TERMS of SERVICE

1. Introduction & Agreement

Welcome to The Curious Cat Company. These Terms of Service establish the responsibilities, policies, and expectations associated with our in-home cat care services.

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The Curious Cat Company is an independently owned, owner-operated business dedicated exclusively to cats. Services are provided with consideration for each cat's individual personality, routines, comfort, and well-being.

By requesting and accepting services, the client agrees to these Terms of Service, the applicable reservation details, and any additional written authorizations required before care begins.
 

2. Services & Service Area

The Curious Cat Company provides the following services within designated areas of Oviedo and Winter Springs, Florida:
 

Daytime Cat Sitting Visits
Available 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
 

• 30-minute visits

• 45-minute visits

• 60-minute visits
   

Overnight Cat Care
 

• 8:00 PM to 7:00 AM

• Includes evening and morning care during the overnight period.

• Midday visits are not included and must be reserved separately.
   

All services are provided in the client's home. Visit lengths are recommended based on the number of cats, their individual care needs, and household routines. Homes with multiple cats or more involved care requirements may require a longer visit, as determined during the complimentary Meet & Greet.
 

The Curious Cat Company exclusively serves cats and does not accept reservations in households with dogs. Services are subject to availability, the client's location, and an assessment of the care requested.
 

3. Owner-Operated Care & Emergency Coverage

The Curious Cat Company is independently owned and operated, with all services personally provided by the owner.
 

Because the company does not employ additional sitters or maintain substitute caregivers, clients are responsible for establishing and maintaining a trusted backup care arrangement in the event of unexpected illness, injury, personal emergency, or other circumstances that prevent the owner from providing scheduled services.

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The Curious Cat Company is not responsible for locating, arranging, hiring, coordinating, or paying for replacement caregivers.
 

Should an unforeseen situation arise, The Curious Cat Company will make reasonable efforts to notify the client promptly so alternative arrangements can be made.
 

Any services the company is unable to provide will be refunded in full, including applicable additional-cat fees and holiday surcharges for those services. The client acknowledges that a refund does not constitute replacement care and that responsibility for securing alternate care remains with the client.
 

4. New Clients & Complimentary Meet & Greet

All new clients must complete a complimentary in-home Meet & Greet before their first reservation.

This meeting provides an opportunity to:
 

• Meet the cat(s) and discuss their individual personalities and routines.

• Review feeding, litter care, medication, and other needs.

• Discuss home access, security systems, and emergency procedures.

• Confirm the requested services are appropriate.

• Review necessary client information and care authorizations.

• Collect and verify a working physical house key for scheduled services.
   

Completion of a Meet & Greet does not guarantee acceptance of a reservation. The Curious Cat Company reserves the right to decline services when the requested care cannot be provided safely or appropriately.
 

5. Reservations & Scheduling

Established clients may submit reservation requests through the Client Portal. All reservations are subject to personal review and approval by the owner. Submission of a request does not guarantee availability or constitute a confirmed booking.
 

Cat sitting visits are scheduled within the following arrival windows:
 

• Morning: 7:00 AM–11:00 AM

• Midday: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM

• Evening: 3:00 PM–7:00 PM
   

Arrival times within these windows are determined by the daily schedule, travel requirements, and the needs of the cats receiving care.
 

Exact arrival times are not guaranteed unless a specific arrangement has been approved in writing. Time-sensitive medication schedules or other special requirements must be discussed and approved before booking.
 

Services are available seven days a week, including weekends and designated holidays, subject to availability.
 

Minimum Visit Requirements: When clients are away from home, The Curious Cat Company requires a minimum of at least one visit every 24 hours. Twice-daily visits are recommended and may be required based on the cats' ages, health, feeding schedules, medications, or individual care needs. Visit requirements for departure and return days will be determined individually based on the client's travel schedule and the cats' needs.
 

6. Rates & Additional Cats

Base service rates include care for up to two cats in the same household. Each additional cat beyond the first two is subject to a $5 charge per visit or overnight stay.
 

Households requiring additional time or specialized attention may need to reserve a longer visit or make other approved arrangements.
 

Current rates and any applicable surcharges will be disclosed before a reservation is confirmed.
 

7. Payment & Reservation Confirmation

Payment in full is required in advance for all services and will be charged to the client's credit card on file. Clients must maintain a valid credit card through the company's designated secure payment system.
 

Reservations are confirmed only after the requested services have been approved by the owner, Client Intake Form has been completed, the Terms of Service Agreement has been signed, and payment in full has been received.

