WWYD: Pet Sitter

[smokeyblue]

I'm going out of town for 8 days. I have a senior cat that has kidney disease. He has been doing well since he started on a renal diet, but I really hate to leave him. I hired a vet tech to do daily drop-ins. She was supposed to come over today to get instructions and keys. I waited 15 minutes after our meeting time and texted her. She texted back that she was very sorry, her kid was home sick and he was playing with her phone so she didn't see the reminder.

I rescheduled our meeting for tomorrow, but I'm still on the fence. I do have two other people who wanted the job. I depend a lot on my phone reminding me of stuff too and I get not getting a reminder in a timely manner because a kid is playing with a phone. The but is, is she going to make dropping in a priority? I am paying fairly and added a premium because she is a vet tech. She does have good reviews on Rover. I have security cameras so I will know if she is coming and going. In a pinch, I could get a back-up sitting. The other variable here is that I fly out at 6 a.m. on Friday.

 

[Adelle Dazeem]

Things happen - I wouldn't "fire" her over this.

 

[ronandannette]

I'm no pet expert by any means but given your cat's special needs, maybe he'd be safer at a boarding facility where there are professional care givers? Just an idea.

 

[tvguy]

We have had two cats with health issues and we had no option but to board them at the Vet. We are fortunate that our Vet is set up to board animals with health issues. And if there are boarding facilities comfortable with boarding cats with health issues, that is an option too.

 

[TwoMisfits]

I would hire someone else...no doubt.

 

[lifesavacation]

I wouldn’t give her a second chance.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

It doesn’t sound like she wants the job.

 

[nw6675]

Go with your gut and someone else. I had a terrible experience that I posted about here in November. The security cams made it worse since it confirmed my fears.

 

[Heigh-Ho]

If it wouldn't cause your cat too much stress I would say boarding because they may be able to have that more specialized care.

If it would be too much stress for your cat then you may consider your feeling that she didn't make you feel like she was responsible enough. Her reasoning isn't too far fetched even though she should have been keeping an eye on the time but if you've got 2 other people waiting it may not be worth even worrying about her and just going with someone else. Good luck!

 

[Pixie Dusted Snow]

I wouldn't take chances with a cat that has health problems. I'd call your vet for boarding recommendations.

 

[SaintsManiac]

I would find someone else.

 

[NannyBeBe]

I would not hire a pet sitter that I did not know personally. If I were in your situation, I would board my cat to ensure that he is taken care of properly.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I'd get someone else. You've got other options besides this person and you have a bit of time to figure out someone else. If you don't feel like they took it seriously enough you may continue to feel like that on vacation.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Normally, I could deal with a little shift in the time schedule. But my other thought is that if her kid is sick, she might be sick soon, and have to quarantine, and not be able to take care of the kitty. I think I'd go with one of the the others.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Normally, I could deal with a little shift in the time schedule. But my other thought is that if her kid is sick, she might be sick soon, and have to quarantine, and not be able to take care of the kitty. I think I'd go with one of the the others.

This was my thought, too. OP, does your vet provide boarding? When we travel, we board our cats with our vet. Both cats have special health issues, so we really appreciate the peace of mind that comes from knowing that our cats are getting great care and any emergencies could be handled right away.

 

[CynBeth]

I would board your cat at the vet or if you have one in your area when we go on vacation we leave our dog at a Petsmart Pet Hotel they take cats as well. There is a Banfield Vet Hospital at that location or if after hours they have a vet on call.. There is someone there 24/7 which we like and the staff is wonderful. We had a few instances over the years with the first dog we had where we got a call that she seemed a little off and as a precaution asked if we would mind having her checked out. Luckily she was fine both times. On one of our trips when we went to pick her up we were told she had a little trouble sleeping and whoever was there at night cuddled with her. Our current dog is a rescue who has issues with separation anxiety but does great there. It takes her a few days to adjust.

 

[Pumbaa_]

Hard pass
if you can’t remember an interview appt combined w training then you are not for me.
this is your baby, a senior w health issues. You need someone who is on the ball and able to respond appropriately in an emergency.

 

[js]

I would get a new sitter. What would happen if yesterday was the day you were away. Would she have remembered to come over to your cat?

 

[js]

I would get a new sitter. What would happen if yesterday was the day you were away. Would she have remembered to come over to your cat?

 

[LSUmiss]

I’m in the find someone else camp too. This isn’t about 2nd chances to help her out, but your piece of mind & the health & safety of your cat. I take no chances with who I ask to watch my pets or kid!