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General Policies 

At Guardian Home & Pet Care, we are committed to providing dependable, respectful, and professional in-home services. These policies outline expectations, responsibilities, and service guidelines to ensure clarity, safety, and peace of mind for both clients and provider

Booking & Scheduling Policies

  • All services must be scheduled in advance and are subject to scheduling and availability.

  • Overnight, 24-hour and extended-stay reservations should be requested at least 14 days in advance whenever possible. Requests made with less than fourteen (14) days notice may be accepted based on availability.

  • A completed intake form and consultation are required for all new clients before services are confirmed.

  • Services are reserved only after confirmation and, when applicable, receipt of the required deposit or payment.

  • Services requiring multiple daily visits may be limited based on scheduling, property location and availability.

  • Daily visit services may be booked for up to fourteen (14) consecutive days per reservation.

  • Overnight and continuous care services may be booked for up to thirty (30) consecutive days per reservation.

  • Additional reservations may be requested and are subject to scheduling and availability.

  • No single reservation may exceed thirty (30) consecutive days.

Temporary Care & Booking Limits

Guardian Home & Pet Care specializes in vacation, travel and temporary in-home care.

Ongoing recurring services or repeating schedules, such as weekly, monthly or indefinite visits, are not offered.

Clients requiring care beyond the reservation limits may request an additional reservation, subject to scheduling and availability.

​Payment Policy

  • Reservations of fewer than three days require full payment at the time of booking.

  • Reservations of three or more consecutive days or nights require a 50% non-refundable deposit to reserve the dates.

  • Holiday bookings may also require a 50% non-refundable deposit.

  • Reservations totaling $300 or more may also require a 50% non-refundable deposit.

  • Any remaining balance is due before services begin.

  • Services are not considered confirmed until all applicable payment requirements have been met.

  • Failure to submit payment by the required due date may result in cancellation of services and release of the reserved dates.

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Additional Fees & Surcharges

Additional Pet Fees

  • Service rates include the number of pets specified in the selected package.

  • An additional fee of $5 per pet may apply for pets beyond the package allowance.

  • Any additional fees are reviewed and confirmed during the consultation based on the level of care and time required.​

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Optional Add-On Services

  • Optional add-on services are available for an additional fee and may be added to eligible reservations.

  • Available add-ons and pricing will be reviewed during the consultation and included in your personalized quote.

 

Grocery Shopping

  • Grocery Shopping is available as an optional add-on with qualifying services.

  • Clients must provide a shopping list before shopping begins.

  • Clients may leave cash for grocery purchases before departing or send payment electronically before shopping begins.

  • The cost of groceries and household items is the client's responsibility.

Reservations Requiring a Deposit

For scheduling and payment purposes, the following reservations require a greater time commitment, reserved calendar availability or continuous care.

A 50% non-refundable deposit is required for:

  • Reservations of three or more consecutive days or nights

  • A 50% non-refundable deposit may also be required for:

  • Holiday bookings

  • Reservations totaling $300 or more

  • Any remaining balance is due before services begin.

Promotional Discounts

Signature Care Plan  Savings

  • Reserve any two qualifying service packages and receive 15% off the combined service total.
    Reserve all three qualifying service packages and receive 20% off the combined service total.

  • To qualify for Signature Care Plan  savings, Pet Care and House Sitting must be reserved at the same service level (daily, 12-hour or 24-hour).

  • Home Security  may be added to any service package.

Extended Stay Discount

  • A 10% Extended Stay Discount is available on qualifying services booked for 7 or more consecutive days or nights.

  • Applies to temporary travel, vacation and other continuous care reservations.

If a reservation qualifies for both the Extended Stay Discount and Signature Care  Plan Savings, the Signature Care Plan  discount will be applied.

Accepted Payment Methods

Payment is accepted by cash, check, credit/debit card, Venmo, Cash App and Zelle.

Payment instructions will be provided when your reservation is confirmed.

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Returned Checks

A $35 returned check fee will be charged for any check returned by the financial institution.

Payment for the returned check and applicable fee must be made by an approved payment method before future services will be provided.

