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Who pays for the food?

I can't seem to find the answer to this question:

Is the dog sitter expected to provide food for dogs staying in their home? If so, is it reasonable to ask the owner to reimburse you?

I have a potential booking for 2+ weeks during the holiday season. Do I ask what he eats, and go buy that beforehand? Should I ask the owner to provide food, or to reimburse me for the cost?

9 Answers

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I always remind the owner to bring plenty of food for the stay, and suggest that they also bring a few of the dog's favorite treats and some of his/her bedding or a favorite toy from home. Of course they're welcome to the treats, bedding, and toys I have here, but the transition from home to sitter's home can be stressful for a lot of dogs, so the more you can keep the same for them, the easier it will be for them to settle in for the stay. It's always a good idea to confirm with the owners what they are expected to provide so there isn't a mix up.

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I always ask the owner to bring the dog's food. Changing food suddenly can cause all sorts of gastric issues...and bad things. Some sitters ask to bring the dog's food in pre-portioned baggies, but I'm not that picky. I do always ask if there's food allergies or anything because I have had pups that won't eat and I've had to bribe with tastier things.

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Dog owners some times have their pets on certain schedules and a certain diet. I try and make sure that the pet owner brings their pets their own food. They should bring a leash, food, and toys that is what I say. You should not have to buy anything for their dog unless you want to.

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Owners should bring the dog's food as you may have different dogs and each eats a different food. Also, you may not have the time to go buy the food or may not find that brand in your are and will have to order on line. I always discuss what they eat (wet or dry) and how much, during the meet and greet just to have an idea. I make sure they're aware that they need to bring it with them.

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They can bring food if they prefer but i have 3 dogs and they just eat each others food anyway. I supply treats. The dogs i have sat are small and usually don't eat much, so its not an issue.

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You should know what and how much they are fed and they should provide their dogs food! Our dog food is $50 a bag and i would never expect a pet sitter to buy it!

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Feeding is one of the first things you should ask about at a meet & greet. Don't be shy about it! Most owners have a specific brand they feed to their dog, and usually in specific proportions. You should always discuss the dog's feeding routine with the owner before the sit, and be sure to follow that routine. I never give food or treats to dogs that I am sitting unless they were provided by the owner, or if the owner tells me that other treats, table scraps, etc. are ok. Some dogs have food allergies. In addition, switching to a different brand of food can irritate the dog's stomach, and you definitely want to avoid cleaning up a mess!

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Always have the owner provide their 'child's' food. There's no Rover stipulation that you are to provide any food. I also think it somewhat a gamble were you to choose to feed a guest your 'house' blend' that it won't create a tummy issue.

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I always ask that they bring enough food for their dog. You should also ask at what time(s) do they feed their dog and how much. I have a short packet I ask owners to fill out at the meet and greet that covers their phone number, vets office, allergies, medicine, food, allergies to anything, personality, behavior, daily routines, exercise just to name a few. This helps me be prepared when the dog stays and a visual document to refer back to in case I forget something they said regarding their dog. Sometimes dogs don't like to eat in a new place so I mix in a tablespoon of wet dog food (with owner's permission) and that usually entices them to eat it!