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Policies, Fees, and Important Information

We value transparency, clear communication, and the safety of every pet in our care. These policies help us stay reliable, fair, and prepared for anything while providing the highest standard of care.

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If you have questions about anything on this page, we are always happy to help.

 Payment Policy

Payment and booking confirmation: Your booking is not confirmed until it is confirmed by Pine & Paws and payment requirements are met. Booking rules: Bookings are first-confirmed, first-served. Payment methods we accept: Cash, Zelle, Venmo Business, credit or debit via Square. How bookings are confirmed by payment method: Cash: a deposit is required to confirm your reservation. The remaining balance is due at drop-off or the first day of service. Zelle: full payment is due at booking, no fees. Venmo Business: full payment is due at booking. Processing fee applies. Credit or debit (via Square): full payment is due at booking. Processing fee applies. Deposits: Stays of 7 nights or longer may require a deposit to hold your reservation. Deposits are applied toward your final total. Deposit amount and due date will be confirmed before booking. Processing fees: Processing fees are non-refundable and include any third-party transaction fees. Late payment: Late payments or failure to pay on time may result in cancellation of the booking.

 Extended Care

Flexible options for early drop-offs, late pick-ups, and longer days: We know schedules aren’t always perfect. Extended Care gives you a simple, predictable way to add extra time for early drop-offs, late pick-ups, or longer days while keeping your pets safe, comfortable, and supervised. Boarding and house sitting extended care: Standard stay: up to 24 hours from drop-off or arrival time. Example: drop-off 10:00 AM, pick-up by 10:00 AM next day. Grace period: complimentary 1-hour buffer. 2 to 4 extra hours: +$40 4 to 8 extra hours: +$50 Over 8 hours or after 9:00 PM: charged as an additional night Day care extended care: Standard hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (up to 9 hours) Grace period: free until 6:00 PM Before 7:00 AM: special request, based on availability 7:00 to 8:00 AM: +$10 (early drop-off) 6:00 to 7:00 PM: +$10 (late pick-up after grace period) 7:00 to 9:00 PM: +$20 (late pick-up) After 9:00 PM: charged as overnight boarding Important notes: Please arrange Extended Care in advance when possible. Extended Care is subject to availability, and is calculated based on total time in care, not calendar days. Late pick-ups without notice may be billed automatically. After-hours pick-up is not guaranteed. If Extended Care overlaps with another booking, a full additional night may be required.

Multi-Pet Pricing

We’re happy to care for multiple pets in one booking. To ensure every pet receives safe, individual attention and high-quality care, an additional pet fee applies for each extra pet. When multi-pet pricing applies: Multi-pet pricing applies when pets are booked together for the same service times under one reservation and one primary client contact. Different households: Pets from different households may be booked together when they are brought at the same time and can safely share care. All pets must be compatible and approved in advance. If separate scheduling, separate locations, or separate handling is required, services are billed separately. Additional Pet Fees: Dogs Walks (30 min): +$15 Walks (1 hr): +$20 Field Trips: +$20 Day Care: +$25 Drop-Ins (30 min): +$15 Drop-Ins (1 hr): +$20 Boarding (Overnight): +$35 House Sitting: +$30 Pet Taxi: +$5 Additional Pet Fees: Cats Drop-Ins (30 min): +$10 Drop-Ins (1 hr): +$10 House Sitting: +$15 (Cats are not typically added to walks, day care, or boarding.) Why Additional Pet Fees Exist: Additional pets require extra time, supervision, preparation, and cleanup. These fees help ensure each pet receives individualized, attentive, and safe care, never rushed or overcrowded. Special Care note: Additional pet fees may increase for Special Care needs due to increased supervision, management, or medical support. Meet and greet note: We may require a meet and greet before combining pets from different households. Custom Quotes: If you have three or more pets or a mixed-species household, we’re happy to create a custom quote based on your pets’ needs and the level of care required.

