01/27/2026
We are sharing this because what happened is unacceptable, and pet owners deserve transparency.
We hired a dog sitter and clearly agreed in advance that she would work her full-time job and then stay in our home evenings and overnights, returning in the mornings, for six days while we were out of the country. She agreed to this.
While we were away, neighbors observed that she was only at our home for 10–15 minutes per day. On Friday, she stopped by briefly and did not stay overnight at all.
She later messaged stating she would not be staying due to weather and being alone, and said that our neighbors would “watch the dogs.”
This was never discussed, never approved, and never arranged.
To be clear: our neighbors were not responsible for our dogs. We were out of the country, and our return flight was delayed. If our neighbors had not stepped in out of kindness, our dogs would have been left without proper care.
When someone commits to overnight pet care, it is their responsibility to either fulfill that commitment or secure an approved replacement before leaving. Walking away and assigning the job to others is not acceptable.
Based on this experience, this sitter does not demonstrate the reliability, judgment, or accountability required for overnight or in-home pet care.
Please clarify exact hours, overnight expectations, and emergency/backup plans before trusting someone with your home and your animals.