score:

Should I confront sitter about her dog peeing on my dog’s bed?

I recently used a new sitter when my normal sitter had a family emergency. Things seem to have gone well and I left the sitter a good review. However, a couple days later, I noticed my dog’s bed (I always send with her for comfort) smelled funny. Upon examination, including taking the cover off, it was apparent that the bed had been peed on. I’m not so biased to say there is absolutely no way that my dog could have peed on her own bed but I highly doubt it. She has had 2 accidents in the 5 years that I have owned her and neither were on her bed or near any personal items (of hers or mine). I know that the new sitter has two small male dogs and I also know that male dogs like to leave their “mark” by peeing on things.

I feel reluctant to confront the sitter bc she’s young and it’s been over two weeks now since the incident...and I already left a nice review. Maybe I’m being ageist, but she’s new at sitting and I don’t want to hurt her feelings or make her feel obligated to give me money or something (although it was a new bed!). Should I drop it or bring it up to her? I do know that my dog won’t be going back there and I’m reluctant to use a sitter that owns other dogs now.

Comments

Hi Dokota! I would suggest since that much time had passed since the sitter watched your pup that it's probably best to drop it. The territorial thing sounds like it could be the case and I would be reluctant to use a sitter that owns others dogs too. Sry about the new bed :(

Allisson G.

Thanks Allison. Yea, I just dropped it but will be more diligent in the future when choosing a backup sitter. Thanks for your advice.

Dokota W.

2 Answers

Sort by » oldest newest most voted

score:

Karen R.

Book a Stay
Chicago, IL

A sitter, however, cautious they may be, can't keep an eye on all dogs 24/7. Rather than "confront," you could mention it. I can't imagine asking for compensation. You might say that you noticed your dog's bed had been peed upon, something that could have been the result of male dog marking. Other than that, I would just throw the bed in the washing machine and never bring it to another sitter's home, especially if that sitter has male dogs of his/her own.

Comments

I think I will just drop it and take your advice about not sending the bed with her anymore. It’s kind of a pain to clean the foam inside but I guess it’s one of those “own risk” situations when sending anything to another person’s home, especially when pets or kids are involved. Thanks for input.

Dokota W.

True, I've never thrown anything with foam into the washer and don't think you should. Found some instructions here: http://dogtime.com/how-to/home-cleaning/3214-how-to-clean-foam-dog-beds

Karen R.

Hey Karen, The link isn’t working for me but I’ve googled how to clean the foam. It takes a long time to dry but I did try to clean a previous foam insert in the washer. Bad decision! Lol. I can laugh now but it wasn’t funny when it almost caught fire in the dryer! Lesson learned. Thanks!

Dokota W.

score:

Anna B.

While people are correct that you cannot keep an eye on dogs 24/7 I do think it's a little concerning the sitter didn't notice the accident. The bed would have been visibly wet and likely have smelled very bad. I personally have allergies so my nose is frequently clogged so I may not have smelled it.

However, I do not think it's fair to assume it was most likely not your dog. Your dog was away from their owner, away from their home, in a whole new environment , and with a dog they didn't know. That is all very stressful for a dog and could've easily caused an accident. Whether or not your dog has had accidents in the past doesn't matter, this was a completely different situation.

I would also let it go because it has been so long, and there's a big chance it was your dog. It sounds like you would be better off booking with sitters who come to your home in the future. It will be less stressful for your dog and you don't have to worry about another animal unknown to the both of you. I would personally want my pets watched in my own home as well. In fact, I don't offer any services at my own home, I always go to the clients home. Best of luck in your future services!

Q&A Community

Connect with fellow dog lovers and learn from one another

Should I confront sitter about her dog peeing on my dog’s bed?

Comments

2 Answers

Comments

Related questions

Need Help?

Learn More

Need Help?

About Rover