Independent Contractor Policy

1. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR STATUS

1. Non-Employee Relationship: Contractors engaged by the Service Provider are not employees, partners, or agents of the Service Provider but are instead independent business operators responsible for their own methods and work schedules.

2. Control & Autonomy: Contractors maintain full control over how they perform their assigned services, provided they adhere to the standards, policies, and guidelines set forth by the Service Provider.

3. No Employee Benefits: Contractors are not eligible for employee benefits, including but not limited to health insurance, workers’ compensation, retirement plans, or paid leave.

2. REPRESENTATION OF THE BUSINESS

1. Acting as a Representative: While performing services for clients, Contractors act as authorized representatives of the Service Provider and must uphold its professional reputation, standards, and policies.

2. Professional Conduct: Contractors must conduct themselves with integrity, professionalism, and courtesy while interacting with clients, their animals, and their property.

3. Compliance with Policies: Contractors must comply with all Service Agreements, Policies, and Procedures established by the Service Provider when performing contracted services.

3. RESPONSIBILITIES TO CLIENTS

1. Service Commitments: Contractors must fulfill all service obligations as agreed upon in client bookings, ensuring reliability, punctuality, and quality care.

2. Client Confidentiality: Contractors must maintain strict confidentiality regarding client information, home access details, and any personal or sensitive data encountered while providing services.

3. Emergency Handling: Contractors must follow the Emergency & Veterinary Care Policy and contact the Service Provider immediately in case of an emergency involving a client’s pet, home, or any other unforeseen situation.

4. Client Issue Reporting: Clients are responsible for notifying the Service Provider of any concerns, complaints, or issues regarding a Contractor’s performance or conduct. All concerns should be reported in writing to info@midshoreanimalhome.com within 24 hours of the incident. The Service Provider will investigate the matter and take appropriate action, which may include corrective measures, reassignment of services, or termination of the Contractor’s agreement.

4. COMMUNICATION & BOOKING PROCESS

1. Booking Through the Service Provider: When a client books services through the Service Provider, the Service Provider will contact the appropriate Contractor to confirm availability before scheduling the service.

2. Contractor-Client Bookings: Clients may book services directly with a Contractor. In such cases, the Contractor must notify the Service Provider immediately so that the booking is recorded, and all necessary documentation and payments are processed.

3. Service Updates & Reporting: Contractors must communicate regularly with the Service Provider regarding the status of assigned services. This includes providing updates, sending photos, and confirming service completion.

4. Separation of Responsibilities: Contractors understand the division of responsibilities between themselves and the Service Provider. If a client is uncertain about any aspect of the service, the Contractor is responsible for directing them to the Service Provider for clarification.

5. BUSINESS INSURANCE COVERAGE

1. Liability Coverage: Contractors are covered under the Service Provider’s business insurance for the duration of their contracted services.

2. Limitations on Coverage: This coverage applies only while the Contractor is actively performing services on behalf of the Service Provider. Any personal business or services rendered outside of this contract are not covered under the Service Provider’s insurance.

3. Incident Reporting: Contractors must report any accidents, injuries, property damage, or pet-related incidents to the Service Provider immediately for proper handling and insurance processing.

6. SEPARATION FROM THE BUSINESS

1. Independent Work Structure: Contractors are responsible for their own tax obligations, business expenses, and scheduling, and they must operate in compliance with federal, state, and local laws regarding independent contractor status.

2. No Authority to Bind the Business: Contractors cannot enter into agreements, contracts, or financial obligations on behalf of the Service Provider.

3. Use of Service Provider’s Branding: Contractors may not use the Service Provider’s name, logo, or branding for personal business purposes without prior written consent.

7. TERMINATION OF CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT

1. The Service Provider reserves the right to terminate a Contractor’s engagement at any time if they fail to uphold the standards, policies, or professionalism expected in the role.

2. Contractors may also terminate their engagement with written notice, provided that any outstanding services or commitments to clients are fulfilled.

3. If a client reports significant or repeated concerns regarding a Contractor, the Service Provider reserves the right to reassign the client’s services and, if necessary, terminate the Contractor’s agreement following an internal review of the complaint.

8. AGREEMENT & ACKNOWLEDGMENT

All independent contractors receive training, manuals, policies, and sign a contract with the Service Provider before starting services.

 

By booking services, the Client acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to the Independent Contractor Policy.​​