Plain-language terms for boarding and sitting with us. Nothing buried in fine print — just what you and we each agree to when your bird stays in our care.
Last updated: June 2026
These terms cover the bird sitting and boarding services Markham Feather & Nest provides to bird owners in Markham, Ontario. They are written to be read, not to trip you up. When you book a stay with us, you are agreeing to what is set out below. If any part of it does not sit right with you, talk to us through the contact form before booking and we will walk through it together.
Getting StartedEverything begins with an inquiry through our contact form or by email — never a surprise drop-off. Reaching out is just the first step; it starts a conversation, it does not lock in a booking on its own. A stay is only confirmed once we have talked through your bird's needs, agreed on the dates and the service, and both said yes.
For most new clients we set up a free meet-and-greet first, so your bird can get familiar with us and we can understand its routine before any real booking begins. We take bookings in the order they come in and around the spaces we have, so the earlier you reach out for busy stretches like holidays, the better the chance we can fit you in.
Your PartGood care depends on what you tell us, so we ask owners to be open and accurate. When you book, you agree to:
If something material about your bird is left out or misdescribed — an aggressive streak, a health issue, a dietary need — it limits what we can safely do, and we cannot be responsible for problems that flow from information we were never given.
What We Commit ToOn our side, we agree to care for your bird attentively and in good faith, following the plan we have agreed on as closely as the day allows. We keep each guest in its own clean, monitored space, follow your feeding and routine notes, provide enrichment and social time as suited to your bird, and keep you in the loop with updates. If anything about your bird's health or behaviour concerns us during the stay, we will let you know as soon as we reasonably can.
Plans ChangeWe understand that travel plans shift and life happens — a cancellation is not the end of the world, and we would always rather you tell us early than not at all. We simply ask for as much notice as you can manage so we can offer the space to another bird who needs it.
If you need to cancel, shorten, or move a confirmed booking, let us know promptly through the contact form or by phone. Where a deposit applies to a particular stay, the specifics are set out in your written quote and confirmation, so you always know where you stand before you commit. For longer or holiday-season bookings we may ask for more notice, and if so we will say so clearly up front.
Honest LimitsWe care for every bird as if it were our own, and we take real, sensible precautions to keep your bird safe and comfortable. At the same time, birds are living, sometimes fragile, sometimes unpredictable creatures, and no carer anywhere can guarantee against every possible outcome. We want to be straight with you about that rather than over-promise.
By booking, you accept that Markham Feather & Nest is not liable for illness, injury, escape, or loss that happens despite reasonable care — including outcomes arising from a pre-existing condition, your bird's own behaviour, or information that was not shared with us. Where veterinary care becomes necessary, the cost of that care is the owner's responsibility unless we have agreed otherwise in writing. Nothing in these terms is meant to remove any protection you are entitled to under Ontario law.
PricingBecause a finch and a macaw are genuinely different jobs, and a weekend differs from a month, we quote each stay individually rather than forcing it into a fixed price list. Your quote reflects your bird's species and needs, the service you have chosen, the length of the stay, and anything extra you have asked for, such as medication or special handling.
We will give you a clear quote before you commit, and the price we agree on is the price — we do not tack on hidden charges after the fact. If the scope of a stay changes partway through, for instance an extension or an added service, we will talk through any change to the cost with you before going ahead.
UpdatesWe may update these terms from time to time, and when we do we will refresh the date at the top of this page. The terms that apply to your booking are the ones in place when your stay is confirmed.
Get in TouchIf anything here needs clearing up, we would genuinely rather you ask than wonder. Reach us through the contact form or at info@markhamfeatherandnest.ca. We look after birds across Markham, including Unionville, Markham Village, Cornell, Berczy, Cathedraltown, and Thornhill.
