Pura Vida Paws MN
Client & Service Policies
Updated May 3, 2026
Meet & Greet
A meet & greet is required before any new services begin. The first meet & greet is complimentary. Additional meet & greets may be scheduled on a case-by-case basis (such as changes in pets, home access, or care requirements).
New Client Intake
Pura Vida Paws MN recommends at least 3 days' notice before accepting a new client booking. This allows time to schedule a meet & greet and properly prepare for care.
This ensures:
- A safe introduction to your pet
- Review of care instructions
- Confirmation of service fit
Shorter notice requests may be accepted at our discretion based on availability.
Booking Policy
Availability is not pre-guaranteed and is only confirmed once a booking has been completed. New clients are encouraged to book at least 3 days in advance, as availability may be limited for shorter notice requests.
Cancellations & Changes
We understand that plans change. However, because we reserve dedicated time for each pet, cancellations impact scheduling and availability.
Dog Walking Services
- Cancellations made with at least 24 hours' notice: no charge
- Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice: full visit fee
Weekly Clients: One (1) late cancellation per month (after 7:00 PM or same-day) is allowed at no charge.
Overnight & Drop-In Services (Non-Holiday)
- 7+ days notice: no fee
- 3–6 days notice: 50% of reservation total
- Less than 48 hours notice: 100% of reservation total
Holiday & Summer Overnight Services
Holiday and summer periods are high-demand times where reservations are exclusively reserved for your pet. A $50 non-refundable deposit is required at booking and applied toward the total.
Applies to June–August and major holidays including Christmas Eve/Day, New Year's, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving:
- 2+ weeks notice: no additional fee
- 1–2 weeks notice: 50% of reservation total
- Less than 1 week notice: 100% of reservation total
These time slots are not overbooked and cannot be resold if canceled.
Schedule Changes
Schedule adjustments may be made within one week of the first visit at no charge, provided the newly desired schedule is available and the booking is not fully cancelled.
Early Returns & Late Departures
No refunds are issued for early returns or shortened trips once services are confirmed.
Holiday & High-Demand Rates
Certain dates are subject to Holiday & High-Demand pricing due to increased demand and limited availability. Early booking is strongly recommended.
National Holidays & Long Weekends (2026)
- MLK Weekend: January 16–19
- Presidents Day Weekend: February 13–16
- Easter Weekend: April 3–5
- Memorial Day: May 22–25
- Father's Day Weekend: June 19–21
- Independence Day Weekend: July 3–5
- Labor Day Weekend: September 4–7
- MEA Weekend: October 15–18
- Halloween Weekend: October 30–November 1
- Thanksgiving: November 26–29
- Christmas & New Year: December 24, 2026 – January 3, 2027
Local Spring Breaks (2026) — Twin Cities Area
- March 7–15: Waconia, Watertown-Mayer
- March 14–22: Edina
- March 20–29: Westonka, Delano, Orono
- March 27–April 6: Eastern Carver County, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Hopkins, Wayzata, Shakopee, Prior Lake–Savage, Jordan, and other surrounding districts
Dates are based on published 2025–2026 school calendars and may be adjusted based on official district calendar changes.
Service Area & Travel Fees
Our no-fee service area generally includes addresses within 10 minutes of our Waconia home base. Requests outside that area may still be accepted, but a travel fee may apply.
Travel fees are based on actual drive time from our home base and will be confirmed at booking.
Home Access
Clients must provide secure and reliable entry via one of the following:
- Key
- Lockbox or hidden key
- Garage code
- Door code
If access cannot be gained, we will attempt to resolve the issue. A second access failure may result in a full visit charge.
Third-Party Entry
Clients must inform Pura Vida Paws MN if any other individuals may enter the home during the service period. If others have access to the home (family, friends, cleaners, contractors, etc.), Pura Vida Paws MN is not responsible for missing or moved items, security concerns, alarm issues, or miscommunication regarding care or access. Proper home security and communication are the client's responsibility when multiple parties have access.
Job Sharing
Clients must notify Pura Vida Paws if another person will also be caring for the pet during the same dates. Pura Vida Paws is responsible only for the care provided during our scheduled visits. Pura Vida Paws may decline or discontinue service when multiple caregivers are involved, if we believe the arrangement creates confusion, risk, or unclear responsibility.
Pet Care & Safety
Clients are responsible for providing clear instructions and all necessary supplies for care.
