Our Story
Paws + Hooves was founded with a mission to provide exceptional pet sitting services that cater to all species. With over 30 years in the pet care industry, our dedicated team understands the unique needs of different animals, from horses to small mammals. Our passion drives us to ensure your pets receive unparalleled attention and care.
Payment Policy
Keeping Payments Easy and Worry-Free.
Deposit
A non-refundable deposit of 50% of the total booking is due at the Meet & Greet (new guests) or at booking confirmation (returning guests) to secure your reservation.
If a guest cancels more than 48 hours in advance, the deposit may be applied as a credit toward a future booking within 6 months of the original booking date.
Remaining Balance
The remaining 50% balance is due on the first day of service, for new and returning guests. The due date will also be clearly noted on your invoice at the time of booking.
Late Fees & Returned Checks
If payment is not received by the invoice due date, a late fee of $5 per day will be applied until the balance is paid in full, with a maximum late fee of $50.
Returned checks will incur a $35 fee, plus any bank fees, and future services must be prepaid in advance.
Accepted Payment Methods
We accept cash, check, and electronic payments (such as Zelle, Venmo, Paypal or Apple Cash).
Paws + Hooves - A Pet Sitter Company reserves the right to decline personal checks at our discretion. If a check is returned or declined, future payments must be made via cash, electronic transfer, or cashier's check. Payment is due prior to the visit or at the time the appointment is made.
Respecting time for you, your pets, and our sitters.
Cancellation Policy
We understand that life can be unpredictable, and plans sometimes change. Out of fairness to both our clients and our sitters, we kindly ask for as much notice as possible if you need to cancel a scheduled service.
- 48 hours or less notice: will be charged 50% of the total service fee
- 24 hours or less notice: will be charged 100% of the total service fee
Policy Terms & Conditions:
- Deposits: are non-refundable.
- If a guest cancels more than 48 hours in advance: the deposit may be applied as a credit toward a a future a booking within 6 months of original booking date.
- After services have begun: If services are canceled or ended early once care has started, the full balance for the original booking remains due.
- Holiday & Peak Periods: Deposits and payments for holidays or high-demand periods are always non-refundable, regardless of notice.
- Early Returns: If a guest returns early, unused days or visits are not eligible for refunds or credits.
- Reschedules: With more than 48 hours' notice, deposits may be moved to new dates one time as a courtesy.
This policy allows us to fairly value our sitters' time, ensures fairness for all of our guests, and still provide flexibility when possible.
Thank you for your understanding and support---it allows us to continue providing dependable, loving care for your pets!
When accidents become routine, an extra cleanup fee helps keep your home clean and pets safe.
Excessive Cleaning &
House Soiling Policy
While we understand that occasional accidents can happen, ongoing indoor urination or defecation -- whether due to anxiety, illness, dietary upset, age, or lack of house training -- requires extra time, sanitation, and odor control.
To ensure a clean and safe environment, an Excessive Cleaning Fee may apply if a pet repeatedly soils inside during the service period, regardless of the underlying cause.
Excessive cleaning fees are based on the frequency and severity of accidents, not the reason they occur. While we are always compassionate toward pets experiencing stress or illness, additional cleaning time and supplies are still required.
We always do our best to keep your pet comfortable and cared for during these situations.
Cleanup Levels:
- Minor cleanup: Small spot cleanup (light surface wipe or single pee accident on hard flooring).
- Moderate cleanup: Requires additional disinfecting or odor control (multiple accidents, soiled bedding, or mild odor treatment).
- Extensive cleanup/odor control: Heavy or repeated accidents requiring significant cleaning time, sanitization, or odor neutralizing treatment (mopping entire floor areas, multiple rooms. or deep odor control).
Fee Structure Breakdown:
Per Incident (occasional accidents):
- Minor cleanup: ....................... $5+ per incident
- Moderate cleanup: .................. $10+ per incident
- Extensive cleanup/odor control: $15+ per incident
Per Day (repeated / ongoing cleanup):
- Light daily cleanup: ................. $15+ per day
- Moderate cleanup: ................... $20+ per day
- Heavy/continuous cleanup: ....... $25+ per day
If accidents become frequent or ongoing, the following may apply:
Additional Care Guidelines:
•Veterinary Care•
If a pet shows signs of illness (such as ongoing diarrhea, vomiting, or unusual behavior), we may recommend or require a veterinary visit to ensure their health and safety. Any vet visits during service are the responsibility of the client.