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Cancellation & Refund Policy

  • Cancellations must be made at least forty-eight (48) hours before the scheduled service start time.

  • Cancellations made within forty-eight (48) hours may result in partial or full charges, depending on the service reserved.

  • Once a service has begun, refunds are not provided for early returns, shortened stays or unused services.

  • Guardian Home & Pet Care reserves the right to cancel or discontinue services due to unsafe conditions, emergencies or violations of these policies.

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Pet Policies

Home Access & Security

  • Clients must provide accurate home access information, including keys, lockboxes, smart locks, garage codes, alarm codes and any special entry instructions. Physical keys may be accepted for the active reservation and will be returned after services are completed.

  • Any changes to access information or entry procedures must be communicated before service begins.

  • Guardian Home & Pet Care is not responsible for delays, missed services or other issues resulting from unavailable access, faulty locks, malfunctioning security systems or incomplete access information.

  • All reasonable care will be taken to secure the home according to the client's instructions before leaving the property.

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Safety

Valuables & Personal Property

  • Clients are responsible for securing valuables, cash, jewelry, firearms, important documents, and other personal property before services begin.

  • Guardian Home & Pet Care is not responsible for the loss of unsecured valuables or personal belongings left accessible during the reservation.

Firearms & Weapons

  • ​For the safety of everyone involved, all firearms and other weapons must be  securely stored before services begin.

  • Guardian Home & Pet Care does not handle, move, or secure firearms or other weapons during the reservation.

Pet Care Responsibilities

  • Homes with pets require a Pet Care service plan to ensure proper care and supervision.

  • Clients must provide accurate information regarding pet behavior, health, medications, and routines.

  • All pets must be safe to handle and properly secured when necessary.

  • Any history of aggression, anxiety, escape behavior, or special handling requirements must be disclosed in advance.

  • Pets must be up to date on vaccinations and free from contagious illness.

  • For safety, services that require pets to be removed from cages or secured enclosures are not included.

  • Guardian Home & Pet Care reserves the right to refuse or discontinue care if a pet poses a safety concern.

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Leash & Outdoor Safety

  • Dogs must be secured by a leash when taken outside unless the property has a fully enclosed, secure fenced area.

  • Clients are responsible for providing a properly fitting leash and any other required walking equipment.

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Pet Care services are limited to a maximum of five (5) pets per reservation. Reservations exceeding five pets cannot be accepted.

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Overnight & 24-Hour Pet Care

  • During Overnight and 24-Hour Pet Care, Guardian Home & Pet Care provides companionship and supervision for pets while also overseeing the home.

  • Brief departures may occur for personal needs, necessary errands or to complete client-requested add-on services, such as Grocery Shopping.

  • The assigned caregiver will not leave the reservation to provide pet care for another household.

  • All scheduled pet care routines and service responsibilities will continue to be provided as agreed.

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Pet Care Service Scope

  • Pet Care visits are designed to focus on your pets and maintaining their routine.

  • Requests for additional household tasks, such as dishes, laundry or light housekeeping, may require House Sitting, Signature Care or an additional service.

  • Basic pet care, such as brushing, wiping muddy paws, cleaning food and water bowls, refreshing food and water, and light coat wipe-downs with pet-safe wipes, may be provided upon request. Professional grooming services, including bathing, haircuts, nail trimming, and ear cleaning, are not offered.

Pet Limit

Veterinary & Emergency Authorization

  • Clients must provide an emergency contact and preferred veterinarian.

  • In the event of an emergency, Guardian Home & Pet Care will make reasonable efforts to contact the owner.

  • If the owner cannot be reached, Guardian Home & Pet Care is authorized to seek veterinary care as deemed reasonably necessary.

  •  All veterinary, transportation, and related expenses are the responsibility of the pet owner.

Illness & Medical Care

  • Guardian Home & Pet Care can provide routine care for pets with stable medical needs, including administering prescribed medications according to the client's instructions.

  • Services are not intended to replace veterinary care or provide intensive medical monitoring.

  • Pets requiring frequent veterinary visits, emergency treatment or continuous medical supervision may require specialized medical or veterinary care beyond the scope of these services.

