I have a dog staying with me and he got diarrhea while I was out. The mess ruined our carpets and I had to throw out a rug. I let the owner know but she has not offered to replace/pay for the damages. Any advice?
You can actually write off damages on your taxes. Not completely, but every little bit helps. I actually just found this out today from my tax accountant. I had to replace a $100 area rug and that...and many other things - treats, crates, food - is deductible.
Thank you!! This is so helpful!
How do you do that? Do you need the original receipt for whatever was destroyed to get the value amount?
I didn't have a receipt and my tax guy said it was fine, I think if it was a very expensive item, a receipt would be helpful just in case.
Also, I think that this damage wasn't caused by a dog behavior issue. It's not the dogs fault it had diarrhea. I think you need to puppy proof your house and have furnishings that are less prone to damage or are less valuable.
For example, if you have white wall to wall carpet....don't sue the dog owner if the dog stains it.
Unfortunately, this is the sitters responsibility. I agree with the post above. You can claim in on taxes. Keep your receipts!
Lots of things are covered by Rover insurance but it appears that personal property is not.
"Coverage Doesn't Include: Damage to the sitter or dog walker's personal property" https://www.rover.com/insurance/
Unless it was a very expensive rug - valuable enough to sue over - I think you'll just have to chalk it up to experience and cover the carpet stains with new (cheaper) rugs.
It is sad, but it is a cost of doing business
No, that is apart of being a dog sitter.
I am very glad to be reading this set of questions and answers. I am a Rover client and take my large Yorkie to one of your sitters. He is good with my dog who seems to really like going to his house. However, I never thought of some of these issues, and very much appreciate how well he cares for our boy. Thanks for being there for us. Having Rover available gives my husband and me a chance to get out without worrying about our boy being lonesome when he is alone.
Hey Carol, thanks for saying all these things. Many times we are appreciated by those who we sit for UNTIL their dog or cat damages something of ours or in their home. Many owners get defensive and blame us somehow. Thanks for writing something positive.