•Cleaning Supplies•
For pets with known or ongoing accidents, clients may be asked to provide appropriate supplies such as pee pads, enzymatic cleaner, paper towels, or other necessary items to maintain a sanitary environment.
•Future Booking•
In case of ongoing excessive accidents or lack of house training, future bookings may be limited or adjusted until the issue improves, to maintain the level of care and cleanliness we provide.
Paws + Hooves - A Pet Sitter Company reserves the right to adjust the fee based on frequency and severity, and number of pets involved.
If accidents become frequent or ongoing, care may be adjusted as outlined above to maintain a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for both your pet and your home.
Please note:
All services and pricing are subject to change based on individual care needs, time, and level of service provided.
Creating a safe, stress-free experience for pets--- and the people who care for them.
Aggressive or Reactive
Pets Policy
At Paws + Hooves -A Pet Sitter Company, your pets' comfort-- and our safety-- are always top priorities. We understand that some pets may be nervous, territorial, or reactive when new people enter their space.
To ensure everyone's safety, we require that all pets under our care are safe to handle and do not pose a risk of biting, scratching, or attacking.
If a pet shows aggressive or unpredictable behavior during visits -- including growling, snapping, lunging, or biting -- services may be paused or discontinued immediately for the safety of both pet and our sitters.
If a Paws + Hooves sitter is bitten or injured and requires medical attention, the pet owner will be held responsible for all related medical expenses.
In such cases:
- The client will be notified right away.
- A friend, family member, or emergency contact may be asked to assume care.
- Full or partial service charges may still apply for time already spent.
Please share any behavioral concerns or handling instructions during your Meet & Greet--your honesty helps us provide safe, compassionate care for all pets.
Paws + Hooves - A Pet Sitter Company reserves the right to refuse or discontinue service for any pet that displays dangerous or aggressive behavior.
Our goal is always to work with you to create a positive, stress-free experience -- but safety will always come first.
Photos & Videos Policy
Can We Share Your Pet's Photos?
We love capturing sweet, silly, and special moments with your pets during our visits! With your permission, we may share select photos on our social media pages to showcase the amazing animals we care for.
Your pet's safety and privacy always come first. We never share names, locations, or identifying information--just cute faces and happy tails!
During Your Pet's Visits
We understand how important it is to stay connected while you are away.
To ensure we can give each pet our full attention and maintain our schedule, we provide:
- 1-3 photo/video updates per day (not per visit)
- A brief update on how your pet is doing
Additional photo, video, or FaceTime requests beyond this may not always be accommodated during active service times.
Additional Requests
If more frequent updates, extended videos, or FaceTime sessions are requested:
- These may be scheduled when available
- Additional time may be subject to a small tiny fee
Follow Along With Our Adventures!
- Facebook: Paws and Hooves -A Pet Sitter Company
- Instagram: @paws_hooves_petsitter
Your Choice
You're always in control--you can opt out anytime, no questions asked.
Holidays & After Hours Policy
Because Pets Deserve Love And Attention Every Day Of The Year!
At Paws + Hooves - A Pet Sitter Company, we understand that pets still need love and care--even when you're away during holidays or need support outside of typical hours. That's why we proudly offer pet sitting services during major holidays and for early morning, late-night, or overnight needs, when available.
Whether it's New Year's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or another special occasion, you can count on us to provide dependable and compassionate care. We know how important it is to have peace of mind during your time away, which is why we treat your pets like family--no matter the date or time.
A small surcharge will be applied for visits scheduled on major holidays or outside of normal hours. Holiday surcharges are typically starting at $15,$20, $25 depending on the holiday and will be added to the Standard Care Package of your choosing. Availability for these times is limited and may fill up quickly, so we recommend booking in advance to ensure your reservation.
Standard Holidays -- +$15 per visit
- Easter
- Memorial Day
- Labor Day
Major Holidays -- +$20 per visit
- New Year's Day
- Independence day
Premium Holidays -- + $25 per visit
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Eve
After-Hour Visits
- Early Morning (before 7am): +$15
- Late Night (after 9am): +$15
Holiday periods include the holiday itself and surrounding peak travel days when applicable.
