Whenever we go away we cringe at the thought of what would happen if one of our pets passed away while under the care of their pet sitter. It’s a reality we have to face. Our Jack Russell, Zach is 17 and in failing health as is my oldest cat Louis. We went away in February but seriously considering not going because we were worried about our pets.
When we sign up a new client we fill out a contract with all of their pertinent information. How to get a hold of you in case of emergency, a second emergency contact, etc. But there is one question I absolutely HATE asking. It is:
In the even of your pet’s death during your absence what arrangements should be made?
It’s a terrible thought to even consider, but what would happen if your pet passed away while you were on vacation?
The spectrum of responses I’ve gotten to that question have been interesting.
I’ve had people:
- Start to cry.
- Tell me they’ve already dug a hole in the back yard; just put them in and cover them up.
- Tell me to just put them in the freezer.
The most common answer we receive is to take them to the vet and have them held until you get home.
We’ve been in business almost 16 years now. I wish it could say it has never happened to us, but it has. Statistically it is bound to happen based on the number of pets we see each year. It is the worst feeling in the world having to call someone and tell them that their pet has passed away. In some cases (like ours would have been) it’s understandable and not a shock but in others it was completely unexpected and without warning.
What would you want done if it were your pet?
Thank you for this post. I recently started a pet sitting business and had a clients pet pass away a kitten. I did my very best for this little one. She died at the vets office. 24 hours later. I am heart broken over the loss over many factors. Mostly for my client.
I appreciate your post. I have a great pet sitter (have had her for 5 years now) but the nerves still get to me when my husband and I leave. I have two cats, Allie, 18 and Melia, 15. I appreciate the option you mentioned regarding having our pet at the vet until we return. Like you said, it’s not a topic we like thinking about, but it is better to be prepared. If it were up to my husband and I, they would live forever.
I lost my guy Pepper while in Montana completely off grid…My pet sitter took him to the vet hospital and at the request of my emergency contact, had a necropsy performed…The vet held until I returned and I had a private cremation for him the night I returned from a locally owned pet crematory…Thoughts run rampant as Pepper was healthy and the necropsy showed nothing….suspected heart or neurological… Regardless my bear is gone and all that could have been done was…
I’m so sorry to hear about Pepper. Unfortunately, it does happen occasionally with undiagnosed heart problems. We once had what was thought a very healthy cat pass away unexpectedly from undiagnosed cardiomyopathy. Please don’t blame your pet sitter.
Are there any repercussions if the pet sitter decides to buy and bring an unvaccinated pup into the house causing the dog being watched to contract Parvo and dies? My sitters last message was telling me my baby was sick and for the last 2 weeks have been completely ignoring all messages and calls. (I’m in Iowa, they in Dallas) I was moving back home and my VERY healthy 2 year old male stayed with a sitter for what was supposed to be 3-4 weeks until I came back to get him. All messages answered and pictures sent until the day they said they were taking him to the vet. I fear the worst and have no way to find out other than drive 900 miles. What can I do?!?!?
I’m so sorry to hear your pup is sick! I guess it would depend on whether you hired a professional or not? Did you sign a contract that would spell out what happens in instances like this? Do you know if the person is a legitimate business who has liability insurance (for instances like this)? If the sitter has liability insurance, then yes, you *should* have some recourse. Please keep us posted!