Policy and Terms of Use

About Us

  • Corks Critter Care Home & Pet Sitting Services” is a trusted and professional pet care provider dedicated to offering a wide range of services for various domesticated pets. Our mission is to ensure the well-being, happiness, and comfort of your beloved animal companions when you can’t be there with them. We understand the unique needs of pets and strive to provide top-notch care in the following areas:

    1. Pet Sitting: Our pet sitters are experienced and trained to care for pets in the comfort of their own homes. We offer personalized pet sitting services, ensuring your pets are safe, well-fed, and receive the attention they need while you’re away.
    2. Dog Walking: For dogs that need regular exercise and companionship during the day, we provide dog walking services. Whether your dog needs a short stroll or an energy-burning adventure, we tailor our walks to suit their needs.
    3. Midday Dog Let-Outs: Perfect for dogs that require a potty break and some fresh air during your long workdays. We provide essential care, ensuring your dogs are comfortable and content.
    4. Puppy Play Time: We offer specialized services for puppies, including playtime, potty breaks, and socialization. This helps your young dog develop into a well-adjusted and happy adult.
    5. Pet Enrichment Assessment: Our assessment helps improve your pet’s environment, enhancing their mental and physical well-being for a happier, healthier life.
    6. Nail Trims: We understand that nail trims can be a challenge, so we offer this service to ensure your pet’s nails are properly maintained.
    7. Pet Taxi: When your pet needs transportation to veterinary appointments, grooming sessions, or other destinations, our pet taxi service ensures they get there safely and comfortably.
    8. Senior Pet Care: For older pets, we provide specialized care, including assessments of living conditions and basic animal nursing care, to enhance their comfort and quality of life.
    9. Crate Cleaning: We take care of cleaning your pet’s crate or kennel, ensuring they have a clean and comfortable living space.
    10. Toy Washing & Sanitizing: Washable chew and play toys are cleaned and sanitized, keeping your pets’ toys safe and enjoyable.
    11. Brisk Dog Walks: These energy-burning walks are ideal for dogs with excess energy, weight loss goals, or those that are anxious or hyperactive.
    12. Dog Waste Removal: We handle the unpleasant task of cleaning up your yard, so you don’t have to.
    13. Dog Stroll & Sniff: A leisurely 1.5-hour neighborhood excursion for dogs that love to explore and sniff their surroundings.
    14. Cat Care: We provide comprehensive care for cats, including feeding, litter box maintenance, and playtime.
    15. Professional Dog Bath & Brush: Treat your dog to a refreshing bath and grooming session at a local dog wash station.

    Our experienced and caring team is committed to maintaining the health, happiness, and safety of your pets. We provide peace of mind for pet owners, allowing you to enjoy your time away from home knowing your pets are in capable and compassionate hands. Whether you have dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, or other pets, Corks Critter Care is here to meet your pet care needs.

Animals

Animals: Here are some important policies and guidelines for Corks Critter Care Home & Pet Sitting Services:

  1. Veterinary Care and Vaccinations: All pets must have a veterinarian and be currently vaccinated.
  2. Cat Visits: Cats may be visited every second day if they eat dry food, and on a daily basis if they eat wet food.
  3. Dog Visits: Dogs will be visited on a daily basis.
  4. Damage to Household Goods: Corks Critter Care will not be responsible for any damage to carpets, rugs, floors, or other household goods caused by destructive pet behavior (e.g., vomiting, urinating, spraying, chewing, scratching).
  5. Indoor Cats: Cats must be kept indoors during our care at all times. No pets are allowed to roam or be off-leash outdoors. A waiver of no liability must be signed if the client requests otherwise.
  6. Aggressive Animals: Corks Critter Care will not accept biting or aggressive animals. We only provide services for house pets, not pet shops or kennels.
  7. Unruly or Untrained Dogs: We will not walk unruly or untrained dogs or dogs that choke themselves on their lead.
  8. Pets with Outdoor Access: For safety reasons, we recommend that pets stay indoors while you’re away. A waiver of liability must be signed if you wish to have your pets let outside in your absence.

These policies are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of your pets and to provide clear guidelines for our pet care services. We prioritize the health and happiness of your animals while maintaining a safe and secure environment during our visits.

