Scheduling Services

Table of Contents

How do I schedule services?

You can schedule services directly in your client account in Precise Petcare. Please keep in mind that clients must request services. Once they are requested, we accept/confirm on the basis of the team’s availability. Therefore, should no one from the team be available to accept your request, we would have to kindly decline. This is not common, however, as we have a vast team and accept almost all service requests that are submitted to us.

To request pet care services with us, please complete the steps below:

  1. Login to your client account.
  2. Go to the main menu Screen Shot 2022 09 01 at 12.58.36 PM and click My Schedule.
  3. On the right hand side of the page, click Screen Shot 2022 08 16 at 5.29.59 PM.
  4. Fill out the service request form that appears on your screen.
  5. Once finished, click Submit to send us your service request.

Once you click Submit, you can see your request appear on the My Schedule page in the following format:

Screen Shot 2023 05 28 at 12.29.06 AM

For further help with requesting services, click here.

Can I add multiple services in one request?

Yes! If you have multiple services to schedule and don’t wanna go through the hassle of submitting one request per service, you can easily submit ALL services in one big request. This would be especially helpful if you’re requesting multiple days worth of services, or multiple services in a single day, or both!

Please complete the steps below:

  1. In the service request form (My Schedule > Request Services), click the More Options tab under Repeat.
  2. In the dropdown menu that appears below, select Irregular.
  3. Select ALL the days in which you’d like services to occur.
  4. Next, check off the pets that the service is for.
  5. Select the service type and arrival time block.
  6. If you’re wanting to schedule multiple services on the days you selected from the calendar above, locate and click Screenshot 2023 06 02 at 12.31.52 PM. Then, select the next service type and arrival time block accordingly. Continue to click Screenshot 2023 06 02 at 12.31.52 PM until all services are accounted for.
  7. Once finished, click Submit to send us your service request.

Can I set up my schedule to automatically add services?

Yes! You can set up an ongoing schedule by checking off the “Ongoing (no end date)” box in the Dates section of the service request form. Simply go to the My Schedule page and click Request Service. Once there, indicate the start date of services in the left field, then check off the “Ongoing” checkbox. This will DISABLE the end date field, indicating to the system that you’d like services to be repeated/auto-scheduled indefinitely (with no end date).

You can learn more about ongoing services here.

If I’m on an auto-schedule, does that mean you can commit to every visit that’s added?

Unfortunately, no. If you’re on an ongoing schedule in which visits are added automatically, that doesn’t mean we can complete every visit that’s added. The visit(s) must be confirmed first in order for it to be something we can officially complete. Please see below to learn more about service confirmations.

How can I check the status of my service request?

You will receive an email/push notification from our app regarding all service request confirmations and declinations. Here’s an example of a service confirmation email:

Screenshot 2023 06 02 at 7.09.01 PM

Please note: This is the only way to know if services are either confirmed or declined. If you take a look at your My Schedule page and see services in green, this doesn’t necessarily mean they are confirmed. Again, you will receive an email with a confirmation if we have confirmed service requests from you.

If it’s been 1-2 business days and you still haven’t heard back in regards to your request(s), please contact us at 614-636-6644.

If a service box is green, does that mean it’s confirmed?

Not necessarily. The way in which we inform you if a service request is confirmed is via email/push notification from the Precise Petcare app. Learn more here.

What if my service request gets declined?

We do our absolute best to fulfill ALL service requests that our clients submit. If a service request gets declined, it’s because we don’t have any staff availability during the time you’re needing pet care.

A couple things we’ve seen clients do if their initial service request(s) gets declined is: submit a request for a different time block (that’s close to the initial time block requested) and/or submit a request for a different service duration (ex: instead of a 45 minute service, try 30 minutes).

Services that are declined will appear on the My Schedule page with a red Unavailable tag Screen Shot 2022 08 23 at 11.18.31 AM inside of it.

Nonetheless, we apologize for any inconvenience this creates for you and look forward to seeing your pets next time!

How do I fill out the service request form?

Once you click the Request Service button on the My Schedule page, you’ll see the service request form appear on your screen. Starting at the top of the form, begin by selecting the date(s) you are needing service(s). Enter the start date on the left and end date on the right.

Screenshot 2023 06 02 at 12.19.08 PM

If you are needing ongoing services (no end date), please click the checkbox, “Ongoing (no end date)”. This will then disable the end date field. This means that services will be auto-scheduled on an ongoing basis beginning on the start date that’s selected (and indefinitely).

If you are needing just one date, make the start and end dates the same, like in the example above.

