished pets, and by utilizing time blocks, we can effectively address any unforeseen scheduling challenges. Rest assured that your pets will receive unconditional love, attention, and care, regardless of the time of their arrival.

Neighbors, Friends, Family or Visitors

We are passionate about providing the best care for your pets and ensuring the safety of our caretakers. It is our mission to maintain transparency and security in all our operations. Therefore, we kindly ask for your cooperation in informing your neighbors about our services, even if our company information is displayed on our vehicle. Additionally, we request advance notice if anyone, including family members, friends, neighbors, workers, house cleaners, gardeners, or any other individual, is scheduled to enter your home while you are away. This proactive approach allows us to keep an accurate record of individuals who have access to your property, ensuring that unexpected encounters with law enforcement or neighbors are avoided. Most importantly, it helps to guarantee the safety of our sitters in case of any unforeseen events. We understand that these measures may seem extreme, but our ultimate goal is to protect your pets, your home, and our caretakers. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated and helps us in fulfilling our commitment to the well-being of your pets and home. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Private Walks

We adhere to a strict policy of not walking multiple dogs together unless specifically requested by the owner. This policy is in place to ensure the safety and well-being of each dog under our care. It is crucial for us to provide individualized attention to every dog during their walks, allowing them to explore and enjoy their outdoor time without any unnecessary stress or distractions. We recognize that an owner or a neighbor in the building or area may wish for their dog to socialize with a familiar companion. However, in order to facilitate such an arrangement, it is essential that it be mutually agreed upon by all the owners involved. This ensures that the dogs’ temperament, behavior, and compatibility with one another are taken into consideration, promoting a positive and enjoyable experience for all furry friends involved. Our priority is to create a safe and harmonious environment for every dog in our care, and we believe that individualized attention and consideration play a vital role in achieving this goal.

Pet Care Agreement Form

Our utmost priority is ensuring the comfort and safety of your beloved pet in our care. To proceed efficiently, it is crucial to establish a mutual understanding on key terms and procedures. Our pet sitting agreements, acting as official documents, meticulously outline vital aspects including emergency procedures, measures for pet and property protection, service scope, payment terms (initial 50% deposit and balance settlement on service completion), scheduled arrival times, and your pet ownership responsibilities.

 

Moreover, we inform our clients about emergency protocols and the insurance coverage provided for unexpected medical situations concerning your pet. Be assured, we manage all care aspects to give you peace of mind. We kindly ask for your acknowledgment, approval, and submission of these agreement forms through Walkies when they are added to your client profile during your information input or initial service booking.

Emergency Contact and 24-Hour Veterinarians 

We understand how important it is to have access to veterinary care at any time of the day, especially during emergencies. If you are unable to find a 24-hour veterinarian in your area, don’t worry. We have (5) emergency veterinarians available in Ventura and Los Angeles County who are ready to assist listed below. In addition to this, we kindly ask for the details of a local emergency contact, someone who is close to your home and not traveling with you. This is an important precaution to ensure that we can reach someone quickly in case of any unforeseen events. We often receive the contact details of a traveling spouse, but it’s crucial to have someone local. In the unlikely event that we are unable to reach you, these contacts will enable us to make quick decisions to address any issues that may arise, making decisions for your pet on your behalf. In the rare situation where we cannot reach you or your emergency contact, rest assured that we will take the necessary life sustaining steps to provide your pet with the care they need, including connecting them with a 24-hour veterinarian. Our main priority is the health and safety of your pet, and we are committed to doing everything we can to extend or save their life in any unfortunate circumstances.

 

If you need any 24-hour emergency veterinarians, here are a few for both Ventura and Los Angeles County:

 

🟡 Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center of Thousand Oaks: 2967 N. Moorpark Rd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 – (805) 492-2436

🔴 Western Veterinary Center, Medical & Surgical Hospital: 4990 Reyes Adobe Rd., Agoura Hills, CA 91301 – (805) 957-7387

🟢 VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital: 1900 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025 – (310) 473-2951

🔵 VCA ASEC: 1535 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025 – (310) 473-5906

🟠 VCA TLC Pasadena Veterinary Specialty and Emergency: 1412 Huntington Dr., South Pasadena, CA 91310 – (626) 441-8555

NO Pet Left Behind

At times, we encounter what we like to call “ignore the cat” situations. These are instances when clients request our services for their dogs, only for us to find out upon arrival that they have a cat they believe requires no attention and can be overlooked. This also occurs in households with multiple pets, where clients may have birds in addition to other pets. Despite their independence, cats still need daily care, affection, and playtime. We are more than willing to care for all your pets, but we cannot accept assignments in which specific pets are left unattended. Furthermore, all pets in the household must be disclosed, and their care instructions should be documented in your online profile.

