Here’s the **deterministic, zero-cost system for Kat’s Pet Sitting**, designed to automate bookings, client intake, and pet care tracking—while maintaining a personal touch:

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### **🐾 Kat’s Pet Sitting Automation Stack (100% Free)**
**For the solo pet sitter who:**  
✓ Needs **clients to self-book** around existing visits  
✓ Wants **pet profiles upfront** (meds, quirks, vet contacts)  
✓ Avoids **payment chasing** with deposits  
✓ Automates **check-ins/photo updates** for clients  

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### **🔧 The Free Tech Stack**  
| **Tool** | **Pet-Sitting Specific Use** |  
|----------|------------------------------|  
| **Google Sites** | Mobile-friendly booking page with service options (e.g., "Overnight Stays" vs. "Drop-Ins") |  
| **Calendly Free** | Shows real-time availability (blocks buffer time between visits) |  
| **Stripe Payment Links** | Takes 50% deposit at booking (refundable if canceled >48h out) |  
| **Google Forms** | Pet intake form (meds, feeding schedule, emergency contacts) |  
| **Trello Free** | Tracks: *"New Booking → Vet Info Received → Visit Confirmed → Completed"* |  
| **Google Drive** | Shared folder per client (pet photos, visit logs, vet records) |  
| **Zapier Free** | Connects tools (e.g., new Calendly booking → auto-sends intake form) |  

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### **📌 Step-by-Step Workflow**  

#### **1. Booking Flow (Client Scans QR Code)**  
- Lands on Kat’s **Google Site** with:  
  - **Service menu**:  
    - *30-min Drop-In: $25*  
    - *Overnight Stay: $75/night*  
  - **Embedded Calendly** showing only available slots (with 30min buffers between visits).  
  - *"Required: 50% deposit to hold dates."* (Stripe Payment Link in confirmation email).  

#### **2. Pet Intake (Automated)**  
- After booking, **Zapier triggers**:  
  - **Google Form** to client:  
    - *"Upload a photo of your pet"*  
    - *"Vet name/number"*  
    - *"Medication schedule (if any)"*  
  - **Trello card** auto-populates with responses → Kat reviews before visit.  

#### **3. Visit Day**  
- **Kat checks Trello "Confirmed" column**:  
  - Pet’s photo, vet info, and notes pinned to top of card.  
  - Uses **Google Sheets** (linked in Drive) to log:  
    - *Food given*  
    - *Medications administered*  
    - *Behavior notes*  

#### **4. Client Updates (Hands-Off)**  
- **Zapier automates**:  
  - **Photo updates**: Kat snaps pet pics → auto-saves to client’s **Drive folder**.  
  - **End-of-visit report**: Generates a PDF log (Google Docs template) → emails client.  
  - **Re-booking reminder**: 1 week before last visit, sends:  
    *"Fluffy misses you! Reserve your next dates here."* (Calendly link).  

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### **🚨 Edge Cases Solved**  
| **Problem** | **Fix** |  
|------------|--------|  
| Client forgets vet info | Google Form requires field before submission. |  
| Pet has emergency | Trello card shows **red border** if meds/allergies flagged. |  
| No-shows | Deposits cover first visit; recurring clients pay upfront. |  
| Last-minute cancellations | Stripe refund rules auto-apply (e.g., "<24h = no refund"). |  

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### **📌 Physical Touchpoints**  
- **QR Code Locations**:  
  - **Business cards**: *"Scan to book + access Fluffy’s portal!"*  
  - **Keychain tag** (left with clients): QR links to visit logs/emergency contacts.  

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### **💡 Scaling Up**  
- **Upgrade 1**: **Calendly Premium** ($8/mo) → Add "Priority Rebooking" for loyal clients.  
- **Upgrade 2**: **Airtable** ($20/mo) → Track pet preferences (*"Whiskers loves feather toys"*).  
- **Upgrade 3**: **Twilio** ($0.0075/SMS) → Auto-text clients during storms/extreme temps.  

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### **🐶 Client Experience Script**  
> *"Scan here to book! You’ll pick dates, pay a deposit, and fill out Fluffy’s profile—all before I arrive. You’ll get photo updates and a report card after every visit!"*  

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### **🎯 Why This Works for Pet Sitters**  
1. **No missed details**: Pet profiles are locked in before visits.  
2. **Trust-building**: Automated updates reassure clients.  
3. **Time savings**: 80% of admin (scheduling, forms, payments) happens pre-visit.