Invoices, payment instructions, and reservation details will be provided through the designated client management or payment system.
 

Additional services requested during an existing reservation are subject to availability and may incur additional charges.
 

8. Holiday & Peak-Period Rates

A 15% surcharge applies to services provided during designated holidays and peak travel periods. Applicable dates will be published or communicated before reservations are accepted. The surcharge applies to the total service charge, including additional-cat fees. Ordinary Saturdays and Sundays are charged at regular rates unless they fall within a designated holiday or peak period.
 

9. Cancellation & Refund Policy

Because The Curious Cat Company reserves time exclusively for confirmed clients and may decline other requests during those periods, the following cancellation policies apply.

 

Regular Reservations

Cancellations received at least 7 full calendar days before the first scheduled service qualifies for a full refund of all unperformed services.
 

Cancellations received with less than 7 full calendar days' notice are not eligible for a refund of the canceled reservation.
 

Holiday & Peak-Period Reservations

Cancellations received at least 14 full calendar days before the first scheduled service qualifies for a full refund of all unperformed services.
 

Cancellations received with less than 14 full calendar days' notice are not eligible for a refund of the canceled reservation.
 

Additional Cancellation Terms
 

• Cancellation notice must be submitted in writing through the Client Portal or the company's designated email address. Verbal cancellation requests, including those left by voicemail, will not be accepted.

• Notice periods are calculated from the scheduled start of the first service in the reservation.

• Reservations containing holiday or peak-period services are subject to the 14-day cancellation policy for the entire reservation.

• Early returns, shortened trips, unused visits, and voluntary changes to confirmed reservations do not automatically qualify for refunds.

• Requests to reschedule are subject to availability and may be treated as cancellations when the required notice period has not been met.

• If The Curious Cat Company cancels or cannot provide a scheduled service, that unprovided service will be refunded in full.
   

Exceptions may be considered individually but are not guaranteed.
 

10. Client Information & Responsibilities

Clients agree to provide complete, accurate, and current information regarding their cats, home, and emergency contacts.
 

This includes:
 

• All cats residing in the home.

• Feeding instructions and dietary restrictions.

• Medication schedules and health conditions.

• Behavioral concerns, sensitivities, or handling restrictions.

• Veterinary contact information.

• Emergency contacts and backup caregiver information.

• Home access instructions, alarm codes, and relevant safety information.
   

Clients must notify The Curious Cat Company of any significant changes to their cats' health, routines, care needs, or home access arrangements before services begin.
 

Clients are responsible for ensuring an adequate supply of food, litter, medications, cleaning supplies, and all other essential care items are available throughout the scheduled reservation.
 

If supplies become insufficient or unavailable, the client or their designated backup caregiver is responsible for arranging and providing replacements promptly. The Curious Cat Company is not responsible for locating, purchasing, transporting, or replenishing supplies.
 

11. Keys, Entry & Home Access

All clients are required to provide The Curious Cat Company with a working physical house key before services begin. The key will remain in the possession of The Curious Cat Company throughout the scheduled reservation, regardless of whether the home also has a keypad, electronic lock, garage code, lockbox, or other access system.

Keys will be collected and tested during the complimentary Meet & Greet. A reservation cannot be confirmed until a working physical key has been provided and tested.
 

Clients are responsible for ensuring:
 

• The physical key provides reliable access to the home.

• All additional access devices and entry codes function properly.

• Electronic locks have adequate power and working access codes.

• Alarm instructions and security codes are accurate.

• Gates, community entrances, and security personnel permit access.

• Any changes to locks, codes, or access instructions are communicated before services begin.
   

Keys and access information will be handled with reasonable care and kept confidential. Physical keys will be securely stored and identified using an internal reference rather than the client's name or address.
 

With the client's permission, The Curious Cat Company may retain the key for future reservations. Otherwise, keys will be returned through a mutually agreed-upon arrangement following completion of services. Clients may request the return of their keys at any time when no active reservation requires access.
 

If entry is prevented by incorrect instructions, malfunctioning locks, unavailable keys, or other circumstances beyond The Curious Cat Company’s control, reasonable efforts will be made to contact the client and/or their emergency contact to resolve the issue.
 

If access cannot be obtained, the scheduled visit may be considered attempted and charged accordingly.

Any additional trip required to resolve an access issue may be billed as an additional visit if approved by the client.

The Curious Cat Company is not responsible for locksmith charges, access-system failures, or damage resulting from defective locks or entry equipment, except to the extent caused by its own negligence. 

