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4 pet-sitting assignments you should turn down

Professional pet sitters are great at many things—from offering trusted advice on pet-care issues to finding unique ways to make pet owners still feel connected with their pets while they are away. But, there’s one skill that many professional pet sitters still struggle with: Saying “no.”

From enforcing a cancellation policy with a client who always forgets to let you know he’s made other arrangements to the client who’s technically no longer in your service area but you keep sitting for anyway, perhaps you are finding that saying “no” is not as easy as one might think, especially when you are just starting your pet-sitting business.

While it may be easy to refer a pet owner to another pet sitter if your schedule is booked or they are outside of your service area, there are other times that turning down clients can be more difficult. Professional pet sitters’ dedication to the pets, commitment to their clients, desire to grow their clientele and huge hearts may sometimes result in putting up with a lot more than they should. But, it’s important to realize that sometimes saying “no” is a must—not just to reduce your stress level, but also to keep you safe as you perform your day-to-day pet-sitting assignments.

PSI’s Pet Sitter Safety survey was conducted to determine the most common methods employed by pet sitters to stay safe while on the job, and what we found is that there are four top situations that make pet sitters feel unsafe.

The following four circumstances should—and do—make pet sitters say “no” to a pet-sitting assignment:

#4. Aggressive dogs: 18 percent of pet sitters responding to the survey indicated that an aggressive dog had been reason to consider a job too unsafe. One pet sitter described a situation she had encountered: “We had a client who had a dog that was very protective of their property. On a walk the dog was fine. At home, however, it was aggressive even when given treats. [I felt] this is a situation that is not correctable. It can only lead to catastrophe and possibly injury. We did not take the job.”

#3. Filthy home/client was a hoarder: 22 percent of pet sitters responding to the survey shared that they felt unsafe or uncomfortable with a pet-sitting assignment when the client’s home was filthy, or when the client was a hoarder.

One pet sitter described how she initially took an assignment in a filthy home, but had to ultimately “fire” the client:

“One client's home was filthy. I made sure not to take anything into the home, except the bare essentials and did not set stuff down that had to leave with me. In other words, everything that came into their house with me went into the garbage can before I left, except my keys, which I stashed into my pocket. Unfortunately, after two sitting assignments with this client, we had to tell them we could no longer sit for them...it was just a dirty and unsanitary situation.”

#2. “Creepy” client: 23 percent of the pet sitters who completed the survey indicated that they had felt unsafe or uncomfortable with a pet-sitting assignment because they simply did not feel comfortable with the client—even if they could not exactly put their finger on what made them feel so uncomfortable. Pet sitters shared examples of potential clients who did not make eye contact or seemed overly nervous, made flirtatious or sexual comments and seemed more interested in asking detailed personal questions about the pet sitter instead of their pet-sitting services.

#1. Unsafe neighborhood: 38 percent of pet sitters completing the survey listed a potential client’s neighborhood as a reason they would feel too unsafe or uncomfortable to take the pet-sitting assignment. This included homes in neighborhoods that were considered unsafe (high crime rates, etc.), as well as clients with homes that were too secluded.

Have you ever had to turn down a job for one of these reasons?

If so, how did you tell the pet owner you were not able to take the assignment? Are there other reasons you have turned down a potential pet-sitting assignment? Share your experiences in the comments section below!

Comments

geral

December 13, 2024  |  7:k PM
I have had a good business relationship with a client that had 3 indoor cats when I started and 2 outdoor cats that regularly came around for breakfast and dinner. Two indoor cats passed away and one outdoor cat was killed in an extremely horrific manner. I encouraged the owner to bring the outdoor cat in and keep it downstairs and keep the indoor cat upstairs due to the dangerous situation outside. I did give her an ultimatum which was to bring the cat inside immediately or I would stop petsitting for her. It's not that I take delight saying no to my clients however, I have to do what feels right and I feel I make quality decisions. In the end, my decisions are based on maintaining my professional standard and safety concerns for the animal.

Jada Hathaway

February 18, 2024  |  11:k PM
I will say I have a client who struggles with mental health issues and her house isn't the cleanest. it was a hoarding situation, but she has been improving and she has even asked me for my advice on how the new flooring should look like. Yes there are good and bad cases of course but I wanted to be a pet sitter to help people. She was embarrassed by her house during the meet and greet and she was hesitant even to let me in but I trusted her word when she said she wanted to get better and she had. I feel like my being there helped motivate her. So think of this next time you turn someone down for that

Chris

September 4, 2022  |  8:k AM
I'm in my first year of owning a pet sitting buisness and mostly I've encountered great clients, with well trained animals, and clean homes.
However, I've just gone to a meet and greet where I'm seriously considering saying no to the booking. I don't know if these people could be called hoarders, but their stuff is everywhere. I've never seen such a mess outside of a teenagers room. And the dog isn't very well trained, they told me several times that she still poops on the carpet! I don't want to damage my buisness by backing out of a job I've accepted, but I feel very uncomfortable keeping this booking!

Amy V.

August 5, 2022  |  5:k AM
I just moved to a different state & I am starting all over again with my business. I have my first meet & greet with a person who doesn't want a full visit with their cats. Just a quick low cost visit. Basics are fine but then she added she wants me to do daily water leak checks and safety checks all around the house. That's not my job. I am going to the meet and greet. I will either: A. Add an additional fee OR tell her that is not part of my job & isn't covered in my insurance if it's not a reasonable request. No one should ask you to compromise your business for their convenience. I know I will have to be flexible in order to get my business going here but I still know my worth. Also I don't take care of cats with a doggie door. It's a safety issue because people can use those to break in and burglarize or worse if I show up. Safety first.

Jessica

June 27, 2022  |  4:k AM
Years ago, when I was first starting out, I was contacted for a potential job. It was by a man who told me he wanted to spend at least a night or two with me in his house before the job because "my dog is uncomfortable around new people" I thought that was a bit strange but told him I had dealt with animals with "separation anxiety" before (99% of the time it's the owner with the anxiety). Then he asked to see a photo. I asked why. He said "I want to make sure you're hot". I didn't respond after that.

