The client asked me to dog sit at a hotel while they go out for dinner. Just a couple of hours plus an evening walk. From the looks of it the hotel seems nice. I am starting to worry if this is sketchy or if I should back out. Has anyone done this? They are in town for a funeral and need a sitter for a couple of hours. If I still accept how do I stay safe?
Hotel sitting requests likely happen more in destination vacation places, but considering this owner wants their pet cared for while away at a funeral, I would be less guarded. I would still arrange for a meet and greet with the dog at the hotel (start by meeting in lobby or other public space) before accepting the booking. Like other housesitting bookings, you have to follow your instinct based on the conversation and meeting. Most of the time, It seems that people are genuinely looking for care of their pet. Still I advocate to leave a paper trail & an electronic trail of your whereabouts (with arrival/departure times, the location) and check in with a friend. I’d also confirm that a no housekeeping service can be hung on the door And the front desk has that marked in their system accordingly, so that no service employee tries to open the door while you’re there.
Personally, I wouldn’t feel the need to bring anyone along nor would I require a crate. Instead of a previous suggestion to have an hour transition when no one’s there with the dog before you arrive, I’d suggest you ask them to have their pup dressed (leash, harness, collar with ID tags) for a walk at a specific time (which you must arrive for on time). You could meet them outside their door or in the lobby. You would not have to actually walk the dog at that time, but you could walk it back on up to the room. If they’re hiring someone to stay with their dog during the funeral, it’s probably because if no one‘s there the dog will have separation anxiety and bark excessively or scratch at the door to try to get out. If a dog who is experiencing separation anxiety is left alone in the room after owners leave & before you arrive, then when you finally open door, chances are very high that it would bolt. It sounds like these are responsible owners who are trying to avoid problems with the hotel during what might already be a stressful time.
I like the do not disturb idea! I could never comfortably watch a dog in a hotel without a crate, retrieving an escaped dog in a hotel setting would be a disaster. I also don't like engaging my clients mid-booking, I am there to focus on their pet. Even for an anxious dog, 1-2hrs alone is not long.
Yes, a dog bolting away is a top concern that I like to avoid. Clearly, we have different experiences. I specialize in little adult and senior dogs, many who experience separation anxiety. A significant amount of property damage and/or self imposed bodily damage can occur with those pups left alone
I had a sweet lady that was from out of town, I took care of her dog 2 times at the hotel. She paid for my dinner via roomservice just said order what I wanted both times. Dog used puppy pads so no need to leave the room. Was a great experience.
Hotel sitting happens not frequently, but it happens. Brig a friend along, eat dinner, and watch movies