  • If a pet becomes seriously ill or experiences a medical emergency during the reservation, reasonable efforts will be made to contact the owner and emergency contact before seeking veterinary care as authorized.

  • Guardian Home & Pet Care reserves the right to decline or discontinue care when a pet’s medical condition requires a level of care that cannot be safely provided.

House Sitting Policy

  • Overnight and 24-Hour House Sitting provide presence and oversight of the home and, when pet care is included, companionship and supervision for pets. Brief departures may occur for personal needs, necessary errands or to complete client-requested add-on services, such as Grocery Shopping.

  • Scheduled home and pet care routines and service responsibilities will continue to be provided as agreed.

  • The home must be in a safe and reasonably maintained condition before services begin.

  • Clients must disclose any known property concerns, including leaks, plumbing issues, electrical issues, or security problems, before services begin.

  • Guardian Home & Pet Care is not responsible for utility outages, equipment failures or pre-existing property conditions.

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Plant Care & Watering

  • Plant care and watering are provided according to your instructions.

  • Lawn watering and irrigation requests may be included based on your property's needs, available watering systems and the selected service.

  • Extensive landscaping or time-intensive outdoor watering may require additional time or an additional fee.

Home Security  Services

Home Security services consist of scheduled visual inspections and general property oversight.

  • Services do not include repairs, maintenance, or technical inspection of systems.

  • If leaks, property damage, electrical concerns, security issues, or other unusual conditions are observed during a  scheduled Home Security visit, Guardian Home & Pet Care will promptly notify the homeowner. 

  •  Guardian Home & Pet Care is not responsible for pre-existing conditions or issues beyond reasonable control.

Cleanliness & Home Condition

  • Homes must be reasonably clean and safe at the start of service.

  • Any known issues such as leaks, electrical concerns or security problems must be communicated in advance.

  • Guardian Home & Pet Care does not provide deep cleaning unless specifically booked.

  • Excessive mess, hazards, or unsanitary conditions may result in service refusal or additional fees.

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Insurance 

Guardian Home & Pet Care is a fully insured  in-home service provider. Insurance coverage supports professional service, accountability and added protection while caring for clients’ homes, property and pets

and reflects  commitment to professionalism, accountability, and trust.

  • ​Guardian Home & Pet Care maintains business insurance applicable to the services provided.

  • Business insurance does not replace homeowners, renters or pet insurance maintained by the client.

  • Clients are responsible for maintaining appropriate homeowners, renters, and pet insurance

  • Guardian Home & Pet Care insurance does not replace, extend or override a client’s existing insurance coverage.

Liability & Limitations

  • Guardian Home & Pet Care is not responsible for damage caused by pets, pre-existing home conditions, third  parties, or acts of nature.

  • Clients agree to hold Guardian Home & Pet Care harmless from claims arising from undisclosed risks or unsafe conditions.

  • Liability, if any, is limited to the cost of services provided.

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Service Scope 

Each service is designed to provide the level of care outlined in your selected package. Services are focused on the care and responsibilities included with that package.

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Requests outside the scope of your selected service may require an upgraded service, an additional service or an additional fee.

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For example, Pet Care focuses on your pets, House Sitting focuses on your home, and HomeSecurity focuses on property inspections and security checks. Clients needing a combination of services may benefit from Signature Care or a customized care plan.

Keys, Codes & Privacy

  • Keys, codes, and personal information are kept confidential and used solely for service purposes.

  • Clients are responsible for retrieving keys after service or arranging secure storage.

  • Guardian Home & Pet Care respects client privacy at all times.

Communication & Photos

  • Service updates may be provided via text or email.

  • Photos or videos are shared only with client permission.

  • No images will be shared publicly without written consent.

Service Area

Services are available within the standard service areas shown on the Service Area page. Requests outside these areas are considered on a case-by-case basis based on location, scheduling, and the type of service requested.

Policy Acknowledgment

By booking services with Guardian Home & Pet Care, clients acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to these policies.

Review Terms & Conditions

Guardian Home & Pet Care reserves the right to update policies at any time.

The most current version will always be available on our website.

Have questions? Contact Guardian Home & Pet Care.

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