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Managing Your Availability in Precise Petcare

What’s included in this article! 👉

Your key to getting consistent work and maintaining your active status on the team.

Your availability calendar is the most important tool for controlling your schedule at Hands N Paws. This guide will show you how to set it, maintain it, and use it to get the assignments you want.

Why Your Availability Matters

Keeping your availability current is essential because:

  • It’s how you get assigned work: Managers use your availability to manually assign you visits that fit your schedule
  • It maintains your active status: You must maintain availability for 15+ hours weekly to remain an active team member
  • It helps our entire team: Accurate availability allows us to respond quickly to client requests and reduces scheduling conflicts
  • It’s especially crucial if you’re a primary sitter for specific clients

How to Add Your Availability

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Log in to your Precise Petcare account
  2. Go to Scheduling > Availability
  3. Click New Availability Entry
  4. Fill out the form with these details:

Type:

  • Available: Times you can work
  • Not Available: Times you’re unavailable

Schedule:

  • Single Day: For one specific date
  • Multiple Days: For a date range with specific days of the week
  • Ongoing: No end date (perfect for regular weekly availability)

Length:

  • 24 hour: Entire day availability
  • Block of Time: Specific hours (e.g., 9 AM – 5 PM)
  • Overnight: For overnight stays

Optional:

  • Except For: Exclude specific dates from a recurring availability
  • Notes: Add clarification if needed
  1. Double-check your entry and click Save

How to Edit Existing Availability

To modify an existing entry:

  1. Go to Scheduling > Availability
  2. Find the entry you want to change
  3. Click the down arrow in the top right corner of the entry box
  4. Select Edit and edit the form accordingly. If you simply wish to exclude a date from an existing entry, click Add Except For and input the date(s).
  5. Double check your changes and click Save

Important: If you are wanting to edit a single day, but the entry spans multiple days and/or is ongoing, your changes will apply to ALL days detailed in that availability entry. To edit a single day in a series, simply use the Add Except For feature in the entry form.

The “Except For” Feature

What is it?
The “Except For” feature allows you to create a one-time exception in a recurring availability block. Instead of deleting an entire series, you can remove just a single instance.

For example, if you are available every Friday but need one specific Friday off, “Except For” lets you block out that single day while keeping the rest of your Friday availability intact.

How to use it:

  1. Go to your availability calendar and find the recurring block you need to adjust.
  2. Click the down arrow to edit the availability entry.
  3. Select the option “Add Except For”.
  4. Choose the specific date you need to block.
  5. Save the change. The system will now show a “hole” for that date in your series.

Example:

  • Your Regular Schedule: Available every Monday from 9 AM to 5 PM.
  • One-Time Change: You have a doctor’s appointment on Monday, the 15th, from 2 PM to 4 PM.
  • The Right Way:
    • Use “Except For” on your “Every Monday” series to block the entire day of Monday, the 15th.
    • Then, create a new availability entry for that day only stating you are NOT available from 2 – 4 PM.

This ensures you are still bookable for the rest of your day while preventing a visit from being scheduled during your appointment, and prevents any availability/scheduling confusion overall.

Availability Conflicts

An availability conflict happens when a visit is scheduled outside of your marked available hours. This will alert your Team Lead, who will then contact you to resolve it.

To avoid this, always check these three things before you accept a new visit:

1. Match the Visit Time to Your Available Blocks

  • Look at the specific time and date of the visit you’re wanting to accept.
  • Now, check your posted availability on the Availability page. Is that visit time slot clearly within one of your “Available” blocks?
    • If not, please update your availability entry first before accepting the visit.

2. Look for Overlaps in Your Current Visit Schedule

  • Do you already have several other visits scheduled at that exact time? Don’t overbook yourself!

3. Ensure Your Overall Availability is Accurate

  • Is your availability set correctly for next week and the week after?
    • Pro Tip: Get in the habit of updating your availability at least two weeks in advance. For one-time changes (like a doctor’s appointment), use the “Except For” feature to block out that specific time instead of deleting your entire availability entry.

Time Off & Schedule Changes

Planned Time Off:

  • While not mandatory, we greatly appreciate 2+ weeks notice for planned time off
  • Update your availability to “Not Available” for those dates
  • This helps us ensure proper visit coverage

Emergency Unavailability:

  • If you become suddenly unavailable with existing services booked on schedule:
    1. Immediately post in Slack #coverage
    2. Proactively help find coverage for those visits
    3. Contact your team leader if it’s a true emergency
  • Communication is critical – failure to communicate may impact your position

Best Practices for Success

  • Maintain a rolling 2-week availability calendar – always keep the next two weeks updated
  • Be realistic about when you can truly work
  • Update immediately when your schedule changes
  • Check for conflicts before accepting new/open services
  • Use “Ongoing” availability for your regular weekly schedule, then modify with “Except For” for specific time off

Need Help?

For further assistance with your availability:

Remember: Your availability is your commitment to the team and our clients. Keeping it accurate ensures you get the work you want while helping us provide reliable service to every pet parent.

We are not accepting new clients until 2026.

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By signing this agreement, you confirm that you’ve read, understood, and agreed to the policies below. Your signature also allows us to add your email to our mailing list (you can change your preferences anytime).