Bookings - Reservations

To schedule or cancel a service with Corks Critter Care Home & Pet Sitting Services, you have two convenient options:

  1. Online: You can use the CCC Pet Care App, which is available 24/7. This online system allows you to easily schedule and manage your pet care services.
  2. By Phone: You can call the office at 403-807-6866 during our office hours.

Please note the following important information:

  • 📢  Your reservation is confirmed only when you receive an invoice confirmation via email.
  • 📢  Email or phone messages left are not considered confirmations.

🐢For last-minute services, Cork understands that plans can change suddenly. In such cases, they have you covered. However, please be aware of the following:

  • All services are only rendered once payment is made.
  • A 💲10 fee will apply to reservations made with less than 24 hours’ notice.

These policies help ensure efficient and reliable service scheduling and payment processing for your convenience.

Cancellations

🎗️  Corks Critter Care has in place a no overbooking policy thus once you have contracted CCC services, we will not accept others that may need our services at the same time as you. 

🎗️ Please be aware that you will be charged for any visits without proper notice of   cancellation.

  • Mid Day Dog Services: 24 hours notice of cancellation
  • Pet Sitting: 48 hours notice of cancellation
  • Overnight Pet Sitting: 7 days notice of cancellation.  Due to the exclusive nature of overnight bookings, we must decline all requests for overnight stays that coincide with the dates you have booked thus all cancellations have a 50% cancellation fee.

To schedule or cancel a service you have 2 options:

Online: Online CCC Pet Care App

By phone: 403-807-6866 during office hours

📢  Your cancellation is only confirmed when you have received a confirmation via email. To make a reservation you may use Corks online scheduling system or call the office at 403-807-6866.

📢  phone or email messages left are not considered confirmations.

🐢  Last-Minute Services – Cork understands that there are times when we have to make last-minute plans. Don’t sweat the small stuff we got you covered!  However,  all services are only rendered once payment is made.   

💲10 fee will apply to reservations made with less than 24 hours notice.

Emergency Care

Corks Critter Care Home & Pet Sitting Services prioritizes the well-being of your pets, including in the case of emergencies or medical issues. Here are the key points regarding their emergency care policies:

  1. Emergency Veterinary Care: In the unfortunate event of your pet falling ill or experiencing a medical emergency, Corks Critter Care will take your pet to its preferred veterinarian clinic during regular hours. For after-hours, weekends, and holidays, your pet will be taken to an emergency clinic. Corks Critter Care will make every effort to notify you promptly and has your permission to authorize necessary care for your pet’s well-being.
  2. Veterinary Services: Corks Critter Care does not provide veterinary services, diagnose conditions, offer prognoses, or perform medical procedures outside the scope of home and pet care services. Any medical concerns or conditions will be referred to the veterinarian of your choice.
  3. Financial Arrangements: It is important that you, as the client, make financial arrangements with your veterinarian before your departure. Having a credit card on file with your pet’s veterinarian is advisable for unforeseen emergency care.

These policies demonstrate Corks Critter Care’s commitment to ensuring the safety and health of your pets in emergency situations while respecting the expertise and role of licensed veterinarians.

3rd Party Policy

  • Corks Critter Care Home & Pet Sitting Services places a strong emphasis on safety, security, and liability management. Here are the key points regarding their policies related to third parties and job sharing:

    1. Insurance and Bonding: Corks Critter Care is a bonded service provider with a commitment to maintaining high standards of honesty and integrity. However, their insurance and bond coverage is specifically for their business employees. They do not recommend job sharing, and any such requests must be discussed with the owner of Corks Critter Care. Job sharing may require a waiver of insurance and bonding protection provided by Corks Critter Care. In such cases, Corks Critter Care assumes no liability for any damages or losses to your home or pets.

    2. Disclosure of Third Parties: If third parties, such as friends, relatives, neighbors, etc., have access to your home during pet care services, you must inform Corks Critter Care in advance. You should provide the names, phone numbers, times, and dates of their visits, along with any job responsibilities they may have. These third parties must also be made aware that Corks Critter Care has sole responsibility for all animal care-related services. Visitors will only be allowed in your home if specific directions and permission have been received from you.

