I take the view of, there is going to be a risk of occasional fleas regarding most pets especially if they go outdoors. It’s a fact of life and I’m prepared to take a chance.
Maybe pet sitting isnt for everyone?
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I deal with occasional fleas as part of having my own dog, as well as sitting.
If there’s an ongoing infestation as described, then THS hosting isn’t for that host unless they can deal with it instead of foisting it on unsuspecting sitters.
And note: A sitter who picks up fleas from an ongoing infestation stands to pass it onto their next sit.
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Flea issue as described vs infestation is different. I would beg to argue that if the HO has medication on board for the animals, an infestation is an exaggerated statement. Sitter is assuming that the HO went away fully aware that the cats still harbored fleas. Again, as someone with years of owning outdoor cats, they will come home will occasional fleas that die off with the medication on board. Also, to assume that the HO was careless and unassuming of a “flea infestation” or knew and intentionally just didn’t mention it, is harsh and judgemental. I don’t particularly find those individuals well suited for managing the well being of pets. As for the next sit, with clear communication and making sure flea medication is on board with those animals, I don’t see a problem carrying the occasional flea over. The medication will take of lingerers. Wash your clothes.
Sounds like you and I disagree on what the OP posted. Since we’re not them and weren’t there, you can always discount whatever you choose if you’re of a mind that it’s OK for hosts to mislead or withhold info from sitters.
Note: The host has posted a new sit even after the sitter has flagged the flea issue.
Thank you!
Yes, fleas were known before I arrived — HO inadvertently sent me a screenshot from her vet that said her cat still had fleas despite treatment a week or so before I arrived. There were also massive fleas in the vaccuum that I emptied before using for the first time, both dead and alive.
She did not tell me this was an issue until I discovered the fleas myself after being bitten up progressively worse each day. I thought they were mosquito bites at first because I couldn’t imagine someone would accept an exchange sitter that travels full time if they had fleas. This creates such a liability for the sitter.
I had to clean the home myself in preparation for an extermination . The exterminator said they might have to come back after a few weeks to disrupt the cycle. I left before that two weeks came.
One cat was still itching like crazy after prescription treatment. And the other was having a bad reaction to Bravecto which was kind of scary. HO refused to triage with a vet or send them.
When I left yesterday I checked for flea dirt which is still present. And, there is another listing for a sitter to begin in less than a week.
I don’t believe it is controversial to say this is unacceptable, against terms, and unethical. I’m hoping the post is paused before someone else unknowingly accepts this kind of condition. Or, I’d least like a warning posted.
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100%. I’m on a sit right now with undisclosed fleas. The HO casually mentioned it after I’d arrived. I’ve got dozens of bites. It’s awful and sitters should not be put in such a position. Support, as always, was unsupportive.
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It sounds like you need to officially file a Dispute with THS for anything to happen. Send them the screenshots about the fleas, invoice from exterminator, and any other evidence you have. That might make THS suspend the account temporarily and alert the upcoming sitter. I don’t think there’s any other way.
Sorry you had to deal with this! And I hope bravecto kitty is okay. My kitties sometimes seem a little off the day after I apply it but back to normal soon after.
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Oh no! I cannot believe this isn’t an isolated incedent. It is a nightmare. Let me know if I can help.
Send evidence to support. Tell them to get in touch with the owner and let them know you need a cleaner and exterminator. That’s what I did. (The cleaner never happened but it is the HO responsibility). If you feel unsafe, tell support that too, give reasonable notice, and leave.
Let me know if I can be helpful.
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Yeah, there’s a claim in process! You know they move slowly at times. I encouraged them to pause the post while they investigate but it is still up.
I wanted to take bravecto kitty to the vet, but the owner said she knew better and that it wasn’t an issue. Really irresponsible all around.
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