Policies
Scope of Care Policy
Rusty’s Calm Cat Care is operated by an independent Certified Veterinary Technician, without a supervising DVM on site. Services are limited to care that has already been prescribed or directed by your pet’s veterinarian. This includes prescribed medication administration, wound and incision care, mobility and recumbency support, and comfort-focused hospice care. I do not diagnose conditions, prescribe or adjust medications, or provide treatment recommendations outside your vet’s existing plan. For hospice clients, I can help track quality-of-life indicators, walk through pain-assessment scales, and answer general questions about what you’re observing. However, any change in condition, new symptom, or medical decision should be directed to your veterinary team. My role is to support your veterinary team’s care plan for at home, but I am not a substitute for veterinary medical judgement.
Payment Policy
A 20% deposit via Venmo or Zelle secures your dates once details are confirmed, with the remaining balance due up front before the first visit. Accepted payment methods include cash, Venmo, and Zelle.
Meet & Greet Policy
Every new client starts with a free meet-and-greet, about 15 minutes, so I can meet your cat(s) and family, walk through their care needs, and talk through what to expect from a visit. I will bring sample Report Cards for the Senior and Anxiety packages so you can see exactly what you would receive in those packages. Request a meet-and-greet through the same contact form you’d use to book.
Communication Policy
Every visit comes with a same-day text update and photo so you always know how your cat is doing while you’re away. Responses will always be as timely as possible. Senior and Anxiety packages also include a written Report Card each day. During a sit, I will respond to messages within 12 hours.
Cancellation Policy
48+ hours notice: eligible for full refund, no payment due
24-48 hours notice: 30% payment required
Less than 24 hours notice: 60% payment required
Short-Notice Booking Policy
If your request comes in less than 48 hours before your first visit is scheduled to start, a flat $15 short-notice fee applies if approved. For new clients, short-notice bookings will only be accepted if time allows for a meet & greet.
Holiday Booking Policy
A $10/day surcharge applies on federal holidays (New Year’s Day, MLK Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas). Availability is never guaranteed and is booked on a first-come, first-serve basis.
A $5/day surcharge applies to Saturday and Sunday visits. If the day is a holiday and a weekend, apply the $10 holiday fee.
Referrals & Loyalty Policy
Referral Program: Refer someone new and you both get one free base visit. Add-ons and travel fees are still due, and if a higher package is desired, the difference is due on top. The person being referred should put the name of the referring person in the contact form on the website.
Loyalty Discount: $10 off your daily total starting at your 4th sitting booking. Booking monthly nail trims or other grooming services gets 5% off. Frequent medical treatment clients should ask about a case-by-case discount.
Emergency Care Policy
If your cat needs emergency veterinary care during a visit, I’ll immediately transport them to the emergency plan we agreed on ahead of time and attempt to reach you right away. Before your visit begins, we’ll fill out a short form together to set that plan in advance, including your budget and preferred emergency veterinary hospital.
Medications & Pre-Existing Conditions Policy
Disclosure of prescribed medications and diagnosed medical conditions is mandatory. Medical conditions and treatments will never be used as a reason to terminate our agreement.