 

As pet care professionals, we embrace wholeheartedly the responsibility for the well-being of every animal in a household, no matter their unique needs or independence. Our fervent dedication to delivering all-encompassing care for every pet fuels our unwavering commitment to this cause.

Payments & Deposits 

In order to ensure the provision of quality service and to accommodate our esteemed clients, we kindly request a 50% non-refundable deposit for all pet care reservations. For overnight stays and services booked over a week, we require the entire payment upfront.

 

Please be advised that all payments made are non-refundable. However, we will apply a credit to your account in the same amount for future use instead of issuing a refund. We do not impose any additional fees or surcharges during peak holidays, as we acknowledge the increased demand for our services during these times. Nevertheless, we highly recommend making early bookings, particularly for in-home visits or overnight stays, as there is often a notable surge in demand.

Use of Cameras & Audio Equipment

“In 1967, California passed the “Invasion of privacy Act” that provides criminal penalties to deter people from invading the privacy of another person. There are certain types of eavesdropping that are a crime.

 

California Penal Code 632 PC defines the crime of eavesdropping as:

Anyone who, intentionally without the consent of all parties in a confidential communication, uses an electronic amplifying or recording device to eavesdrop or record the communication, whether the communication is carried on by means of a telephone, or other device, shall be fined up to $2,500 per violation, or sentenced to jail for up to one year.

 

This definition means it's a crime to use an electronic device to monitor or record a private conservation.  However, in order for the prosecutor to obtain a conviction for PC 632 eavesdropping, they must be able to prove all the elements of the crime listed in CALCRIM 1809 Jury Instructions:

 

• The act of recording was intentional
• The act didn't have permission from one of the parties
• The conservation was confidential
• The act involved using an electronic device

 

A confidential communication is described as any communication that was carried out in circumstances that reasonably indicated someone involved had the desire to keep it confined between the parties.

 

It does not include any communication made in a public gathering, like any type of proceeding that was open to the public or in a circumstance where the parties involved should have reasonably expected the conservation could be overheard or recorded.”

During Overnight Stays

In order to uphold privacy and professionalism during overnight care, we enforce a strict “no camera policy.” Since we regard your home as our “workplace” during this period, no other individuals are usually present, thereby highlighting the necessity for privacy. It is important to note that this policy does not extend to exterior property cameras, such as those incorporated into doorbells, which are frequently found in systems like “Ring.”

All Other Times

Video recording is strictly prohibited in all bathroom areas at all times. Moreover, it is important to be aware that contemporary cameras have the capability to capture both audio and video simultaneously. It is imperative to note that as per 18 U.S. Code Chapter 119, the audio recording of oral communication is forbidden while we are operating in your residence. In the event that we find ourselves unaccompanied in your home, we kindly request the liberty to address private business matters and/or any client concerns confidentially.

 

All of our audio and video policies are in compliance with federal and California state laws that regulate surveillance and privacy expectations. Any indication of unauthorized video surveillance in private areas such as bedrooms or bathrooms shall be promptly reported to the relevant authorities.

Discount & Loyalty Program

• 10% Rescue Family Discount: For those with mostly rescue animals, enjoy a 10% discount on the total service price as a token of gratitude for choosing adoption over shopping!
• 5% Regular Midday Visits: Get a 5% discount when you schedule three or more visits per week consistently.

We are absolutely thrilled to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our clients who are part of our wonderful community.

 

We take great pride in offering special walking package discounts to those who book part-time (3 walks a week) and full-time (4+ walks a week) services. We cherish the opportunity to support our military, firefighters, police officers, teachers (K-12), and animal rescue employees and volunteers with exclusive discounts as a token of appreciation for their incredible dedication. This discount, however, does not apply to occasional vacation visits. Thank you to all for your hard work and dedication – it truly makes a difference!

 

**To secure the discounted rate, simply notify our booking team if any of the criteria match your preferences PAW-fectly!

Dog Walking Guidelines

Walks and Adventure Hikes are offered within a 2 to 3-hour timeframe surrounding your preferred service time. If your pet needs a specific walk time due to medical reasons or other requirements, please inform us during booking, and we will do our best to accommodate. To prioritize the safety of your furry companions, we walk only 1-2 dogs from the same household at a time. Group walks are not part of our service.