In the next section of the service request form, you can select how often you want services to repeat.

Screenshot 2023 06 02 at 12.20.51 PM

This is mostly relevant if you’d like services over multiple days. For a single-day service, just make sure to indicate the date in the field above (same date for start and end date fields) and keep the Repeat setting on Daily. Let’s say you’d like services over multiple days, however. Please indicate the appropriate start and end dates above and select whichever Repeat tab applies (Daily, Weekly, More Options). 

Here’s a rundown of what each option means:

  • Daily: Service will be scheduled daily starting on the start date and ending on the end date.
  • Weekly: Service will be scheduled on days marked on the checklist (ex: Tues, Thurs, Sat).
  • More Options: Service will be scheduled on a less regular/irregular basis.

By selecting More Options, you’ll see an Other Repeat dropdown menu appear.

Screenshot 2023 06 02 at 12.21.30 PM

In this menu, you can choose the regularity of when you’d like services to occur between the selected start and end dates above.

If you select Irregular in the dropdown, a calendar will appear on your screen.

Screenshot 2023 06 02 at 12.22.06 PM

From here, you can select any and all calendar days in which you’d like services to occur. When you select days from the calendar, they will highlight in gray. This is a very popular option for selecting multiple days worth of services since seeing a calendar makes things easier to see.

The next section in a service request form is called Pets. Here, you are required to check off which pets you’d like cared for during the requested service. 

Screenshot 2023 06 02 at 12.22.52 PM

The last required section is Services & Times. Here, there are two dropdown menus, one for the service type and the other for the arrival time block.

Screenshot 2023 06 02 at 12.23.22 PM

In the SERVICE dropdown, please select the service you’re needing. *For a description on our services, please click Descriptions below Services & Times, or you can also navigate the following service pages on our website: Dog Walking, Pet Sitting, Cat Sitting.

In the ARRIVAL TIME dropdown, please select a time block that works for you. As you can see, we offer services in 2-hr time blocks for arrival. Learn more here!

Screenshot 2023 06 02 at 12.23.51 PM

Below that in the Notes field, you can add any notes about the service.

Screenshot 2023 06 02 at 12.25.18 PM

Beneath Notes, you’ll see a list of optional add-on services.

Screenshot 2023 06 02 at 12.24.28 PM

This is how you can fully customize the service(s) you’re requesting. Simply check off the duties you’d like us to complete on said service. Keep in mind, there is NO additional charge for selecting these add-on duties. You will still be charged the normal rate for services. By completing this checklist, you’re just telling us what exactly you want us to do on the service you’re requesting – it’s how you can make service-duty expectations clear to us.

If you’d like to schedule multiple services on each of the dates in your request, click Screenshot 2023 06 02 at 12.31.52 PM.

Screenshot 2023 06 02 at 12.33.05 PM

Then, fill out the next service details. This option is mostly used whenever pet parents are going out of town and need us to provide multiple pet visits per day while they’re away.

Depending on your travel itinerary (when you’re leaving home and when you’re returning), you can indicate whether you want specific services to be skipped on the first date and/or last date.

Screenshot 2023 06 02 at 12.34.22 PM

Why are services in the request service form not the same as services listed on your website?

The service menu on the website includes dog walking, pet sitting, and cat sitting because that’s what we advertise to pet parents/viewers of our site. The services for you to select from when requesting services are just “X min pet service” because we don’t want you to be confused about the different service types and what they include. Instead, you can just select the service length you’d like, then customize the service by selecting the duties from the checklist of optional addon services below that.

Screenshot 2023 06 02 at 12.24.28 PM 1

What do the different services entail?

The services you’ll see in the service dropdown menu are just blank/customizable services. Please select the duration that you’d like (length of the visit), then below that you can customize the service by entering notes and checking off the different duties you’d like us to complete on that service (under Optional Addon Services).

To learn more about the services advertised on our website, however, please visit our website and navigate to the proper service page.

How can I tell you exactly what I’m needing done on a service?

You can easily tell us about your exact needs on a service by filling out the checklist of addon duties in the service request form. You can locate the checklist beneath the service type and arrival time block dropdown menus.

Screenshot 2023 06 02 at 12.24.28 PM 1

As you’ll see in the checklist, we offer various pet care duties. Towards the bottom of the checklist items, you’ll also see that we offer house care duties. These are mostly for our clients who vacation and/or are gone from home for long periods of time. Further information about all of these items should be included in your client profile and/or pet profile.