Mileage fees may be applicable for outside of the radius of our home base.
Please note:
-All services and pricing are subject to change based on individual care needs, time, and level of service provided.
FAQ: Payments & Policies
Clear, Simple, & Fair
We believe in transparency and flexibility. Here you will find everything you need to know about deposits, payments methods, cancellation policies, and service fees---so you can book with confidence and peace of mind.
*What is our payment policy?..... A non-refundable deposit is collected at the Meet & Greet, and final payment is due on the first day of service, shown on the invoice. Returning Guests, your deposit is due when your service is confirmed. If payment is not received by the invoice due date, a late fee of $5 per day, will be applied until the balance is paid in full, with a maximum late fee of $50.
*What forms of payment do we accept?..... We accept cash, checks(we have the right to refuse), Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, and Apple Cash. Credit Cards are not an available option at this time. Paws + Hooves reserves the right to decline personal checks at our discretion. If a check is refused, payment must be made via cash, electronic transfer, or cashier's check. If a check is returned, you will incur a $35 fee, plus any bank fees, and future services must be prepaid in advance.
*Is there a cancellation fee?..... Yes. Cancellations made 48 or less before service may be subject to a fee.
- 48 hours or less: 50% of the booked service
- 24 hours or less: 100% of the booked service
- Deposit is non-refundable
- If a guest cancels more than 48 hours in advance, the deposit may be applied as a credit toward a a future a booking within 6 months of the original booking date.
- After services have begun: If services are canceled or ended early once care has started, the full balance for the original booking remains due.
- Holiday & Peak Periods: Deposits and payments for holidays or high-demand periods are always non-refundable, regardless of notice.
- Early Returns: If a guest returns early, unused days or visits are not eligible for refunds or credits.
- Reschedules: With more than 48 hours' notice, deposits may be moved to new dates one time as a courtesy.
*Do we charge for mileage?..... A mileage fee applies for locations 20 miles or more from our home base, to cover travel time and expenses. A flat fee may be considered as an alternative to our per-mile charge.
- First 20 miles round-trip: Included in service price.
- Over 20 miles round trip: $0.45 per mile will be charged.
- Over 50 miles round-trip: $0.65 per mile will be charged.
- Over 80 miles round trip: $0.85 per mile will be charged.
*What happens if there's a medical emergency while you are away?..... If a medical emergency arises, we will contact you right away. If we cant reach you, we'll reach out to your preferred veterinarian or seek immediate care to ensure your pet's well-being. We ask that you provide up-to date emergency contacts and veterinary details.
*Will visits still happen during bad weather?..... Yes--we care for your pets in all kinds of weather. However, during severe or dangerous conditions, visit times may be adjusted or services modified for safety. Your pet's comfort and our sitter's safety always comes first.
*How far in advance should you book pet sitting services?..... We recommend booking at least 1-2 weeks in advance, especially during holidays or busy seasons. Last-minute requests may be accepted depending on availability. You can contact us through our website, text, or email to schedule.
*Do you need to schedule a meet and greet before services begin?..... Yes! We require a complimentary meet and greet for all new clients. It's a chance for us to meet you and your pets, go over their routine, and make sure everyone feels comfortable before care begins.
*How do we access your home, and what is our key policy?..... We accept physical keys, lockbox codes, garage/keypad codes, smart entry systems, and smart door access. Keys are securely labeled and stored using a non-identifying system. If we are unable to access your home due to client error, incorrect codes, or a lost key, a lockout fee may apply. We recommend a backup key or lockbox whenever possible to ensure smooth and reliable entry during your scheduled visits.
*What happens if my sitter arrives and a door is open or a pet is already missing?.....We immediately document the condition of your home with timestamped photos or video, notify you right away, and follow your instructions. Because this occurs before care begins, Paws + Hooves cannot be held liable for escapes, injuries, or incidents that happen prior to our arrival.
