IN-HOME SERVICE AREA. Service requested outside of the “Primary Service Zone” of Harmonious Hounds, LLC (“HHL” from this point forward) are subject to a fee per mile gas surcharge (based on the current IRS reimbursement rate) on top of the base service rate. This refers to all locations outside of a 20-mile round-trip of the business’s office, in New Bedford, MA.
TRAINING LOCATION. Sessions may be held at either the Client’s home, either of HHL’s sites for group classes – Paws ‘N’ Play Doggy Daycare, located at 562 Reed Road, Dartmouth, MA/ Mellisa’s Pet Depot, located at 8 Sarah’s Way, Fairhaven, MA or any other prearranged public place. The Client acknowledges that this agreement for services is between only The Client and HHL and thus, releases Steven Raposo DBA Paws ‘N’ Play Doggy Daycare and Awesome Pet II, Inc. DBA Mellisa’s Pet Depot, as well as their agents and employees of any and all liability. Additional release forms may be required.
HOLIDAY SURCHARGE & SERVICE. A $10 per visit charge is appended to visits that the Client schedules for the following holidays and/or associated holiday weekend days: (1) New Year’s Eve, (2) New Year’s Day, (3) Easter Day, (4) Memorial Day, (5) Independence Day, (6) Labor Day, (7) Columbus Day, (8) Thanksgiving Day, (9) Christmas Eve, and (10) Christmas Day. Service is assumed to be unnecessary and cancelled for regular weekly walking visits that fall on the above dates unless otherwise scheduled.
DOG WALKING/RUNNING PAYMENT. Payment for each walk or series of walks is due upfront; services are not officially confirmed until payment is received. Customers utilizing services on a recurring, weekly schedule will be billed for the upcoming month’s services by the first of the prior month (i.e. bill April 1st for May’s upcoming service, etc.). Should payment not be rendered by the first of the month, service will be suspended until such time as the outstanding invoice is paid. We accept cash, check and credit/debit card via PayPal as payment. Payment can mailed to “Harmonious Hounds, P.O. Box 80121, South Dartmouth, MA 02748.”
PET SITTING PAYMENT. Payment for service is due upfront in order to confirm our services . Payment must be tendered at least 24 hours in advance of the first scheduled visit. It can be mailed to “Harmonious Hounds, P.O. Box 80121, South Dartmouth, MA 02748” or completed online via PayPal. We accept cash, check, and credit/debit card via PayPal as payment. HHL reserves the right to leave the Client’s home without rendering service if payment has not been received by the first scheduled day of service. Clients are NOT to leave checks for sitters to pick up – payment must be received directly by the main office.
TRAINING FEE. HHL will be paid an hourly fee of $75, or as agreed upon in an official estimate, for coaching private training or behavior modification lessons for the Animal(s). Payment is due in advance for discounted multi-lesson packages or at the completion of each one-hour lesson when purchased individually.
DEFAULT. A finance charge of 1.5% per month will be added to unpaid balances after 30 days. Should the Client fail to pay for fees or expenses as detailed in this agreement for a period of 90 days, legal action shall be sought to obtain proper payment of debts. If this action is required, the Client will be bound by this contract to pay all attorneys’ fees and court costs incurred by HHL to obtain payment.
RETURNED CHECK FEE. Any check that fails to clear or is returned due to insufficient funds will incur a $27 returned check fee. This fee is determined by HHL’s bank and is non-negotiable.
DOG WALKING/RUNNING RESERVATION POLICY. Reservations are required for all dog walking requests not on a regular, weekly contract. The Client understands that HHL has limited manpower and therefore, must book service in advance. Short notice walks are available at the discretion of HHL and incur an additional $10 fee per visit. At least 24-hours notice is required for dog walking services booked Monday through Friday. 48-hours notice is required for dog walking services booked for Saturday or Sunday.
