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Owner didn't want to meet & hired me.......?

Hi All, Today I had an owner hire me after deciding that it was just too much of a hassle to do a meet and greet. We were messaging for a few days and our schedules never matched up, but she was sure about hiring me anyways. They didn't have a key to their door, just a key code number. So yesterday she left me the code on a voicemail and that was it.

I was already uncomfortable, but went against my gut instinct and showed up to the home anyways. At the home, there was no instructions anywhere (the woman said she typed them up and left it on a counter). There wasn't any dog toys or anything like that in sight except a leash, pick up bag dispenser, and food. All of their personal belongings such as credit cards, expensive gadgets, car keys, and so forth were just out and about and every window was open! It was a three story house and honestly it creeped me out and made me feel like the house could get robbed at any minute. I just kept feeling like something bad was going to happen.

I visited the dog and stayed for 4 hours and ultimately decided to not stay the night and let the owner know that. I even considered taking the dog back to my apartment since it was just a one night stay (she is coming back 8am), but I figured that would be too stressful for the dog and she was fine with him just being walked.

Is this common for people to be this comfortable with a total stranger or was I right to feel like something was off?

What would you have done?

3 Answers

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Laura R.

Book a Stay
Portland, OR

The owner may have a very good grasp on how her dog feels about people coming into the house (sounds like there weren't any issues with the dog's behavior, so this seems likely), and it sounds like she's one of those trusting people who assumes the best of everyone. That's all fine, and I hope she isn't proven wrong! I'd take it as a compliment that you came across as so responsible and professional that she was willing to hire you without a face to face meeting.

But from a business standpoint, you're entirely right to be concerned. You had no idea what you were walking into. We have pictures posted, pass background checks, have reviews, etc. Our clients don't have those same standards to meet. She could have been leading you into a dangerous situation if she hadn't been right about her dog's reaction, or if the house were in poor repair, or unsanitary, etc.

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Nan B.

Obviously this client did not want to take the respectable time to see that both you and her dog would be comfortable. It was not wise or safe and as much as one may have wanted to please the client, I (myself) would have had to tell her that I was not comfortable meeting her dog in her home without her being there to make sure the dog would accept me. Seriously, what if that dog became nervous & saw you as an intruder and turned on you? It's sad when people can not make the time to insure their animals well-being, let alone yours! I would be "unavailable" for her if she ever called again. She took advantage of your business services and didn't think twice about it! Just sayin'....

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Cari C.

I think you were definitely right to feel uncomfortable - I would have felt the same way. I'm glad for your sake it was only one night. I would definitely not accept this client again. As Nan said, if they don't have the time to get to meet you and make sure you and the dog get along, then there is something fishy going on, or they just don't care. For your own safety and peace of mind, always insist on a meet and greet before accepting a booking.

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Owner didn't want to meet & hired me.......?

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