Furthermore, you may write in the Notes field about how you want us to spend our time on services. For example, if you’re scheduling a 30 minute service and want us to spend 20 minutes walking your dog and the remaining 10 minutes for playtime and feeding, please specify that in the Notes section.

Screenshot 2023 06 02 at 12.25.18 PM

Remember, all of our services are completely customizable. It is your responsibility, therefore, to be clear to us about how you want services to be conducted by our team!

Do addon services cost anything additional?

Addon services do NOT cost additional. When you’re requesting a service, we give you the option to customize what you’d like us to complete on the service. You’ll notice a checklist of duties appear once you select the service type and time block. From there, you can check off the things you’d like us to complete during the requested service.

We understand that it may seem like those duties come at an additional cost because they are called “addon service”, but rest assured they are free of charge!

How do I delete a service request once it’s submitted?

You can delete a service request by first going to the My Schedule page and locating the service box on your schedule. Once you find it, click Cancel (or Delete) within the box itself.

Screen Shot 2023 05 27 at 11.20.09 PM

How do I change or add something to a service request after it’s submitted?

You can change a service request once it’s submitted by first going to the My Schedule page and locating the service box on your schedule. Once you find it, click Change.

Screen Shot 2023 05 27 at 11.41.51 PM

You’ll then see a pop-up form where you can make your change(s). Make sure to check off the box to the left for the field that you wish to change. In the following example, the time block field is checked off, indicating that the client wants to change the time block.

Screen Shot 2023 05 28 at 12.17.53 AM

Once you checkmark and make your changes, click Save or Request Changes at the bottom of the form.

Please note: As long as the service(s) is still in the requested stage, you’ll be able to submit changes without needing to request them. For any services that are confirmed by us, and you want to change details of said services, you’ll have to REQUEST such changes. You can learn more about service change requests here.

Lastly, you can also just add a note to the service box regarding any written changes (not related time time block, service type, etc.). Click here to learn more.

How do I know that my service request has been submitted?

There are two ways to know your service request has been submitted. One is via the green confirmation box that appears at the top of your screen as soon as you submit your request.

Screen Shot 2023 05 28 at 12.25.48 AM

The second way is by checking your My Schedule page to see the requested service boxes. Once you click Submit on the request service form, you should see the service(s) populate on your schedule. Services will appear as white boxes with a red Screen Shot 2022 08 23 at 10.54.12 AM tag inside of them. Here’s an example of a requested service box:

Screen Shot 2023 05 28 at 12.29.06 AM

How do I know which team member is assigned to my service?

You can determine who from the team is completing the service by first going to the My Schedule page and locating the service box. Then, locate the underlined name inside the service box.

Screen Shot 2023 05 28 at 1.15.52 AM

That is the name of the team member completing the service. If you see “N/A” within the service box, and no underlined name, that just means the service hasn’t been picked up by anyone from the team yet.

If it says N/A where a team member’s name would be inside a service box, does that mean you don’t have anyone who can provide the service?

Not necessarily! It depends on whether we’ve confirmed the service. If we’ve confirmed any services via email, that 100% means we can take on the work. If you haven’t received a service confirmation email yet, then please be patient and we will let you know ASAP with a service confirmation or declination.

In any case, if you received service confirmation AND are still seeing N/A within the service box and not a particular team member’s name, it’s because the service just hasn’t been picked up by anyone yet. It’s still confirmed; it’s just that nobody from the team has accepted it to their individual schedule yet. It will be picked up by someone eventually, usually by the latest of the day of the service itself. Again, if you’ve received confirmation on the service request(s), then we can definitely provide the service; it might just take some time for someone to move the service over from our master work schedule onto their personal work schedule. Nonetheless, you’ll be taken care of!

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The terms of this agreement are as follows: “Client” refers to you, “Company” refers to us (Hands N Paws), “Team Member” refers to the person from our team providing services for  your pets, and “Team Members” refers to the Hands N Paws team as a whole.

EMERGENCY VETERINARY TREATMENT & CLIENT RESPONSIBILITY POLICY

It is important to inform Hands N Paws of any specific emergency instructions or medical conditions related to Client’s pets. This will help ensure the safety and well-being of pets during emergencies.

In case any of Client’s pets need emergency veterinary treatment, Team Member will contact the designated vet on file and/or a local emergency vet. Team Member will also communicate with Client and/or emergency contacts regarding the situation.

Client gives permission to Team Member to transport the pet(s) to a veterinary clinic and/or make treatment decisions (except for euthanasia), especially if it’s a life-threatening emergency and/or Client cannot be immediately reached. Client is responsible for any veterinary fees incurred. 

