Do you set drop-off and pick up times?

I have a client contract that pet owners must sign during the meet and greet. I let them know that my drop-off times are from 8:00am - 10:00pm, and that times outside of that are not going to be accommodated. I also have on there that if they are more than 30 minutes late, they will need to reschedule their drop-off time, or the booking will be cancelled according to the cancellation policy that applies. I make sure that we go over those policies and the reasoning behind them.

For instance, I have meet and greets at my house, so late arrivals may interfere with other guest appointments (which I do not allow). I have actually had to ask late clients to wait in their car until I finished my M&G one time. And I also let them know that I don't do arrivals during breakfast because it's not a good idea to add a dog to the pack during meal time, etc. They are more likely to comply if they understand why the rule is in place.

Here is what is in my contract:

Dear Pet Parents:

Thanks for considering our home as your pet’s vacation spot. In order to keep all pets safe and happy during their stay, we have a few simple booking policies to keep in mind:

1. Pick-up and drop-off times must be scheduled in advance. This helps makes sure all of your pup’s stuff is ready to go when you arrive.
2. Late arrivals of more than 30 minutes will need to be rescheduled to ensure that your appointment is not rushed and runs smoothly.
3. Please arrive with your pets on a leash and keep them leashed when not in our fenced yard. We are strong advocates for the county’s leash laws.
4. Arrivals before 8:00am are not permitted without prior permission. Mornings are busy with walks and feedings, and we want to make sure your drop-off is not rushed.
5. If you are more than 15 minutes late for your scheduled drop-off or pick-up, it will need to be rescheduled. I generally can accommodate changes in travel plans, so please let me know when plans change.
6. Our home is a licensed “closed boarding facility”. This means no uninsured dogs or humans that do not live/work on the premises will interact with your dog. Unfortunately, this also means the inside of our home is not open for meet and greets while boarding clients are present.
7. Most importantly, it is our policy that all pets and humans are treated with love and respect during their stay.

Hello! I would tell them I follow the "daycare" policy. Drop off is from 8am-9am and pick up is from 5pm-6pm (or whatever time you agree upon). If you are late - no matter what the situation may be (I am human and have acknowledge a situation or two that was out of the parents control) - you are charged an additional $5 per 30 minutes you are late. I have some people who would pay an extra $20 just so they could go to the grocery store alone. I know I watched kids but the policy worked well.

I always go over pickup/drop off at a meet and greet. My policy is to let them know they are paying for a 24hr period and that I am flexible, but am drop off's that need a pickup after5pm have a $20 fee. I've had no problems with this. I also text a few days before stay to confirm drop off, and to reassure them that I am expecting them. I also encourage them to text me when they are on their way. Establish this with your new clients and you should have no problems. If someone dissrespects your policy, do not rebook.

Most sitters set drop off and pick up times - BUT most sitters find that their clients don't adhere to them and its a constant struggle and point of frustration. As a sitter you have to work hard with your clients to give them firm times and hope for the best