SERVICE AGREEMENT

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

VIP Paws is committed to providing exceptional service and care for you and your beloved pet. We understand that a pet is part of your family, and as such, they will be treated with care and respect. The below terms, conditions, and policies have been created for the protection and safety of your pet and our employees. All employee pet caregivers are vetted by VIP Paws to ensure high quality care. Please read the following document carefully; if you have questions or concerns please contact VIP Paws management at info@vippawsnova.com or 703-624-0258

AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT is entered into on the ____day of ________________20___, (“Effective date”) and between VIP Paws (The Service Provider) and _______________________ (The Client).

The Service Provider and The Client shall collectively be referred to as the “Parties,” or individually as the “Party,” and this shall include that Party’s successors and assigns.

In consideration of covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, Parties agree to the following terms and conditions and to be bound thereby:

1. Term

This Agreement shall remain in force from the Effective date mentioned above until its termination in accordance with the provisions set forth herein.

2. Services

Along with any other incidental services, the agreed upon contractual services shall be (selected): 

☐Dog Walks                                                                  ☐Pet Visits

☐Puppy Programs                                                          ☐Long dog hikes in the woods or near park.

☐Others   _____________________ (Explain)

3. Fees and Payments

3.1. For the services rendered, the Client (s) agrees to pay the Service Provider’s Fees as follows:

  1. Dog walking- $17 for a 15 minute walk or playtime

                                  -$23 for a 30 minute walk or playtime

  1. Pet Visits-$17 for a 15 minute walk or playtime

                -$23 for a 30 minute walk or playtime

  1. Puppy Programs-Starting from  $17
  2. Long dog hikes in the woods or near park- $ __________

3.2. Services requested by the Client outside of normal working hours (9am -5 pm) and on weekends shall attract an extra fee of $5 on top of the normal rate.

3.3. Services requested by the Client on Public holidays (New Years Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day) shall attract an extra fee of $10 on top of the normal rate.

3.4. The first meet and greet shall be free, but the second session should a Client feel the same is necessary, will attract a fee of $20.00.

 All payments shall be due prior to the provision of any services.

3.5. If pet supplies are needed while the Service Provider is on duty, additional fees equal to the cost of purchasing the supplies plus a $10.00 transportation fee will be charged on the Client.

3.6. All pending sums shall attract interest at the rate of 10% per month, which shall be charged on an accrual basis.

3.7. Any collection expenses will be borne solely by the Client.

3.8. A fee of $_____ will be charged for each Insufficient Funds (NSF) payment returned to the Service provider.

3.9. All sums payable shall be paid directly through the Service provider’s ‘time to pet’ software.

3.10. The Client(s) shall be solely responsible for all costs and/or deposits relating to the use of a venue and for obtaining any necessary permissions, authorizations, or other requirements for the Service Provider’s provision of services at the venue(s).

4. Independent Contractor

The Service Provider is an independent contractor and shall have sole and exclusive control over the way they, their employees and or agents perform the services to be provided under this Agreement.

5. Client’s Duties

The Client agrees to be bound by and comply with the following duties:

  1. To make prompt and timely payments for services in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and any other agreements that may be entered into between the Parties.
  2. To provide the Service Provider and its agents with a conducive work environment which includes full access to the premises and provision of relevant resources i.e. pet supplies, collars, leashes, medications, identification tags, litter boxes, cat litter and cleaning supplies. etc.
  3. To ensure that at the times scheduled for provision of services by the Service Provider, there is no overlap with services that may be offered by other pet care companies. 
  4. To promptly give the Service Provider any relevant information that may affect its service delivery.
  5. Notify the Service Provider of any concerns within 24 hours of completion of services.
  6. Warrant that pet(s) are currently vaccinated in accordance with all local, state and federal laws and regulations.
  7. To properly secure the home prior to leaving the premises.
  8. Supply the Service Provider with a Veterinary Release Form containing directions to be followed in the event a pet should become injured or sick.
  9. Accept liability for all medical expenses and other damages resulting from an injury to the Pet Sitter, other persons or other animal(s) caused by the Client’s pet(s) or negligent act.
  10. Any other duties imposed under this Agreement.

6.    Meet and Greet

A meet and greet is required for every new Client. This allows the pet to become familiar with the Service Provider and their agents and allows them to learn the pet’s routine for provision of the kind of care the pet is accustomed to. 

The meet and greet forms the basis for the Client and Pet profile.

The first consultation is free with the second consultation attracting a fee of $20.00 should the Client feel the same is necessary.

The Service Provider reserves the right to refuse service to any client, at any time, for any reason.

The Service Provider reserves the right to refuse a Client if they consider their dog dangerous.

