Important information about our services, booking, and care standards
We require a meet-and-greet consultation before your first service. This allows us to meet your pets, discuss their routine, and answer any questions you may have. There is no charge for this initial meeting.
We recommend scheduling services at least 24–48 hours in advance to ensure availability. Last-minute requests may be accommodated based on our schedule but are not guaranteed. All service requests must be confirmed by Happy Tails Animal Care. A booking is considered official only after confirmation and, when applicable, receipt of required payment or deposit. Clients requesting ongoing or recurring services (e.g., daily walks) may reserve a recurring time slot. Changes to recurring schedules require advance notice. Same-day bookings may be subject to an additional fee of $10 and are based strictly on availability. Holiday periods fill quickly and may require advance booking (1–2 weeks or more). Holiday rates and policies apply as outlined in our Holiday Pricing Policy. Requests to modify existing bookings must be made in accordance with our Cancellation Policy. We will do our best to accommodate changes but cannot guarantee availability.
Services are scheduled within designated time windows rather than exact times (e.g., morning, midday, evening). While we strive to be consistent, exact arrival times cannot be guaranteed due to traffic, weather, and other client needs.. Our services are available 7 days a week from 7am to 10pm. Specific visit times will be scheduled based on your pet's needs and our availability. Clients must ensure that all necessary supplies (food, medications, leashes, etc.) and home access instructions are prepared prior to the scheduled service time. Happy Tails Animal Care reserves the right to refuse, cancel, or adjust services due to safety concerns, scheduling conflicts, or unforeseen circumstances. Happy Tails will make every attempt to contact pet owners via the contact information you provide (call, text, email, emergency contact) should a situation arise which could result in a visit being unable to be completed.
Clients may cancel or modify scheduled services up to 24 hours prior to the appointment start time without penalty. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled service will incur a fee equal to 50% of the scheduled service cost. Cancellations made on the same day as the appointment, or failure to provide access to the pet/home at the scheduled time, will be charged 100% of the service fee. If you return home early and no longer require services, unused visits are non-refundable unless otherwise agreed upon in advance. All cancellations or changes must be communicated directly via phone, text, or email confirmation to ensure proper processing.
During major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's), we require 72 hours notice for cancellations to avoid fees.
We understand that emergencies happen. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to cancel due to an emergency, and we will work with you on a case-by-case basis.
We accept cash, check, Venmo, Paypal, CashApp and Zelle. Payment is due at the time of service or can be arranged for regular clients with recurring services. Payment is due prior to the start of services unless otherwise agreed upon in writing. Services are not guaranteed until payment has been received. For extended bookings or holiday services, a non-refundable deposit of 20% may be required to secure your reservation. The remaining balance must be paid before services begin.
Our standard rates are $30 per visit for drop-in pet care, with additional visits the same day at $5 each. Dog walking services are $30 for 30 minutes. All pets in your home are included in the base rate. Additional fees may apply for: Extra time or extended visits, Last-minute or same-day bookings, Holiday services and If pets can’t be walked at the same time.
Payments not received by the due date may incur a late fee of $10 per day. Continued non-payment may result in suspension of future services. Any returned payments or failed transactions will incur a fee of $5, and the outstanding balance must be paid promptly using an alternate method. Accounts with outstanding balances may not be able to book future services until payment is received.
Refunds are not guaranteed and are handled on a case-by-case basis. Service credits may be issued at the discretion of Happy Tails Animal Care. Refunds may be issued in accordance with our cancellation policy. Cancellations made with at least 24 hours notice (or 72 hours for holidays) may receive a full refund. Deposits for extended bookings or holiday services are non-refundable. If you are dissatisfied with our services, please contact us immediately so we can address your concerns.
While gratuity is never expected, it is always appreciated! If you feel our team has provided exceptional care for your pets, tips can be given in cash or added to your electronic payment via Venmo, Paypal, CashApp or Zelle. Your generosity helps us continue providing the best possible care for your furry family members.
All pets must be up-to-date on vaccinations as recommended by a licensed veterinarian. Proof of vaccination may be requested prior to the start of services. ets should be on a regular flea, tick, and parasite prevention program. If a pet is found to have fleas or other parasites during service, additional cleaning fees may apply.