Also pet sit a few times for a lady that said I wasn't allowed to cook meat in her house (even if I brought my own stuff to cook with) because it would cause "bad energy".

Another client was bad at sticking to arrival times. One time they were scheduled to arrive back at their home by 6pm but didn't show up until 1am. They requested that I stay and wait or them but didn't pay me for that last day. I wasn't confident enough to say anything. I agreed to do another job for them a while after that (their dog was also so sweet). This time they came a day early, without warning. When I was in the shower... Scared the crap out of me when I heard voices downstairs.

Julie

May 13, 2022  |  2:k PM
I work for a pet sitting business , the owner keeps half for himself just booking, tries to give multiple clients all at once before a meet a greet, aggressive and dogs with anxiety for under minimum wage, going on my own after giving notice

Jeanne Fantaski

May 9, 2022  |  10:k PM
Did any of you ever arrive to dog sit at the agreed upon time and the client continued to be home for hours after that leaving you just awkwardly sitting around waiting for them to leave? And/ Or the client had a "To Do" list they expected you to complete (under their supervision while they were still there) that had absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with the dog?

RUBY LILY

March 28, 2022  |  5:k AM
very nice little dog walking service I love the comments from the sitters,
they are so true to life.

Fenner

October 30, 2021  |  6:k PM
I have a very hard time turning down dog sitting jobs but it can be very difficult to deal with certain pets. I don’t like sitting for people who’s dogs are aggressive and hard to handle. If they don’t have a yard for their dog to run around in it can be hard to tire out the dog. One dog I take care of sometimes is aggressive and the girl told me to keep him on the leash even in the dog park area. This dog needs to run around! He also has to stay in a crate when the owner isn’t there and he can barely turn around in it.

Jen

August 21, 2021  |  1:k PM
My main principles for taking on clients have always been: be nice, pay on time, say thank you. Simple stuff. But, there are def a few now and then that I need to let go because dealing with them is more stressful than it needs to be. I opened my business for fun, not to be stressed.

Aside from aggressive animals, I really discourage taking on untrained dogs. I just don’t get it. Why not train them? It really cuts down on risky behaviors: flight, getting in fights, eating things they shouldn’t. Untrained dogs make my job so much more difficult and less enjoyable, and eventually I decide I may not want to walk them
Again.

Roscoe Seching

July 5, 2021  |  9:k AM
Pretty simple boundaries here...if you are uncomfortable being around that pet's owner or their house is a hygenic or hazardous mess, then don't put up with it. There are better clients out there.

Pets In Arms

June 15, 2021  |  10:k AM
Some people say they've never had an experience like the ones mentioned above. Well, good! The point of this article is to inform, not to stipulate. Just be mindful of what you are comfortable with and what you can handle :) And as always, be safe!

Tracey Simmons

May 12, 2021  |  11:k AM
I have been in this business for two years and I have never encountered these kinds of situations and everyone I have met have been very nice and kind. I don not judge someone’s home everybody has a different life style as long as they love their pets and make sure they have proper food, water and proper shelter there is no issue. As a safety measure I always tell my husband where I will be especially if if it is a meet and greet and many times I have someone come with if I am meeting a male client.

Gino

May 10, 2021  |  12:k AM
I have run into this situation with a small minority of clients. I get more into dog boarding. A meet and greet is always required. The article speaks of pet sitting. However many of these principles apply in boarding meet and greets. If a client asks questions that are not related to the service move them on. Pet app companies are warning about fraudsters. I've had a couple clients set up a meet and greet, show up at my home, then not heard from again for no apparent reason. I've had clients become conversationally tangential. It has been noticed their eyes are more shaking down the house than fixed on the dog boarding situation. This article talks about people's homes being cluttered or pack rats. While that is true, and I would not board my dog in such a situation either, there are other situations that do not warrent such a judgment. What this article does not talk about, and is of great concern, is that some of these fraudsters targeting pet care providers are also engaging in casing their homes for potential robbery. Because I've only two clients that created such suspicion no client is allowed in the home unless having done business with before. Be warned these people are out there. Make sure to get their license plate number jotted down in the back of your head when they pull up in front of the property. Have heavy electronic surveillance. Plus watch their nonverbal communication and body language.

Annette Cummings

January 21, 2021  |  3:k PM
I have turned down housesitting pet jobs during the winter due to clients snow removal policies I have other clients and they do their own and would not find anyone to do snow removal I needed to get out and they though I should do the shoveling snow removal to get out I always turn those I am a pet sitter not snow removal whats others opinions on thus

Trixie Birchard

January 1, 2021  |  3:k PM
Am very unhappy with a double Jack Russell household Older male was always neurotic and unfriendly to other m"ales but now there is a female puppy who is completely ungovernable.Have been caring for them since puppy arrived but her adolescent nature is developing now and she has taken pointers from the grumpy elder one and when we encounter other dawgs on the street , it has become a tedious unpleasant deal involving me having to take cover somewhere until the innocent benign dawgs pass by -( sorry for long sentences ) When I pick female up ( if an unleashed dawg strolls up to us , she becomes a writhing , snarling terrifying demon straight out of ALIEN !!
My problem is compounded by the fact that owners are very kind and next door neighbors but I want out !!

Trixie Birchard

January 1, 2021  |  12:k PM
Am very unhappy with a double Jack Russell household Older male was always neurotic and unfriendly to other males but now there is a female puppy who is completely ungovernable.Have been caring for them since puppy arrived but her adolescent nature is developing now and she has taken pointers from the grumpy elder one and when we encounter other dawgs on the street , it has become a tedious unpleasant deal involving me having to take cover somewhere until the innocent benign dawgs pass by -( sorry for long sentences ) When I pick female up ( if an unleashed dawg strolls up to us , she becomes a writhing , snarling terrifying demon straight out of ALIEN !!
My problem is compounded by the fact that owners are very kind and next door neighbors but I want out !!

Justin Luis

October 1, 2020  |  2:k AM
Great information! professional pet sitters' commitment to their clients, desire to grow their clientele but also to keep you safe as you perform your day-to-day pet-sitting assignments. Thanks for sharing!

