Policies
At Golden Tails, we are committed to providing professional, loving, and reliable care for your pets. To ensure the highest standard of service, we have outlined the following policies for our dog walking, pet sitting, and meet-and-greet services. By using our services, you agree to adhere to these policies.
Policy Information
Payment Policy Dog Walking:
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Dog Walking: Payment is required in full at the time of booking to confirm your reservation. This helps us secure your spot and prepare for your pet’s walk.
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Pet Sitting: A non-refundable 20% deposit is required at the time of booking for pet sitting services. The remaining balance must be paid in full at least 7 days prior to the service date. If payment is not received by this time, the booking may be cancelled.
Cancellation Policy Dog Walking:
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Dog Walking: Cancellations made more than 48 hours before the service will incur no charge. Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the scheduled walk will incur a 50% charge of the booking amount. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the service will incur a 100% charge.
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Pet Sitting: Cancellations made 7 days or more before the start date will result in the loss of the non-refundable 20% deposit. Cancellations made less than 7 days before the service will incur a charge of 20% of the total booking cost. Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the service will incur a 100% charge. Meet-and-Greet: We ask for at least 24 hours' notice for any cancellations or rescheduling of meet-and-greets. If more than two meet-and-greet appointments are cancelled or rescheduled, we may no longer be able to accommodate future bookings.
Emergency Policy Immediate Action:
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In the event of an emergency, we will contact you immediately to inform you of the situation and follow your instructions. If we cannot reach you, we will take your pet to the nearest veterinary clinic for care.
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Vet Visits: If veterinary treatment is required, we will take your pet to the nearest available veterinary clinic and inform them of your pet’s health history. If approval for treatment is needed, we will attempt to reach you for consent. Medical Costs: Any emergency medical treatment provided will be initially covered by Golden Tails. However, we will contact you as soon as possible for reimbursement of veterinary fees.
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We strongly recommend that all clients have up-to-date pet insurance to cover any medical costs incurred during our services. Emergency Contacts: We request that all clients provide an emergency contact who can make decisions regarding your pet’s care in the event we cannot reach you.
Pet Sitting & Dog Walking Policies Health & Safety:
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All pets must be up-to-date on vaccinations (including rabies, distemper, and parvovirus) and flea/tick treatments to ensure the safety and health of all animals in our care. We may require proof of vaccination upon booking.
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Behaviour & Aggression: If your pet displays aggressive behaviour that could pose a risk to our team or other pets, we reserve the right to cancel or refuse service. We will always notify you if any behavioural issues arise during our care and discuss next steps.
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Comfort & Security: We take great care to ensure your pet’s comfort. During pet sitting, we will follow your instructions to ensure your pet has access to their favourite toys, bedding, and other items to make them feel at ease. We also ensure the safety of your home by locking doors and windows when we leave.
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Walk Duration & Frequency: Dog walks can be tailored to your pet’s specific needs. Walks typically range from 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on your pet’s health and energy levels. If you have a preference for walk length, please inform us when booking.
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Group vs. Solo Walks: We offer both solo and group walks. Group walks are ideal for social dogs who enjoy the companionship of other pets, while solo walks are available for pets who prefer individual attention or have specific behavioural needs.
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Weather Conditions: In extreme weather conditions (heat, snow, heavy rain), we will adjust the duration or timing of walks to ensure your pet's comfort and safety. We will always monitor your pet closely during walks to prevent overexertion or discomfort.
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Leash Policy: All dogs will be walked on a leash unless otherwise agreed. This ensures their safety and helps avoid any potential risks from traffic, other animals, or dangerous situations.
Key & Information Security Key Storage:
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We provide a secure key collection and storage service for your convenience. Your keys will be stored safely and will only be accessible to authorised staff. They will not be shared with anyone outside of our team.
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Confidentiality & Data Protection: We take the privacy and security of your personal information seriously. Your personal and pet information is stored securely and used solely for the purpose of providing our services. We follow all GDPR guidelines and do not share your information with third parties.
Pet Sitting & Dog Walking Services:
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Additional Information Feeding & Medication: We are happy to administer any medications and follow specific feeding routines as required. Please ensure that all medications and clear instructions are provided before we begin our service.
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Pet Behavioural Needs: If your pet has any special behavioural needs (e.g., anxiety, fear of loud noises, separation anxiety), please inform us so we can accommodate them appropriately during dog walking or pet sitting sessions.
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Duration of Services: Our dog walking services typically last between 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on your dog’s needs and preferences. Pet sitting sessions are flexible and can be adjusted based on the duration and frequency of care your pet requires. Emergency Situations: In the event of an emergency with your pet, we will take immediate action to contact you. If we are unable to reach you, we will seek emergency care from a local vet.
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Non-Solicitation: We request that clients do not directly hire our staff members for personal services outside of Golden Tails. This policy helps to maintain the quality and consistency of our professional pet care services.