Policies & Procedures

 

Before using Top Dog’s services, an introductory visit will be necessary so that we can get to know you and your pets.  This visit also allows us to get detailed information about caring for your pets and set up a lock box for your house key at a preferred location at your home.  The main objective of this visit is to familiarize ourselves with your pets so that they are totally comfortable with us in your absence. We will also leave a welcome packet that includes a copy of our service agreement, policies, and business cards. Consultations must be scheduled at least 72 hours in advance of requested pet service.

  • All pets must be current on their Rabies vaccination as required by Georgia State Law and any current vaccinations/shot/medicals records on file with your veterinarian. A copy of your pets Vaccination records may also be downloaded to our scheduling portal.
  • We only accept all major credit cards or e-check via our scheduling software Time to Pet for payment.
  • Payment for requested services will be charged two days before service for non-holidays and seven days before service for major holidays. 
  • A confirmation approval email for services will be sent after submitting a pet care request. If you do not receive a confirmation of approved services within 48 hours then contact the office.  This ensures that we won’t miss your message and your pets won’t be left alone. Reservation requests must be made online through our scheduling portal. Service requests without travel details (leaving and returning) will not be approved.  For safety purposes please notify us if you expect anyone on your home or property while you will be away.  
  • All cancellations must be received 48 hours in advance of the scheduled service in order to receive a full refund or credit. For holiday visits, cancellations must be received 7 days in advance.
  • Please remember to contact us upon your return from your trip. Otherwise, we will need to continue visiting to assure the safety and well being of your pet(s) and charges will apply.
  • KEYS – The house key must be secure in a lock box at a preferred location at your home. You may provide your own lock box or purchase one from us for $20. Key-less access such as a garage door or auto-lock door will work instead only if we have access to a house key in the event the power is out, etc.
  • Pet Care hours are from 7 AM – 11 PM.  Morning visits fall between the hours of 7 AM – 10 AM and evening visits between 7 PM – 11 PM.  Pet care visits are not scheduled between the hours of 4-6 PM to allow for personal time.  Specific visit times can be scheduled to accommodate special needs or medications.
  • No more than 24 hours can elapse between visits for Cats.  All pets must be visited at least once per 24 hours (and some pet types require multiple daily visits). This is a professional industry standard, as anything can happen when pets are left alone for an extended time.  From potentially lethal ailments like a urethral blockage to potential home damages, not checking on a pet daily can have costly-or tragic-consequences.
  • Only TDPS is allowed to care for your animals in your absence. We do not share or alternate visits with any family members/friends/neighbors while you are away. We want you to be comfortable with the amount of care and attention your pet is receiving, but we have found that sharing visits has unintended consequences that you may not have considered.  To ensure there is no confusion regarding the pet’s feeding and exercise schedule or the care of the home (setting the alarm, closing doors, etc.), all pet-sitting visits must be completed by our company in your absence.  We find that this allows us to provide optimal care and ensure your pet is healthy, happy and safe.
  • There will be a $20 delivery fee if TDPS needs to pick up supplies for your pet. Please remember to leave adequate (or more!) food, litter, etc. for your pets needs.
  • HOLIDAYS– There will be a one-time flat $10 fee in addition to the regular charge for services ON the following holidays: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve & Christmas Day.
  •  SECURED AREAS– It is the pet owner’s sole responsibility to pet-proof any areas of the home and/or property to which the pet has access. This includes thoroughly inspecting fences, gates, latches, doors and other devices meant to keep a pet inside of or away from any areas that the pet may be having access to. TDPS does not assume and has no liability for any injuries the pet may sustain while in its own home/property and free roaming or outdoor pets. 
  • TDPS assigns TWO pet care professionals to each reservation no matter how many visits per day are scheduled. In the event of personal emergency, illness, or injury regarding the pet sitter, another qualified individual will be scheduled to fulfill the responsibilities set forth in the service agreement.