    3. Notification to Authorities: Corks Critter Care will not hesitate to notify the police if undisclosed third parties are found on your property. This strict approach is taken to ensure the safety of the pet sitter, your pets, your home, and to protect the bond and insurance liability.

    4. Third Party Services: Any third-party services, such as housekeeping, yard maintenance, repairmen, window washers, etc., must be either canceled for the duration of Corks Critter Care’s booked services or require you to sign a waiver limiting their liability should any problems arise. This policy is designed to prioritize safety and minimize potential risks to your pets, home, and Corks Critter Care’s bond and insurance liability.

Keys & Codes

  • Corks Critter Care Home & Pet Sitting Services has clear policies regarding key management and access to your home. Here are the key points:

    1. Key Storage: Keys provided to Corks Critter Care are coded and securely stored in a locked safe when not in use. This ensures the safety and confidentiality of your key information.

    2. Key Pickup/Drop-off: If you require Corks Critter Care to pick up or drop off keys, a $20 service fee per trip will apply. This fee covers the time and effort required for these tasks.

    3. Keys Left Behind: If you choose to leave keys in a hiding spot or have them mailed back after the last visit, Corks Critter Care will not assume personal responsibility if they go missing. It’s important to consider the security of this option.

    4. Lock Malfunction or Unusable Keys: In situations where keys become unusable, locks malfunction, or clients fail to provide a key, Corks Critter Care has the authorization to hire a locksmith to gain entry into your home on your behalf. However, clients will be responsible for all expenses incurred, and reimbursement to Corks Critter Care will be expected upon return.

    5. Access Options: Corks Critter Care offers four ways for clients to provide access to their homes:

      • Giving a key.
      • Allowing entry with a door or garage code.
      • Using a lockbox (recommended as the safest option).
      • Leaving a key hidden in a predetermined place (not recommended due to security concerns).

    These policies are in place to ensure the safety and security of your home and pets while also offering flexibility in how you grant access to Corks Critter Care during their visits.

Lock Box

  • We keep your keys in a safe when not in use for future services.  If you don’t have nor want a lock box or door padlock, and you would like the pet sitter to leave your key, fob or remote on the last visit, please leave a note reading “Leave Key” with the date and time of the last visit as well as instructions on how to secure the house without the key.
  • Remember, if we return the key, you will not be able to request additional visits if your return is delayed. Leaving the key in a lockbox or storing it in our safe is free to you. Transferring the key again in the future does incur an additional fee. This includes drop-off, pick-up, or mailing done by the sitter. Watch our CCC Lock Box Policy Video to learn about the safest and easiest way to manage your keys. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get notified of new content! 
  • Or you can read the complete policy online at CCC Lock Box Policy.

Notification of Clients Return

Corks Critter Care Home & Pet Sitting Services has a clear policy for clients to follow when returning home after pet sitting services. Here’s an overview:

Return Notification Policy:

  1. Client Responsibility: Clients are responsible for notifying Corks Critter Care of their return home.
  2. Notification Methods: Clients can notify Corks Critter Care of their return through one of the following methods:
  3. Timely Notification: Clients should provide their return notification within a reasonable period of time after returning home.
  4. Client Contact Attempts: If Corks Critter Care does not receive a return notification from the client within a reasonable timeframe, they will attempt to contact the client by phone.
  5. Client Responsibility: If Corks Critter Care is unable to make contact with the client and no return notification has been received, Corks Critter Care will make a visit to the client’s home.
  6. Charges Afterward: The client will be responsible for any charges incurred for visits made by Corks Critter Care after the client’s return home if they fail to provide timely notification.

This policy ensures that Corks Critter Care has updated information about the client’s return, allowing them to continue providing care as needed. It also helps prevent unnecessary visits and charges when clients have safely returned home.

