The Buddies LLC Service Agreement (electronically signed on Time to Pet)

Last updated on: August 17^th, 2022

*If you would like a printout version of this agreement you may ask and we will gladly print you a copy for your records. Up to date versions will be updated on Time to Pet and can also be found directly on our website at www.thebuddieswalk.com*

1. This contract will take effect upon signature by both Client and The Buddies and will remain in effect until terminated by either party as provided below in Item 13. Client may make reservations for additional service at any time during the term of this contract, subject to The Buddies availability. All scheduled visits will be governed by all the terms of this contract. We appreciate as much advance notice as possible but will make every effort to accommodate all requests. In the event of early return home, Client must notify The Buddies promptly to avoid being charged for unnecessary visit(s). This document gives The Buddies LLC. and its representative’s authorization to enter the Client’s listed address as needed to perform agreed upon services.
2. The Buddies is authorized to perform care and services as outlined on this contract. Both The Buddies and Client recognize that the welfare of the animal is the highest priority. If in The Buddies judgment additional services become necessary during the service period to properly care for the animal, The Buddies will first make reasonable attempts to contact Client. If Client cannot be contacted for whatever reason, The Buddies is authorized to undertake such additional steps as may in the reasonable judgment of the The Buddies be necessary or appropriate for the health and welfare of the animal, including but not limited to (a) additional visits by The Buddies to provide care for the animal; (b) consultation with Client’s Veterinarian listed on file, or with an emergency veterinary care provider should Client’s Veterinarian be unavailable; (c) authorizing care and treatment as recommended by Client’s Veterinarian or an emergency veterinary care provider (excluding euthanasia) at the amount stated on file (d) such other steps as may in the reasonable judgment of The Buddies be necessary or appropriate for the health and welfare of the animal. Client agrees to be responsible for all fees and expenses incurred for care and treatment of the animal pursuant to this paragraph, and releases and holds The Buddies harmless from all liabilities related to transportation, treatment, and expense. Client agrees to reimburse The Buddies for any expense incurred, plus any additional fees for attending to animal’s needs or any expenses incurred for any other home/food/supplies needed. The Buddies LLC. shall exercise all precautions against sickness, injury, escape, loss, accidents, or death of Client’s pet(s). The Buddies LLC. is not responsible for sickness, injury, escape, loss accidents or death of Client’s pet(s) unless caused through negligence or willful misconduct on the part of The Buddies LLC.
3. In the event of inclement weather, natural disaster, or circumstances beyond our control, e.g., acts of terrorism, etc., The Buddies is entrusted to use best judgment in caring for pet(s) and home. The Buddies will be held harmless for consequences related to such decisions. 
4. The Buddies agrees to provide the services stated in this contract in a reliable, caring, and trustworthy manner. In consideration of these services and as an express condition thereof, CLIENT EXPRESSLY WAIVES AND RELINQUISHES ANY AND ALL CLAIMS AGAINST THE BUDDIES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE PROVISION OF SERVICES HEREUNDER, EXCEPT THOSE ARISING FROM GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT ON THE PART OF THE BUDDIES. SHOULD THE BUDDIES OR ANY AUTHORIZED PERSON ACCOMPANYING THE BUDDIES SUSTAIN ANY INJURY, DISEASE OR OTHER HARM IN THE COURSE OF PROVIDING SERVICES HEREUNDER, CLIENT WILL INDEMNIFY THE BUDDIES AND HOLD IT HARMLESS WITH RESPECT TO ALL LOSS, EXPENSE AND DAMAGE CAUSED THEREBY, EXCEPT THOSE ARISING FROM GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT ON THE PART OF THE BUDDIES. Client agrees to notify The Buddies LLC. of any concerns within 24 hours of completion of services. 
5. Late Payment fee: Client acknowledges that payment is due immediately upon completion of a scheduled service period without further invoice or notice. All late fees will be additional $10 to invoice after 48 hours of not receiving payment, failure to pay within 7 days will be an additional $25 late fee in addition to the first $10 late fee charge. An advance deposit may be required whenever warranted in the sole judgment of The Buddies. In the event it is necessary to initiate collection proceedings on the account, Client will be responsible for all attorney’s fees and costs of collection. 
6. Cancellation & Reschedule Policy: ANY cancellation or rescheduling made for ANY service with exception to overnight care, should be given a 48-hour notice prior to scheduled appointment. If a cancellation is done within 24 hours client is responsible for paying for the full amount of the service. If a cancellation is made 48-25 hours within scheduled visit, client will be subject to a $15 cancellation fee. If rescheduling is done within a 24-hour period there will be a $15 rescheduling fee, if there is not an exact date when a rescheduling request is made it will be considered a cancellation and will follow by those fee’s as stated previously.
   1. Overnight care cancellation policy: due to the non-refundable 50% deposit (as stated in section 7), a cancellation fee will only be implemented if a cancellation is made within 48 hours of scheduled care. Cancellations made within 48 hours will result in a $100 flat rate fee.
