Frequently Asked Questions

Life happens and things change, I understand we can't control everything, as much as we'd love to!

As a small business and being just me, this isn't my hobby so I try to keep my costs realistic and my policies are there for protection for us all.  Holidays are a busy time for everyone, sitters and pet owners, so a peak season and bank holiday premium and cancellation policy applies.

Deere~Hounds cancellation policy ensures fairness to all involved. Services are carefully planned around clients and notice must be given in writing for any service to be cancelled, this is so the slot can be provided to another client.   In the event you have to cancel within the refund window, I recommend you consult your travel insurance as it may cover pet sitting.

Deere~Hounds Payments, Booking & Cancellation Policy 2024

Standard Payment and Bookings

If payment is not received as outlined, your booking and future bookings may be at risk.

The following terms are applicable for non-peak periods. For bookings during the Peak Season and Bank Holiday, please refer to the terms outlined in the next section.

• Deposits are required to secure booking and dates 
• Deposits are 50% of the overall fee
• Payments to be made via bank transfer or cheque - Cash accepted by arrangement only
• All final fees to be paid in full 14 days prior to 1st day of service booked 
• For dog walking or drop-in services, 1 day prior 
• At the discretion of Deere~Hounds, regular/repeat walking clients, may be invoiced weekly if agreed prior.

Standard Cancellation Policy 

The following cancellation and refund policy applies to all pet-sitting services, from the 1st day of service:

• Cancellation in writing with 14+ days’ notice = No charge and your deposit 100% returned.
• Cancellation in writing within 7 - 13 days = 50% refund of deposit
• Cancellation in writing less than 7 days = 0% refund of deposit

The following cancellation and refund policy applies to all dog-walking and drop-in services, from the 1st day of service:

• Cancellation in writing with 24+ hours’ notice = Payment returned in full, or kept as a future credit if agreed.
• Same Day Cancellation = 0% refund on any payment

Peak Season & Bank Holiday Payment and Bookings

Any bookings made during the following dates will incur a higher premium, and also be subject to the Peak Season and Bank Holiday Cancellation Policy.

• Easter = 29th March - 2nd April 2024
• May Bank Holiday = 3rd May - 6th May 2024
• Spring Bank Holiday = 24th May - 27th May 2024
• Summer Peak Season = 27th July - 30th August 2024
• Christmas = 22nd December 2024 - 3rd January 2025

Peak Season and Bank Holiday Cancellation Policy

The following cancellation charges and refund policy applies to all pet-sitting services confirmed within any Peak Season dates listed above, from the 1st day of service booked:

• Cancellation in writing with 21+ days’ notice = 75% refund of deposit
• Cancellation in writing within 14 - 20 days = 50% refund of deposit
• Cancellation in writing less than 14 days = 0% refund of deposit

The following cancellation charges and refund policy applies to all dog-walking and drop-in services confirmed within any Peak Season dates listed above, from the 1st day of service booked:

• Cancellation in writing with 7+ days’ notice = 50% refund of deposit
• Cancellation in writing less than 7 days = 0% refund on any payment

In the event of any early return home by The Clients, during any period, full payment must still be paid - No refunds offered for early return dates.