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How to deal with damage to your home while sitting a dog?

I am sitting a dog right now who has destroyed 2 of my dog beds. I asked the owner to bring his bed but she showed up without it. He destroyed a $40 dog bed on his first night and a cheaper bed last night. It is hard to believe that Rover will only cover damages when I am traveling sitting rather than in my home. I have this dog for 7 more days and am out of beds! ---update--- After sleepless nights and more destroyed property I called Rover to have the dog re-homed. The owner promised that she would cover some of my losses however (no big surprise) have not heard from her. Read the comments on this thread, take Isabella's advice, have owners sign a 'contract' when they drop of their dog(s).

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i just finished with the worst not dog, but owner. This doberman has a peeing problem. peed on my couch twice, once while sitting with me. When it first happened i even offered to take her to the vet i think she has a bladder problem. no he said. She also peed twice on an expensive mattress,

Dorothy M.

I am sitting a husky right now and he jumped through my bedroom window while I went to the bathroom and let him outback to go potty and broke my whole screen and scratched my whole wooden door damaging it completely and I told the owner and all she said was hopefully the rest of the stay is

Jasmine V.

Uneventful and he’s never don’t something like this before he’s been watched by sitters before like girl I don’t care if he’s done this before he did it now I’ve never had this issue and I’ve been sitting for river for more than a year I don’t know how to approach the situation without getting upset

Jasmine V.

Because she should pay for the damages I rent here I don’t own this home. If not I will have to replace both the screen and door myself and it’s not even my dog. Help what should I do

Jasmine V.

6 Answers

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Karen R.

Book a Stay
Chicago, IL

Yes, it is a shame. I just threw out an 8' x 10' rug because of dog pee. (The rug was on its last legs anyway and was beyond repair...) You never how a dog is going to behave, which is why having a M&G in your home is so important. I have things lying all around, like my collection of shoes at the door. I always want to know if a dog is going to go after them. Other than the rug, the only thing certain dogs tend to destroy are toys. Therefore, I will put away all the good ones and bring out the rattier ones he/she has already destroyed for certain stays. On a practical note, you may want to put something in your profile about damages to your home and how the dog owner may be liable and then specifically cover that verbally during your M&G.

As to your current situation of being bedless, a rug will do. Truly dogs do not care and, for many, the plain old floor is just fine.

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I've got a collection of those fleece throws Old Navy sells for $5 around Christmas, as well as a bunch of ratty old bath towels. All the old towels get downgraded to 'dog towels' and are used for drying them off after being out in the mud/rain, cleaning up unsavory messes, and if need be, bedding.

Laura R.

You might want to check out your local Salvation Army thrift/family store. Tons of very cheap throws, rugs and towels, plus you are helping a charitable organization and repurposing often older quality goods.

Karen R.

Would any of you Pet Sitters be willing to share your contract? I'm new to http://Rover.com and see they do not reimburse for damages. Any wording you could provide would be extremely helpful. thanks!

Cindy B.

I know this is an old thread, but can anyone send me a copy of the contract?

Kimberley B.

Hey, I realize this might be a dead end, but Was wondering if you could email me the contract as well? Illegal_swedish_fish@hotmail.com. I have a dog in my home now that is in heat, which the owner did not tell me about. The mess is disgusting and I'd like to cover my bases in the future. Thanks!

Suzette B.

I'd love a copy of the contract as well. hopeegrigsby@gmail.com.

Hope G.

I don't know if this has been satisfied already but I will create the contract and send them out for whomever needs. Or if you've already received the copy please forward to me so that I can look it over and make any necessary adjustments.

Patrick L.

Thanks for your question and all the replies, in the middle of a seven-day in-home boarding with a dog much older than the 8 months as advertised by the owner. She's about 1.5yr/old. Untrained, underloved, Pitbull Terrier. She has crapped 5 tims on rug. . I haven't been able to leave her alone(day3

Patrick L.

The amount I'm getting for the service is nowhere near enough to cover my expenses and so I have to do other side hustle work which I can't do because she screams every time I leave and if I don't come back inside she will escape from the kennel and destroys everything. She's eaten all my leashes.

Patrick L.

Eaton markers which left stains on the couch and Plush Blanket. Blankets and the toys that I made her are everywhere as well as my personal belongings. She was dropped off with a color that does not train, no leash, soiled herself on the ride over, ripped trash bag of dog food and shampoo. That's it

Patrick L.

