She's been here before, but it really anxious this time. This is a Big Shrimpy bed that I bought for my dogs. Client doesn't bring anything like that for her dogs. This is something that hasn't happened before. I'm frustrated.
I would simply share the information with the owner but not push for reimbursement. Say something like "Dog seems much more anxious this time and unfortunately she chewed up one of my dog beds :( Thankfully I don't believe she ingested any of it, but I did have to throw it away. Has she ever exhibited this behavior at home? Do you have any tips I could try to make her feel more comfortable?" Then I would let the owner apologize for chewing up the bed and hopefully offer to replace it or partially reimburse for it. I wouldn't expect the full $100, but there's a chance they might offer something (I know I would).
Agree with some of the other comments though - expensive things like this bed should probably be put away when guests visit. I only leave the Kirkland/Costco beds out for guests since they're only $30.
I'm with Carly, take a round about approach and let them offer, but don't expect them to cover the cost. It will tell you a lot about the owner and whether or not you want to continue services for them.
You can ask the client to replace the item, but don't count on it happening! Damage to items and your home is a price you pay for being a sitter, Read the terms of service. (https://www.rover.com/tos/)
I had a dog completely destroy a kennel, even after the owner said he was kennel friendly. They only offered to replace it with one of their kennels that had missing bars from a dog chewing it. Sadly, if you want anything to be replaced from damages, you need to have your own pet insurance. I've called and asked. Ask for the owner to provide proper bedding for the dog from now on, this way its their property that gets damaged. And your things are locked away until the end of the stay.
Its the cost of doing buisness. you should be able to write it off. You must always assume some damage can occur. I lost a $60 electroninc pet door collar to a young dog that got it off it's neck and chewed it up. Did not ask owner for $. It was my choice to put it on. do not buy any pet supplies you can not afford to lose was my lesson.
Did the owner disclose that the dog was anxious or prone to chewing? Personally I would not bring it up. I have couple nice beds as well (one that's $150 for my own dog) but I stash them away if I'm not there to supervise and I know the dog has a history of chewing. This is one of those issues that could backfire and you'll end up with a negative review, at the same time I feel your frustration if the owner made no mention of it.
Yet another reason I require my guess to be kennel trained. if you're not there you need to confine the dog to a certain area, whether its the kitchen or the kennel. you should also be monitoring what the dog is doing while you're at home. That's a recipe for disaster. In addition to property damage, the dog could get into something that could cause it to get ill or injured.
you would send them pictures immediately and say hey I guess Fido isn't having as great a time as I thought etc. If they don't respond I would then ask so are you going to be able to get me a new dog bed or you just going to compensate me for this?
I'm sorry for you .... best of luck for your next client!
I wouldn't bring it up - There is a certain wear and tear I expect in this business...Chewing is ( unfortunatley one of them.) I suggest anything of any value be put away when doggy guests arrive.
That's why I now require all dogs to be okay with kennel. I had dog destroy door, frame, curtains and blinds. Thankfully owner had their handyman fix it.