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Should this be continued?

I have a client whose dog I've been 3 days per week for about 2 months now. The daycare days are nearly full days and on the initial visit (my first client) I offered to feed the dog, because after playing with my dogs all day, I figured she'd be hungry and I felt bad feeding my own dogs while she only watched.

After a few times of this, I expected them to bring their own food and even asked a few times but each time they only bring the food on that occasion and I think it has become an expectation that I feed their dog.

I am also asked to clip nails on occasion, which I do happily, but I'm not sure if it's a practice I should continue (nail clipping) and I don't know how to say that I need them to bring their own dog food each time, as feeding someone else's dog that often can get expensive!

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

score:

3

Karen R.

Book a Stay
Chicago, IL

No,it should not be continued. You shouldn't be feeding their dog. The easiest way would be to just stop feeding their dog. You could put their dog in another room while you feed your own pets or you could change the time your dogs eat so that it is after that dog leaves. Be sure to tell the client you have made some changes and will no longer be feeding their dog.

As for nail clipping, don't do that either. You are not a vet tech or a groomer that has been trained to do so. Way too many potential issues, like cutting too far down and hurting the dog. The owner could also claim that you were responsible for an infection and demand reimbursement for medical bills. Just say no. Say that you do not have the training and do not want the liability.

Comments

Thank you for the advice!

Jasmine L.

You're welcome. Last night when I responded, I did so quickly. I didn't acknowledge your kind intentions to feed the dog. You were thinking of the dog's welfare. Unfortunately, this owner has recognized your weakness and intends to take advantage of you by not supplying the food consistently.

Karen R.

Then she goes further asking you to clip her dog's nails. In addition to what I previously said, you could just say that you cannot afford to feed her dog as well and have made some changes re: your pets' meal time.

Karen R.

Other than giving the dog treats (with the owner's permission, dogs should always eat their own food. There could be allergies or the food might just unsettle their stomachs. Never a good idea to feed someone else's dog different food. Deb usually addresses this aspect much better than me. LOL!

Karen R.

That is very thoughtful of you to come back and say, thank you. You're right that I was trying to be thoughtful, though I also expressed my concern that a different food might upset their belly as dogs aren't meant so switch foods like that. I definitely intend on correcting this and I appreciate

Jasmine L.

Your advice and the fact that you took the time to explain the reasons that this might not be a good idea, thank you!

Jasmine L.

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2

Nathalie C.

I have been doing Rover for years. 1. I always request the owner provide the food. No exceptions. If the dog has an allergy you are not aware of you could get yourself and the dog in trouble. 2. Do not trim nails as you are not certified for this and could run into issues if you accidentally over trim. If you notice nails are too long send your customer a kind note letting them know you noticed the long nails and recommend them trimmed.

Comments

Thank you for the advice! ❤️

Jasmine L.

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0

Sara & William L.

I haven’t figured out how to post my own question but along the same lines do you expect owners for boarding to pack dogs treats/toys/food bowls?

Comments

Sara, I see that you have figured out how to post your question, so you should probably just delete this one and create a new one for this topic. That way you'll have more visibility and potentially more responses,

Karen R.

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Should this be continued?

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