Dog Walking Des Moines

July 23, 2020  |  9:k PM
I'm so glad that I came across this article. This has been super insightful in that I'm not alone in this and what the best practices are.

Martha Moore

July 1, 2020  |  9:k PM
I sent the first comment without finishing. Sorry. Both dogs have a mouthful of rotting teeth and are under weight. The poodle is a skeleton with fur. As a petsitter, do you ever report clients who board of medically neglect their pets? I'm wondering if someone has ever done this.

Martha Moore

July 1, 2020  |  7:k PM
I sent the first comment without finishing. Sorry. Both dogs have a mouthful of rotting teeth and are under weight. The poodle is a skeleton with fur. As a petsitter, do you ever report clients who board of medically neglect their pets? I'm wondering if someone has ever done this.

Martha Moore

July 1, 2020  |  7:k PM
I took a job dog sitting for a lady who has an 11yr old yorky and a 11 yr.poodle mix. The dogs are very sweet, both are under weight and have rotting teeth.

Carol

June 25, 2020  |  5:k PM
I had to return money a prospective client paid in advance and tell her I was cancelling the service. She was quite upset, and asked why, I told her because I care more about your cat than you do. This was at after the meet and greet whereupon she told me to skip her cat's insulin injections, since she has did it to the cat in the past. I was sure that was not right. I went home, called the vet. The vet listened to my story and then said, "Run!" I did just that after giving her the refund.

Anonymous

February 20, 2020  |  9:k PM
I turned down taking care of landlord's dog because of its aggressiveness as well as lunging towards me (and other visitors), snapping, growling, etc. Also observed go lunge off sofa at current dogsitter. Owner says dog won't bite. However, one day the dog grabbed my hand (fortunately no skin broken). Owner, more or less, denies there is problem. This dog is a liability and an injury waiting to happen especially with renters in home. Not a matter of if but when. No consistency or attempts to make behavioral changes. This dog is aggressive.

geral lee

January 28, 2020  |  9:k AM
I've been pet sitting for over 20 years. At this time I have a great relationship with my customers and their pets. A recent referral, after a meet and greet and two trial runs led me to the conclusion that this would not be a good fit especially when the customer told me I could use a taser if he did not listen! I really felt sorry for the dog. I don't control dogs like that. I am their companion. Sure, I will encourage them gently to stay down,etc. If a dog is not happy to see me especially when I pick up the leash, that's a possible red flag. I don't think this particular dog was getting enough play time but that's not up to me to take charge of..... Safety first. Plus the dog would aggressively hump my leg and get a little nippy. Like they say on shark tank, "I'm out".

Linda

December 13, 2019  |  9:k AM
I’ve had to decline pet sitting jobs over fearful/aggressive dogs. Twice in my 12 years of pet sitting I have turned down two clients because they asked me to their dog up on a runner/tie out during the day. I let a client go because the apartment stunk of cat urine. I’ve also turned down jobs of those with messy, filthy homes.

Holly

November 17, 2019  |  11:k AM
Hi all. For those who have a hard time saying no or don't want to make someone feel bad, please consider that the person who you are concerned about offending has not taken your safety or well-being into consideration. If their home is filthy when you arrive, or their dogs are aggressive, or they make late payments or no payments, they are disrespecting you. And, in those cases it is best for you to say no and end that business relationship. It is a relationship even though it's a business relationship and both parties need to respect each other and do their part. You need to be paid for your work, you have a basic right to a clean work environment, and most importantly, you have a basic right to be safe. Hugs to you all. It is a tough business at times, but a joy at other times.

Rose Connolly

November 10, 2019  |  11:k AM
really important to put up a boundary
with client. I give them standard of
care doc so they know what to expect.
I am saying no more often now to
over demanding clients. not worth it..

Alyssa

November 1, 2019  |  9:k PM
I have had too many unsavory clients to count. Most of the time my problem with clients is that they do not exercise their dogs which leads to aggression problems when I enter the home. The dogs end up jumping and running around the house after being cooped up all day in a crate, and I have to deal with it. But I can tell this is not just a days worth of energy, it is weeks or months of neglect. These clients make excuses like they are too “busy” with kids or work to spend time training, walking, or playing with their dogs. That’s why if their dogs want attention and they don’t have “time,” it’s best to just lock the dogs in their crates until they shut up. The problem with this is that when an unsuspecting dogsitter comes into their home, the dogs act completely differently. All of a sudden they become anxious, hyperactive, and aggressive. I’ve had several clients who did not tell me that their dogs were aggressive, only to have them try to bite and lunge at me. To say I’ve put my life on the line is an understatement.

Another problem I often encounter with clients is a dirty home. I cannot count the amount of times I have seen dirty dishes filling up the sink, dirty floors, kitchen appliances that haven’t been cleaned in years, etc. I don’t know how many times I’ve had to bring my own sponges to make sure that the pets are eating and drinking out of clean bowls.

Lyn

October 27, 2019  |  3:k PM
I have been in the business for 16yrs. I have learned a lot. We always do a in person Meet & Greet & include the sitter for the job. This allows us to get a feel of what the job requires and what the people and animals are like to interact with. At the end of the Meet & Greet, before we discuss a contract, we ask a very simple question.....Do you feel comfortable having us take care of your home and pets? We explain that this is crucial and that we in turn say, if we are comfortable with doing the potential service. If both of us do not agree that it is a good match then the answer is NO. People who are OCD, over demanding, or in one case.....did not want us to do anything in the house but take the dogs for a walk. He said we had to earn his trust. No keys would be given, no Poop pick up, no food or water refresh, no check of the house etc even though it is all part of our service..... We turned down the service and he went NUTS texting, calling, e-mails, saying he did not understand........ Be careful that you are not being set up to fail.... We all learn what the warning signs are, unfortunately, sometimes we misjudge but better to be as safe as possible and comfortable. When we turn someone down, we say.....we are unable to do this service to their specifications.......no specific reasons or accusations. Only causes more issues.

