Doggone Coach’s
Policies & Procedures

Inclement Weather

Doggone Coach modifies or suspends services according to local school closings and delays.

If roads are unsafe for travel, walks will be cancelled to allow our sitters to prioritize care for our pet sitting and overnight clients.

Overnights & Drop-In Visits

In the case of inclement weather, Doggone Coach prioritizes pet sitting visits to ensure each pet left in our care is safe, happy, and comfortable. Pets with time-sensitive medications are prioritized first.

Depending on road conditions, the time of your pet’s visit may be earlier or delayed. Updates will be provided as needed.

Walks & Happy Hour Visits

If your area is experiencing extreme weather conditions at the time of your scheduled visit, walks may be shortened to 5-minute bathroom breaks and the rest of your dog's visit will focus on indoor enrichment, training refresher, and/or play with your sitter.

If roads are unsafe for travel, walks will be cancelled to allow our sitters to prioritize care for our pet sitting clients.

Pet Care Reservations

Making Reservations

  • All services must be scheduled in advance. We recommend booking as early as possible, especially for holidays and weekends to ensure availability.

  • Availability is not guaranteed. Reservations are booked on a first come, first serve basis.

  • A Waitlist may be available if your requested dates are unavailable. There is no guarantee of services if you choose to be added to our waitlist. Waitlisted clients are notified of cancellations on a first come first serve basis.

 Add-on Services

  • All add-on services must be requested in advance. Last minute add-ons are not guaranteed; they are dependent on pet sitter availability and schedules.

  • Midday visits are not included in the overnight rate. Midday visits may be added to you reservation for an additional $30 per visit, per pet.

Additional Charges

  • Walks

    • All walk visits are 30 minutes from when your sitter enters your home, to when they depart. Your dog’s walk duration may vary based on how long it takes to leash up your pup.

    • Multi-Dog Fees: Each pup gets their own individual walk. Doggone Coach does not split 30-minute walks between multiple pets.

      • + $25/30 minutes per additional dog, per visit

        • For example, a household with two dogs will receive 1 hours’ worth of services: one 30-minute walk per pet.

  • Pet Sitting & Overnights

    • Services Additional Pet Fee of $25 per additional pet, per night, applies for households with more than one pet.

    • Midday visits during overnight stays are not included in the overnight rate and are charged at $30 per walk, per pet.

Meet & Greets

A Meet & Greet is required before scheduling the first service. This visit gives us a chance to meet your pet(s), go over their routine, and make sure we’re a good fit.

For overnight care, clients must complete the following before the first reservation.

  • New Client Registration Form

  • Signed Service Agreement

  • Complete a Meet & Greet

 Note: If the client form and agreement are not completed before the scheduled Meet & Greet, the appointment will be cancelled. Clients are welcome to reschedule their appointment once the above requirements have been met.

Holiday Policies

Holiday Fees & Deposits

  • A non-refundable holiday deposit (50% of total pet sit reservation) may be required to hold your spot.

  • The holidays are our busiest time! Availability is limited and often reserved months in advance.

  • We observe the following major holidays:

    • New Year’s Eve & Day

    • Easter Weekend (Fri-Sun)

    • Memorial Day Weekend (Fri-Mon)

    • Independence Day

    • Labor Day Weekend (Fri-Mon)

    • Columbus Day Weekend (Fri-Mon)

    • Thanksgiving

    • Christmas Eve & Day

  • Holiday pet sitting and overnights are subject to a $25 surcharge fee per holiday night.

  • Walks are subject to an additional $5 holiday surcharge fee on the holidays listed above.

Payments, Cancellations
& Refunds

Payments

  • Full payment will be automatically charged to the card on file on the last day of your pet sitting or overnight reservation.

    • For holiday reservations, the remaining balance will be automatically charged to the card on file on the last day of your pet sitting or overnight reservation.

    • Prepayments are available, please email us for more information.

  • We accept payments via Square.

  • Receipts are sent via email.

  • Recurring clients may arrange for weekly or monthly billing.

Cancellations & Refunds

  • Walks and Pet Sitting cancellations may be made +24 hours in advance of your reservation for a full refund. Walk or Pet Sitting cancellations made within 24 hours of your reservation are non-refundable.

  • Holiday Deposits are non-refundable if cancelled less than 30 days before the start of your reservation.

Health, Vaccinations & Illness

Pets currently diagnosed or in treatment for a contagious illness are not eligible for our pet sitting, walks, or overnight services.

Clients must disclose any and all illnesses to Doggone Coach or risk breaking their service contract.