   2. If a rescheduling needs to take place for an overnight care, you must have the new dates to reschedule, deposit will transfer with the rescheduling time frames only if there is availability. Deposit will only be transferred one time for a reschedule. If client reschedules again the deposit will be kept and it will be a new booking and a new deposit will be required to move forward with the booking. If a rescheduling request is made within 48 hours of visit there will be a $100 rescheduling fee to move dates if new dates requested are available.
7. Deposits/Overnight Care: A non-refundable 50% deposit will be required for ALL overnight care at the time of booking. No refund will be given for cancellations, nor will it be put towards a credit if you cancel after placing the deposit. EXCEPTION: If you book 7 months+ out in advance, deposits will be required once visits are 6 months out. UNLESS if a booking is made during school vacations and/or holidays then a 50% non-refundable deposit will be required when booking no matter how far in advance. Holidays/Vacations that require deposits are as followed:
   1. New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day
   2. NH & MA February Vacation weeks
   3. NH & MA April Vacation Weeks
   4. 4th of July
   5. Thanksgiving
   6. Christmas Eve & Day
8. Payments: Payment is currently card payment through Time To Pet online payment via Stripe, Venmo for business’s (@thebuddieswalk), cash, checks, checks must be made payable to “The Buddies”. Client will incur a $25 charge for each returned check in addition to any and all bank fees attributed to the returned check.
9. Service rates: The Buddies has the right to change rates for each service offered at their discretion. If a service rate is changed after service is already scheduled and invoiced, The Buddies will notify client prior to updating the invoice to reflect the most up to date rates. Rates can always be found on our website at www.thebuddieswalk.com
10. In the event of personal emergency or illness of The Buddies, Client authorizes The Buddies to arrange for another qualified person to fulfill responsibilities as set forth on this contract. “Qualified person” may include but not limited to a family member/significant other of the owner of The Buddies, a local insured professional pet care provider, etc. In such case, The Buddies will remain fully responsible for the proper discharge of all services under this Agreement. Every attempt will be made to notify client regarding such situation. Prior to authorizing another qualified personal to step in, every attempt will be made to contact the owner first and the emergency contact(s) the owner has listed.
11. The Buddies reserve the right to briefly step out during overnight care in order to pick up food (take out) or run out for a 15-minute late night visit let out for another client, if this is the case, The Buddies only accepts one client per night for a late night let out to reduce time gone during care. Prior to leaving, The Buddies will ensure pet(s) are cared for prior to stepping out. The Buddies agrees to inform the client if these circumstances ever arise during overnight care and The Buddies will return for the overnight care afterwards.
12. All pets are to be currently vaccinated. (Rabies, Distemper and flea and tick prevented is recommended but not required) Copy of your pet(s) vet records is needed and is the owner’s responsibility to provide updated records when vaccinations are due. Client represents and warrants that pet(s) are currently vaccinated in accordance with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
13. The Buddies and Client each may terminate this contract at any time by handwritten notice, text or email to the other. The Buddies will be entitled to payment for all services rendered until notice of termination is received, and for any transition services reasonably required to provide for the health and welfare of Client’s pets. The Buddies will not terminate during a period of scheduled service unless The Buddies determines, in his/her sole discretion, that a danger exists to the health or safety of the pet sitter. If such concerns preclude The Buddies from providing further care of the pet, then Client authorizes pet to be placed in a kennel, with all charges there from to be charged to Client. Every attempt will be made to notify Client regarding such situation. The Buddies LLC. reserves the right to refuse service to any client, at any time, for any reason. 
14. Client acknowledges that it is their responsibility to ensure all their own information is up to date, so The Buddies has the most accurate way to contact them if ever needed, including phone numbers, email address, address, etc.
15. Client expressly gives The Buddies LLC. the authority to employ a locksmith on their behalf and to promptly reimburse The Buddies LLC. for all costs incurred in the event of a malfunction of the lock, keys, or automatic door opener. The Buddies LLC. is not liable for any loss or damage in the event of a burglary or other crime that should occur while under this contract. Client agrees to properly secure the home prior to leaving the premises. The Buddies LLC. will re-secure the home to the best of its ability at the end of each visit.
16. Client acknowledges that by agreeing this online agreement, he/she/they is providing written approval for the provision of services by The Buddies during any service period scheduled by Client and accepted by The Buddies. Upon such scheduling and acceptance, The Buddies will be authorized to enter Client premises and perform services without additional signed contracts or written authorization and to accept reservations for future visits.

Please note: Due to a pet’s excitement to see us, “door darting” may be attempted by a pet. We take every precaution to prevent this from occurring, but we do HIGHLY recommend that all dogs and cats under our care wear an ID tag (or collar) stating their name and your phone number. I have reviewed this Service Contract in its entirety. The information provided by me is complete and accurate and I agree to all its terms and conditions as set out above.