Hi! We are still new to this so not quite sure if there is a rule to be followed by owners - can you help please? We’ve recently been approached to do a sit by a couple going off on a cruise with a friend who doesn’t live in their household and the friends dog was included in the number of pets to be cared for. Is that ok to throw another pet into the mix as it were?!
Thanks!
Hi,
There was a similar case talked about on the forum recently. THS support was contacted. The answer was it is OK as long as they are included in the listing.
Of course, it’s up to you to apply or accept the conditions. If this was disclosed only after accepting the sit, then you can ask it to be cancelled.
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It says in the terms of service that
« 5.2.12. not have any pets which aren’t explicitly listed in the details of the Home Listing ;»
The Home Owner also has the responsibility for pets being vaccinated, not being dangerous, responsibility for veterinary expenses and reimbursing them Re. terms of service. So that should be something for them to consider… 
I would say a hard No if the pet wasn’t in the listing for various reasons
- it wasn’t what I applied for
- One can’t be sure what effect it will have to bring another dog in the pack. I had two dogs and took in another. Two of them were mostly amicable but could have staring contests and suddenly having hard fights. Although both were well trained family dogs separately. Even walking on leash and minding their own business one of them could suddenly pick a fight.
- The legal responsibility isn’t clear. The terms clearly states that the sitter has responsibilities for the dogs health and vet. Expenses. Who should reimburse you? Re. terms - only HO is member of THS. Or if one dog hurts the other.
It is obvious that they use the sitter as a free kennel for the friend. I think it is rude to ask. But you as a sitter can accept what you want. Just make sure you are okay with it.
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Thank you!
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Personally I think that sort of behaviour is cheeky and really taking advantage of a sitter, saving money for the friend. It does happen at times, usually with a family member’s pet added into the mix. However, as others have advised, the dog should be in the listing and then it’s up to you whether to accept or not.
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Cheers Smiley, agree it’s getting pet care for free if they are not part of the household - I but hey go, As long as they are listed I suppose we could be watching the whole street’s dogs and wouldn’t necessarily know:rofl:
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@Ellie.P agree😂 It’s basically two sits at the same time. I would definitely also request that both have made arrangements with their vet. I’m relatively new too - so wasn’t aware of these aspects
There’s, as usual, more than one way to see this.
There’s the cynical-about-the-world-everything-is-potentially-bad-intent one “I’ve been deceived, this dog is not theirs, it’s their neighbor’s”, and then there’s the all’s-good-until-it’s-not one “oh, yeah, they have three dogs, one doesn’t seem to know their way around, but they’re great” way.
If a host lists their neighbour’s dog or cat as well, then they have to make sure all pets can live with each other, and all the pets are in their house. For the sitter, it does not make any kind of difference, because every pet will be listed in the listing. You can choose to take care of three dogs, or keep scrolling.
If the additional pet is not listed, then this is being sprung on you and you have every right to demand to do the original sit, or walk away.
[Edit: I see I’m preaching to the choir…again…]
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Yes, if it is in the listing, it is just up to you how msny pets you are comfortable taking care of. But you also have more concerns and questions to ask. Do all the pets get along? Have they spent time together before? Do they have similar routines and diets? Do you have vet info for everyone? Will both sets of pet owners require updates? Etc.
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I’d be concerned about how the friends dog will be in an unfamiliar environment & with other pets who they have never lived with before. I wouldn’t apply for this sit as how can the HO accurately vouch for or describe the behaviours of their own or the other dog when the circumstances will be different to the norm.
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@ChristineB
Fully agree and would the friend be willing to reimburse any pet costs if required?
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