I'm new to Rover and am nervous about a dog damaging my house/property and not getting reimbursed. If there is still a copy of this contract floating around I'd love a copy! sam.mehl@hotmail.com

Sam M.

I know I’m really late posting on this thread but I’d really appreciate it if anyone could send or forward me a copy of the contract. My email is 1out2here3@gmail.com Thank you so much !

Will B.

Please send a copy of contract to awgreak@gmail.com

Ashley G.

Can you send a copy to ericaluanderson@gmail.com please?

Erica A.

Can I please have a copy of the contract as well? alyssa_marma@yahoo.com

Alyssa H.

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Isabella R.

Like what Karen said, mentioning in your profile that damages to your home and belongings within your home by a guest dog have to be reimbursed by the pet parents. When my pet parents come for their meet and greets, I have not only information forms for them to fill out regarding their pets, but also a form detailing all my contact information, discount codes, services, and an agreement they need to sign regarding damage to my home, injury to my family members, myself, family pet, or other pets. Most parents do not have a problem signing it, and I honestly can only think of one that seemed to be hesitant with signing it. Not sure why, since it's all a formality. It's all legal and binding, and my father helped me with it a long time ago. I used to just be okay with rover's policies, but honestly they don't cover some of the important things, so you do have to make sure you are covered in these instances, otherwise you are taking a gamble that the parents will not cover damages their dogs make. I decided to start making my pet parents sign the agreement after a parent refused to reimburse me door frame that their dog gnawed in the middle of the night. They told me that there was no way to prove that the damage did not already exist (even though they did tour the home and it was clear that it was not there beforehand) and that it could have been my dog that did it. #1 my dog doesn't gnaw on the doors in her own home, otherwise we'd have gnawed up frames everywhere, and I woke up to see their dog sitting right next to the door with the guiltiest look on his face, meanwhile my dog was KO'd in her bed. Secondly they tried to blame it on me that their dog must have been confused because they NEVER keep the door closed to their bedroom in their home, and that their dog walks freely in their home. Allowing your dog to walk around freely in your own home is understandable, but it's not realistic when they are staying in someone else's home. So I would never allow a guest dog to wander the home freely in the middle of the night while I am sleeping and could potentially get into something and harm themselves. I always close my bedroom door at night, and not because I don't trust my dog to wander the house, but because it's naturally something I do. Most people close their bedroom doors at night, it's normal, not to mention I wanted him to stay in my room, and not be wandering the house. Despite their 'reasoning' it was quite obvious they just did not want to pay for the damage, and I have refused to service them again because of it. They've requested ... (more)

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Wow. Even *if* closing your bedroom door is the only reason the dog chewed your door frame, that doesn't change the fact that the dog chewed your door frame. That happened. No amount of excuses changes that. Unless keeping the bedroom door open during the dog's stay was part of the agreement ahead of time, they are absolutely still responsible for that damage. But honestly the weirdest part of that story is that they keep requesting your services!

Laura R.

My sentiments exactly! Plus I don't know many people who don't close their bedroom door at night? Perhaps if you lived alone, but after all, that is what doors are for! I live in a home with 7 human occupants, so we all close our doors for privacy.

Isabella R.

I'm not sure why they would expect me to accept their dog again after refusing to pay damages to my home, but the stay was successful aside from the door frame incident.

Isabella R.

We close our bedroom door, and it's just the two of us in the same bedroom. But for us, dog dander in the bedroom is a big no-no, since we are both mildly allergic to dogs. We're quite used to our own dogs, but we still don't allow them in. Currently we're both sitting in the bedroom with the laptops and they're laying just outside the doorway, staring at us creepily (like they do...). We just can't accommodate dogs who need to be in the bedroom/bed with us, and that's very clear in our profile.

Laura R.

I just can't imagine knowing your dog did damage to someone's home, thinking you somehow aren't responsible and refusing to pay, and then still expecting that person to deal with you again. I wonder how many sitters they've burned through at this point.

Laura R.

Either way I am better of refusing to sit their dog. Besides the incident the stay was successful, but the dog always gave me a weary feeling when my 3 year old brother would come around. He didn't do anything to him while he was here, but I had a weird feeling about him being near Nico ..cont

Isabella R.

because he would stare him down very intently. Like my dog does when she sees a bird or squirrel in the yard, which I am not comfortable with. My dog is very protective of both myself and Nicolas, and I could sense she didn't feel comfortable with this particular dog around him either. cont..

