5.0

I unfortunately don’t think this was the right sitter match for Panda. Panda is a rescue who has only been with me for about three months, so I was very intentional about providing detailed information about her care and behavior as I know it. I disclosed that she is not fully potty trained, may try to sneak away to have an accident, and can be anxious. I also provided diapers, her crate, detailed written care instructions, and completed the sitter’s assessment beforehand. Unfortunately, the stay became very stressful. Although I provided Panda’s crate and explained that she could be crated when the sitter needed to leave, the sitter chose to contain her in the kitchen with a baby gate instead. This isn’t a setup Panda has used with me. Panda escaped, had accidents in the home, and damaged blinds she was able to reach from the back of the couch. I completely understand that caring for a rescue dog with some behavioral quirks isn’t for everyone, and I certainly feel bad that there was damage to the sitter’s home. However, I was especially disappointed in how the situation was handled afterward. I received a message as I was arriving at my father’s funeral telling me that the arrangement was no longer working. I had very limited cell service and wasn’t able to address the situation until after the service, which created a tremendous amount of anxiety during an already difficult day. The sitter also suggested sending Panda to her mother’s home to be watched there. I was not comfortable with my dog being transferred to someone I had never met or approved through Rover, particularly when I had an emergency contact listed who could have been contacted if the sitter truly could no longer care for her. In the end, they let me know she had calmed down and was welcome to continue her stay but I was already headed back home. Ultimately, I cut my time with family short and drove four hours home after my father’s funeral because I no longer felt comfortable leaving Panda in the situation. I recognize that Panda was more challenging than this sitter anticipated, and this experience was a learning experience for me as well. She’s previously stayed successfully with an experienced foster/rescue caregiver for several days and has also been cared for in my home without major issues, so I did not anticipate this outcome. Going forward, I will be even more intentional about choosing someone with specific experience caring for rescue dogs and dogs with anxiety and make sure that I am including more detailed instructions now that I know some potential behavioral challenges. I don’t say any of this to attack the sitter, but I do think other pet parents particularly those with rescue or anxious dogs should understand my experience when deciding whether this is the right fit for them. The sitters were both extremely nice people and have a beautiful home. Not every arrangement will be a great fit and that’s OK.

Hayley and CJ did a great job taking care of our dog and clearly communicated before and during her stay

Hayley is absolutely amazing! We have used her multiple times when we travel and our dog always comes home happy and healthy. She also gets really excited when she knows she’s going to be with Hayley which makes you feel good that you know your fur baby is loved well

Hayley is always amazing at watching our dog! Great communication, seemless drop-off and pick-ups and she provides updates and pics throughout the stay. But most importantly our dog comes back happy and healthy. Would highly recommend!

Amazing sitter. My dog comes home happy and healthy!

Hayley always does such a good job of watching our sweet pup! She sends frequent updates and pictures and our girl always comes home happy and healthy! Highly recommend!