Key Terms
– Client = You
– Company = Hands N Paws
– Team Member(s) = Our pet care professionals

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Emergency Care Policy
You’re responsible for providing emergency instructions and medical details for your pet. Otherwise, we’ll contact your vet or an emergency clinic in case of an emergency. Team Members may make urgent care decisions (excluding euthanasia) if immediate action is needed. You’re responsible for any veterinary costs, and Hands N Paws isn’t liable for circumstances beyond our control.

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Home Access Policy
A lockbox with a spare key is required to ensure we can access your home. Garage or keypad codes are okay but don’t replace the need for a lockbox. Provide clear access instructions in your account notes. If entry is complicated, email us a video walkthrough to avoid delays. Our priority is your pets, not troubleshooting access!

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Cancellation Policy
We get it—plans change! Here’s our policy:
– 48+ hours notice: 100% refund as Account Credit.
– 24-48 hours notice: 50% refund as Account Credit.
– Less than 24 hours: No refund.
Refunds are issued as Account Credits and auto-apply to your next invoice.

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Safe & Sanitary Environment
You understand and agree that the environment in which we provide services is reasonably sanitary and safe. If we determine that your home is unsanitary or unsafe, we’ll let you know and take appropriate action, which may include stopping services.

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Service Termination Policy
In rare cases, if we believe there’s a serious danger to the health or safety of our Team Members or your pets, we may terminate services during a scheduled period. If this happens, you agree to cover the cost of boarding your pet or arranging alternative care until you return. We’ll do our best to notify you and/or your emergency contacts in these situations.

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Third-Party Access Policy
You’re responsible for letting us know if anyone else will have access to your home during the scheduled services. Hands N Paws is not liable for any loss, expense, or damage caused by third parties entering your home during this time.

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Vaccination, Licensing & ID Policy
Before services begin, all pets MUST:
– Be up-to-date on vaccinations and local licensing.
– Wear an ID tag with your contact info or be microchipped for identification.

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Pet Safety Policy
For everyone’s safety, dogs must remain leashed during walks. Off-leash walks are strictly prohibited.

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Accurate Pet Information Policy
Keep your pet’s info in your account accurate and up-to-date. Every three months, you’ll be prompted to review and confirm your pet’s details before being able to request services. Hands N Paws isn’t responsible for issues caused by outdated or incorrect information.

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Provide Visuals Policy
For complex routines or home entry instructions, please record a video and email it to us. A visual guide helps us better understand your needs and ensures smooth service delivery.

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Flexible Arrival Times
Services are scheduled within a two-hour arrival window to accommodate travel and other clients. While we’ll do our best to meet your preferred times, exact arrival times can’t be guaranteed.

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Trial Visits
For extended pet care (e.g., vacation services), we require a Trial Visit while you’re still in town. This helps ensure your pet is comfortable with our team before committing to long-term care.

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Service Request Approval & Availability
We do our best to accommodate all requests, but approval depends on Team Member availability. After submitting a request, you’ll receive an email confirmation or declination within 48 hours. If declined, we’ll work with you to explore alternatives.

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Communication Policy
Team Members will update you on your pet’s care through post-service journal entries in your account. If they have urgent questions during a service, they’ll call you using the number on file. If you receive a Team Member’s personal number, please don’t use it freely. Keep all communication in your account by responding to journals, updating service notes, or, if needed, contact our main office.

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Team Appreciation
Our Team Members work hard to care for your pets, and a little appreciation goes a long way! Feel free to leave kind journal comments, rate services, or tip for exceptional care. It means the world to us!

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Meet N Greets
A Meet N Greet is required before starting services to ensure we understand your pet’s needs and provide the best care. New Clients can schedule at *www.myhandsnpaws.com*; Existing Clients can book through their account.

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Pricing & Surcharges
Visit *www.myhandsnpaws.com* for the most up-to-date pricing. Additional fees may apply in certain situations:
– Last-Minute Services: $15 for requests made within 24 hours.
– Holiday Services: $20 per service on major holidays.
– Additional Pets: $7 per pet beyond the first two.
– Service Adjustments: Fees may apply if additional time or tasks are required.
– Account Assistance Fee: If you request us to schedule services, cancel services, update pet notes, or otherwise manage your account without first attempting to do so yourself, a surcharge of 10% of your most recent invoice (minimum $25) will be applied. Our handy Client Support Center is available to guide you step-by-step in managing your account.

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Payment & Billing
We accept all major credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover). A valid card must be stored securely in your account.
– Ongoing Services: Auto-charged every Friday for the previous week’s services.
– One-Time Services: 50% deposit charged upon confirmation; the rest is due by the last service date (auto-charged).
– Declined Payments: You’ll be notified immediately and have 24 hours to resolve it. A 10% late fee (minimum $20) applies after a second declined attempt.

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Contract Terms
This agreement starts when you sign it and continues until either of us ends it. You can book additional services online anytime, depending on availability. By signing, you authorize Hands N Paws to enter your home and care for your pets without needing extra contracts for confirmed bookings.

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Thanks for trusting Hands N Paws with your furry family! 🐾