Kris

September 29, 2019  |  6:k PM
I’ve been doing this work for about 10 months now. People think it’s warm and fuzzy and HOW divine! I’m delighted I haven’t lost more than just a little sanity (and on the + side, QUITE a bit of weight) during this highly educational time in my life! 37.5 hrs a week in Corporate America for 40 years wasn’t exactly a cake walk. But you get REALLY, REALLY PAID! No one haggles with you daily about your salary. I made more per hour babysitting when I was 15 in the 1960s than some of these folks want to pay for endless services. And the neuroses of the dogs!! I wouldn’t even know where to begin. I used to think I was an unconditional lover of all dogs. At a distance, that’s still true. But I’d rather take a shoe beating than have to walk some of these dogs - and worse, listen to the people they have to live with 24/7. This job requires WAY more people skills than I have in my wheelhouse. It’s NOT a job for introverts, people who can’t deal with being condescended to, people with poor boundary-setting skills or just garden variety curmudgeons, MANY of whom (myself included) love animals far more than people and actually make the very best friends to critters who could use a friend. But I cannot and will no longer deal with these kinds of people for $15 a pop and carrying around bags of smoldering

Rafael

June 22, 2019  |  11:k AM


Thank you, fellows, for these comments, they are really helpful. I've working in Pet Sitting for about 10 years now, and in Customer Service for 20 years. Always you will find a not satisfied client even though you would be the best. Thanks God I'd say 95% of my clients known this is a complex job, and not just a simple "Pet Sitting" business.

Normally, at the beginning of my business I was afraid to say "NO" to some clients, but now I prefer to have peace of mind, so now, politely and straightforward tell a client I am not longer will provide Pet Sitting Services.

Two Examples of those clients:
a) I normally invoice weekly or bi-weekly and this client (very rich) always was so behind in the payments, after 2 years working for them in the same situation (and BTW I adored their dogs) I ended to finish the services sending an email telling exactly the reason, and just gave her 1 more week

b) We really provide a excel service, but this client was complaining for everything. The dog was sick and we needed to carry him on the stairs (ok for us), she said had cameras all over the house, so every week reminded me told my staff for it, also we needed to take off the shoes when we enter the house, do not use the bathroom, etc etc ... And I charged very low rate (aww I was totally inexperience). And we did all those things with no problem, but simply we could not serve her anymore... I discover after a year of that, she called me back asking me to return with her because she has not found anyone who offer the service like us, but I refused it forthright NO, BUT THANKS.


ps. I have a couple of more examples..

inda Wickes

May 27, 2019  |  7:k AM
I've been lucky over the past 14 years and have had to retire from only 2 clients because they were hoarders, or their home was so filthy I just couldn't take it any longer.
I find it very easy to decline new clients by simple responses, as, 'I'm sorry, I don't travel that far for pet sits," or, "I no longer sit for dogs (or whatever other pet I'm not comfortable with)."
If I sit for cats who want absolutely NO interaction with anyone but their owner(s) I discuss this with the owner(s) and reduce my fee and explain that I will also reduce the amount of time for each visit. Those clients feel that is fair, understand, and appreciate the reduced rate.

Elika

April 28, 2019  |  11:k AM
If a client gives you instructions on how to break up fights if their dogs attack each other, run for the hills. I didn’t realize this actually means “they will probably attack each other or you at least once while you’re watching them.” I was a brand new sitter and two days into a job where the parents told me this, the shepherd mix went after the lab mix and I could not get them separated. I stupidly tried to intervene by pulling at ones legs and he went after me. I retreated and the attack lasted for several minutes. One of them lost several teeth tearing at his brothers side. Just don’t do it.

Rose Connolly

April 26, 2019  |  2:k PM
when I do a sit for the first time
and I know I have done a hell
of a good job and the client complains
about anything. I nip in the bud and terminate them. it just lets you know
what is going to come..works for me !

Rob

March 1, 2019  |  7:k AM
Hi unsure if anyone can help. I’ve been dog walking here in the uk for 12 months now and enjoying it apart from a hard to handle dog. Now I know we come to expect challenges in this line of work and for most parts I’m happy to handle everything that’s thrown at me. However I am having difficulty with one of my clients dogs. A young collie cross less than 12 mo this old. I’ve been walking her since she was tiny, and she has been getting progressively worse in her behaviour. As to be expected in the breed she is highly energetic which is fine, although she shows no signs of obedience training, harness control or social skills. Since walking her mon- fri on 4 hour days it’s difficult to do a lot of training with her when walking 5 other dogs at the same time. She is difficult and very verbal in the car, has no desire to listen, has caused damage to the vehicle, upsets all the other dogs lunges at everything and everyone. It may sound like I’m being pathetic but as a dog walker I’ve made no secret that I’m not a trainer, although I can train to a degree and have worked and done so to a limit with all of my dogs but I’m not qualified or paid to correct bad behaviour, I’m struggling to enjoy my walks as she is with me all day, all the other dogs seem fed up with her and it’s truly making me fee like a failure. What should I do? Do I need to just wake up and get a grip or am I right to feel this way about the situation? Would love to hear any advice or stories from anyone? Thanks

E

February 20, 2019  |  6:k PM
I fired a client recently because, after sitting for her twice, I found out that she had a nanny cam that she did not tell me about. In her one bedroom apartment in New York City, where the bedroom and bathroom are not attached. My policy is that I don't mind cameras (it's their house), but I want to be TOLD about them, since I'm sleeping and walking around in my pjs there.

Annie

February 17, 2019  |  2:k AM
I'm just starting out, and did an overnight pet sit last week. I had seven dogs sleeping with me in the bedroom, and hardly slept a wink due to snoring and smells etc. There is outdoor provisions for the animals to sleep, but apparently they will cry all night, and I didn't want to upset the neighbors. Now, I've been asked to do a long term pet sit for possibly three weeks or more, but my rate is so low it doesn't take into account the volume of animals, and I couldn't have sleep deprivation for that amount of time. The bungalow is very small also, and I feel too small to have so many animals in the house, which range from small right up to large breeds. I'm in the position of not wanting the job but as she is a friend of a friend, in the difficult position of not wanting to upset anybody.

