What am I expected to pay for?

Hi just some quick questions
Next week I’m starting a 7 weeks cat-sit
Am I expected to pay for cat food and litterbox filling?
And how about vet costs in case of emergencies?
HO is being vague

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Of course not. If they expect you to pay, run.

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Hi @co_ri_na.
The owner should supply all food, litter and other pet supplies.
I have linked the THS official stance on vet bills. Personally, I insist that an account be set up with the vet for HO payment of bills. I am not chasing anyone for reimbursement.
https://support.trustedhousesitters.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360001759477-What-if-the-pet-becomes-unwell-or-is-injured-during-a-sit

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Great advice, I’ll take that up with HO
Thanks!

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:sweat_smile: I’m not a great runner but thanks for the suggestion

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#1 Rule as a sitter - don’t leave anything vague. It will cause problems later.

Host pays everything except the vet costs. I believe it is supposed to be reimbursed but I do it differently. I put in my application that hosts need to set up an account with credit card already on file at their vets or leave me their credit card in a sealed envelope. We’re on a sit right now where I had to take the dog to the vet and will be charging on the pet parent’s card when I go pick her up.

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@co_ri_na
The host must provide all the food and supplies needed for the pet for the duration of the sit.

https://support.trustedhousesitters.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360001772018-Who-pays-for-pet-provisions-during-the-sit

We have done 2 month sits and it’s not been an issue for the hosts to have bought all the supplies in advance of the sit . If it’s U.K. or USA then they should be able to arrange and pay for a delivery of the cat food / cat litter to the address .

However (depending on the country , location or size of the home ) if this is not possible - then the host should leave the money to get what is needed and tell you where to get it .

Get everything agreed in writing ( text messages or THS inbox ) now before the sit starts so that nothing is vauge and can be misunderstood by either party.

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Your choice, of course. I’d consider it a red flag if you asked the host and they were vague. A normal person, if asked, would say, no, of course not, we’ll pay (or repay you, even in a stretch of you giving them benefit of doubt). Being vague does not seem reasonable.

You can always ask them again, but I wouldn’t bother, because their vagueness is hinky.

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I have run out of dog food and the HOs arranged a delivery same day.

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When we leave our pets to the care of sitters there is more than enough food, litter and treats for the duration. If something were to run out anyway we have it delivered from our vet. We also leave our credit card information with the vet so the sitters do not have to advance any funds if something happens. Finally we leave a few hundred dollars in cash in case of any other emergencies.

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Wow that sounds amazing
Hopefully they wont need but it’s reassuring to know it’s there just in case
Thanks for the reply :paw_prints:

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To be fair she is incredibly nice and accommodating but also kind of happy go lucky
I have 8 more days to get this sorted out but plane tickets are already booked so backing out isn’t really an option
Good to know how others see this so thanks for your input :bouquet:

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Getting it all in writing is a really good idea!
Looks like i have to set up another video call and straighten things out
Thanks for the advise :+1:t3:

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No way will I pay for vet costs since I’m in no position to do so
Your advice is great so I’ll make sure to follow up on that :bouquet:

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It can be done also just stating it as a given.

«Soon I will be going to take care of «pet». I’m sure you have stocked up on pet food, poo bags/ litter box sand/ meds (whatever is applicable) for the duration of the sit. In case of emergency, «pet» will need to have an account at the vet. I see that the vet is stated/ not stated in the Welcome guide. You could also leave a credit card in a sealed envelope. I would think your emergency contact maybe also can help out with a vet-visit if necessary?

Let me know if you would like to discuss further.

Looking forward to meet you and «pet» - see you soon!»

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Great idea, thanks for taking the time to reply and make things easier for me!
It’s my first sit so I’m learning a lot :paw_prints:

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Best of luck for your first sit @co_ri_na :heart: let us know how you get on!

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You pay for your own transport, your own food, your own entertainment. Anything needed by the animals and property is paid by the host. For long sits, most hosts arrange pet food deliveries from the internet. Get it fixed before you arrive. This is a huge red flag.

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Will do! Thanks Jenny :cherry_blossom:

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Very reassuring to know, thanks :black_cat:

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