PET SITTING RESERVATION POLICY. Reservations are required for all pet sits and are necessary to assure sitter coverage. The Client understands that HHL has limited manpower and therefore, must book service in advance. If the Client returns early, they will be required to pay for the reserved amount of service scheduled, excluding any gas surcharges. At least 48-hours notice is required for pet sitting unless otherwise arranged with HHL. Short notice care (less than 48-hours) is available solely at the discretion of HHL and will incur an additional $10 fee per visit.
DOG WALKING/RUNNING CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY. The Client acknowledges that refunds are not granted under any circumstances; only account credit may be available at the discretion of HHL. The Client may cancel services up to 24-hours prior to the appointment with verbal or written notice with no penalty. If cancellation fails to be communicated within 24-hours of the scheduled visit, a $10 cancellation fee will be administered. Prepayment credits for cancelled visits will remain on the Client’s account, less any charges for short notice cancellations, to be applied to future service
PET SITTING CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY. The Client acknowledges that refunds are not granted under any circumstances; only account credit may be available at the discretion of HHL. No credit is provided for cancellations with verbal or written notice made less than 48 hours prior to the scheduled service or for care booked on a holiday/associated holiday weekend. Cancellations communicated to HHL within 2-7 days prior to the scheduled service will be granted an 80% credit. Cancellations made 8 or more days prior to the scheduled service will be granted a 100% credit. Unpaid service may be cancelled by HHL without notice before or during the scheduled service period.
TRAINING CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS. The Client acknowledges that refunds are not granted under any circumstances, including inability to complete lessons for any reason. The Client may cancel services at any time with notice verbally or in writing, but any credit remaining after one year’s time is donated to HHL for use with local animal rescues and shelters. At the HHL’s discretion, credit may be transferred to other services (group classes, pet sitting, or dog walking). Appointments cancelled with less than 48-hours notice are subject to a $25 fee. The full lesson fee will be due for appointments missed without notice.
PET CARE LIABILITY WAIVER. HHL will endeavor to offer only sound, safe, and responsible care for The Animal(s) and home. The Client has been informed and understands, however, the risks inherent in granting their Animal(s) access to the outdoors, including, but not limited to, interactions with other animals and potential exposure to injury, disease, and parasites. As an express condition of this contract, the Client relinquishes any and all claims against HHL and its employees, except for those arising from acts of negligence.
HHL agrees to remain insured through Mourer Foster or a comparable pet care liability insurance entity during each service period. Claims of negligence that involve a hired Independent Contractor, employed by HHL, will be the responsibility of the Independent Contractor and the company they represent. All hired Independent Contractors are required to carry liability insurance with optional coverage or bonding through a reputable company.
Further, the Client will remain responsible for the actions of their Animal(s) at all times and hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless HHL and its agents of any and all claims of injury, expense, costs, or damages caused by the actions of their Animal(s) while under the care of HHL or under their own volition as a result of following any instructions provided by HHL. The Client has been informed by HHL and understands the inherent risks of owning Animal(s), including, but not limited to the risk of animal bites to others or themselves.
Additionally, HHL will act with all due respect and caution in the Client’s home in their absence and the Client hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless HHL of any and all claims of damages to their property beyond HHL’s control. This includes, but is not limited to, leaks, electrical problems and acts of nature. In these situations, every effort will be made to contact the Client and/or the Client’s provided emergency contact before making a subjective decision of how to deal with the problem. All repairs and related fees will be paid by the Client, or fully reimbursed to HHL within 14 days of the Client’s return. The Client understands that the recommendation of any other product or service is not a guarantee of their satisfaction with that product or service.
HHL is not responsible for any damage to property of the Client or others unless such damage is found to be due to negligence on the part of the caregiver. If anyone (other key holders, relatives, other service providers) is to have access to the property during the term of service, HHL can only be held liable for acts of negligence that occur while HHL is on premises. HHL accepts no responsibility for loss to the premises if other individuals have access to the Client’s home, or if the home is not properly secured following such access. The Client agrees to instruct any entrants to their house during their absence to sign-in on HHL’s “Visitor Log,” provided in an accessible place by the caregiver on the first day of service. Furthermore, HHL can be held liable up to a maximum of $500 for any instance of property damage, loss or injury where HHL is found to be at fault.