Communication

  • Corks Critter Care has a clear communication policy to ensure effective and timely updates between the client and the pet care service. Here’s an overview of their communication policy:

    Communication Policy:

    1. Primary Contact Methods: Clients are encouraged to use the following primary methods for communication with Corks Critter Care:
      • The Corks Critter Care Pet Care App
      • Phone calls to the office during office hours at 403-807-6866
    2. Return Notification: Clients are responsible for notifying Corks Critter Care when they return home from their trip through one of the following methods:
    3. Timely Return Notification: Clients are expected to provide their return notification within a reasonable period after returning home.
    4. Contact Attempts: If Corks Critter Care does not receive a return notification from the client within a reasonable timeframe, they will attempt to contact the client by phone.
    5. Client Responsibility: If Corks Critter Care is unable to make contact with the client and no return notification has been received, Corks Critter Care will make a visit to the client’s home.
    6. Charges for Unnotified Visits: The client will be responsible for any charges incurred for visits made by Corks Critter Care after the client’s return home if they fail to provide timely notification.

    This communication policy ensures that Corks Critter Care can maintain open communication with clients, especially regarding their return home. It also helps prevent any unnecessary visits and associated charges when clients have safely returned home but haven’t communicated their return status.

Payments

  • Corks Critter Care has a clear payment policy to ensure smooth transactions for their services. Here’s an overview of their payment policy:

    Payment Policy:

    1. Payment Methods: Payments to Corks Critter Care are accepted through the following methods:
    2. Timing of Payments: The full payment for services is due prior to the start of services. This includes:
      • Payment of the full amount at the time of the initial visit.
      • For all future bookings, payments are made in full before the services begin or on the first day the services begin.
    3. Additional Charges: Clients should be aware of the following additional charges:
      • An initial visit fee of $20.
      • A holiday surcharge of $5 per day for civic or statutory holidays.
      • For overnight services, there is a $25 surcharge on holidays (civic and statutory).
      • Specific time reservations incur an extra $5 per visit.
    4. Booking for Current Clients: Existing clients can book services with Corks Critter Care through the Corks Pet Care App.
    5. New Client Registration: New clients need to register to avail of Corks Critter Care services.
    6. Pricing Changes: Clients should be aware that pricing for Corks Critter Care services is subject to change at any time.

    This payment policy outlines the various payment methods, timing, and additional charges associated with Corks Critter Care’s services. Clients are encouraged to stay informed about the current pricing and payment procedures.

Rates & Fees

Corks Critter Care maintains flexibility in their pricing to accommodate various client needs. Here’s a summary of their payment and pricing policy:

Payment and Pricing Policy:

  1. Payment Methods: Corks Critter Care accepts payments through the following methods:
  2. Timing of Payments: Payment for services is due before the start of services. This includes:
    • Full payment at the time of the initial visit.
    • For all future bookings, payments are made in full before the services commence or on the first day of service.
  3. Additional Charges: Clients should be aware of various additional charges:
    • An initial visit fee of $20.
    • A holiday surcharge of $5 per day for civic or statutory holidays.
    • For overnight services, there is a $25 surcharge on holidays (civic and statutory).
    • Specific time reservations incur an extra $5 fee.
    • Reservations made with less than 24 hours’ notice are subject to a $10 fee.
  4. Booking for Current Clients: Existing clients can book services using the Corks Pet Care App.
  5. New Client Registration: New clients need to register to avail Corks Critter Care services.
  6. Pricing Flexibility: Corks Critter Care tailors its services to individual client needs, and pricing can vary based on these needs.
  7. Pricing Changes: Clients should be aware that pricing for Corks Critter Care services is subject to change at any time.

This policy provides clarity regarding payment methods, timing, additional charges, and pricing flexibility. It ensures clients are informed about payment procedures and potential costs associated with their services.

Refunds

 

  • Corks Critter Care has a clear policy regarding refunds and service credits:

    Refunds and Service Credits:

    • Corks Critter Care does not offer refunds for services.
    • Instead, any remaining amount from a client’s payment is kept as a credit on their account.
    • These service credits can be applied to future bookings.
    • It’s important to note that service credits have a one-year expiration period.

    This policy ensures that clients are aware that refunds are not provided, but they can utilize any unused funds as service credits for upcoming bookings. Clients should keep track of their service credits and ensure they are used within the specified timeframe.

  • Already a client? Book Now with Corks Pet Care App   
  • Register to become a New Client

 Our pricing is subject to change at any time.