Isabella R.

She normally lays in the corner in her dog bed during family/TV time, but she wouldn't leave Nico's side the entire time this dog stayed with us. She'd follow him everywhere, which is NOT normal for her with any other day or dog. She obviously wanted to keep him close for a reason. Oh well, I wish them the best and hope they find the appropriate sitter, but it's obviously not me. That isn't a bad thing either, because you can be a great sitter, but that doesn't mean you are the right sitter for that dog.

Isabella R.

Ooh yeah, that would make me nervous, too. And I definitely agree that not all sitters are good for all dogs. Especially if you have kids and other pets around, there are just going to be some dogs who won't be at their best in that environment. And it's not fair to put a dog in a situation where they're going to be stressed or set up to fail. With my older dog,

Laura R.

I'm wary of housing other intense, high-energy types with my older dog, because I know that can lead to trouble. She does the herder stare before engaging with a new dog, and (understandably) a lot of other intense dogs do not appreciate it and there's a lot of offense taken and snarking back and forth. That kind of dynamic would not be ideal inside our tiny apartment, and neither dog would have a great time during the stay.

Laura R.

Somehow, though, we've become a haven for nervous, anxious dogs.. wasn't really our intention, but they make up the majority of the dogs we watch, and they all seem to improve. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that both of my dogs were anxiety cases when I adopted them (one incredibly shy and submissive, the other terrified of people).. anxious dogs just seem to take to me. It's a blessing and a curse. :P

Laura R.

Isabella, thank you for your comments! Would you mind emailing me the contract you created? I DEFINITELY want to implement this ASAP. Genius. My email is Eliz6000@gmail.com

Elizabeth K.

Isabella, First off, I have to say, what a story! I can't imagine why those owners think you would ever take in their dog again. This is an excellent example of why Rover should let other sitters see comments about previous stays, BTW. Also, it is so wonderful to read about another owner taking responsibility for his dog's insatiable chewing. Wish the owner of the incontinent dog had a similar sense of responsibility; she actually asked me if I wanted her to help pay for the replacement of the rug, instead of offering, and doing so in a very awkward manner. There's a difference. Anyway, I wonder if you wouldn't mind sharing your agreement with me as well? I have been thinking of creating a veterinary release form for owners to sign at each engagement and yours sounds like something I should add as well.

Karen R.

What a great post! I've had my share of chewers, diggers, markers and out right destroyers! Could I also ask if you can email me the contract as well? rgon0429@gmail.com We should have a post dedicated to posting the doggie destroy stories:)

Rosie C.

Could you email me the contract as well. juleann401@aol.com

Julie L.

I started fostering dogs and then came to rover after one of the fosters escaped his crate and caused over $700 worth of damage. The rescue did nothing to help. I would hope owners would take more responsibility for their dogs, but I've learned my lesson on that one. (Cont.)

Jillian S.

Would you mind sharing the contract with me as well? Jilliankseidel@gmail.com

Jillian S.

would you mind sharing the contract with me as well? chuchra1@gmail.com

Kaitlin C.

Thank you so much for this info. Would you mind sharing the contract with me too? von.lagarce@gmail.com I just had a dog pretty much destroy my sofa. I am beyond upset at this point... the owner didn't even bother to offer any kind of reimbursement and it's unbelievable.

Von B E.

Would you mind sending it to my email as well? Emilyskyeowen@gmail.com Thank you SO much! :)

Emily O.

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Alexandria S.

I know this is an older thread but is it possible any one could send me the contracts discussed? I have had some damage already :( Thank you in advance!! alexandriaschultz@gmail.com

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I would love a copy of the contract as well is anyone is able to provide jenn2890@gmail.com

Jenn C.

I would love a copy of the contract as well is anyone is able to provide kristen.svenstrup@gmail.com.

Kristen S.

Same please! @sukovaty527@gmail.com

Renee & John S.

Me as well, thank you! ericaluanderson@gmail.com

Erica A.

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Serina R.