Jennifer W

February 14, 2019  |  4:k PM
I agree with all the reasons above.

I tend to avoid difficult clients. If doing sitting or long term walks, I always meet with the client before hand. One way I know they’ll be difficult is if they want to haggle the price. Sometimes this is their very first question, even after I’ve run down a list of my credentials. I carry my own insurance, etc.

Example: one client has three large dogs and she asked to meet for a week worth of house sitting. My rate per night per dog is $80. Sorry, but if I have to them down other clients to be with at your home most of the day it is has to make sense. $240 a day is only $10 an hour when it comes down to it. And, you’re going to pay that rate anyways at a boarding facility. At least at home they are in their comfort zone.

If you can’t afford that, then you may be dealing with a client who doesn’t understand the value.

I don’t haggle.

Lauren

February 2, 2019  |  6:k PM
I'm going to have to decline future assignments with someone I'm working for now. I agreed to pet sit for a week for a dog that, turns out, is suffering terminal cancer. She needs 24/7 supervision, 4 walks a day, and 11 daily meds. If she slips or hurts her foot on ice, she'll have to be put down. This just isn't in my wheelhouse, but I wanted to make sure I wasn't being unreasonable, so I described the situation to three local pet sitting companies. They all said they wouldn't take this assignment - the right person to ask is a vet tech. It's awful because this dogs mom has asked me to sit again... 2 months from now. According to my research (including veterinary journals, which I have access to), it would be a miracle if this poor dog was alive that long. It's one of the most awkward situations I've been in because this lady is in that awful, awful, place where you don't quite realize it's the end of your beloved pet's life. I'm inclined to lie and just say I'm busy, indefinitely and forever but I don't think that's right. No matter what, this ends badly.

Morgan

January 31, 2019  |  3:k AM
I have a client that will be going out of town for 3 weeks, as of today her trip is still 3 full months out and I’m having doubts about. I’ve said I would be available but I’m not comfortable with the job. How can I get out of it?

Hollie Hardman

January 10, 2019  |  4:k PM
I recently started pet services and had a meet and greet scheduled at the clients home. I arrived at her home knocked twice there was no answer so I then called and again no answer. So I left. After about an hour she called. to reschedule. It took me 25 min. to get to her home and she would be the only client in that area for me. I am thinking it just doesn't make sense for me to take this on but have a hard time saying no. Any suggestions?

Kayla Burch

December 21, 2018  |  2:k PM
I love pets

Rose Connolly

November 23, 2018  |  4:k PM
I have terminated customers that became
too demanding and rude. I send them
a very business-like email stating I will not
offer services to them any longer. it works
really well..you empower yourself to
be in charge of your own business.

JC

November 12, 2018  |  6:k PM
Rose Conolly - YES. I had one who treated me like I was simple, with detail after detail about visiting her cat. Then, she texted me umpteen times with long-winded stuff that didn't matter. After all the trexts, she phones me after I went to bed - I work a real job in the day. She even got salty with me, when I didn't reply right back ...I was at work when she texted me at 10am. I got tired of her REAL quick. So, yes, I've had those kinds of friendless weirdos for clients.

JC

November 12, 2018  |  6:k PM
I've had clients who left their apartment door unlocked (high rise building in Philly), asking me to just come & go. In addition to that, they had marijuana on the coffee table, a filthy apartment and a couch surfer, who was there one time when I entered. That was terrifying. Also ...she never tipped. kicked her to the curb.

JC

November 12, 2018  |  6:k PM
I work for a service. I am a contractor. I've had a client include gratuity with the assignment. After accepting the assignment, the customer removed the gratuity, leaving me stuck with a no-tip assignment.

Rose Connolly

November 12, 2018  |  8:k AM
if you interview a client on the phone
and it doesn't seem right..too demanding
turn them down. i did this with a client
and she would not stop texting me. I
had to block the number.

Stephanie

November 10, 2018  |  6:k PM
I’m curious about your contracts. Could you please share some details? As well as if you’re a trainer or licensed and bonded?

How do you handle day of or close to it cancellations?

And is there a window of time for you to do the walks or a to the minute start time seemed by the pet owner?

And do you charge extra for dogs with diarrhea ? Or barking etc towards other dogs? Larger dogs?

Less if they live in your building?

NYC rates?

Thanks! I know it’s a lot but Im new to this and trying to get a sense of whether or not it’s right for me and how to do things.

Rose Connolly

October 4, 2018  |  6:k PM
I book 2 weeks in advance and get
paid 2 weeks prior with no refund. It is
in my contract and it works really well.
My time is valuable and people have no
problem cancelling at the last minutes.
That is why my No refund policy. my clients respect it. Rose

Silvana Kingsland

September 4, 2018  |  9:k PM
Just recently I met this new potential client, she had two poodles. One was Leo who was very docile and the other was Abby had a bit of an attitude. At the meet and greet it seemed to be going ok even though I was concerned about Abby the female poodle. She gave me the instructions that after the walks she wanted me to rinse their feet in the sink like practically bathe them. I went on my first day of the walk and Leo came out for the walk no problem but Abby was getting very aggressive, I tried approaching slowly asking her to come out for a walk, she was snarling and barking and despite the lady saying that Abby doesn't bite I tried to approach her and she tried to bite my hand baring her teeth. First day I told her it wasn't her worthwhile trip. I am not risking getting injured because her aggressions which she vehinimely denies

Christina

July 22, 2018  |  1:k PM
I went to pick up my clients keys and a family friend was over at the house. He introduced himself. He seemed harmless, but when my client stepped into the kitchen he then proceeded to make comments about my eyes and some sexual comments. That caught me a bit off guard.
I was scheduled for three overnights. I was also unaware that he had the keys to her house. I was in bed on the second night, it was about 1:30 in the morning. The house was pitch dark and I heard the front door unlock and the dog's ears pricked up. I looked down the hallway to see his shadow in the kitchen. He did not make his presence known even though he knew I was there. Every hair was standing on the back of my neck. I packed my $%*! and left out the back door. Told the owner I'm sorry I can't continue service because I didn't feel safe.
Don't be afraid to leave if your situation is compromised. Your safety always comes first.