 

12. Other Individuals on the Property

For the safety of the cats, the home, and The Curious Cat Company, clients must disclose in advance whether anyone else will have access to or be present at the property during scheduled services.

 

This includes family members, friends, neighbors, housekeepers, maintenance personnel, contractors, and other caregivers.
 

The Curious Cat Company may decline or modify services if undisclosed individuals are present or if conditions create a safety or security concern.

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Clients are responsible for coordinating access and activities involving third parties.

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The Curious Cat Company is not responsible for the actions, omissions, or property damage caused by third parties, except where the company contributes to the loss through its own negligence.

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13. Home Safety & Security

Clients are responsible for maintaining a reasonably safe environment for their cats and the caregiver. The Curious Cat Company will take reasonable care when entering, using, and securing the property.

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Basic home-related tasks, such as collecting mail, adjusting lights, or bringing in packages, may be accommodated when agreed upon in advance.

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14. Indoor Cats, Outdoor Access & Escape Prevention

The Curious Cat Company provides care for cats in their home environment and prioritizes safe, controlled access.

Cats that normally have outdoor access must remain indoors while under the company's care. Access to fully enclosed, secure catios or screened lanais may be considered with prior approval.

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Clients must disclose known escape behaviors and provide instructions for safely entering and leaving the home. If a cat escapes, all reasonable efforts will be made to locate and safely recover the cat, notify the client, and contact appropriate resources when necessary, but recovery is not guaranteed.

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15. Feeding, Litter Care & Daily Routines

Care will be provided according to the client's written instructions and the services reserved.

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Feeding routines, litter maintenance, water replenishment, and other agreed-upon care tasks will be completed during the scheduled service period.

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The Curious Cat Company will not intentionally force physical interaction, play, or handling when a cat displays signs of fear, distress, or discomfort.

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Care may be adjusted when necessary to protect the safety and well-being of the cat or caregiver.

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Clients acknowledge that cats may behave differently in their owner's absence and that their willingness to interact cannot be guaranteed.

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16. Medications & Special Care

Medication administration and special care requests must be disclosed and approved before services begin.

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Clients must provide:

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• Accurate written instructions.

• Properly labeled medications.

• Required administration supplies.

• Relevant veterinary information.

• Instructions for missed, refused, or vomited doses.
   

The Curious Cat Company reserves the right to decline medication administration or specialized care that exceeds the owner's training, experience, or ability to provide safely.

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Medication will not be forcibly administered when doing so presents an unreasonable risk of injury or significant distress.

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If a cat refuses medication or administration cannot be completed safely, reasonable efforts will be made to notify the client and follow approved instructions.

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The Curious Cat Company does not diagnose medical conditions, prescribe treatments, or replace veterinary care.

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17. Cat Illness, Injury & Veterinary Emergencies

Clients must disclose known illnesses, recent injuries, contagious conditions, and other relevant medical concerns before services begin.

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If a cat appears ill, injured, or in distress, The Curious Cat Company will assess the circumstances within the limits of its training and take reasonable action.

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Depending on the situation, this may include:

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• Contacting the client.

• Contacting the designated emergency contact.

• Consulting the cat's veterinarian.

• Seeking emergency veterinary care when authorized and reasonably necessary.
   

Clients agree to maintain a current Veterinary Release & Emergency Authorization form in their Client Portal.

When immediate veterinary attention appears necessary and the client cannot be reached, The Curious Cat Company may seek appropriate veterinary assistance in accordance with the client's authorization.

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All veterinary charges, emergency treatment costs, transportation expenses, and related third-party fees are the client's financial responsibility.

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The Curious Cat Company cannot guarantee a particular medical outcome or the availability of veterinary services.

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18. Emergency Contacts & Backup Caregiver

Clients must provide at least one reliable emergency contact who is authorized to make decisions and assist with the cats when the client cannot be reached.

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Clients are strongly encouraged to designate a local backup caregiver who has access to the home and is willing and able to assume care if necessary.

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Emergency contacts and backup caregivers should be informed of their responsibilities before the client's departure.

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19. Severe Weather, Natural Disasters & Unsafe Travel

Florida weather conditions, including hurricanes, tropical storms, flooding, severe thunderstorms, and other emergencies, may affect the ability to provide services safely.

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The Curious Cat Company will make reasonable efforts to communicate with clients when severe weather or other hazardous conditions threaten scheduled care. Services may be delayed, modified, or canceled when travel or property conditions create an unreasonable safety risk.

