score:

Dog attack what should I do?

So i accepted a booking for a dog a month or so back we did a meet and greet and the dog was just lovely. When the owner dropped off I noticed the dog was much more shy. As the 1st day progressed I noticed she was even more standoffish. After returning home from the store she acted like we had never met barking, snarling and barring her teeth. I secluded her in my bedroom to give her space.

I checked in on her from time to time. She was hiding in my closet but eventually came in the middle of the room. When I would enter she would watch me, but not bark or bar teeth. Thinking this was progress and knowing she likely needed a potty break and food I attempted to feed her and encourage her to let me leash her. She bit me on the hand.

I gave her more space but I knew I couldn't have her in the same room with me when I slept. I tried kicking her out gently asking and coaxing her to leave. She wasn't having it. I commanded "get out" she hunched in defense and snarled then barked challenging me. Knowing if the dog didn't recognize me as an authority I can't care for it I stood tall and commanded again. The dog lunged and bit both my arms as I struggled to push it off. coming back for more bites thinking it was winning since I wasn't striking back.

I only have that bed so I wasn't going to stay at home. I locked the dog up and stayed with my girlfriend for the night. I explained what had happened to the owner who responded that their friends will pick her up tomorrow. They picked them up this afternoon.

I asked for vax records (delayed going to the DR. because I have heard its automatic put down if the dog has not been vaxed or records are not available, in my state). The owner apologized and sent them to me. I went to urgent care mostly to report the issue

Question #1 Was I wrong to report the incident to animal control? I feel guilty, but I also felt compelled. What if it had been a little kid? I felt a history of attacks should be documented, but my intention is not to get the owner in trouble or the dog. If I should not have is it possible to pull the complaint?

Question #2 Is it ethical or even possible to charge the owner the full booking or part of the booking? I was prepared to watch them the whole time until that incident. I don't want to be greedy but I provide excellent care for dogs. I also sustained pretty extensive trauma. I feel at least my medical care should be covered. I asked a friend who operates a shelter. They told me the full booking and medical costs ... (more)

2 Answers

Sort by » oldest newest most voted

score:

Deb A.

Book a Stay
Irvine, CA

I'm going to address these questions in reverse order.
First, I'd highly recommend you call Rover support asap today to report all the details and be prepared to document and submit in writing (dates/times/what happened). After doing so, yes, I think rover insurance may compensate all of your medical bite related care. After Rover is aware of the situation, I think they'd probably allow you the full payment you were expecting when booked (excluding their fees of course). They don't want sitters to be in unsafe situations. Clearly, this went beyond what you could handle. Rover may have preferred the option to reassign the stay to another willing sitter, rather than you asking the client to have someone pick up the dog. They'll let you know. Yes, I absolutely think you had to file with animal control. They'll investigate and proceed according to their guidelines. If you have an indoor playpen fence, I'd suggest that may be a better way to secure a dog who may be exhibiting behavioral issues. For One thing, if you needed the dog to move from one room to anther, you can smoothly guide along without ever making any direct contact simply by moving the fence slowly (possibly re-conconfiguring the fence in the process to navigate around turns) while they're contained inside. It sounds like everything, which already was at a stressful point, escalated when you gently kicked her out. If you made contact in any way, then the outcome sounds somewhat predictable.

I once saw a girl in her 20s trying to coax out her roommate's fearful small puppy dog, who was hiding under a bed with a swiffer dry broom. I immediately told her to stop. Aggressive moves or making contact definitely could make her more prone to biting and she already had a history of lunging with air snapping/snarling when feeling threatened.

Add'n.: Just a friendly tip - You may want to use the Hide a photo option for some of the recent photos on your profile under the canine clients section, which shows your injuries.

score:

Darla T.

Im so sorry you had to go through all this. It sounds terrifying to have a dog attack you.

When I was having an issue with giving medication to an aggressive cat I called Rover Support right away. They are there to help us when we run into any problems like aggression. I also called them when I had a dog bark at me for a half hour straight before she finally settled down.

As far as injuries to us I really do not think that they are responsible for paying for our medical bills. I have asked Rover and was told this information. The insurance they have is for the client not for us. Sorry. I wouldn't feel so bad about everything. It sounds like you did the best you could. Good luck.

Q&A Community

Connect with fellow dog lovers and learn from one another

Dog attack what should I do?

2 Answers

Related questions

Need Help?

Learn More

Need Help?

About Rover