Service Agreement Policy

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Mid Shore Animal and Home Sitting, LLC (hereinafter referred to as "Service Provider") agrees to provide animal care and home sitting services to the Client under the terms and conditions outlined in this Service Agreement. By booking services, the Client agrees to these policies and accepts full responsibility for payment and adherence to the outlined terms.

1. SERVICES PROVIDED

The Service Provider agrees to provide animal sitting, animal walking, overnight care, home visits, and other related services as agreed upon in writing between the Client and the Service Provider. The specific services, dates, and fees will be confirmed through booking correspondence.

2. PAYMENT TERMS

a. A 20% deposit is required at the initial Meet & Greet to secure future services. This deposit is non-refundable if services are canceled within 48 hours of the scheduled appointment.
b. Full payment for services is required prior to, at the start of service, or immediately after services unless otherwise agreed in writing.
c. A $30 handling fee will be charged for any returned checks.
d. If collection proceedings are necessary, the Client is responsible for all attorney’s fees, court costs, and collection expenses incurred.

3. CANCELLATION & REFUNDS

a. Standard Bookings: Cancellations made at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund or credit toward future services.
b. Cancellations within 24-48 hours of service will be refunded at 50% of the total service cost.
c. Cancellations less than 24 hours before service are non-refundable due to the limited availability of our services.
d. Holiday and Peak-Season Bookings: A 72-hour notice is required for a full refund.

4. EARLY RETURN POLICY

If the Client returns home earlier than scheduled, they remain responsible for full payment of the booked service period.

5. EMERGENCIES, MEDICAL CARE, WEATHER-RELATED EVENTS

a. In the event of an emergency or illness of the animal, the Service Provider is authorized to seek veterinary care as necessary. If the Client’s preferred veterinarian is unavailable, the Service Provider may seek treatment from any licensed veterinary facility.
b. The Client agrees to reimburse the Service Provider for all medical expenses incurred for their animal(s), in addition to any additional service fees.
c. If the Service Provider is unable to perform services due to illness, emergency, or unforeseen circumstances, the Client will be notified as soon as possible. The Service Provider reserves the right to arrange for a substitute sitter, provide alternative care, or cancel with a 48-hour notice and refund the Client for any unfulfilled services.

Id. n case of inclement weather or natural disasters, the Service Provider will use their best judgment to care for the animals and home. The Client releases the Service Provider from liability for any consequences related to such decisions.

6. HOME ACCESS, SECURITY & CONFIDENTIALITY

a. The Client authorizes the Service Provider to enter and access their home to perform agreed-upon services.
b. The Client must provide working keys, access codes, or other necessary entry information.
c. The Client must inform the Service Provider if any other individual(s) will have access to the home during the service period. The Service Provider is not liable for any damage or security breaches caused by third parties.

d. The Service Provider agrees to keep all home access information (keys, codes, security details) confidential. All access devices and information will be returned at the end of the contract upon request.

7. LIABILITY, INJURIES, & INDEMNIFICATION

a. The Service Provider will perform all services with reasonable care and skill. However, the Client agrees that accidents, illnesses, and unforeseen incidents can occur and releases the Service Provider from liability, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
b. The Client agrees to hold harmless and indemnify the Service Provider from any claims, damages, injuries, or losses related to animal sitting, home care, or the behavior of the animal(s).

c. If the the Service Provider is bitten, injured, or exposed to disease or ailments from the Client’s animal, the Client is responsible for all medical costs and damages incurred.
d. If the animal causes injury to a third party or damages property while under the care of the Service Provider, the Client assumes full financial and legal responsibility.

e. The Client is responsible for maintaining fences, gates, doors, locks, leashes, collars, and other equipment to ensure the safety of their pets. If a pet escapes or is injured due to property maintenance issues, the Client releases the Service Provider from liability.

f. If the Service Provider suspects neglect or mistreatment of animals under Maryland law, they have the right to report it to the appropriate authorities.

8. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT & FUTURE SERVICES

The Service Provider reserves the right to terminate this Agreement if:
a. The animal(s) display aggressive behavior that poses a danger to the sitter.

b. If services cannot be completed due to aggressive behavior or safety concerns, the Client authorizes their animal to be placed in a kennel at their own expense.
c. The Service Provider determines that the animal’s health is at serious risk due to lack of veterinary care or neglect.
d. The Client violates the terms of this Agreement.

In the event of termination, the Client remains responsible for full payment of all booked services up to the termination date.

e. The signed contract serves as authorization for future services.

f. The Client permits the Service Provider to accept reservations via phone, email, or online without requiring an additional signed contract.

9. AGREEMENT & UNDERSTANDING

By booking services:

a. The Client acknowledges that they have read and understand the contents of this Service Agreement.

b.The Client agrees to the terms outlined above and assumes full responsibility for the care and well-being of their animals and home.