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Understanding Your Role

What’s covered in this article! 👉

Welcome to the team! Your role is essential to our mission of providing exceptional pet care. This guide explains the structure of our team, your responsibilities, and the support available to you, all within the Independent Contractor framework.

What Does “Independent Contractor” Mean?

As an Independent Contractor, you are a self-employed professional providing pet care services through the Hands N Paws platform. This is different from being an employee.

In practice, this means:

  • You have flexibility: You have significant control over your schedule. You decide when you are available to work by setting your availability in Precise Petcare.
    • Maintain Active Status: To remain an active team member, we require contributing a minimum of part-time hours on a weekly basis, starting Oct 1st, 2025. This ensures we can reliably serve our clients while preserving the flexibility you value.
  • You manage your work: You are responsible for accepting and completing visits according to our high standards of care and safety.
  • You manage your own business: This comes with specific benefits and responsibilities, especially around taxes.

The Hands N Paws Team Approach: How We Work Together

We operate on a collaborative, team-based model. Here’s how it works:

  • We are a unified team: Clients book with Hands N Paws, not with one specific sitter. This means we work together to ensure every client receives consistent, excellent care, no matter which team member completes the visit.
  • First-come, first-served: Visit requests are released to the team in Precise Petcare. You can accept the bookings that fit your individual schedule and availability.
  • Your success is our success: Your excellent work—shown through detailed journals, reliability, and teamwork—builds trust in the entire Hands N Paws brand and ensures clients keep coming back to our team for more pet services.

What We Expect From You

Your role comes with important responsibilities that ensure your success and the team’s reputation.

  • Professionalism: You represent Hands N Paws during every visit. Professional communication, adherence to client and pet notes and our Service Checklist, and reliable performance are required.
  • Proactive Communication: If an issue arises (running late, a pet concern, a home issue), you must communicate proactively via Slack (#help channel) and through Precise Petcare journals.
  • Tax Obligations: As an IC, you are responsible for tracking your income and filing your own taxes. Hands N Paws will not withhold taxes from your earnings. You will receive a Form 1099-NEC if you earn over $600 in a calendar year.

What Support Does Hands N Paws Provide?

Even as an Independent Contractor, you are never on your own. We invest in your success by providing:

  • The Clients & Scheduling Tools: We handle marketing, client management, and provide the Precise Petcare platform for you to manage your bookings.
  • Training & Resources: Access to this Team Support Center, our blog, and ongoing tips shared in Slack.
  • A Community of Peers: Our team on Slack is available to answer questions, provide guidance, and help you navigate any situation.

Why This Structure Works for You

This model is designed to offer you significant benefits:

  • Flexibility: You control your own schedule and which jobs you accept.
  • Variety: You get to work with a wide array of pets and clients.
  • Support: You have a full team and leadership to back you up, without the rigid structure of a traditional job.
  • Simple Onboarding: You were able to start quickly without a long, formal hiring process.

You’re an Essential Part of the Pack

You are a valued professional who plays a crucial role in our collective mission. We provide the platform, the clients, the standards, and the support. You bring your passion, professionalism, and care.

We are so glad to have you on the team.

New client openings start January 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! 🐾