Health & Safety Policy

At Pine & Paws, the safety and well-being of all pets, clients, and staff is our top priority. To ensure a safe and healthy environment, the following policies apply to all services: Vaccinations Dogs: Rabies DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) Bordetella (required for boarding, daycare, group walks, or field trips; must be administered within the last 12 months) Cats: Rabies FVRCP Proof of current vaccinations must be provided before your pet’s first service. Puppies and kittens must be fully vaccinated for their age before attending certain services such as boarding or daycare. Parasite & Preventative Care: Pets should be on regular flea, tick, and heartworm prevention as appropriate for their age and species. Proof may be requested. Health Notices & Symptom Reporting: Clients are required to notify us before each service if their pet is showing any signs of illness, injury, or behavioral changes. Common examples include, but are not limited to: - Vomiting or diarrhea - Coughing or sneezing - Lethargy or appetite changes - Signs of pain, limping, or injury - Skin issues or infections - Parasites (fleas, ticks, worms) Pets displaying symptoms of illness may have their service rescheduled, adjusted, or refused for the safety of all pets and staff. Contagious Conditions: Pets with highly contagious illnesses (e.g., kennel cough, parvovirus, ringworm, giardia) cannot attend any service until cleared by a veterinarian. Medication & Special Health Needs: If a pet requires ongoing medication or special care, clients must provide clear instructions and all necessary supplies. Failure to provide necessary health information may result in service refusal. Emergency Care: In the event of illness or injury while your pet is in our care: We will follow the instructions provided on your intake form, including: 1. Contacting the primary client first 2. Contacting a secondary emergency contact 3. Seeking immediate veterinary care If we cannot reach you or your designated contact and your pet requires urgent attention, we reserve the right to seek veterinary care immediately at the owner’s expense. All veterinary decisions are made with your pet’s health and safety as the top priority. Liability: While we take every precaution to provide a safe environment, owners assume responsibility for their pet’s behavior and health. Pine & Paws is not liable for illness, injury, or property damage except where required by law. Right to Decline or Discontinue Service: We reserve the right to decline or discontinue service at any time for any reason, including but not limited to: - Unsafe or aggressive behavior - Illness or signs of contagion - Unsafe conditions in the home - Repeated policy violations - Situations that compromise staff safety or animal welfare Behavioral and high management needs: Some pets need a higher level of support to stay safe and comfortable in a home setting. This may include increased supervision, structured management, or special handling. Examples can include separation anxiety, reactivity, escape risk, or frequent indoor marking. If a pet requires a higher level of management than a standard booking, Pine & Paws may apply Special Care pricing, adjust the care plan, or decline or discontinue service if needed for safety. We will communicate with you in advance whenever possible and will confirm any changes before continuing care.

 Cancellation, Refund, and Rescheduling Policy

Payment and confirmation: Full payment is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation. Processing fees are non-refundable and include any third-party transaction fees. Long-term bookings: (Extended stays and recurring services) More than 7 days before start: full refund or credit for future services (minus processing fees) 4 to 7 days before start: credit for future services (minus processing fees) Within 4 days of start: non-refundable Short-term bookings: (Daycare, single overnights, walks, and drop-ins) More than 48 hours before start: full refund or credit for future services (minus processing fees) 24 to 48 hours before start: credit for future services (minus processing fees) Within 24 hours of start: non-refundable No-shows and late arrivals: No-shows are charged the full service amount, except in verified emergencies. Late arrivals may shorten the visit length and do not change the service total. Rescheduling: Rescheduling is allowed before the non-refundable window. Last-minute changes may incur a rescheduling fee at Pine & Paws’ discretion. Emergencies and exceptions: We strive to accommodate illness, weather, and other emergencies whenever possible. Any exceptions to this policy are at Pine & Paws’ discretion. How to cancel or reschedule: Text: 360-592-5208 Email: pineandpawspetcare@gmail.com Early returns: If you return home early or end services sooner than scheduled, unused time is non-refundable. Your reservation prevented us from booking those dates for another client. If we are able to rebook the remaining dates, we may offer a credit at Pine & Paws’ discretion. By booking with Pine & Paws, you agree to these terms.

 Puppy Care Fee

Puppies need extra attention, supervision, and care to stay safe and comfortable while they’re with us. Puppy Care Fee: +$10 for dogs under 12 months Boarding and house sitting: +$10 per night Day care: +$10 per day Walks and drop-ins: not typically applied unless extra care is needed beyond a standard visit This fee helps cover additional supervision, frequent potty breaks, routine support, and any extra cleanup that may be needed during puppy care.

 Travel Fees

We’re happy to come to you! Travel fees ensure fair compensation for time, fuel, and resources when visiting homes outside our core service area. Free Service Radius Up to 7 miles from our home base (approximately 15 minutes drive) – no travel fee. Mileage-Based Fees: 7–10 miles: $1.50 per mile one way 10–15 miles: $1.75 per mile one way 15–20 miles: $2.00 per mile one way Long Drive Flat Fee Visits requiring more than 20 minutes driving one way may include a flat fee of $5–$10, depending on distance and traffic. Flat fee applies in addition to per-mile charges if applicable. Extra Notes: Mileage is calculated using the most direct route. Travel fees are always confirmed in advance before scheduling. If your location is outside 20 miles or requires an unusually long drive, we will discuss fees individually.

 Holiday Rates

Holidays and long weekends are high-demand times. A holiday rate applies to ensure availability and fair compensation for staff during these busy periods. Holiday Rate: +$15 per night for house sitting and boarding +$10 for drop-ins and walks Applies on: • Major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, 4th of July) • Holiday weekends (Friday through Sunday) Why Holiday Rates Exist: • Fair compensation for staff working holidays • Increased demand and resource allocation • Transparent pricing with no hidden fees The holiday surcharge applies per reservation, not per dog. Families with multiple dogs from the same household are charged a single holiday surcharge. Early booking is strongly recommended.

Phone

Email

Office Hours

(360) 592-3208

Mon - Fri: 8am - 6pm

​​Saturday: 9am - 4pm

Area of Service

Bellingham, WA and surrounding areas

Social

Curious black dog looking up playfully, featured on Pine and Paws pet care homepage.
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