Policies

Reservations

We want to take the best care of you and your pet! In order to provide you with the quality time and attention your pet deserves, please give us as much advance notice as possible when making your reservation.

Our sitters must coordinate their schedules well in advance to meet our clients’ needs. We can only book a limited number of sits for each sitter, so that he or she can devote the time necessary to your furry family. 

In order to accommodate our last-minute requests, we require a $20 premium on all bookings made less than 24 hours from the start date. This is a one-time fee in addition to your regular rates.

A short notice fee of $10 applies to all visits booked less than four days before the first visit.

Cancellations

A cancellation fee of $25 will apply to all reservations cancelled within four days of the start date.

Due to the exclusive nature of our overnight bookings, a 50% cancellation fee will be assessed for all cancellations within thirty (30) days of the start date.

Midday dog walks may be cancelled by 9:00 am on the day of the visit with no charge.

Keys

You agree to provide The Pet Elf with two sets of working keys.  We will have a second set made at your request for a $10 service fee. If you provide non-working keys or an incomplete set of keys, The Pet Elf will obtain a locksmith at your expense, and an additional $25 service fee will apply.

You may request your keys to be kept on file. If you choose to have keys returned to you after each arranged engagement, a $10 key pick-up visit fee will apply for future bookings.

Payment

Payment for vacation visits is due at the time of service. A fifty-percent (50%) deposit is due at the time of your initial interview, with balance due by your departure date.

You may remit by check, cash or credit card. Your credit cards are securely processed through PayPal. Your invoice is sent via email, with a direct “pay now” button.

Any additional visits made during your booking will be charged at the agreed upon rate.

Feedback & Gratuities

Your feedback is important to us! Please take a moment to let us know how we are serving you. Remember, we want to tailor our service to you and your pets. If you have any special requests, please let us know. Has a sitter performed above or below expectations?  Please call the office at 703-476-9286 with any compliments or complaints. Fill out our feedback survey and receive $10 off! We really love hearing from our clients.

Should you tip your pet sitter? Our sitters care for your pets with a great deal of love, and frequently go “above and beyond” the call of duty.  If you were provided with great service, it is appropriate to tip your pet sitter 10-20% of the total bill.  All messages, cards and tips received at the office are passed directly to your sitter.