Clients must disclose any behavioral concerns, including but not limited to: Aggression toward people or other animals, Anxiety, fearfulness, or escape tendencies and History of biting or destructive behavior. Full transparency ensures we can provide safe and appropriate care. Happy Tails Animal Care reserves the right to refuse or discontinue services if a pet exhibits aggressive or unsafe behavior that poses a risk to the caregiver, other animals, or property. Clients are responsible for any injuries or damages caused by their pet(s). This includes bites, scratches, or property damage resulting from pet behavior.
Clients must disclose any known medical conditions, illnesses, injuries, or special needs. This includes: Chronic conditions, Recent surgeries or injuries, Allergies or sensitivities and Mobility limitations. Clear care instructions must be provided for any special needs.
We are happy to administer medications as part of our complimentary services however Medication administration may incur an additional fee per visit, depending on the complexity and time required.. Clients must provide clear, written instructions for all medications, including: Dosage and frequency, Method of administration (oral, topical, injectable, etc.) and Any special handling or storage requirements. All medications must be clearly labeled and left in an accessible location. Clients are responsible for ensuring an adequate supply of medications for the entire service period. Happy Tails Animal Care is not responsible for missed doses due to insufficient supply. We can administer most oral and topical medications. Administration of injectable medications (including insulin) may be accepted on a case-by-case basis, depending on the pet’s temperament and caregiver availability. Pets must be reasonably cooperative for medication administration. If a pet shows signs of aggression, extreme stress, or poses a safety risk, we reserve the right to discontinue attempts and notify the owner. While we make every reasonable effort to successfully administer medications, we cannot guarantee that every dose will be completed, especially if the pet resists. The safety and well-being of the pet and caregiver are our top priorities. If a dose cannot be administered, we will: Notify the client as soon as possible, Provide details of the situation and Follow any backup instructions provided by the client. If a pet has an adverse reaction or medical emergency, we will follow the Emergency Veterinary Care Policy and seek immediate assistance at the owner’s expense.
In the event of a medical emergency or if a pet becomes ill while under our care, we will make every effort to contact the owner. If the owner cannot be reached, we will follow the Emergency Veterinary Care Policy and seek treatment as needed at the owner’s expense.
We require that all pets have appropriate safety equipment and that your home environment is safe for pet care. Clients are responsible for maintaining a safe home environment for their pet(s) and the caregiver, including securing hazards and providing safe access areas. This includes secure fencing for outdoor access, properly fitted collars or harnesses with ID tags, and safe containment areas if needed. Please ensure all hazardous materials, toxic plants, and dangerous items are stored securely out of reach. If your pet requires special safety equipment (muzzles, crates, gates), these must be provided and we'll need clear instructions on their use. Happy Tails Animal Care is not responsible for incidents caused by faulty or inadequate equipment.
To ensure a smooth and secure experience for both clients and sitters, please review the following access guidelines: We do not take possession of physical keys under any circumstances. Clients who do not have electronic access (such as a keypad, smart lock, or garage code) must arrange an alternative access method prior to the start of services. Clients may, at their own expense, purchase a secure key lockbox, or obtain one from us with a refundable deposit. This lockbox must be properly installed on the front door or another agreed-upon location. It is the client’s responsibility to ensure that all access codes are accurate, active, and functional for the duration of services. If using a lockbox, the client must ensure it is securely placed and accessible prior to the first scheduled visit.Failure to provide reliable access may result in missed visits and/or additional service fees.
We will ensure all doors are locked when we leave. We can also alternate lights and bring in mail to maintain a lived-in appearance while you're away.
If you have a home security system, please provide us with the code and instructions during our initial consultation.
We take the utmost care in providing services to your pets and home. While we are not currently insured, we are committed to responsible and professional pet care.
We are not responsible for damage caused by your pets to your home or belongings. We will make every effort to prevent such incidents, but normal pet behavior is beyond our control.
We are not liable for any pre-existing health conditions or injuries that may worsen during our care. Please inform us of any health concerns during the initial consultation.
We're happy to discuss any of our policies and answer your questions
Call (214) 425-8227