The Client is responsible for pet-proofing the house, yard and security fences/gates/latches. HHL will not be responsible for the safety or liable for the death, injury, disappearance or loss of any Animal(s) with client ordered unsupervised access to the outdoors, including but not limited to cats with indoor/outdoor access.
TRAINING RELEASE. HHL warrants that all reasonable steps to provide a safe and healthy training environment will be taken. The Client understands that training sessions are not without risk to themselves, members of their family, guests who may attend, or to the contract Animal(s). In consideration of, and as inducement to the acceptance of the Client’s application for coaching, the Client hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless HHL, its managers, instructors, agents, employees and/or representatives of any and all claims made by the Client or any accompanying guests, of injury, expense, costs or damages to self, the Animal(s) or any handler sponsored by the Client. In addition, the Client agrees to defend and indemnify HHL of any injury, expense, costs or damages to any dog handlers or dogs, whether sponsored by the Client or not, or to third parties arising out of the Client’s actions or the actions of the contract Animal(s). HHL will exercise due diligence and care in working with the Animal(s), but in the event of damage to or loss of the Animal(s) due to injury, illness, death, running away, theft, fire or other unavoidable events, the Client releases HHL, its managers, agents, and employees from any and all liability.
TRAINING LIMITATIONS. The Client acknowledges that it is commonly accepted that dog training will not provide exact results since there is variability in each dog’s ability, intelligence and temperament, as well as in each dog owner’s commitment to develop and maintain behaviors. HHL makes no expressed or implied guarantee to any results achieved in training the contract Animal(s). HHL will work diligently to assist the Client in developing the desired behaviors within the constraints of breed, age, disposition, and time, but can only train, coach, and advise in this endeavor without any guarantees of specific behavior or consistency of that behavior in the future. The Client recognizes that HHL is not responsible for any unintentional errors, omissions, or incorrect assertions. The Client recognizes that the training sessions do not train the Animal(s), but instead coach the Client to train the Animal(s) using the skills demonstrated and resources provided by HHL. The Client understands that the recommendation of any other product or service is not a guarantee of their satisfaction with that product or service. The Client acknowledges that the application of all behavioral advice and suggestions are voluntary and to be utilized at the Client’s own risk.
ANIMAL TEMPERAMENT. The Client certifies that the Animal(s) have not harmed another animal or person or exhibited any behavior, including, but not restricted to, growling, hissing, forceful barking, bearing teeth, snapping, chasing, attempting to bite or biting, that may be indicative of aggression towards people or other animals except as disclosed in writing to HHL. The Client acknowledges that some forms of aggression cannot be addressed with behavior modification alone and that HHL reserves the right to refer such cases to a licensed veterinary behaviorist. The Client agrees to the use of a muzzle or any other restraint deemed necessary on The Animal(s) in any situation that HHL finds vital for safe handling and care.
HHL reserves the right to use their discretion in canceling service at any time that The Animal(s) pose a danger to the safety or health of itself, other pets, other people or the caregiver. Notice will be provided in writing to this effect and this contract is to be considered terminated upon The Client’s receipt of said notice.
HEALTH RELEASE. The Client certifies that the Animal(s) named are in good health and have no medical conditions or history of procedures other than those disclosed in writing to HHL. Should any medical or behavioral condition develop, the Client agrees to provide HHL with notice in writing (email is acceptable) in advance of the next service visit post-diagnosis.
A release form certifying that the Animal(s) are up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations and are free of any communicable diseases/parasites must be submitted before care commences [form to be provided].
The Client is responsible for supplying safe equipment/supplies needed for care of their Animal(s), including, but not limited to a sturdy, well-fit harness/halter/collar/etc., firmly affixed vaccination/identification tags, leash, pooper-scooper, litter boxes, food and/or treats, cleaning supplies, medicines, and litter. HHL reserves the right to employ their own walking and pet care equipment (leashes, collars, harnesses, head collars, cleaning supplies, etc.) should any of the provided goods be deemed unsafe or potentially harmful to The Animal(s) or HHL staff.