Medical Disclosure
Clients must disclose:
- Medications
- Supplements
- Allergies
- Medical conditions
- Diet restrictions
- Physical limitations
Vaccinations
Pets should generally be current on vaccinations. Exceptions may be discussed case-by-case.
Veterinary Emergencies
Pura Vida Paws is not a veterinary or medical care provider and cannot diagnose, treat, or guarantee medical outcomes. In an emergency, we will make a good-faith effort to contact the client or emergency contact and seek appropriate veterinary care if needed.
If the client cannot be reached, Pura Vida Paws is authorized to transport the pet to the client's preferred veterinarian, BluePearl Pet Hospital in Eden Prairie, or another nearby emergency clinic. The client is fully responsible for all veterinary costs, treatment expenses, and any related Pura Vida Paws costs, including travel and time.
Safety Boundaries
- Unsafe conditions may result in refusal of service
- No aggressive dogs accepted
- No injections administered
- Unsafe instructions will not be followed
Pet safety always takes priority.
Dog Walking Safety
All dogs are kept on leash at all times. Walks may be adjusted due to safety or weather.
Multiple Dogs
Dogs may be walked individually or together depending on safety and compatibility. All walks are individual unless dogs can be safely and comfortably walked together. Walk structure and pricing may be adjusted as needed.
Weather Policy
Pura Vida Paws provides services in typical Minnesota weather. However, visit times, walk length, or service type may be adjusted due to weather, road conditions, temperature, visibility, or the pet's condition. Walks will not take place in extreme temperatures (above 90°F or below 20°F).
For severe weather or hazardous travel conditions, Pura Vida Paws may shorten, delay, reschedule, or cancel service. Any weather-related changes will be communicated to the client as soon as possible.
Client Weather Cancellations
Must be made by 7:00 PM the night prior to avoid charges.
Extreme Weather
Walks may be shortened or converted to indoor care when necessary.
Winter Care & Pet Preparation
Clients must provide appropriate winter gear when needed, including coats, sweaters, or protection for senior, short-haired, or weather-sensitive dogs. If appropriate gear is not provided, services may be adjusted. Clients should also provide towels for drying pets after walks or outdoor visits.
Payment
Accepted Methods
- Cash
- Venmo
- Checks
Payment Terms
- Overnight & boarding services: Payment due in full at the close of service. A deposit may be required during peak seasons.
- Dog walking: Payment due each Friday or on the last day of service for that week.
- Drop-in visits (regular, 10+ per month): A customized payment schedule can be arranged.
- Drop-in visits (occasional): Payment due at the time of service.
Late Payments
Friendly reminders will be sent. No late fees are applied.
Liability & Terms
Injury, Risk & Liability
Clients are responsible for damages or injury caused by their pet. Pet care involves inherent risks.
Food, Items & Liability
Reasonable precautions are taken to prevent ingestion of unsafe items. However, Pura Vida Paws MN is not responsible for illness, injury, or veterinary costs resulting from items consumed during care.
Photography & Media Release
By booking services, clients authorize Pura Vida Paws to take photos and/or videos of their pet(s) for documentation, visit updates, and promotional use including social media. All media captured by Pura Vida Paws remains the sole property of the business.
Security Cameras & Recording
Clients must notify Pura Vida Paws of any cameras, audio recording, or other recording devices that may capture services inside or outside the home. Photos, videos, audio, or other recordings of Pura Vida Paws may not be shared, posted online, or used publicly without prior written permission.
Scheduling & Visit Timing
All visit times are approximate and may vary depending on the needs of all pets under our care. In the event of emergencies, severe weather, or unforeseen circumstances, we reserve the right to adjust schedules or make decisions necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved.
Aggressive or Unsafe Pets
Pura Vida Paws reserves the right to terminate services at any time if a pet is deemed a safety risk. If care cannot continue due to safety concerns, client authorizes Pura Vida Paws to arrange alternative care, including placement in a kennel or boarding facility. All associated costs will be the responsibility of the client.
Service Relationship
Pura Vida Paws MN reserves the right to refuse or discontinue service at any time based on safety, communication, or compatibility.
Policy Updates
Pura Vida Paws reserves the right to modify or update these policies at any time without prior notice.
Rates & Fees
Pura Vida Paws reserves the right to change service rates at any time. Clients will be notified of updated pricing as applicable.
Have a question about any of these policies?
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