Dog Vaccinations

  • Rabies

  • Distemper & Parvovirus

    • Often given as combination vaccine, this may appear as DHLPP, DHPP, or DAPP on your pet’s records.

  • Bordetella (recommended, but not required)

Cat Vaccinations

  • Rabies

  • Feline caliciviruses

  • Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)

  • Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), also known as feline infectious enteritis or feline distemper

  • Feline viral rhinotracheitis, also known as herpes virus type 1 (FHV-1)

Contagious Illness

  • Pets diagnosed with or exhibiting signs of a contagious or communicable illness may be deemed ineligible for care. This includes, but is not limited to, symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, nasal discharge, lethargy, fever, skin infections, rash, or any condition that may pose a health risk to other pets, clients, or staff.
    While pets under our care do not interact with animals or people outside of their immediate household, certain illnesses may be transmitted through indirect contact. Some pathogens can remain viable on skin, clothing, or objects for a period of time after exposure, increasing the risk of transmission.

  • Clients are required to disclose any known or suspected contagious illness prior to the start of services. Doggone Coach reserves the right to decline, cancel, or discontinue services if a pet is suspected of having a contagious condition, whether disclosed in advance or observed during care.

  • If a contagious illness is identified or suspected during an active reservation, services may be immediately discontinued at Doggone Coach’s discretion. Any associated cancellations or early terminations will be handled in accordance with the cancellation and refund policies.

  • Doggone Coach is not responsible for the care, treatment, or outcomes related to contagious illnesses and may require veterinary clearance before services can resume.

Training, Behavior, & Aggression

Fear- Free Methodology
& Care Practices

  • Doggone Coach utilizes force-free, fear-free, and reward-based handling and training techniques. We do not use aversive tools (e.g., prong, shock, or choke collars).

  • At no time will Doggone Coach’s staff use aversive tools or methods, including those provided by clients, while a pet is in Doggone Coach’s care. Doggone Coach is committed to providing care that prioritizes each pet’s emotional well-being and safety. Research in animal behavior and learning theory clearly shows that the use of aversive tools or handling methods can increase stress, fear, and defensive responses, particularly in animals with anxiety or behavioral challenges. Elevated stress can negatively impact welfare and safety and may increase the risk of escalation rather than reduce unwanted behavior.

Behavioral Disclosure Requirement

  • Clients MUST disclose their pet(s) behavioral history, including aggression, reactivity, or behavioral concerns during their Meet & Greet. Accurate disclosure is essential to ensure the safety of pets, clients, and staff and to determine whether services are an appropriate fit.

  • Doggone Coach reserves the right to require private training session(s) or multiple relationship-building visits before accepting a pet for ongoing services, pet sitting, or overnight care.

  • Doggone Coach prioritizes the safety and well-being of all pets and staff. Pets exhibiting high levels of stress or behavior that is unsafe or unmanageable may not be eligible for services. A pet’s suitability for services is continuously evaluated. Behavioral changes over time may affect eligibility for future reservations.

 Key & Home Access Policy

Home Access

  • Clients must provide reliable access to the home (via key, lockbox, keypad, or smart lock) before the first service begins.

  • Unless otherwise requested in writing, Doggone Coach reserves the right to create and retain a duplicate key for emergency or backup access. All keys are stored securely and are not labeled with client-identifying information.

  • In the event Doggone Coach is unable to access the residence due to access-related issues, including but not limited to dead batteries, incorrect access codes, or lock malfunctions, Doggone Coach may contact a locksmith to gain entry. Any locksmith fees, lockout charges, or related expenses incurred may be billed to the client.

Access Changes & Issues

  • Clients must notify Doggone Coach promptly of any changes to access methods, codes, locks, or alarm systems prior to service. Doggone Coach is not responsible for service disruptions resulting from undisclosed changes.

  • If the home is equipped with a security or alarm system, clients must provide clear instructions for disarming and rearming the system. Doggone Coach is not responsible for false alarms or penalties resulting from incorrect or incomplete instructions.

  • Doggone Coach is not liable for delays, missed services, or additional expenses resulting from access issues outside of its control.

Emergency Access Authorization

  • Clients authorize Doggone Coach to take reasonable measures, including contacting a locksmith or emergency services, to access the home if deemed necessary for a pet’s health or safety.

 Liability Disclaimer

  • While every effort is made to provide safe, loving care, Doggone Coach LLC is not liable for illness, injury, escape, or death of pets under our care if caused by circumstances beyond our control (e.g., pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, third-party actions).

  • By booking with Doggone Coach LLC, you agree to our policies and release us from liability within reasonable limits.