AIBU regarding our petsitter

[Givenup2026]

We've had two decent pet sitters before, but they eventually bailed on us, so we had to look for another one. They’re decent enough, no issues in our return, but it turns out that the bed we gave them was too small for them (single bed) which we understand TBH, however the only other option is for them to sleep in our bed.

The main problem is that obviously is a bit short notice to find an alternative (or find another way to fix their problem).

So although we understand we’re also a bit miffed. So AIBU to feel this way?

Are they a very big person? I'm an adult woman and I can sleep in a single bed fine. There's more space as a sole adult in a single bed than sharing a standard double with another adult.

I think it's an odd request for a pet sitter to say they'll only stay in a double. Have they never stayed in a twin hotel room?

But I've never had a sleep in sitter so what do I know.

Last time he stayed he removed the bedding and put it in the washing machine. So I’d assume the same would happen this time

Would an airbed or z bed be any longer?

Either way it's annoying. And I wouldn't be keen to go to any effort or expense to accommodate them.

Surely lots of people would love to get to earn money this way and be happy with any bed? It's not a holiday!

me too. If the sitter said straight after the first booking "sorry but the bed is too small" then you would have had some thinking time but to tell you just before you are going is a bit naughty. I'r probabaly cancel the holiday

It’s an £8k holiday! There’s no way I’m going to cancel it!

God, we did a house swap and the other party didn't want us sleeping in 'their' bed. It was awful. We were in their spare room which was dusty and quite dirty. I didn't understand their issue TBH. It's just an empty bed!

Meanwhile we had freshly laundered our bedding and expected them to stay in our bed!

I think buy a mattress topper OP for your bed and use that for this situation (and if it happens again).

What's wrong with a single bed? It's fine isn't it?

Honestly, they can sleep in the single bed and bloody well get over themselves. I say that as a paid pet-sitter myself.

This is actually the best bedroom in the house. It’s full of light and it’s really nicely decorated (courtesy of our son).

If you think sleeping in your bed is ‘intimate’ why are you happy for the pet sitter to sleep in your son’s bed? Don’t you find it equally intimate for him to be in your child’s bed?

Not really… my son doesn’t have sex there (or sleeps naked!)

Get them their own set of bedding including mattress protector that you put on your bed when they pet sit. Then it’s just like a hotel set up.

It's a tricky one. I thought I could still sleep in a single bed, until I had to for a week. I'm 5ft8, size 16, just for context. In theory, I could fit, but it was just so uncomfortable. I realised I've been used to turning in bed a fair bit and I just couldn't do it with the single. I felt like I was (trying to) sleep on some sort of ledge! I didn't sleep well at all and didn't get used to it. So I can understand why they have tried it and said no they can't sleep there again.

Would there be room for a double air bed in the living room? They're not super expensive.

Otherwise, re the bed and stains. You can buy zip up mattress covers which will hide it. It's something I've done on my bed for the same reason.

Buy a mattress protector and separate bedding and ask that they don't strip the bed, you'd prefer to do it yourself.

Or don't go.

You won't find a decent sitter now and certainly won't find decent kennels at this short notice!

You can get one from Ikea.
Is the pet sitter large or is it that they want to bring a partner/ friend without telling you? Do you have to have a live in pet sitter?

Flip the mattress over to hide stains . Make up the bed with clean bedding and tell him not to bother stripping it when he leaves . Your animals are more important than your squeamishness . A bed is just a frigging bed .

I get it, @Givenup2026. I wouldn't want someone in my bed either.

Can you buy a blow up mattress or a cheapish sofa bed for the sitting room?

Sofa club do next day delivery as do next and Argos for sofa bed.
or get a self inflating bed height double air bed?

@MaggiesShadow There is no way I would sleep on a blow up mattress for ten days if I was hired for pet sitting . Just because you are hiring him you should still do the decent thing . Maybe some one in her house is not for her .

If they took really good care and my pets were happy they could sleep in my bed, wear my clothes, hang with my friends and anything else- as long as they stopped when I got home!

I can’t think why they didn’t tell you before when you had time to sort out another option. That’s really weird.

I’m assuming the bed they would sleep in isn’t a teenager’s actual bedroom, as I think it would be weird to expect a teen to give up their “intimate space” when you don’t want to as that would be odd - I’m assuming it’s a spare room

Nope, it’s their room and they don’t care!

it’s also not an inhospitable room, it’s just small!

The pet sitter maybe wants to have sex, hence why he wants the double. If he isn’t, he will probably at least have some time with madam palm and her 5 daughters in there!

I've slept on blow up mattresses and sofa beds at various times in my life for a couple of weeks here and there.

Granted, some more comfortable than others but nowadays they really can be terribly comfortable!

That looks like a small single, not a standard single. OK for a child, but not for a well-built adult for 10 days.