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Is it necessary for an owner to ask personal questions about me?

I have a pet owner on her way to my house to check it out. This is now my second client and I have no problems with letting the owners see where their dog will be staying. So she asked me to call her I guess so that she can get a feel for me. But is it necessary for her to ask if I am a religious person? I also informed her that my home is a shared home (it's a house with two stories) and I rent the entire first floor so I informed her that my entrance is on the right side of the house and kindly asked her not to ring the front door bell. She then asked me if me and my neighbors have problems because I don't want her to ring the bell. I understand that her fur baby will be staying here and she could be concerned about the atmosphere but I don't think what goes on personally in my life like religion is important information to know.

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Karen R.

Book a Stay
Chicago, IL

Questions about religion are entirely inappropriate. You can respond with "I consider religion a private matter" and move on.

As for the entrance, you also don't have to give this woman any detailed explanations. Tell her that this is the entrance you use. Period. When you start to bring in superfluous things like your neighbors, then you invite additional questions.

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Thank you for that advice! I figured that it wasn't important. But I took your advice and I told her that when she arrived in a polite way and she understood and took it well. Still booked! haha

Gabrielle A.

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Mallory W.

Personally, I would not sit for this woman. Asking about religion and if y'all "have problems" just seems like red flags for a client who will be hard to please and quick to write a bad review! Move on to other clients. Most of them are not this ridiculous!

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Jean D. & Ray P.

Book a Stay
Rogers, AR

I'm curious if there was a natural segue for her to ask about your religion or if it was one of a list of questions she asked that didn't seem to relate to anything you discussed. Maybe she was wondering if you are busy Sunday mornings from going to church or something? I'm also curious if you live in a very religious area. I live in Arkansas, which is one of the most religious states in the country, and it's not uncommon here to get asked what church you go to in casual conversation (still weird, but common). Of course, either way, it completely inappropriate for her to ask without it being somehow relevant to your caring for her dog. It sounds like you handled it well!

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After meeting her I realized why she asked. I live in Queens, NY but I live by a very big Jewish community where even the stores closed from Friday night to Sunday morning. So I believe that's why she asked. However, it was just weird cause it was the first question she asked me.

Gabrielle A.

That's still no reason to ask as it doesn't affect how you will take care of her pet.

Karen R.

I agree with you completely, it was totally inappropriate

Gabrielle A.

I would at least have considered making it a light joke: "Are you a religious person?" "Would your dog find that offensive?" It kinda points out that it's a strange question, and redirects the conversation back to the dog and their stay.

Criss I.

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Is it necessary for an owner to ask personal questions about me?

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