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Owner concerned about dogs health before trip, how should I handle stay?

I have house sat for this client quite a few times before and she has 2 dogs. One is older (13) and over the past few days, we have been communicating for her upcoming booking of 9 days. Her dog's condition has gotten progressively worse over the past few days and I am concerned that her dog may get extremely ill or pass away while she is gone. She now requests I send updates several times a day (which isn't an issue) and possibly take the dog to vet for an appointment if she can't get her in before she leaves.

Aside from having vet information, do you all have any recommended precautions I should take?

*Note - This is a house sitting booking and I work outside of the home for during the day with visits on my lunch break. Dogs are alone for about 3 hours twice a day and I'm concerned something might happen while I'm gone.

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Kathleen D.

This is always the hardest part about pet care. It's so heartbreaking when a sweetie is nearing the end of life.

Make sure she leaves her credit card on file with the vet. Make sure she gives the vet clinic your name as the care giver while she is away. Who would schedule the vet appointment? Would you charge for taking the dog to the vet?

Search online for "Advance Directive for Dogs", If you are in the online rover group Rover.com Pet Sitters, in the "Files" there is an Advance Directive form to download. Make sure you know in detail what the owner wants to do/done should you go "home" and find the dog has passed. (I'm ready to cry!) or in the process of passing.

An Advance Directive will help the owner and you know, in detail, what the owner wants to do. This is the form that is in the "Files". Do a search to see others. My Best To You and the Owner.

Owners Name ___________ Address_____________ City, Zip____________ Pet (s) Name ____________ If the pet owners wish to have different instructions for different pets, please fill out separate forms.

If my pet becomes seriously ill or injured, as determined by the attending veterinarian while in the care of XXXXXXX Pet Sitting, and none of the pet owners can be reached, below are my wishes. I have initialed only the statements that best describe the guidelines that I would want followed. _ I authorize CPR and necessary life-saving procedures. __I do not wish for my pet to be resuscitated.

If my pet is suffering unduly, despite best treatment efforts: _I authorize humane euthanasia if my pet is suffering unduly.

I authorize the following emergency contact to make the decision to euthanize my pet under the veterinarian’s advisement: Emergency Contact___________________ Phone___________or_____________ I authorize the veterinarian to euthanize my pet under his/her advisement after all reasonable attempts have been made to reach me and the above emergency contact.
__ Under no circumstance should my pet be euthanized.

Additional guidelines that the pet owner(s) would like to be used in the decision whether or not to euthanize pet: _______________________________

In the unlikely event that my pet passes away ... (more)

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Mark B.

This is a difficult situation for everybody involved. You should know that because you have an existing relationship with the owner and pets, asking you to care for their pets at this time is a real affirmation of their trust in you.

In addition to the Advanced Directive and the vet information, I would ask the owner whether there are any people who should also be contacted if the dog passes or goes to the vet. Sometimes close friends or family members would like to say goodbye as well.

As far as time commitment goes, are you able to arrange something with your work to allow you to spend more time with the dogs if needed? You may also let someone know about the possibility you may have to take some time to bring the dog to the vet.

I am going to download the Advance Directive form and keep it handy. As a Rover sitter and customer, I know one of the greatest qualities we share is compassion and love for any dog in our care. Sometimes this isn't so easy, but it is always something special.

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Owner concerned about dogs health before trip, how should I handle stay?

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