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Expecting food to be included?

Have you ever had clients show up on the day of booking and not bring all their pets food?

I had a multi pet booking, for a week long stay, where the pet parent showed up with wet food, but told me they did not bring them dry, and expected me to provide it. They never discussed at the meet and greet that they wanted me to provide dry food - they just said they would be bringing their food. While I don't mind providing food, it should definitely be requested in advance, especially since they wanted me to feed multiple animals for a week. It would also require a rate increase, as I use a high quality food, and feeding multiple animals would be costly. I was just kind of surprised that would be their expectation.

I kindly told the client I don't normally provide food (not free of charge), and they thankfully had no problem with picking some up and dropping it by later the same day.

Has this ever happened with other sitters bookings? What are your thoughts?

Comments

Hi, At Meet and greet I usually discuss what is needed during their stay. The obvious their food, leash + harness, miscellaneous (bed, toys, crate and medication if needed) I ask them to bring whatever will make their pet the most comfortable. Make sure you’re staying this when you first meet!

Lesdy B.

I always remind people at the meet/greet to bring their food, bed, crate -- anything they need to feel comfy and at home. I've never been expected to provide food not to mention switching food to any other food risks diarrhea and/or vomiting without sufficient time to wean to the new food.

Norma L.

Thanks for your response - I ended up adding to my profile that food needs to be brought for pets, under the other needed supplies for people's pets, and I make sure to let mew client's know at meet and greets to bring food. I also explained it can upset their digestion. This has really helped.

Kara H.

Thanks for your response - I ended up adding to my profile that food needs to be brought for pets, under the other needed supplies for people's pets, and I make sure to let mew client's know at meet and greets to bring food. I also explained it can upset their digestion. This has really helped.

Kara H.

score:

7

Deb A.

Book a Stay
Irvine, CA

I usually avoid that type of situation by discussing at the meet & greet what the dog eats and letting them know to bring it the usual amount plus a little extra (like a day or two) in case a flight is delayed. However, there have been times when for a variety of reasons, not enough was brought with the dog. I approach it from a what's best solution for the dog standpoint and give the pet parent options:

I can pick it up for them, hold onto the receipt, and they can reimburse me in cash upon return Or ...
They can order it online and have it shipped to where their dog is staying Or ...
They can have someone else deliver the food.

Each dog has its own preferences, some have allergies, and changing food (even to a high quality one) can result in GI sensitivities and unpleasant output, so I wouldn't tend to proceed that way.

Comments

I totally agree

Brittney W.

Thanks for your feedback, this is all what I explain to new clients now, and it really helps avoid any confusion!

Kara H.

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5

Karen R.

Book a Stay
Chicago, IL

At the M&G, we discuss what they need to bring for the dog's stay. Then the day before they are scheduled to drop off their dog, I send them a message that includes a list of all the things they need to supply, with food, medication (if applicable), and a leash being mandatory. I also tell them that their dog must have an I.D. tag with their phone number on it even if the dog is chipped. The other items on the list (e.g., toys, beds, winter gear) are optional.

Deb has supplied the reason why it is never a good idea to switch a dog's food. Perhaps the owners aren't aware of the problems it can cause or they believe their dog can eat anything without ill effect. I would use that reason with the client, rather than the potential differences in the quality of the food.

Comments

Thanks, the idea to send a list of needed supplies the day before is a good one too.

Kara H.

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0

Kristen W.

I’ve been really lucky that hasn’t happened yet! I have had two different small dogs that were on prescription diet type food and I was always watching like a hawk to make sure they didn’t eat anybody else’s food.

But what’s crazy to me is the number of people who don’t bring bowls! I’d say 4/5 of my boarders just hand me a ziplock bag of dog food and wave goodbye. I have a set of food and water bowls from my roommates previous pet so it works out! When I take my dog, I always take the bowls. 🤷🏻‍♀️

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Expecting food to be included?

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