Policies & FAQ ยท tippytaps
Policies & FAQ

The rapid-fire rundown.

This page is meant to give you the info you need to get a sense of what tippytaps is about.

Anything not covered here? DM me on Instagram @tippytaps.pet or email jonathan@tippytaps.pet.

Why tippytaps?

Why should anyone book with tippytaps instead of other options?

The idea behind tippytaps is simply that it's the absolute best possible experience your fur babies can have while you're away. If you want to guarantee your pets have a great time and ensure you have zero stress while you're gone, that's exactly what I offer. Complete peace of mind.

Not only is your baseline experience guaranteed to be smooth, but you can pick 'pupgrades' like a pampering session or a photoshoot to really treat your pets to something special.

I have always been in tune with the energy around me, and I've been doing this full time for several years. I've gotten very good at reading patterns and noticing behavior early.

With strong instincts and sharpened skills, I bring a lot of confidence to the experience I provide.

Other than walks or house sitting, what do you offer?

Because I'm aiming to provide the best possible experience for you and your pets, there are a few 'pupgrades' available on 3-hour check-ins and overnight stays, where there's enough time together for them to shine.

I've done photography & videography for weddings and smaller projects, so you're already guaranteed consistent, high-quality updates you'll want to show off to friends and family.

If you want to step up the photo game, I offer Pet Photoshoots where I use my DSLR to capture beautiful candid shots of your pets while I'm caring for them.

The Pet Pampering Sessions are another unique option. It's a 30-minute experience that I capture so you can enjoy it secondhand. Brushing, calming hands-on massage, and some paw treatment all result in any stress melting away. "Will I ever catch that squirrel?" "Who even cares right now?"

Is it always you, or do you send other people?

tippytaps is just me, and it's meant to be a very premium & personal experience. Your pets see the same familiar face every time!

What to expect

Can you handle emergencies?

Confidently. I grew up in the Boy Scouts and have always been able to 'lock in' when the situation calls for it. I've handled a seizure, heatstroke, even a momma dog going into labor while sitting for a farm. I didn't even know she was pregnant, but I delivered those puppies myself and momma dog did such a good job! I can handle anything that comes up, and if you need me to stay with your fur baby at the vet, it wouldn't be my first time.

What's included in a visit?

Care, play, feeding, fresh water, the works. For check-ins I'm happy to grab the mail and water plants at no extra charge. Every visit includes photo updates, and every sitting stay comes with a cute Polaroid for your fridge.

How does the meet & greet work?

Every overnight stay includes one. Once your deposit locks your dates, we set up a 60-minute visit: you show me around, walk me through routines, and your fur baby gets to size me up. The balance for your stay is settled there, and if either of us decides it's not a fit, your deposit comes straight back and you owe nothing.

Booking walks or check-ins? The meet & greet simply rides along with your first booked visit. No separate appointment needed.

Can you give medication?

Yes. I've handled everything from daily pills to subcutaneous fluids.

Are you background checked?

Twice over. From my years working in the security industry (ADT and others), I held a DCJS certification, which requires state-level, fingerprint-based screening. On top of that I've passed independent background checks, including Rover's. Being trusted inside people's homes has been my professional life for a long time.

Policy stuff

Can we reschedule walks if the weather is bad?

If it looks like it's going to rain, we can absolutely reschedule a walk at no charge.

How does payment work?

Booking is a request, not an instant charge. You pick your service and dates on the site, send the request, and I reply personally, usually within a few hours, with a secure invoice by email. Card and Apple Pay both work. Nothing touches your card until you choose to pay.

For walks, check-ins, and their pupgrades, the invoice is the full amount. Pay it and you're booked.

For overnight stays, the invoice is a 50% deposit. The moment it's paid, your dates are locked in and nobody else can book them. The balance is settled at your included meet & greet. If I can't take your booking, or the meet & greet tells either of us it's not a fit, the deposit is refunded in full.

What's your cancellation policy?

These apply once a booking is paid. Until then it's just a request, and withdrawing one costs nothing. When a cancellation qualifies for money back, you choose: 100% as booking credit toward any future visit, or 75% as a refund to your card.

Walks & check-ins: cancel 12+ hours ahead for full value back (credit or 75% refund); inside 12 hours, charged in full.

House sitting & multi-day: cancel 72+ hours ahead for full value back (credit or 75% refund); inside 72 hours, 50% charged; inside 24 hours, charged in full.

Holiday bookings: non-refundable once paid.

Is my pet going to become an online superstar?

I do try to keep the Instagram active with cute content, so your pets may make an appearance! You always have the option to opt out at the time of booking. Either way, your home, address, and interior details are never shared publicly.

How to start

How do I book?

Hit Book now at the top of the page: pick your service, your dates on the live calendar, and any pupgrades, then send the request. I reply personally, usually within a few hours. There's also a new client form where you can add details and notes so we can get to know each other. The more I know about your fur babies, the better job I can do!

Reach out by Instagram DM or email jonathan@tippytaps.pet with any questions.

Do I need an account to book?

Nope. Sending a request needs nothing but your name and email. Your account is created when you pay your first invoice, and from there your bookings and details live in one place under Sign in.

Regulars: ask me about prepaid walk packs. Five walks, and the sixth is on me.

Still have a question?

Send a booking request, or just send a message and I'll get right back to you.