HHL must have legal care, control, and custody rights for all animals in their care for admitting to veterinary clinics in the event of emergency circumstances. HHL cannot service a home with “visiting” animals that do not legally belong to the Client without separate agreement and contract forms signed by each rightful owner, as well as additional payment for the services to the second owner.
WEATHER CLAUSE. HHL’s services are provided rain or shine. In the event of catastrophic weather or dangerous road conditions, including but not limited to thunderstorms, hurricanes, and blizzards, HHL will make every reasonable attempt to continue care for the Animal(s), but cannot guarantee their ability to access your home. HHL reserves the right to cancel service for the safety of both humans and animals at anytime. The Client understands that they will not be charged for any appointments that HHL cancels. It is strongly suggested that the Client make arrangements for someone to evacuate the Animal(s) in the event of a disaster or weather-related crisis.
HHL also reserves the right in extreme, inclement weather to restrict outside access for elimination only, spending the rest of the scheduled visit entertaining the Animal(s) in the safety of indoors when temperatures are below 30 degrees Fahrenheit or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. HHL does not provide snow removal services other than the bare minimum necessary to enter your home. Ensure arrangements are made for snow/ice removal in advance, if service will be provided during the winter months.
EMERGENCY RELEASE. The Client authorizes emergency medical care to be provided by the Client’s on-record veterinarian, or an appropriate alternate to be determined by HHL in the event that The Animal(s)’ regular veterinarian is unavailable or that closer care is required. The Client will assume full responsibility for the payment and/or reimbursement for any and all veterinary services rendered, including but not limited to diagnosis, treatment, grooming, medical supplies, and boarding. If reimbursement is necessary, it must be completed within 14 days of the incident requiring veterinary care. The Client agrees to keep a valid credit card number on file with their veterinarian of choice to facilitate treatment in the event of an emergency [see veterinary release form].
The Client authorizes HHL to administer or seek first aid and resuscitative care as determined appropriate by HHL and agrees to indemnify and hold harmless HHL for all and any results thereof.
PET SITTING PLANT CARE. HHL is not responsible for wilted, dead or otherwise unhealthy plants. HHL will work hard to follow the Client’s written directions as precisely as possible, but cannot be responsible if the results are not favorable. All indoor plants must be placed together (if possible) on a waterproof surface in plain sight, as HHL is not responsible for water damaged areas or missed plants.
SURVEILLANCE & MONITORING. The Client agrees to notify HHL in writing should any portion of their premises be monitored by either video or audio surveillance. In the event of any accusation of improper conduct, HHL reserves the right to access such recordings for legal defense. Should any such monitoring occur without disclosure, the product thereof will be inadmissible in criminal or claims court.
MULTIMEDIA. The Client acknowledges that photographs or video footage may be taken of the contracted Animal(s) as long as this contract is in effect and that the product of such reproductions are the sole property of HHL. The Client grants permission for any of this resulting media of the Animal(s) to be used for advertising or educational material by HHL. HHL agrees to use nothing but the animal’s name to label such reproductions.
MISCELLANEOUS TERMS. The Client agrees to discuss any concerns with HHL within 24 hours of return after service.
This contract applies to all animals owned by the Client, including all new pets that the Client obtains on or after the date on which this document was signed. It holds for any and all locations the owner designates now and in the future, without additional written authorization. The Client certifies that they are the sole owner of the Animal(s), free and clear of all liens and encumbrances and that The Client agrees to all of the terms of this agreement.
This agreement is valid from the date signed and replaces any prior legally binding agreements. The Client agrees to any future HHL term changes relayed verbally, by mail or email to the Client, or posted on the HHL website.
This is an at-will contract. Either party may terminate this contract by giving written or verbal notice to the other party, at which time, service will effectively cancel.