Diane Corso

June 28, 2018  |  1:k AM
To those asking about how to turn down a client politely for x reason, it's very simple: you do not owe them a reason! "We are unable to fulfill your request for service at this time." Or "I'm sorry to report that we are unavailable/not accepting new clients right now." BAM! Done.

Kristen Earhart

June 13, 2018  |  2:k PM
I need some advice: How do you politely turn down a job if the house is too dirty or the person is a hoarder without coming across as rude?

Lisa Castellino

June 13, 2018  |  2:k PM
I went on a consutation to meet a potential client with a Tibetan Mastiff. Everything was great during the interview until we did a "trial" run. I should've know that this was a dangerous situation because the owner did not want me to walk his dog, just feed it and let in into the yard to potty. When I returned for the trial run, the owner's daughter opened the door. The dog lunged and bit me in the leg, then retreated and reared up again. I was able to slam the front door before the dog was able to get to me again (dog hit the back of the door so he was in motion!). The owner came out and asked if I was still willing to work with him. Ummmm......no.

TAMMY HAUN

June 13, 2018  |  12:k PM
I had to let a client go because one of her dogs was a 8 month old large breed dog that never got proper training with leash walking. It jerked, pulled, darted in front of me, jumped on her other dog. The other dog was a 10 year old even larger breed dog that walked slow. After a few walks, she was so bad on the leash that she tripped me and I fell on the other dog. I referred the client to a trainer that could help with the training, and the client has attempted to get me to walk her dogs since, saying "she's better on a leash now" but she didn't have a trainer work with her. My first visit with the dogs, the smell of marijuana was so strong in the house it almost knocked me over. Liquor bottles all over the counter. When I stopped by her house for payment because she kept putting me off, she "couldn't find the money she had sat out on the counter", so I had to follow her down the street to the bank so she could go to the ATM. Too many red flags!

Rose Connolly

June 8, 2018  |  11:k PM
I love the comments from the sitters,
they are so true to life. I do terminate
people that become too demanding
and never deal with un-social dogs.
I also do not meet male clients alone
in a home, fyi

Emmy

May 4, 2018  |  9:k PM
I ran a small child care business in my house for over 20 years and now have a very nice little dog walking service. My child care services were on a strictly prepay basis; and every pet visit or vacation pet sitting booking must be prepaid in full in advance. I state in my contract my refund and cancelled-visits policy. I've never had a client complain and wouldn't change my policy if they did.

Rose Connolly

February 4, 2018  |  5:k PM
Hi I fired a client..it also became a 911 call,
she threatened me in the home etc. called
the cops. they knew her and said she
had mental health issues.

Rose Connolly

February 4, 2018  |  5:k PM
Hi I fired a client..it also became a 911 call,
she threatened me in the home etc. called
the cops. they knew her and said she
had mental health issues.

Maria Wolff

November 13, 2017  |  9:k AM
Had a job where I cared for 35+ parrots; some of which needed medications; and I prepared food for all of them. One of the birds was particularly vicious and bit me badly twice. Client continually told me I wasn’t working fast enough but at same time told me I was family. When 5 new special needs birds were brought in, and I found out I had been replaced by a family member, I had enough and wrote a resignation letter and sent it. So if a client manipulates you by telling you you’re family, they probably want more than you can give so just get yourself out of that situation!

LORI roche

September 20, 2017  |  2:k AM
I had a client who tried to bargain with me over my Walking rates the majority of the time. She would try (and succeed) to make me feel sorry for her and help her out "just this one time".. over and over again. Also, after 5 months she STILL kept "forgetting" to complete and sign my forms.
I finally had enough. I wrote her this letter.

Although it isn’t easy to say, it is time for me to discontinue our working relationship.

There are a couple reasons for this decision

1.You do not respect my policies. Since November of 2015 you have not provided me with the forms that I require to be completed and signed. I have asked several times and you have promised several times back that you will comply - but never do. I run a business and have requirements and policies that need to be met. You have now procrastinated for 9 months. In my July 21st email to you (see below), I explained the importance of these forms and stated that I will not service your dog until you give me these forms. It has been a week now and I still have not received the forms from you. I have every reason to believe that you intend to never do it.

2.You continue to try to reduce my rates for service. I cannot do this anymore. You must understand that this is my income, my paycheck. I cannot work for minimum wage, or less, which is what you are asking of me to walk your dog.

I think that another company will be better suited for you and your specific needs. Below I have listed a few suggestions for you.

… reference one
… reference two.. .

My decision is final. I apologize for the inconvenience this may cause you and hope that one of the above companies can service you.
********
She replied with an email trying to make me feel guilty. I just didn't answer back. I realized my weakness of being TOO KIND and now I have my boundaries... there's a line I won't cross from now on.

Simone

August 28, 2017  |  2:k PM
I've been pet sitting for many years and could have written a book and probably gotten richer. BUT if a client or potential client says I LOVE YOU, YOU ARE FAMILY, and wants to start hanging out an be friends, RUN FOR THE HILLS!!!! Once you aren't available, you are all of the sudden THE HELP! If you really feel that you want to be friends then have them get a new petsitter.
Another situation to RUN from is any client that has an addiction of drugs or alcohol . Do not TRY TO HELP THEM! I am out hundreds of dollars because of my sympathetic nature.

Sharon Janson

July 5, 2017  |  2:k PM
I have turned down two jobs:
(1) This potential client had many, many indoor cats but wanted me to let them outside once a day. She said they would all come back in. Needless to say, I couldn't take care of cats going outside that may or may not return inside so I didn't take on this job.
(2) The other job I turned down involved a rottweiler that was fenced in the back yard. I would have had to pour his food over the fence into his food bowl and fill his water bowl with a hose. If the dog needed help I would not have been able to go to his aid because of his aggression. The other factor was that the owner also had piranha. They wanted me to feed them live gold fish. No way!