Client releases Hands N Paws from any liability for any damage or harm to pets or property that occurs beyond the reasonable control of Team Member during the provision of emergency veterinary care. 

PET VACCINATION, LICENSING, AND IDENTIFICATION POLICY

To comply with local laws and ordinances, it is required that all pets have the appropriate vaccinations and licenses before Company begins services. For further information on these requirements, please visit the Ohio State Bar Association’s website at https://www.ohiobar.org/public-resources. Client should also check with his/her veterinarian to determine which vaccinations/shots the pet requires. 

For safety reasons, we encourage all dogs and cats to wear an ID tag or collar that includes name and contact number while Team Member is working with them.

SECURE ACCESS & LOCKBOX POLICY

To ensure access to Client’s home during scheduled services, Hands N Paws requires that Client purchases a lockbox and places a spare house key(s) inside of it for Team Member to use. Client can purchase the lockbox on Hands N Paws’ website by clicking Buy Your Lockbox. Once it arrives, the lockbox should be programmed with a unique four-digit code. The lockbox should then be placed on the main door handle or in another secure location, and the lockbox code and location information must be entered in the Client’s account on Precise Petcare.

Alternatively, Client may elect to provide a code for entry via a garage door or electronic keypad and if so, must enter all necessary codes in Precise Petcare. Client is strongly encouraged to purchase a lockbox, however, to ensure that Team Member can access pets at all times during scheduled services, especially in situations where the power goes out or batteries die and Team Member need alternative access to the home.

CLIENT COMMUNICATION & PRIVACY POLICY

All Team Members have access to Clients phone number, but are instructed to only use them when necessary or for urgent purposes during services with pets. Hands N Paws prioritizes the privacy and confidentiality of phone numbers as personal information.

All correspondence between Client and Team Member should be centered around Client’s pets and the services provided. If Client has inquiries regarding scheduling, cancellations, app-related matters, or any company-related concerns, these are to be directed to the Company via the office number: (614) 636-6644. The Company’s client support team is available during office hours, Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm. We are closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal Holidays. The Company will make contact with Client outside of office hours should there be any urgent need for communication.

PET INFORMATION ACCURACY & ACCESSIBILITY POLICY

In order to provide the best possible service to pets, it is crucial that Client provides Team Member with detailed and up-to-date information regarding their pets. This information should be accurate, complete, and accessible through the Client’s account in Precise Petcare. Team Members can only work on the basis of the information that is available to them through the Client’s account in Precise Petcare. Likewise, Client acknowledges that the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the information they provide directly impacts the quality of the services delivered. Client, therefore, takes full responsibility for any consequences that arise from inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated account information.

FLEXIBLE SERVICE ARRIVAL TIME POLICY

Arrival times for services occur within a two-hour period. Team Members are unable to guarantee exact arrival times due to various factors that may affect scheduling and travel times. To accommodate these considerations, we use time blocks rather than specific times. Client will see this in the dropdown menu when Client selects Arrival Time in the request service form within their Client account.

While Team Members understands that Client may have preferences regarding arrival times, it is essential to acknowledge that Team Members cannot guarantee meeting those specific requests. Flexibility is needed in order for Team Members to accommodate for needs of other Clients on schedule.

SERVICES & PRICING

For the most up-to-date and detailed descriptions on service offerings, please visit our website at www.myhandsnpaws.com.

SERVICE SURCHARGE POLICY

The following service surcharges may apply under certain conditions:

Last Minute Service: A fee of $15 per service will be charged for bookings made with less than 24 hours’ notice.

Holiday Service: A fee of $20 per service will be applied for services provided on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve.

Additional Pets: Base pricing for services includes up to 2 pets. For each additional pet beyond the initial two, an additional fee of $7 per pet will be added.

*Additional fees may apply, as discussed/negotiated between Company and Client. 

SERVICE REQUEST APPROVAL & AVAILABILITY POLICY

Hands N Paws strives to accommodate as many service requests as possible. However, the approval of service requests is subject to the availability of Team Members. Upon submitting a service request, Client will receive a confirmation or declination email/notification indicating whether Hands N Paws can fulfill the requested work. Sometimes, this may take up to 48 hours or more.

If a service request is declined, we encourage Client to explore alternative options or contact our dedicated client support team for further assistance. Company is here to help and find the best solution for all pet care needs.

MEET N GREET POLICY

To ensure a personalized experience for new Clients, Hands N Paws requires a virtual or in-person Meet N Greet before getting started with pet services. These meetings allow us to connect with and onboard Clients and discuss their pet care needs.