*What if my pet gets out or cannot be found during a visit?..... We follow our emergency protocol: secure all other pets, search the home and property, notify you immediately, and continue searching based on your instructions. While rare, unexpected escapes can occur, and Paws + Hooves cannot be held liable for unpredictable behaviors or situations outside our control, but we will act quickly and responsibly to help locate your pet.
*Why do you sometimes stay in my home during the day instead of leaving between visits?..... When a pet requires three or more visits within the same day, frequent back-and-forth travel can create short/long gaps in care or make it difficult to maintain your pet's routine--- especially if you live outside our main service area. In these cases, we may recommend staying in your home for short periods between visits to ensure timely feedings, potty breaks, medication schedules, and overall comfort.
*Is this considered an Overnight Stay?..... No. This option is strictly for daytime support only and does not include staying past evening hours or sleeping overnight in your home.
*What are you allowed to do while staying in my home during the day?.....With your permission, we may use common areas like the living room or kitchen, watch TV quietly, use WI-FI, bring a laptop or book, and use basic kitchen appliances. We only use spaces necessary for pet care and always follow your guidelines.
*What are you not allowed to do?.....We never invite visitors, enter off-limit rooms, use personal belongings, rearrange your home, consume alcohol or substances, or use heavy appliances without permissions. Your privacy, comfort, and home security remain our top priorities.
*Do I need to prepare anything if my pet requires this option?..... We may ask for clarification on:
- Which rooms we may use
- Kitchen and appliance permissions
- TV/WI-FI access
- Thermostat settings
- Alarm/lock instructions
- Pet supply locations
- Any "do not enter" areas
This helps us follow your preferences exactly as you intend.
*What is considered "excessive soiling," and is there an additional fee?.....Yes. Excessive soiling refers to messes that go beyond normal accidents or routine litter cleaning. This can include large or repeated urine/feces accidents, smeared waste, vomit in multiple areas, or situations requiring disinfecting, mopping, or deep cleaning of floors or multiple rooms. We understand that accidents happen, and we always care for pets with compassion -- but additional cleanup time may require an extra fee to ensure your home is left clean, safe, and comfortable.
*What if your pet has special behavior needs or is reactive or aggressive?..... We understand that every pet is unique. However, for everyone's safety, we may decline or stop service if a pet shows aggression, bites, or cannot be handled safely. If a sitter is bitten or injured and medical care is required, the pet owner will be responsible for related medical expenses. You will be notified immediately, and a backup contact may be asked to assume care. Please share any behavioral concerns or handling instructions during your Meet & Greet --your honesty helps us provide safe, compassionate care for all pets.
*Do you offer services on holidays or outside normal hours?..... Yes! We are happy to care for your pets on holidays or during early morning/late-night hours when available. A small holiday or after-hours fee may apply. Major holidays include New Year's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. A surcharge of $15-25+ will be added to visits scheduled on major holidays or outside normal hours.
*How long are our visits, and when we will arrive?..... Visits typically last 20-45 minutes, or based on your pet's needs. We schedule visits within a 1-2 hour window to allow flexibility for travel, weather, and individual pet routines.
*Do your pets need to be vaccinated or meet health requirements?..... Yes, for the safety of your pets and others, we ask that all pets are current on vaccinations and free of any contagious illnesses or parasites. Be sure to let us know about any health issues or special care needs.
*Will we share photos of your pets online?..... With your permission, yes! We love sharing cute moments on our website and social media. If you would prefer your pet's photos remain private, just let us know--- your wishes will always be respected.
*Is your personal and home information kept private?..... Absolutely. Your privacy and trust are important to us. All client information, keys, alarm codes, and home access details are kept confidential and secure. We never share or discuss your personal info.
Contact Us Today!
For customizable pet sitting solutions that fit your needs, reach out to us. We prioritize your pets' well-being and are ready to assist you!
Get in touch
We'd love to hear from you! Whether you are ready to book, have questions about our services, or want to see if we are the right fit for your pets, we are here to help. Texting is our preferred way to reach us, but you are also welcome to call, email, or use the contact form below. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Phone (Text Preferred): 440-670-3052
Email: beth_dia@hotmail.com
Service Area: Avon Lake, Ohio & Surrounding Communities
A Meet & Greet is required prior to all first-time bookings.
Thank you for considering Paws + Hooves. We look forward to meeting you and your pets!