 

Tipping

Tipping Policy:

If you would like to show your appreciation to your pet sitter through a tip, Corks Critter Care has a specific policy:

  • To tip your pet sitter, you can either write a separate check in the pet sitter’s name or leave cash for them.

This policy ensures that any gratuity you wish to provide to your pet sitter is handled separately and directly to them, allowing you to express your thanks for their services in a straightforward manner.

Our Standards

Our Standards:

At Corks Critter Care Home & Pet Sitting Services, we uphold certain standards to ensure the quality of our services:

  • We access all available multi-discipline services to ensure quality care for your pets.

  • We reserve the right to deny service or terminate service if safety concerns, financial concerns, or inappropriate or uncomfortable situations arise.

  • We honor strict confidentiality for both clients and the company.

  • We prioritize animal, client, and personal safety as a top priority.

  • We do not misappropriate funds or belongings and hold honesty and reliability to be of utmost importance.

These standards reflect our commitment to providing the best possible care for your pets and maintaining the trust and safety of our clients.

Weather

🌡️ Weather Policy:

At Corks Critter Care Home & Pet Sitting Services, we prioritize the safety and well-being of your pets, especially in extreme weather conditions. Our weather policy includes the following:

  • In extreme weather, we will ensure that pets are cared for as safely as possible.

  • Dog walking services are subject to cancellation depending on the weather. This decision is made to safeguard the safety and well-being of both your pet and our dog walker.

  • We will only let your dog(s) outside to do their business when the weather is not suitable for a walk. This measure helps protect your pet from extreme weather conditions.

Our weather policy is designed to provide the best care for your pets and ensure their safety, even when faced with challenging weather conditions.

Security & Surveillance Cameras

Security & Surveillance Cameras Policy:

At Corks Critter Care Home & Pet Sitting Services, we understand that security and surveillance cameras have become a part of many households. While we do not condemn the use of these cameras, we do have a policy to ensure ethical and privacy considerations:

  • We request knowledge of the location of all surveillance cameras in your home. This information is essential for ethical and privacy reasons.

  • We adhere to all legal regulations regarding surveillance cameras. This includes ensuring that cameras do not record audio and are not placed in areas that may be considered intrusive.

By following these guidelines, we aim to respect your privacy while providing pet care services in your home. If you have security or surveillance cameras, please inform us of their locations to ensure a smooth and ethical service experience.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality Policy:

At Corks Critter Care Home & Pet Sitting Services, we understand the significance of privacy to you and your family. Our confidentiality policy is as follows:

  • We are committed to protecting your privacy and will never use any information you provide to us for our own benefit, either directly or indirectly.
  • We will not disclose or communicate any of your information to any third party under any circumstances.
  • We will not reveal the dates or details of your travel plans or your association with Corks Critter Care without obtaining your express written permission.

Your privacy is of utmost importance to us, and we take every measure to ensure your information is kept confidential and secure.

Counterparts

  • This Policy may be executed in counterparts, with the same effect as if both parties had signed the same document.  All such counterparts will be deemed an original, will be construed together and will constitute one and the same instrument.

 

Entire Agreement; Amendment

  • This policy constitutes the entire understanding between the parties and supersedes all proposals, commitments, writings, negotiations, and understandings, oral and written, and all other communications between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof.  These policies may not be amended or otherwise modified except in writing duly executed by all of the parties.

Parties Bound

  • These Policies will be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, each of the parties hereto to the extent applicable to them and their respective successors and assigns.

Mutual Understanding

  • The client has read these entire Policies, fully understands the contents hereof, has had the opportunity to obtain independent advice as to its legal effect, and is under no duress or obligation of any kind to execute it.  This Policy reflects the mutual understanding of the parties with respect to all subject matter addressed herein and will be construed accordingly.

Disclaimer

  • The information provided in the Policies and Guidelines section of the Corks Critter Care Pet & Home Sitting Services website is accurate at the time of posting. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, all content is subject to change without notice.

Business Hours

Business Hours and Contact Policy:

Corks Critter Care operates during the following business hours:

  • Weekdays: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Please note that our office is closed on weekends and holidays. However, we have measures in place to address your needs outside of regular business hours:

  • We monitor calls and emails for emergencies even when the office is closed.

