VIP Pet Services Policies
A few commands to help our sit & your stay run smoothly.
We’re drooling with excitement that you’ve decided to become a Very Important part of VIP Pet Services.
We take pride in caring for your pets — here’s everything you need to know before we get started.
Let's shake on it!
The policies below help every sit and every stay run as smoothly as possible for you and your pets.
Reservations+
Make reservations or changes through our website, via email, or by phoning VIP Pets at 972-416-0861 or 512-275-6701 — not through your pet sitter.
Last minute? It can be tough to collar a busy sitter at the last minute, but we do our best (only when it doesn't compromise commitments to other clients). Additional fees may apply to reservations made with less than 24 hours' notice.
Cancellations+
Cancellations made within 24 hours of the first scheduled visit are subject to a cancellation fee equal to one visit. This applies to non-holiday pet sitting visits only.
Flexible Scheduling+
Your VIP sitter is happy to visit as often as you request. At a minimum, we recommend one daily visit for all cats and outside dogs, and two daily visits for indoor dogs without outside access.
We require visits at least every 12 hours for your pets.
Arrival Times+
Sitters arrive as close to your preferred time as possible but can't guarantee an exact hour — each pet gets undivided attention, and routes are built around each animal's needs.
Should your sitter be unavailable due to illness or emergency, another screened, qualified VIP sitter will step in.
Inclement Weather+
VIP performs visits in all types of weather, with regard for sitter safety. In extreme conditions, morning visits may run later and evening visits earlier.
In everyday storms, dogs are walked unless conditions are unsafe — otherwise indoor play is exchanged.
Holiday Reservations+
Holiday reservations must be secured with a credit card at booking. Holiday cancellations are refunded as follows:
- 2+ weeks prior100% refundable
- 10 days prior50% refundable
- 6 days prior25% refundable
- 4 days or less0% refundable
Secure Access+
VIP strongly recommends a lockbox for sitters to access your home — just as a Realtor or contractor would use. Doorknob versions attach to a doorknob, gas meter, fence rail or other immovable object; wall-mount styles adhere to a doorframe, siding or garage frame (both available on Amazon). Keep your keys secure and available on your property at all times.
If you prefer not to use a lockbox, you may place a key somewhere on your property or schedule a key pick-up before your service date (a $20 pick-up/drop-off fee applies). VIP can also safe-keep keys for future use — we need two workable copies. We also strongly recommend giving a key to a neighbor to protect your pet in the event of an emergency or natural disaster.
Job Sharing+
VIP does not recommend job sharing. Unlocked doors, over-feedings, missed feedings, lost keys and mis-set alarms complicate matters and compromise your pet's safety. Please notify the office if a neighbor, housekeeper or anyone other than a VIP person has access to your home while you're away. We reserve the right to decline these assignments.
Payment+
VIP requires a valid credit or debit card to secure all pet sitting reservations. We charge your card for all payments 2 days prior to the first scheduled visit.
- New ClientsCard required at set-up to book
- Existing ClientsKeep your account info updated
Call us with your credit card in hand: 972-416-0861 or 512-275-6701. Service cannot be scheduled without your credit card information.
Please Be Aware
VIP Pet Services is not responsible for any loss, injury or death that may occur to pets with open access to the outdoors while you're away. This includes dogs in a fenced yard, cats that roam outside, and dogs and cats that use a pet door to come and go.