All virtual Meet N Greets are free of charge. All in-person Meet N Greets come at a $50 cost. Meet N Greets are no more than 30 minutes in length.

New Clients can book their Meet N Greet on our website at www.myhandsnpaws.com. Existing Clients can book their Meet N Greet in their designated client account in Precise Petcare.

PAYMENT & BILLING POLICY

Payment Method: All services with Hands N Paws are to be paid for using a credit or debit card. All major cards, including Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and Discover are acceptable. Client can securely add and store card information within their Client account. Adding and keeping a valid credit card on file is a requirement for requesting any services with Hands N Paws.

Ongoing Services: For services scheduled as ongoing, Client will be automatically charged every Friday for the previous 7 days’ worth of completed, canceled, and in-progress services.

Non-Ongoing Services: For services not scheduled as ongoing, a 50% down-payment will be charged on the day the services are accepted and confirmed. An invoice will be sent immediately. Client has until the date of the last confirmed service to manually pay the remaining balance on the invoice. If manual payment is not made, the remaining total will be automatically charged to the card on file on the date of the last service day on that invoice.

Declined Payments: In the event of a declined auto-charge, Client will be promptly notified. After the first declined charge, Client has a 24-hour grace period to rectify the issue. In the case of a second declined attempt, a late fee of 10% of the invoice total (minimum $10) will be added. Client must be attentive to emails regarding overdue notices.

Payment Terms: Hands N Paws will be paid the agreed-upon amount as discussed, with no exceptions, unless our Cancellation Policy (outlined below) applies and the Client receives a refund in the form of an Account Credit(s). In emergency circumstances, a refund may be issued as transferable credit(s) back to the Client’s card.

Additional Fees: Client may be charged additional fees if Team Members are instructed to, or determine the need to, purchase items for the pet(s) while under the care of Hands N Paws. These items may include pet food or treats, litter or cleaning supplies, transportation to the vet, or emergency expenses for the general care of the pet(s). Hands N Paws and/or Team Member will consult with Client before making any purchases, and will retain and share any receipts as proof of purchase.

SERVICE CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY

When Client schedules services with Hands N Paws, the Company has likely turned down other work so as to devote our time to the work requested from said Client.

Client understands and accepts the Company cancellation/refund policy as outlined below:

– 100% refund is issued as Account Credit if cancellation is made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled service(s).

– 50% refund is issued as Account Credit if cancellation is made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled service(s).

– NO refund is issued for same-day cancellations/less than 24 hour notice.

PLEASE NOTE: Refunds are NOT transferable. Should Client be eligible to receive an Account Credit (based on terms above), that will be auto-added to his/her account and applied to the very next invoice with us.

SERVICES TERMS

Hands N Paws agrees to provide the services stated in this contract in a reliable, caring, and trustworthy manner. In consideration of these services and as an express condition thereof, Client expressly waives and relinquishes any and all claims against Hands N Paws arising out of or relating to the provision of services hereunder, except those arising from gross negligence or willful misconduct on part of Hands N Paws.

Client understands and acknowledges that the environment in which they are requesting Hands N Paws to complete services is reasonably sanitary and safe. If it is determined that home conditions are unsanitary and/or unsafe at any point in the working relationship, Company will make it known to Client. Action will be taken accordingly thereafter.

Additionally, Hands N Paws will not terminate during a period of scheduled service unless Hands N Paws determines, at their sole discretion, that a serious danger exists to the health or safety of Team Members or pets. If such concerns preclude Hands N Paws from providing further care for the pets, Client agrees to pay for their pet to be boarded at a boarding facility or taken under the care of another party until Client returns. All attempts will be made to notify Client and/or emergency contacts regarding such situations.

Client understands and acknowledges that he/she is responsible for letting Hands N Paws know of anyone who has access to their home during the duration of services booked. Client releases and holds Hands N Paws harmless of all loss, expense, and damage caused by any third-parties entering Client’s home at that time.

CONTRACT TERMS

This contract will take effect upon digital signature by Client (clicking “Agree & Submit” below) and will remain in effect until terminated by either party. Client may make online reservations for additional services at any time during the terms of this contract, as subject to Hands N Paws availability. All scheduled services will be governed by all the terms of this contract.

Client acknowledges that by signing below, he/she is providing written approval for the provision of services by Hands N Paws during any service period scheduled by Client and confirmed by Hands N Paws. Upon service confirmation, Hands N Paws will be authorized to enter Client premises and perform services without additional signed contracts and/or written authorizations.