Terms of Service

Last updated 2026. Plain-English summary first.

Summary

  • You book, I come take care of your pets. Standard rules apply.
  • You agree to give me accurate info about your pets and home.
  • I'm insured but the policy doesn't cover everything; carry your own pet insurance if you're worried about the worst.
  • If something goes wrong we'll talk before lawyers get involved.

The agreement

These terms cover all services booked through this site or directly with Gwen's Friends Pet Care ("Gwen," "I," "the sitter," "we"). By booking you ("the client," "you") agree to these terms. If we have a separate written agreement (e.g., for a long-term recurring engagement), that document supersedes anything here it covers.

Services

I provide pet-sitting services in and around Fearrington, NC, within the 15-mile radius shown on the Service Area page. Specific services, rates, and what each one includes are described on the Services page. Quotes from this site's pricing tool are estimates; final pricing is confirmed in writing before the first booking of any ongoing engagement.

Your responsibilities

  • Accurate info. Disclose everything I need to care for your pets safely — species, breed, age, weight, medications, behavioral quirks, allergies, vet info. If you withhold something and it causes a problem during care, I'm not liable for that problem.
  • Vet authorization. Sign an emergency authorization (template provided at the meet-and-greet) allowing me to authorize emergency vet care on your behalf if I can't reach you. Any vet bills are passed through to you with the receipts.
  • Home safety. Tell me about anything dangerous in the house or yard — aggressive dogs at neighbors', unsafe fencing, toxic plants. I'll do my best to mitigate but I'm not liable for incidents arising from undisclosed hazards.
  • Vaccinations. Pets should be current on rabies and other core vaccinations. I reserve the right to refuse care for visibly ill animals or those with vaccination concerns that haven't been disclosed.
  • Payment. Pay as agreed in the booking confirmation (see Policies). Late fees apply to overdue invoices.

My responsibilities

  • Treat your pets as I'd treat my own. Feed, walk, medicate, and play per your instructions.
  • Send updates — photos after visits, a daily note for house sits.
  • Keep your home secure (lock doors, take mail in, bring in packages).
  • Follow your pet's vet and emergency protocols.
  • Carry business liability and bond insurance through Pet Sitters International. Certificate available on request.

Cancellation & refunds

Per the Policies page:

  • 8+ days before booking start: no charge.
  • 4–7 days before: 50% charge.
  • 3 days or fewer: full charge.

In a real emergency (illness, family death, natural disaster) I waive cancellation fees case by case. Just tell me what's happening.

Liability

I'm insured and bondable for routine pet-sitting risks (bite incidents to a third party, accidental property damage up to the policy limit). I'm not liable for:

  • Pre-existing conditions or underlying illness that surfaces during care and that you didn't disclose.
  • Behavior changes (aggression, escape attempts) from stress, separation anxiety, or unfamiliar environment if you didn't disclose the tendency ahead of time.
  • Loss or damage to valuables you didn't secure before my arrival (jewelry, cash, collectibles).
  • Incidents involving guests, contractors, or other service providers you let into the home during my visit.
  • Auto or mechanical failures (heat, A/C, plumbing) in your home — I'll tell you if I notice something off but I'm not responsible for repairs.

Where these terms and any insurance or consumer-protection law conflict, the law wins. Where they don't, the limits above apply to the extent allowed.

Photos & updates

You authorize me to take photos of your pets during care for the purpose of sending you updates. I won't post photos of your pets to social media or anywhere public without your written permission — and even then, only with your pets' names omitted if you'd prefer.

Ending the relationship

Either of us can end the working relationship at any time, for any reason. Existing bookings remain honored per the cancellation rules. I reserve the right to refuse future bookings from any client without explanation.

Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina, USA. Disputes will be resolved in Chatham County, NC, small-claims court (for amounts under $10,000) or by mediation before litigation.

Changes

I'll email active clients about meaningful changes to these terms. Continuing to book after a change means you accept it.

Contact

Questions or concerns: [email protected] — "Terms" in the subject gets the fastest response.