 

Dogs are always on a leash, except in safe enclosed dog parks with your prior approval as the dog's owner. Walks typically take place in your local neighborhood, unless you request trail hikes or runs. We provide dog waste bags and treats, while our team members may bring their own dog leads. We recommend you provide your dog's harness if they use one; retractable dog leads are not used. If your dog has a history of anti-social or aggressive behavior, please inform your main walker to prevent any future incidents. Your pet's safety is our top priority. We monitor severe weather conditions and will promptly notify you to reschedule a walk if we deem the weather unsuitable for any dog walking services.

Rainy Days / Wet Weather 

Dog walking services will be conducted in light rain. However, in cases of severe weather such as heavy rain or storms, there may be a necessity to abbreviate or cancel your pet's walk. Your assigned walker retains the discretion to make this decision, even if you request the walk to proceed.

 

Should you opt to maintain your booking, the scheduled time can be utilized for indoor activities, playtime, or reserved for a future service. In the event that your pet becomes wet, they will be towel dried. We acknowledge the unpredictable nature of weather conditions and respect your choice regarding whether to proceed with the walk. Light rain is typically manageable, and services will be rendered as planned. However, for heavier rain, temperatures below 50 degrees, high wind chill, or winds exceeding 10mph, your walker may suggest rescheduling or alternate activities as mentioned earlier.

 

Please be aware that your walker may reschedule your booking at their discretion due to weather conditions. If you prefer your dog not to walk in wet conditions and are unable to provide 24 hours' notice, we will endeavor to reschedule within the same week without disrupting other appointments. To cancel without incurring fees, kindly do so within our designated 2-hour arrival window assigned to your booking appointment. Once the walker is en-route to your location or has arrived, refunds for the service will not be issued.

In-Home Services

The PAWsome team acknowledges the trust you have in us to look after your pets and home. Your pets, home, and possessions will be treated with the highest level of care and respect, ensuring they remain in the same condition as when you left. Rest assured, only qualified team members from PAWsome will access your home for services.

Each pet is assigned a primary pet sitter, and if your usual sitter is unavailable, another team member will step in to maintain the scheduled services. Please be aware that we only assign a maximum of two pet sitters per client to minimize stress on your pets and reduce their exposure to unfamiliar faces. At PAWsome, we take our responsibility to care for your furry friends and your home very seriously. Your trust is greatly valued, and we want you to feel confident that your pets and property are in good hands. Our dedicated team prides itself on providing top-notch care and attention to detail, ensuring that everything is just as you left it.

We understand the importance of consistency for your pets, which is why each one is matched with a primary pet sitter. In the rare event that your designated sitter is unavailable, rest assured that a qualified and familiar team member will step in to ensure that your pets receive the same level of care. By limiting the number of pet sitters assigned to each client to a maximum of two, we aim to minimize any stress for your pets and maintain a sense of familiarity. Your peace of mind is our priority, and we strive to make the experience as seamless and stress-free as possible for both you and your beloved pets. Thank you for entrusting us with their care.

One Visit Every Day

Our pet-sitting policy is not just a set of rules – it’s our promise to your beloved pets. We are dedicated to ensuring that every cat receives at least one daily visit, and every dog is visited twice, with no more than 12 hours between visits. We firmly believe that skipping a day is simply not an option when it comes to the well-being of your furry companions. Even if you have automatic feeders or think your pet is independent, we insist on our daily visits because we are committed to their safety and happiness. As their caretakers, we hold ourselves to the highest standards to provide the best care possible for your cherished pets while you are away.

Pet Guardianship 

In the case of an unexpected emergency or a situation posing a serious threat to your life or even loss of life, we kindly request our clients to appoint both a local emergency contact and a pet guardian. The well-being of your pet is of utmost importance to us, and we strive to guarantee that they will be cared for in accordance with your directives should any unfortunate events occur. Although we have not previously faced such a troubling circumstance, we are dedicated to handling all potential eventualities, providing you with reassurance that your beloved pets will be properly attended to while under our supervision.

 

We understand that emergencies can be a stressful and worrying time for pet owners. By designating an emergency contact and a pet guardian, you are taking proactive steps to safeguard your furry companions in case of any unexpected events. Rest assured that our team is prepared to act swiftly and decisively to ensure the safety and well-being of your pets. Your trust in us is valued, and we are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of care for your beloved animals. Thank you for entrusting us with the responsibility of caring for your pets, we are here to support you and your furry friends every step of the way.