Second Family Pet Services

About Steven

The heart behind Second Family

Hi, I'm Steven — founder of Second Family Pet Services.

After years teaching biology, I'm building the kind of pet care company I'd want for my own dogs. Right now, that means I personally handle every visit. You meet me. You text me. I show up.

As Second Family grows, I'll only bring on people I'd trust with John (my Yorkie) and Lucy (my Chihuahua) — fellow educators, vet techs, and animal welfare professionals. The standard doesn't change.

The promise behind the name: your pet gets the same warmth, attention, and care they'd get from you.

Policies

Clear, upfront, and fair — no hidden surprises

📅 Cancellation

48+ hours notice: Full refund or free reschedule
24–48 hours notice: 50% of service fee
Under 24 hours / no-show: Full service fee charged
Holiday bookings: Require 7-day notice; full charge applies within 7 days
Recurring weekly clients get one fee-free same-week cancellation per month

💰 Late Payment

Payment is due within 7 days of completed service
A $15 late fee applies after 7 days
Service may be paused after 14 days past due until balance is cleared
Recurring clients are encouraged to set up auto-pay

🎄 Holiday Bookings

+50% surcharge on major holidays (see Surcharges below)
Holiday bookings fill quickly — please book 2+ weeks in advance when possible
Holiday surcharges are always stated upfront in your booking confirmation

⏰ Short-Notice Bookings

Same-day and short-notice requests are accommodated when possible — recurring clients get priority
Bookings made under 24 hours in advance carry a +$10 short-notice surcharge
For your preferred time slot, please book 48+ hours ahead
Emergencies (sudden vet visit, last-minute travel) — text or call directly

⛈ Weather

Light rain or snow: Walks proceed as scheduled with appropriate gear
Severe weather (lightning, ice, heat above 95°F, blizzard, high winds): Outdoor walks shortened or replaced with indoor enrichment
Feeding, medication, bathroom breaks, and check-ins always happen regardless of weather
You're notified by text before any change to a scheduled visit

🐾 Aggressive Animals

A free Meet & Greet is required before the first paid service
I reserve the right to decline or end service for any animal showing aggression that puts safety at risk
If aggression develops during a service: the pet is safely secured, you're contacted immediately, and the visit may be ended early (full fee applies for time and travel)
I do not muzzle, sedate, or use aversive tools — if those are needed, your pet needs a professional behaviorist, not a sitter

📝 Surcharges at a Glance

All additional charges are disclosed upfront in your booking confirmation.

Situation	Additional Charge
Additional pet in the same household	+$5 per visit
Major holidays (Memorial Day, July 4, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve/Day, New Year's Eve/Day)	+50% of base rate
Short-notice booking (under 24 hours)	+$10
Service location outside 5 miles of Stamford	+$5

Questions about any policy? Just reach out — happy to talk it through before you book.

Our Services

All pets welcome — not just dogs.

About Steven

Policies

📅 Cancellation

💰 Late Payment

🎄 Holiday Bookings

⏰ Short-Notice Bookings

⛈ Weather

🐾 Aggressive Animals

📝 Surcharges at a Glance

Book a Visit

Booking Request Sent!

Get in Touch

Email

Service Area

Availability