7. Access

The Client agrees to issue the Service Provider with two sets of all keys necessary to allow the Contractor access to all locked areas of the Client’s location that may require entry during the meet and greet.

If access to the house is provided through a garage, manual backup keys will still be required to remedy against power outages or malfunctions, mechanical or otherwise.

 A lockbox will also be an option.

Client expressly gives the Service Provider and its agents authority to employ a locksmith on their behalf and to promptly reimburse them for all costs incurred in the event of a malfunction of the lock, keys or automatic door opener.

8. Dog Walking and Pet Sitting

In order to operate within Prince William county regulations, and for the safety of the Service Provider’s employees and the pets the following policies will be followed at all times during dog walking and pet sitting:

  1. Dogs will remain on leash at all times outside of the Client’s private fenced yard. Service Provider’s employees are not permitted to take dogs to off-leash dog parks. 
  2. If the pet appears to be injured or sick at any time during the Service Provider’s session the Client is deemed to have authorized them to take the pet to the veterinary clinic that the Client has identified for medical care.
  3. There is a two (2) hour window provided for scheduled visits.
  4. Clients who are travelling and will be away for overnight to multiple nights will be required to book a pet sitting session. The Service Provider will not provide a multiple visit drop in service of dog walking and feeding where the pets are alone for extended periods of time. 
  5. The Service Provider will not use certain specialty equipment including but not limited to e-collars, and retractable leashes.

9. Privacy and Security Policy

9.1. Client records and information will be handled in a private and confidential manner. 

9.2. At no time will Client information be released to a third party without the express written consent of the Client unless required by law or a Court order.

9.3. Client keys, codes, and other security devices and information will be held in strict confidentiality and treated securely.

9.4. All keys, remotes, and other security devices will be returned to the Client immediately following the end of scheduled services or upon demand.

10. Scheduling, cancellation and Refund Policy

10.1. Scheduled visits will run on a two (2) hour time window.

10.2. Last minute requests for visits will be acceptable whenever the same can be accommodated.

10.3. All visits must be scheduled and confirmed in a direct communication such as in person or talking to the Service Provider’s agents over the phone. Phone messages and emails will not be considered direct confirmation.  

10.4 With adequate notification time, changes to schedules and plans will not incur any fees where the same were issued within an adequate notification time of at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance.

10.5. Cancellations within the twenty-four (24) hours will be billed at the regular rate. 

10.6. There is a no refund policy and any changes in plans of the Client as originally anticipated such as if the Client leaves later and/or returns earlier than they had planned or their trips get cancelled will not oblige the Service Provider to refund any monies that may have been paid.

11. Time To Pet

‘Time to pet’ is the scheduling software used by the Service Provider to schedule and invoice Clients.

All clients in turn, agree to make use of this software in requesting appointments and making payments of all sums due along with any other services that may require use of this program.

This software will also provide the Client with notifications and GPS tracking maps after each walk.

12. Weather Service Changes

12.1. In the event of adverse changes in weather that results in federal government closure, the Service Provider will contact Clients to determine if the current scheduled arrangements are still needed. 

12.2. If the Service Provider determines that the weather is detrimental to the health and wellbeing of any animal they provide care for, walks may be suspended for that day. In this case, let out services may be offered to ensure the pet is provided relieving bathroom breaks, and the remainder of the scheduled time will be spent on indoor socialization and play. 

12.3. The Service Provider will not put any pets in danger due to extreme weather conditions and reserves the right to make judgment calls on this matter.

13. Indemnity

The Client agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Service Provider, its employees, agents, and subcontractors, from and against all claims and suits arising out of this Agreement, including those brought by third parties. This Indemnity shall include reasonable attorneys’ fees, and losses asserted against and alleged to be caused by the Service Provider’s performance, negligent performance, or failure to perform any obligation.

14. Liability Clause

8.1. The Client hereby acknowledges and agrees that the Service Provider shall have no liability whatsoever in contract, tort (including negligence), or otherwise for any damage, accidents or injury including escape, injury, sickness, death or permanent disability just to name a few, whether reasonably foreseeable or not, to the Client, their pet or any third party in relation to this Agreement.

8.2. The Client acknowledges that they are aware of the risks involved in the provision of the services by the Service Provider, and they knowingly accept the risks involved and undertake not to place liability upon the Service Provider in case of any complications.

8.3. The Client(s) and any third parties receiving the Service Provider’s services in accordance with this Agreement undertake to disclose any allergies, sicknesses, sensitivities, underlying conditions or special requirements they, their pets or any third parties may have prior and in adequate time before receiving the said services. 

15. Intellectual Property

All intellectual property belonging to the Service Provider shall be the Service Provider’s exclusive property. Any use of the same shall only be with the authority of the Service Provider. 

