Operations and Security
Are you a real business? Are you bonded and insured?
Yes. Dori Tails LLC is a Limited Liability Company registered with the state of Illinois, holds a City of Chicago Business License, is registered as a USDA Class T Animal Carrier, and we are we are bonded and insured through Business Insurers of the Carolinas against theft, accidents, property damage, injury or loss of your pet, etc. We use actual employees (not contractors), and our employees are covered by Workers Compensation Insurance.
What are your business hours?
Our business hours are 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, and we are also available for evening/weekend Free Consultations and Meet & Greet sessions. Please see the individual service pages (Dog Walks & Visits, Cat Sitting Visits, Pet Visits for Non-Traditional Pets, and Overnight Pet Stitting) for service hours.
How will you keep my keys, home, and property safe?
We take security and privacy very seriously. To this end, we have background-checked all Care Team members and bonded and insured them through through Business Insurers of the Carolinas.
We have specific policies regarding security and privacy. Please click these links to read our policies re: Keys and Home Access, Security Cameras, and Security and Privacy
We have a separate Privacy Policy that discloses how this website uses and safeguards your information. Click here to read our Privacy Policy.
Can I have a friend or family member check in on my pet?
We ask that our Care Team members will be the only people we entrust with the responsibility of taking care of your pet(s) while you are away. If you allow other people in your home during the times that we provide services, whether for pet care or other reasons, you are required to notify us in advance of the visit of everyone whom you grant access to your home during the service period. This is for the safety and security of our Care Team, as well as your pets and your home. Please click here to read the rest of our visit policies.
Health and Safety
Do you require proof of vaccinations?
We require current vaccination certificates from your veterinarian (which shows the date current vaccine was given and the date the next is due) for:
- Rabies – dogs and cats
- Distemper/Parvo Combo (DAPP/DHPP) – dogs
- Feline Distemper Combo (FVRCP) – cats
NOTE: Young puppies and kittens must be current for their age in the vaccination series.
Will you walk my dog in poor weather?
On hot days, we provide water breaks and keep to shaded areas, and on cold days we will keep moving. However, if your dog shows signs of distress, we will quickly “take care of business” and then come inside for playtime. We do walks in snow and rain as long as conditions are not dangerous (extreme rain, cold, lightning, high winds, blizzard conditions, etc.). Please remember to leave a towel out on rainy/snowy days so we can dry your dog off.
What if my pet has an emergency?
We train in Pet First Aid for several species as well as CPCR for Dogs and Cats, and we hold a USDA Class T Carrier License for pet transportation, so if something happens, we know how to ensure that your pet(s) will be taken care of. In addition, all pet parents sign emergency documents that specify their wishes regarding the care of their pets. Click here to read our emergency policies.
Visit Policies
How will I know what happened during the walk/visit?
After the walk/visit, you will receive a Visit Report from the Time to Pet app, including:
- Time-tracking data
- GPS route data for Walks and Drop-ins
- GPS begin/end location data for Overnight Care
- Potty breaks, food, and water info
- Medications given
- Pet behavior and energy levels
- Notes about pet tasks completed
- Specialized task notes for Exotic Pets
- Photos of your pet(s) taken during the visit
- Notes about household tasks completed for Overnight Care
Will the same walker/sitter come every time?
We do our best to schedule the same dog walker/pet sitter for each visit because our staff builds a relationship with the pet. If your walker/sitter has time off, we will schedule an alternative and inform you in advance. All information about your home and dog is listed in your Time To Pet portal, so a substitute walker/sitter can prepare before they arrive. When you schedule ad hoc or periodic walks/visits, we will try to assign your regular walker/sitter, but they may not always be available.
Will you train or discipline my pet?
No. We will provide positive reinforcement as per your training guidelines, but our main priority is to ensure the safety and happiness of your pet. In the case of any behavioral issues, we will inform you and work with you to cope with them.
Services
What if I need a visit on short notice?
For new clients, a Free Video Consultation and an In-Person Meet & Greet are required before you can request services. Once you become a client, you can request services up to 48 hours in advance in your Time To Pet client portal. If you miss the 48-hour deadline, you must contact us using the Chat/Conversation feature, and we do not guarantee availability. Please click here to read the rest of our policies about Booking Requests.
Do you offer 24 hour "Constant Care"?
We do not offer “Constant Care” (24 hours of exclusive care in your home, during which the Care Team member never leaves for any reason).
Instead, we offer Overnight Care, in which a Care Team member stays in your home overnight for 12 hours, from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM, and a separate Walk or Visit the next day.
Do you offer pet boarding?
Dori Tails only offers in-your-home pet sitting services, which means that we come to your home to take care of your pets.
Do you clean house too?
You can request us to do minor household tasks, such as bringing in your mail/packages, watering plants, and taking out trash/recycling during Visits. We do not offer any non-pet-related house-sitting (or house-cleaning) services.
Payments and Cancellations
What are your payment policies?
You pay for all bookings in advance, just like you would do if you were reserving a hotel room. If you opt for weekly/recurring Walks or Visits, we bill you weekly, and we charge your card every Monday at 9:00am for just the upcoming week’s services.
What is your cancellation policy?
We use your booking to plan availability for all of our clients. When you book our services, we reserve exclusive time for your pet(s) and must turn away other clients. Therefore, the following cancellation policy applies to the entire balance of the booking:
Daily Walks and Drop-in Visits (weekly/recurring clients only):
- Must be canceled by Noon the day before, in order to receive credit toward your next invoice.
- 2 weeks notice is required to stop service.
Periodic Walks, Periodic Drop-in Visits, and Overnight Care (non-holiday bookings only):
More than 7 days notice: 50% refund. 4-6 days notice: 25% refund. 3 or fewer days notice: no refund.
Periodic Walks, Periodic Drop-in Visits, and Overnight Care (holiday bookings only):
More than 2 weeks notice: 50% refund. 7-14 days notice: 25% refund. 7 or fewer days notice: no refund.
