Policies, in plain words

Money & payment

No payment is taken online. Every request shows an estimate from the published rates; Kim confirms the final total with you directly and you settle with her in person — whatever works for you both.

Deposits

To secure your requested dates and ensure dedicated availability for your pets, Gold Star Pet Sitting requires an upfront deposit for all services. Because we block out dedicated time slots and frequently turn away other clients to reserve your care, all deposits are governed by the specific terms below. 1. Dog Walking & Drop-In Visits (Regular Schedule) Deposit Amount: No deposit required for ongoing, recurring weekly schedules. Payment Terms: Usually paid per week 2. Dog Walking & Drop-In Visits (As Needed & Vacation) Deposit Amount: 25% deposit required at the time of booking. Payment Terms: The remaining 75% balance is due when care begins. 3. Overnight Care (In Owner’s Home) Deposit Amount: 50% deposit required at the time of booking. Payment Terms: The remaining 50% balance is due when care begins. 4. Holiday Deposit: All holiday bookings require a 100% upfront, non-refundable payment to secure the calendar slot. Applicable Holidays: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Payments can be made in cash, check or Venmo.

Cancellations

To secure your requested dates and ensure dedicated availability for your pets, Gold Star Pet Sitting adheres to the following cancellation policy. Because we block out dedicated time slots and frequently turn away other clients to reserve your care, all cancellations are governed by the specific terms below. 1. Dog Walking and Drop In Visits More than 24 hours notice - complete refund of deposit Less than 24 hours notice - no refund of deposit 2. Overnight Care More than 7 days notice - complete refund of deposit 7-2 days notice - 50% of deposit is refunded Less than 48 hours notice - no refund given Holiday Cancellations: More than 15 days notice full refund Less than 14 days notice- no refund Applicable Holidays: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Keys & home security

A lock box will be provided for your house keys. The information added to the home access section of the intake forms such as alarms and lockbox codes is encrypted for your safety.

Access details are collected only after a booking is approved, stored encrypted, and never sent by email.

If your pet gets sick or hurt

I will always call you first. If you are unavailable I will call the vet listed on your intake forms and follow the spending cap listed below Routine/urgent care: up to $1,500 without additional authorization. Life-threatening emergency: you authorize necessary stabilization while I continue to try to reach the owner/emergency contact. Major surgery/hospitalization: I will obtain owner approval whenever reasonably possible

Vet-care spending cap: Kim won't authorize more than $1,500.00 in care without reaching you first. You can set a different number for your own household.