Sheri Sammon

June 27, 2017  |  1:k PM
I had a women, who said she had fired a lot of pet sitters. Should have gotten a clue. She talked about herself and issues about leaving the house or her dog for more than 2 hours. The dog was her service dog. The dog was not allowed to go outside. He had to potty all over the condo. She showed me all the places he goes and how to clean it up. After my shock, she asked me to stay for a half hour at the meet & greet while she went to the store. I viewed the place from the only clean chair in the condo. The doggie got up on my lap and fell deep asleep. I felt useless, he had no toys or treats. I felt sorry for the doggie. I left after the agreed 1/2 hour. She called me and said why did you leave? Now I have to go out again for her other errand. I thought about the situation overnight and the next day suggested a litter pan for the poodle with astroturf. She got so mad at me she fired me and demand I bring her keys back, she would slightly crack the door open and with no talking hand her the keys or I could mail them to her. So.....I mailed them. I told her I would mail her keys and best of luck to her. During the 3 days it took for the mail to come to her. She called and left me 27 nasty messages, such as - this is why she dislikes people etc. Then she would call and say she and her doggie love me and she wants me as her primary pet sitter. Every number I blocked, she would call from a different number. Finally she got her key and left me alone. She had a personality disorder, I am pretty sure but I am not a doctor.

April

June 27, 2017  |  2:k AM
I have no problem turning down jobs. I turned down a couple who were hoarders. I stopped working for a single woman whose home was so filthy she had broken glass and used feminine products on the floor! I fired a creepy client after one of my sitters had too many weird encounters with the male half of the couple. Several times he was home when he was not supposed to be. Just say NO!

Pam leary

June 19, 2017  |  7:k PM
New client wanted me to take care of two dogs and exotic bird for much less than I wanted to charge but I was just getting biz started so agreed. One dog was blind in one eye and needed a heavy regime of drops to save the other eye. Dogs had to be walked separately The bird food took an hour to prepare. Client had a 5 bed home but insisted I sleep in bed she and her husband slept. When I pulled back covers the sheets were not clean. Gross! I put on 2 sets of clean sheets but couldn't sleep due to ick factor. She also insisted I use her/husbands shower. Good thing I brought soap because the only soap in there was a bar of hair covered soap. Next sitting she put out the wrong instructions for drops. Dog eventually lost the 2nd eye and she blamed me until I told her to look at the instructions she provided. Silence. And no apology. Next sitting she told me her 22 yr old son dropped out of college and he would be staying at the house. I expressed my reservations but she kept saying he was a nice kid. He's not a kid and I never met him! He would sneak down from his bedroom and sneak around the house at night. Couldn't wait to get out of this sitting and run from this situation. Oh and I was not allowed to cook. W TF. Listen to your gut!

Vicky Opine

May 22, 2017  |  11:k AM
I had a client for a long time who's house turned into a filthy pig sty after they had kids. I started only staying my minimum of 30 minutes because it was disgusting and there was no place to even sit to make notes or cuddle with the dog. They asked why I didn't stay longer and I was kind and just said I was busy but I never accepted another job from them.

Doug Harris CPDT - KA

May 21, 2017  |  8:k PM
Yes I have turned away pet sits mainly for behavior issues with cats and dogs. The areas
we cover I know very well and dirty homes has never been an issue. Learning to read dog body language in our business is a must.
Good place to go to get some free Body Language Pictures is: www.drsophiayin.com,
www.alldogsgym.com, look for Communication for your Dog's Mental & Psychological Welll-Being to avoid Aggression. For DVD's Am I Safe, by Sarah
Kalnajs excellent dvd! The other one by her is
The Language of Dogs.

David

May 15, 2017  |  12:k PM
Once I was bit IN Meet and Greet. Nothing to bad but easier to say no! Haha.

Julie Ritchie

May 11, 2017  |  11:k AM
I have a pet sitting business, I had a lady contact me on Sittercity, said 10 miles so I said okay, I agreed to $10, I put in GPS her address, says 15 miles and I met her dog, even her Mom who was there said kind of a drive for me, I have told her I need to go up in price as it is too far she says I agreed to $10 and says money is tight, she goes away on weekends has money to put him in Camp Bow Wow, has a nice home and great job, now she is leaving the money later and later, it's Thursday still no money from last week as I left another invoice again, how do I quit? I love her dog but she is taking advantage of means I am not making a profit, it's not worth it and the miles.

Grace Ann

May 9, 2017  |  11:k AM
I never dealt with a "creepy" client before but I have dealt with high maintenance clients. Like for example, this one who was going on a long 3 week vacation and had anxiety about leaving her dogs because she never traveled with out them. I did my best to be understanding, met with her at least 3 different times and she kept changing my list of responsibilities. I felt as if she was being unreasonable, example, she wanted me in the home with the dogs all day 24x7 she did not want me to leave the house because she felt that would give the dogs anxiety be left alone. I have no problem with being there all day but what if something comes up and I need to leave for a couple of hours. And this being an extended stay it would have put a big strain on my business. But I moved my schedule around and was going to be prepared for her impossible requests because I wanted to please this client. But she was still not happy with me and let me go before the time of service. I did not take that personally because she just wanted what was best for her pets and decided a pet sitter like me was not the right fit and I later found out she canceled her trip because she did not want to leave her dogs alone. Another, I currently have as a regular client. They have several pets and love to travel. But they travel last minute a lot and expect me to be available whenever they need me. Because they are such good clients and treat me well I do my best to be available. But at times when I am booked and have to move my schedule upside down for them it can be very stressful. Dealing with a potential client keep in mind that this is your business so it's up to you and what you can handle. Don't let the client push you until they get what they want. If you feel like they are being unreasonable then respectfully turn them down.

Jack

May 9, 2017  |  6:k AM
I've been in business 2+ years and, to date, have had to turn down only 1 client. It was a young, aggressive German Shepherd who bit me at the meet and greet (the owner neglected to tell me that ringing the doorbell agitated the dog and, of course, I rang the bell when I arrived!) and tried to bite me at the END of my first walk when we reentered the home. After that, I was always apprehensive entering the house and decided that the assignment just wasn't worth the stress. Thankfully, the owner completely understood when I explained.

