I was going to write a detailed review explaining exactly why I'm giving this sitter only one star, but I decided instead to simply post the message exchange that occurred after I returned home from a week-long trip and discovered several issues. (The only editing is the removal of my dogs' names.) My initial message: "So, I have some concerns about the care that my pooches got while I was gone. I checked the activity log for my security system and the dogs were left alone between eight and thirteen hours each day, with only one or two very short visits during that time. I definitely didn’t expect you to be here with them all day every day, but I absolutely didn’t think they’d be left alone from 7:00 am to 7:30 pm with one 5-minute and one 2-minute visit during the day. They didn’t get their treat cube before they were left alone, which is really important for J- so he doesn’t freak out from separation anxiety. That makes short visits like that even worse. At no time on either Thurs, Fri, or Sat was either the side door or back door opened, which meant they didn’t get let outside at all for at least those three entire days. I have no idea what happened with their food because G- had a whole can of food left, which absolutely should have been used. Worst of all, I see that neither dog was given their meds for at least several days. J-’s meds are extremely important and it can actually harm him not to get them. Finally, I paid for the drop-in visit on Monday that never happened. My plan was just to leave that and include it as part of your tip. But, for obvious reasons I won’t be leaving a tip, so I would like that visit refunded. I hate writing bad reviews - in most cases I just choose to leave no review at all. But the lack of care they got from you could have hurt them (and might actually have done so - J- might need a blood test to determine if the missed meds caused any issues), and I absolutely am not ok with any other pet parents risking their fur babies’ health or safety. If you have any explanation for any of these issues or if I’m incorrect about what occurred, please feel free to let me know. I want to give you a chance to do so before I post anything." Her reply: "I’m sorry Tracy, I did the best I could with the information you gave me. You did not inform me about J-’s medication and I found it on my own after a few days. I was at a loss for taking them outside because the cats would try and get out. I’m sorry you were not satisfied with my attempts." My reply: "I gave detailed instructions about what meds were necessary and how to give them in the videos I sent you. Videos I made as a favor to you in lieu of you having to come over and see things yourself after your long travel day. I have no idea if you actually watched any of the videos or not, but they were all sent to you and marked as delivered and read." Additional Info: I had booked a drop-in visit the day before I left town to go over all the instructions for feeding, meds, treat puzzles, etc. She cancelled the visit because she had been traveling all day and was too worn out to meet in person. I agreed and offered to make detailed videos of all the things she needed to know - including not only the fact that both dogs required medication, but an actual video of me adding the meds to their food and giving J- his pill. Additionally, I do have one - just one - cat who tries to get outside. I told her about him when we had our initial meet and greet, and I explained that she just needed to pick him up, open the door, let the dogs out, and then put him back down once the door was closed. As can be seen, she didn't even acknowledge my request for a refund for the visit she cancelled, and when I tried to send her a message this morning again requesting the refund, I found that she had blocked me from being able to contact her through Rover. Not only am I upset about the fact that she completely disregarded the instructions I gave her - which could have caused real harm to my dogs, I am astounded at her lack of professionalism and refusal to take any responsibility for her actions. Out of fairness, I was initially planning to also include the positive aspects of our interactions in my review - responsiveness, flexibility, etc. - but her behavior and lack of concern for my dogs' wellbeing far outweigh any compliments I would be willing to give.

Sara was great! She was communicative, great with our dog, and trustworthy. Would definitely rebook again with Sara!