09/25/2026
🐾 A VERY IMPORTANT BUSINESS UPDATE 🐾
I took on approximately six new clients before making the difficult decision to stop accepting new clients. There were several reasons behind that decision, but there was one reason that stood out above the rest.
Over the past several months, I have had multiple situations involving new clients who apparently felt that payment for services I provided was optional. Because of this, I put a much stricter Payment Policy in place and ultimately made the decision to stop taking on new clients altogether.
Unfortunately, I experienced another situation today that reinforced exactly why I made that decision.
One of the new clients who had already booked services paid their required deposit. However, when I arrived today to begin providing the services, the remaining payment had not been made as required, and the cash that I was told would be left for me was not there.
My Pet Care Agreement clearly states that payment is due according to the terms provided at the time of booking and that the remaining balance must be paid before services begin. These policies are not suggestions, and they are not optional.
I have reached out to the client regarding the outstanding balance. Because a deposit was paid, I will complete the remaining visit for today. However, unless payment is received by the 5:00 PM visit tomorrow, I will only be able to provide the visits that have been covered by the payment already received.
I don't enjoy having to enforce policies this strictly. In fact, this is one of the hardest parts of running my business.
I started Shells Pet Services, LLC because I genuinely LOVE what I do. ❤️🐾 I love caring for your pets, getting to know their personalities, giving them love and attention, and giving their families peace of mind while they're away.
But I also deserve to be paid for the services I provide.
I have worked incredibly hard to build my business, and it has been heartbreaking to feel like I've been used or taken advantage of simply because I care so much about the pets in my care.
That stops now.
My policies are in place for a reason, and they will be enforced for everyone, without exception. I will continue to provide the same loving, dependable, personalized care that I always have—but I will no longer allow my kindness and willingness to help to be taken advantage of.
To my long-time clients who respect my business, follow my policies, pay on time, and appreciate the care I provide to your pets:
THANK YOU. ❤️🐾
You are the reason I continue doing what I love.
Thank you for understanding and respecting Shells Pet Services, LLC, my business, my time, and the work I do. 🐾❤️
Payment is not optional. My policies are not optional. And there will be NO exceptions.