Kellie

May 2, 2017  |  1:k PM
I met someone for a meet and greet they had a load of dogs which was lovely BUT the place was filthy really bad, I couldn't wait to get out. I got home put all my clothes in the machine and had a shower lol. Very hard to turn a job down when the house is dirty as I don't want to upset the person by telling the truth

Patricia

May 2, 2017  |  12:k PM
Ive never had to turn down a client if im booked i just refer to another pet sitter. I take care of all types of pets and have never been bitten. I also take care of Pit bulls with no problems.

Kathy Coleman

May 2, 2017  |  8:k AM
I had a regular pet sitting client she lived 3 miles away. She suddenly wanted me to sit for one of her friends that lived way out of my service area. I explained why I couldn't she wouldn't grasp my reasoning she also would call me sounding drunk slurred speech ect. I finally told her I couldn't pet sit for her any more. She would take forever to pay me too I would have to remind her. I put up with a lot dealing with her.

Mary Beth Wyss

May 2, 2017  |  8:k AM
I initially took on a client who's two dogs were unruly. I had to walk them separately, because they were both big dogs and hard to handle at first, But each time - as the walk went on - they calmed down and by the time I got back to the house, they were fine. Unfortunately, the owner only wanted them walked once a week, so each week when I returned, we had to start the process all over again. After a few months, I talked with her and told her that it would help with their training if I saw them more often. The last time I walked them, I had a bad fall while I was out with one of them and I realized, I couldn't continue to retrain them each week. After 6 months, and repeatedly asking to walk them more often, I told the client I couldn't continue.

sandy

December 26, 2016  |  3:k AM
I am mulling a predicament as I write this: Longtime, regular clients of mine gave my name to their new next-door neighbor, who had asked about my services. I do not want to take on a new client who lives next door to my long-standing clients: It feels like a conflict, but I can not put my finger on it. How do I say no to this?!

Debbie

December 7, 2016  |  8:k PM
How do you gently turn down a pet client when you are booked to the max

Terrie Cole

October 5, 2016  |  9:k PM
I recently had to tell a client that she would have to find another pet sitter. She wasn't home when the assistant arrived for the meet & greet. When the assistant called her she said she had forgotten about the scheduled meet and greet. Said her son was going to do the assignment. When she called for another date, I told her it was not a good fit. I also said communication was essential for the relationship and that our time was extremely valuable! It felt great to keep it professional and stand up for being respected.... Terrie @ Pet Sitting with TLC

Barbara Rivers

October 5, 2016  |  7:k PM
I have a client whose 2 Labs I see every day, and they are the most gentle, fun dogs to care for. At one point in time, the client had a friend and their dog stay with them, which meant that I started seeing the friend's dog on a daily basis as well. I ended up having to decline caring for the 3rd dog as she was too dog reactive and had the bad habit of herding/nipping at delivery people's heels.

I've also declined jobs from clients who lived outside of my service area - I've received several dog taxi requests that simply weren't feasible.

Diane Purcell

October 5, 2016  |  4:k PM
I've had to turn down a couple of clients who had family members who would 'stop by" or 'do some of the visits". For one, I'm not comfortable with people tending the animals because I have no control of feeding and don't know if the dogs have been out at certain times. Secondly, if it's a male family member I have not met, I do NOT want to either walk in and find them there OR have them use the key to come when I'm scheduled. Either they want to hire me, or they can have a family member tend to their pets. Besides which, someone else with a key means a risk of an animal getting out, getting injured etc, and I may be blamed instead of the family member. I've walked into trash cans dumped and feces in the house due to an irresponsible family member who was 'also helping'. Never again!

Wil

October 5, 2016  |  3:k PM
I have turn down assignments because aggressive dogs and don't feel safe went meet and greet.

Vicky Opine

September 3, 2016  |  10:k AM
Clients who ask for a quote but fail to disclose extra duties are my pet peeve. You get to the house and there is a note asking for walks, medication administration, poop cleaning, extensive outdoor watering, multiple bird feeders, heavy or trash cans to haul, etc. and leave payment for the exact amount due with NO TIP. It puts the pet sitter in the awkward position of having to ask for more money and I feel it's just a disrespectful and underhanded way of getting services for free. Pet sitters are generally good hearted people and I think some people recognize that and use it to their advantage. Surprisingly, I find these are usually the most well to do people or extremely religious types.

Lara Simonsen

September 3, 2016  |  10:k AM
I had a client call me and we met. She talked about all of the neighbors and how horrible they were and how many problems she had with them because they didn't control their animals. We met again to walk the two dogs together and gin she pointed out the homes over and over that had "problem" people and animals. Meanwhile she had two large dogs, one of which was fearful. She described fights that had happened between them and other dogs. And the dogs were not disciplined.
I texted her (this is how we had been communicating all along) and did that the job was not a good fit for my business at that point in time and that I felt she should find someone else.
I realized I had been stressing about the job and that not all the neighbors could be the problem. Later I mentioned it to a friend who lived in that neighborhood and she knew exactly who I meant. Of course it turns out her dogs and she were the problem!

Mary Beth

September 3, 2016  |  8:k AM
I don't often turn down clients, but I had one who moved across town and still wanted me to watch their pet while they traveled. I explained to them that I would be spending most of my time in the car and wouldn't be able to service my regular clients, so it wasn't going to work. They offered to pay me "whatever I wanted" to help them out, but I again declined. I referred them to the Pet Sitters International page, told them to enter their zip code and told them they'd find a qualified sitter there.

Melissa

October 8, 2015  |  1:k PM
I've had to turn down a dog walking client before. It was hard to say no, but safety, not just my safety but the safety of other dog walkers and their dogs is extremly important, It was a Golden Retriever with a real attitude! It was a bad start at the meet and greet when the owner had to hold him back from lunging at me for nearly an hour! I was told (as I'm sure every dog walker who encounters an aggressive dog has been) "he's not usually like this" I did recommend training classes, and I did hear that the owner had started to take him to classes, which was great. I think the owner was a little embarrassed more than anything! I definitely would say no again, its tough to do if your client list is small but being safe is essential.