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Clients are responsible for maintaining an emergency preparedness plan for their cats, including a local backup caregiver and arrangements for evacuation when necessary.

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Services not provided by the company will be refunded.

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20. Overnight Care Policies

Overnight services are provided from 8:00 PM until 7:00 AM the following morning.

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Clients must provide a safe, comfortable sleeping area and a private, functioning bathroom for use during overnight stays.

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The home must have functioning utilities, appropriate temperature control, and a secure environment.

Additional daytime visits must be booked and paid for separately.

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Clients must disclose any unusual overnight care requirements, including frequent medication administration, ongoing monitoring, or other needs that may prevent normal rest.

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The Curious Cat Company reserves the right to decline overnight arrangements that cannot be accommodated safely or reasonably. 

  

21. Return Delays & Extensions

Clients are responsible for notifying The Curious Cat Company promptly if their return is delayed or additional care is needed.

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Extensions are subject to availability and are not guaranteed.

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If the company is unable to provide additional services, the client must activate their designated backup care arrangement.

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Additional approved services will be billed at the applicable rates.

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22. Cameras, Recording Devices & Privacy

Clients must disclose the presence and general locations of indoor cameras, audio-recording devices, or other monitoring equipment before services begin.

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Cameras may be used in common areas, provided their use complies with applicable law.

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Recording devices are strictly prohibited in any bathroom used by the caregiver during pet sitting visits, as well as in any bedroom, sleeping area, or changing area designated for the caregiver during overnight stays.

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The Curious Cat Company reserves the right to decline or discontinue services when undisclosed recording devices or privacy concerns create an unreasonable condition.

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23. Communication & Visit Updates

The Curious Cat Company provides Pet Journals following scheduled services, which are emailed directly to clients and are also available through the Client Portal.

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Pet Journals include photographs, observations, and general information about the cats' activities and well-being.

Clients are responsible for maintaining accurate contact information and remaining reasonably reachable during their absence.

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Messages are answered as availability permits. The Curious Cat Company does not provide continuous 24-hour client communication or emergency dispatch services.

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24. Photographs & Use of Images

Photographs taken during services may be shared privately with the client as part of their Pet Journal.

The Curious Cat Company will not publicly identify a client, disclose a client's address, or use identifiable photographs of the client's home for marketing without permission.

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Photographs of cats may be used for promotional purposes only with the client's separate consent.

 

25. Liability & Assumption of Risk

The Curious Cat Company agrees to exercise reasonable care and professional judgment while providing services.

Clients acknowledge that caring for animals involves inherent risks, including unexpected illness, injury, escape attempts, changes in behavior, and incidents occurring while animals are unattended.

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The Curious Cat Company is not responsible for losses caused solely by undisclosed conditions, inaccurate client instructions, defective property equipment, third-party actions, or circumstances outside its reasonable control.

The client remains responsible for veterinary expenses, property conditions, and the actions of individuals or animals not under the company's control.

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Nothing in these Terms of Service excludes or limits liability for the company's negligence, willful misconduct, or other liability that cannot lawfully be limited.

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26. Right to Decline or Discontinue Services

The Curious Cat Company reserves the right to decline, suspend, or discontinue services when reasonably necessary because of:

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• Unsafe property conditions.

• Undisclosed animals or care requirements.

• Aggressive or dangerous behavior.

• Significantly inaccurate client information.

• Inability to obtain safe access.

• Harassment, threats, or inappropriate conduct.

• Medical or behavioral needs beyond the company's ability to accommodate.

• Other circumstances creating a substantial safety concern.
   

When possible, clients will be notified promptly so alternate arrangements can be made.

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Any unprovided services will be refunded unless otherwise permitted by applicable law and expressly agreed in writing.

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27. Privacy & Client Information

The Curious Cat Company respects client privacy and takes reasonable measures to protect personal information, pet care records, home access details, and emergency contact information.

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Client information is collected, stored, and used as necessary to provide services and manage reservations, communications, and payments.

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For more information about how client information is handled, please refer to The Curious Cat Company's Privacy Policy.

 

28. Changes to Terms of Service

The Curious Cat Company reserves the right to update its Terms of Service as needed.

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Clients will be notified of significant changes and may be required to review and sign the updated agreement before making future reservations.

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Any reservations already confirmed will remain subject to the Terms of Service in effect when they were booked, unless otherwise required by law.

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29. Governing Law

These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of the State of Florida, subject to applicable consumer protection laws and other mandatory legal requirements.