  • For non-emergency inquiries, we are committed to responding to all calls and emails within 24 hours during our regular business days.

Your satisfaction and your pets’ well-being are important to us, and we strive to provide prompt assistance and support within the mentioned timeframes.

Visit Hours

Pet Sitting and Midday Dog Walks

Morning

Midday

Evening

7 am to 11 am 11 am to 4 pm 4 pm to 8 pm

😺 Cats are always visited a minimum of every 48 hours.

🐶 Dogs are always visited a minimum of every 12 hours. 

✔️ Specific time reservations are an extra $5 per visit.

Pet Sitting Overnights

Start Evening Arrivals

Midday

(visits+dogwalks)

End Morning Departure

7 am to 11 am 11 am to 4 pm 4 pm to 8 pm

🌆  Start Evening Arrivals start the visit payment cycle

🌄 End Morning Departure visits end the payment cycle.

🐾  On the first day, if a morning or afternoon visit is required then those are invoiced as a separate visit charge.

🐾  On the last day, if a midday or evening visit is required then those are invoiced as a separate visit charge.

Digital Products

Digital Sales

All sales of digital product are final, and unfortunately, we cannot process refunds. Please ensure that you review the product details carefully before completing your purchase. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to our support team before making your final decision. Your understanding is greatly appreciated as we strive to provide you with the best possible digital experience.

Looking for another visual option? Explore our policies by clicking here or downloading the PDF

1. Contact Us

Contact us by filling out a form to become a new client or request a quote.

*** Once you have completed filling out the form or calling us, we will schedule your In-Person Initial Orientation Visit before your departure. 

2. Initial Orientation Visit

  • An in-home visit with pet and owner prior to contracted service with a key pickup/payment agreement.
  • Once you have completed filling out the form or calling us we will schedule your In-Person Initial Orientation Visit before your departure. 

  • 📝  Initial Orientation Visit is required prior to reservations for all new clients.

3. Upon Your Return

  • When you return home please log in to  Corks Critter Care Pet Care App to confirm that your pet(s) are back in your good care, and services will be discontinued.
  • When you return home you can also call Corks office at  403 807-6866
  • We will return your key if desired or keep the key in a safe for the next time your in need of our services.

 

Payment Methods

  • PayPal, Stripe, Cash, or Email Transfer.
    • Email Transfers are sent to  corrine@corkscrittercare.com
    • During any statutory or civic holiday, there’s an extra $5 per holiday.
    • Time of payment and your total cost will be determined in our initial orientation visit with you.  All clients have different needs and situations as a result fees will vary.
    • Please contact us for any inquires and rates. 

I’ve been using Corrine for cat-sitting for 15 years.  She is 100% reliable and trustworthy, always responds quickly when I contact her, and most importantly I know my cat is well-looked after when we’re away.  We never have to worry about the house or the cat when we’re on vacation because we can trust Corrine to be there making sure all is good.   My cat is now an old lady and needs some medications, but we can still travel because we know that Corrine is able to administer them and monitor the cat’s condition.  And she has always been available to cat-sit, even on statutory holidays and when we’ve called on short notice.  Thank you Corrine for always being there for us and Indigo! 

Kathy R

Corrine has been a part of our lives since 2007. She started with us when we needed help with medications and injections for our 18-year-old cat Boris. With our erratic schedules and travels, and Boris’ health needs, we needed what amounted to a first-responder. Corrine was always available on short notice, giving Boris a much better quality of life until he went to the Rainbow Bridge.

Fast forward to 2011 and we acquired 3 feisty kittens. These new challenges didn’t faze Corrine, as she again helped with whatever we needed. In October 2017, we discovered we were moving to Edmonton. Throughout a complicated and extremely stressful 6-month-long move Corrine again kept us sane, because we knew that no matter what was happening during many short notice house-hunting trips, our cats were safe in Corrine’s hands.

We communicated mostly by phone and email, so we rarely saw her. But she was a vital part of our life and greatly improved our, and our cats’ lives.

We will miss her terribly.    Fred.

Fred & Lesily