Contract is good idea but hard to enforce. I do "kennel test" before overnights. After we do introductions and tour of house, I ask if dog comfortable in kennels. (Obviously I have on profile and mention in first message too) I tell owner that some dogs even though good at home in kennel are not when away from home. I tell owner that we're going to put dogs in kennel and step outside for a minute to see if dog would be comfortable at my house. Owner always agrees they want dog happy. So we kennel and step out If it's a dog with behavioral issues like seperation anxiety, it'll kick up a fuss immediately. I turn to owner say "Gee looks like I'm not a good fit. I'll send you some recommendations of sitters that never leave their house and then your pup won't be anxious. You can use my code" I have avoided many a problem dog that way. And yes some dogs need more time to relax, but there's no guarantee the owner will pay for the couch or wall or bed the dog damages. I rather error on side of safety

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Any chance I could get someone to send me their contract? Monica@brownfarm.net I have a German Shepherd, who is literally destroying a metal crate. He is bending the wires and jamming his head through the slats and has completely destroyed it, and now can escape from it.

Monica B.

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Nicole K.

I know this is a supper old thread but could someone please send me the a copy of the contract? I've had three clients that's I have had problems with and need to start implementing this asap. naltima14@gmail.com

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I would love a copy of the contract too please leyskyfernandez@gmail.com

Leysky F.

I would love a copy of the contract as well is anyone is able to provide kristen.svenstrup@gmail.com.

Kristen S.

Me as well, thank you! ericaluanderson@gmail.com

Erica A.

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DIANE B.

I don't know if Rover will reimburse you for damages. But I never have owners bring a bed - just a blanket or towel that has the dog's or the owner's scent on it. I also have crates set up, and will crate a dog if it is destructive or in any way a danger to me or my dogs.

When you find out if you get reimbursed - please let me know!

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Isabella! I would greatly appreciate a copy of this contract. Would you kindly email it to me. I would be so grateful. THANK YOU! Jill_Holden@yahoo.com

Jill H.

me too can I get the contract ?? please :D poochdogwalkingoakville@gmail.com

Amanda G.

Can I get it please Aruhipatel5362@gmail.com

Aruhi P.

Hi Isabella, Could I please get this contract as well? Tbank you! Cynthiarj08@gmail.com

Cynthia & Daniel J.

Hi... I'd love the contract as well... anlvizcarra1822@gmail.com

Lynana V.

I would love a copy of the contract too please: emaildebmorrison@gmail.com

Deb M.

If I could have a copy of the contract in question too I would be unbelievably thankful!!!! Westlunda@hotmail.com

Alicia W.

Hello! I was just wondering if anyone could send me a copy of the contract as well? Please!! Chelseaseruga@yahoo.com I just had a dog I am sitting rip my $50 curtain roads out the wall, ate my curtains, and my blinds! No warning from the owner

Chelsea S.

I would very much love this contract as well. janelnghiem@icloud.com

Janel N.

I am not sure if anyone has received a copy of the contract about damages. But if anyone has can you forward it to me. drosie1963@gmail.com

Linda & David L.

Interested in the contract also! Thanks! awesomelori94@gmail.com

Lori E.

I would also love to get a contract!! Thank you in advance (:

Morgan H.

I would love to get the contract too please leyskyfernandez@gmail.com

Leysky F.

I would love a copy of the contract as well is anyone is able to provide kristen.svenstrup@gmail.com.

Kristen S.

Please send me a copy of the contract. Alisonchan411@gmail.com

Alison C.

Me as well, thank you! ericaluanderson@gmail.com

Erica A.

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Danielle R.

You can call Rover's customer service line and see if they can add on "additional service" fees to your current stay. Have you talked to the pet parents about the dogs destructive behavior? We've had incidents like this in the past and once I have talked to the owners (in a light hearted and unaccusing way) they usually offer to reimburse me once they return or offer me a good tip.

In the future ask how the dogs are at home and if they have any history or destructive chewing behavior. That's something I always make sure to ask that way I can prepare my home. Such as spraying bitter apple on my furniture or plan on having a kennel set up when I leave the home.

Comments

This is a great suggestion. If Rover could add an "additional services" option that we can edit during the stay (of course the owner would have to accept) it could help the initial awkwardness of telling the owner. One prime example. When an owner does not provide enough food. I've even told them via text message. You would think they would compensate when they pick up. Nope. They don't.

Rosie C.

Rosie- Getting $ for food has been really easy for me. Try this: Hopefully at or near start of stay if food looks too low, measure it out. Message client Rover only has food for x# of meals/days. Do you want to order online & ship, or me to buy (give receipt@ return before dog), or just feed less?

Deb A.

Hello Isabella, I would appreciate if I could receive a contract for my clients to sign. I recently had a dog damage my door frame and would love to have for future dog visits. ldeza23@gmail.com Thank you, Lissette