Terms and Conditions for Bestie Pet Sitting Services

These Terms and Conditions (“Agreement”) govern the use of pet sitting services provided by Bestie (“we,” “us,” or “our”) to individuals and entities (“Client,” “you,” or “your”) who engage with Bestie to care for their pets. By using our services, you agree to the following terms:

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1. Service Agreement

• By engaging with Bestie’s pet sitting services, you consent to the terms outlined here. You acknowledge that this Agreement constitutes a binding agreement between you and Bestie.

• Pet owners are required to disclose any known behavioral issues or health conditions their pets may have prior to booking services. This information is crucial for ensuring the safety of your pet, the pet sitter, and others. Bestie sitters are not equipped to handle aggressive dogs or dogs with behavioral challenges. Failure to disclose potentially dangerous behaviors during the initial meet and greet will result in immediate termination of the membership.

• Failure to disclose behavioral or health issues may result in termination of services.

• Bestie and its pet sitters are not liable for any injury, illness, death, or other harm to your pet or any damage to your property that may occur during the course of our services, except in cases of willful misconduct by the pet sitter.

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2. Liability Release

• You release Bestie and its pet sitters from any liability for injury, illness, death, loss, or damage sustained by your pet or your property during the provision of pet sitting services. You agree that Bestie shall not be liable for veterinary costs, medical treatments, or any expenses resulting from an incident involving your pet.

• Bestie pet sitters will endeavor to care for your pet responsibly and attentively, but you acknowledge that unforeseen incidents, including but not limited to injuries, illnesses, or pet escape, may occur. By using Bestie services, you assume these risks.

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3. Insurance
INSURANCE CERTIFICATE – NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL PET SITTERS

PET SITTING/DOG WALKING OPERATIONS
Certificate Number: CCP 997945-02671-33

This certificate is issued under and forms a part of the Master Policy CCP 997945-00000 issued to:

 

National Association of Professional Pet Sitters
1120 Route 73 Suite 200
Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054

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Certificate Holder:
Bestie
30 West 18th St.
New York, NY 10011

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Certificate Limits of Liability:

$1,000,000 Each Occurrence

$2,000,000 General Aggregate Limit

$2,000,000 Product/Completed Operations Limit

$1,000,000 Personal & Advertising Injury Limit

$300,000 Fire Damage Limit

$10,000 Medical Payments

$2,500 Lost Key Endorsement

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Deductible:
$100 Bodily Injury/Property Damage Deductible Per Claim

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Property Damage Extension Limits:

$10,000 Each Occurrence

$25,000 Aggregate Limit

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4. Veterinary Emergencies

• In the event of a medical emergency involving your pet, we will attempt to contact you immediately. If we are unable to reach you, we may seek veterinary care for your pet at our discretion, but all associated costs will be your responsibility.

• By agreeing to these terms, you authorize Bestie to make emergency decisions on behalf of your pet and agree to cover all costs related to such care.

 

5. Payment and Cancellations
Payment for services must be made in full immediately upon the conclusion of the booking, unless otherwise specified. All payments should be sent to Bestie via Venmo at @lmichelson or through an alternative payment method agreed upon prior to the start of the booking.

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Cancellation Policy

• Walks, Drop-Ins, and Daycare Bookings: No cancellation fee will be applied.

• Boarding and House Sitting Bookings: A $75 cancellation fee will apply if the cancellation occurs within 48 hours of the scheduled start time.

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The $75 cancellation fee compensates pet sitters for the loss of potential income and time reserved.

 

6. Termination
Bestie reserves the right to terminate services at any time if we believe there is a risk to the safety or well-being of the pet sitter, your pet, or others. You will be responsible for any fees for services provided up to the time of termination.

 

7. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold Bestie and its pet sitters harmless from any and all claims, damages, losses, expenses, liabilities, and costs (including attorney fees) arising out of or in connection with your use of our services or your breach of this Agreement.

 

8. Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which Bestie operates.

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9. Damages to Pet Sitters' Homes

• You acknowledge and agree that Bestie is not responsible for any damage caused to the homes of pet sitters by your pet. The pet owner is solely responsible for any damage their pet causes to a pet sitter’s property, including but not limited to furniture, flooring, fixtures, or other possessions.

• Pet sitters understand that hosting pets in their homes carries potential risks. By agreeing to provide services, pet sitters accept these risks.

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10. Social Sharing and Media Consent

• You acknowledge and agree that Bestie’s pet sitters may take photos or videos of your pet during bookings for documentation and communication purposes. By using our services, you grant Bestie permission to reuse these photos and videos on our social media accounts and promotional materials.

• No personal information such as your name, address, or contact information will be shared publicly. If you wish to opt out of media sharing, you must notify Bestie in writing before the start of your booking.

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11. Pet Abandonment and Re-homing

• Pet owners who fail to retrieve their pet after the service period identified in a booking agree that Bestie (or the sitter) may place the pet in foster care, transfer care to animal control or law enforcement, or find alternative care.

• Bestie will attempt to contact the pet owner or emergency contact prior to such action. If unreachable, Bestie will use its best judgment to secure alternative care.

• Owners authorize Bestie to obtain veterinary records as needed and agree to reimburse all costs associated with these actions.

 

12. Late Night Policy
To ensure the safety of our sitters, any bookings that end after 11 PM will require the client to cover the cost of a taxi or rideshare home if the sitter is not within walking distance. We appreciate your commitment to keeping our community safe!

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13. Holiday Rates
Due to high demand, stays that include the following dates will be priced at Bestie's Holiday Rate:

• Jan 17–20, 2025

• Feb 14–17, 2025

• May 23–26, 2025

• Jun 19–22, 2025

• Jul 4–6, 2025

• Aug 29–Sep 1, 2025

• Nov 27–30, 2025

• Dec 24, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026

• Jan 16–19, 2026

• Feb 13–16, 2026

 

14. Extended Care
Nightly rates are based on a 24-hour window from drop-off to pick-up. If your pet’s stay ends more than 2 hours after the start time on the first day:

• 2–8 additional hours: +50% of the nightly rate

• 8+ additional hours: +100% of the nightly rate

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15. One-Strike Policy for Aggression

• To ensure the safety of our sitters and community, Bestie enforces a zero-tolerance policy for aggressive behavior. Any pet that exhibits aggression toward a sitter—including but not limited to lunging, growling, snapping, or biting—will be subject to immediate review.

• If a pet bites a sitter, their membership with Bestie will be terminated immediately.

• No refunds will be issued for incomplete bookings in cases involving aggression. This policy is in place to maintain a safe, positive environment for all pets and sitters.

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16. Weather & Environmental Conditions Policy
Bestie reserves the right to modify or cancel outdoor services due to extreme weather conditions such as excessive heat, cold, heavy rain, snow, ice, or poor air quality. In such cases, indoor care and enrichment will be provided as an alternative. No refunds will be issued for services altered due to weather-related safety concerns.

 

17. Force Majeure Clause
Bestie shall not be held liable for any delay or failure to perform services due to events beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of nature, natural disasters, public health emergencies, government regulations, labor strikes, or transportation disruptions. In such cases, we will make every effort to resume services as soon as safely possible.

 

By booking services with Bestie, you affirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms and Conditions.