16. Model Release Clause

16.1. The Client(s) hereby grants to the Service Provider and his/her legal representatives, heirs, and assigns the irrevocable and unrestricted right to use and publish photographs of the Clients pets, the Client, and any Third parties involved in the event, for marketing, advertising, portfolio, website, and other purposes, in any manner and to alter the same without restriction.

16.2. The Client shall defend and indemnify the Service Provider from and against any claims that may assert against the Service Provider arising from, or related to, the use of any name, image, or likeness of the Client’s Pet, the Client or any Third parties by the Service Provider during the Assignment.

17. Non-Assignment

Neither Party shall transfer or assign this Agreement without the other Part’s consent which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

18. Force Majeure

18.1. For this Agreement, “Force Majeure” means an event which a diligent party could not have reasonably avoided in the circumstances, which is beyond the control of a party and includes, but is not limited to, war, riots, civil disorder, earthquake, storm, flood or adverse weather conditions, strikes, lockouts or other industrial action, terrorist acts, confiscation or any other action by government agencies. 

18.2. A Party’s failure to fulfill its obligations due to Force Majeure shall not be considered a breach of this Agreement, provided that the Party has taken all reasonable precautions, due care, reasonable alternative measures, and minimal delay all to carry out the terms of this Agreement.

19. Covid 19 Regulations Compliance

10.1. The Service Provider and their staff will wear a face mask and ensure thorough sanitization of hands and tools during the appointments during the pendency of this pandemic.

20. Dispute Resolution

Parties agree to settle disputes herein in the first instance through Mediation.

21. Termination

  1. Either Party may terminate this Agreement upon giving the other Party no less than 24 hours notice in writing.
  2. The Service Provider reserves the right to terminate this contract at any time if in their sole discretion or that of their agents, determine that the Client’s pet(s) poses a danger to the health or safety of itself, other pets, other people or the Pet Sitter. If concerns prohibit the Service Provider agent from caring for the pet, the Service Provider will attempt to contact to contact the Client to arrange alternative care. If the Client cannot be contacted, the Client authorizes the Service Provider to place the pet in a licensed kennel with all charges and fees arising to be the responsibility of the Client.
  3. This Agreement will automatically terminate upon completion of the contractual services.
  4. The termination of this Agreement shall not discharge the pending liabilities accumulated by the Client.

22. Changes to the Agreement

Either Party may request changes to the Agreement, but they will only be effective if agreed upon in writing and signed by all Parties. If any ambiguity is found in the Agreement or various documents forming this Agreement, the Parties shall issue any necessary clarification or instruction.

23. No Waiver

Failure by either Party to enforce any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement shall not be a waiver of their right to enforce the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

24. Severability

The provisions of this Agreement are severable. If any provision is held to be invalid or unenforceable, it shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision.

25. Counterparts

This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one instrument.

26. Notices

Any notice required to be given pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing either through email, post or phone as provided by the Parties in this Agreement.

Service Provider: Email   info@vippawsnova.com           

                             : Phone No. 703-624-0258

Client: Email ______________________________________

          : Phone No.  __________________________

27. Client Acknowledgements 

The Client (s) acknowledges that they have been provided with the opportunity to negotiate this Agreement and to seek legal counsel before signing this Agreement. 

In addition, the Client (s) acknowledges that the restrictions imposed are fair, reasonable, and necessary to protect the Service Provider’s legitimate business interests and will not place an undue burden upon their livelihood in the event of enforcement of the restrictions. 

The Client (s) acknowledges that they have entered into this Agreement with the capacity and authority to contract freely and voluntarily. 

28. Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed in all respects by English law, without regard to its conflicts of law provisions. 

29. Entire Agreement

This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between the Parties. It supersedes all prior oral or written agreements or understandings between the Parties concerning the subject matter of this Agreement. All documents annexed to this Agreement shall be subject to the terms under this Agreement, provided that the Parties append their signatures on the documents. The Parties will exercise utmost good faith in this Agreement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Parties has executed this Agreement, as of the day and year set forth below.

Signed by the duly authorized AGENT OF THE SERVICE PROVIDER
Signature: …………………………
Name: ……………………………………….
Designation:………………………….
Date:………………………………………
Signed by the CLIENT(S)

Signature : ………………………….
Name: ……………………………….
Date:……………………….……


 
At Legal writing experts, we would be happy to assist in preparing any legal document you need. We are international lawyers and attorneys with significant experience in legal drafting, Commercial-Corporate practice and consulting. In the last few years, we have successfully undertaken similar assignments for clients from different jurisdictions. If given this opportunity, The LegalPen will be able to prepare the legal document within the shortest time possible. You can send us your quick enquiry ( here )