Dog sitting/fostering

[Stuckinarut79]

I’ve responded to a Facebook post from someone wanting a dog sitter for a couple of months (going overseas) We’ve had a chat on the phone and they’re going to drop the dog over next week , and if it doesn’t work they’re around for a week and will collect.

obviously they’re looking for a cheaper alternative to a dog sitter, we’re looking for a family dog without the long term commitment. It’s just me and my animal loving sensible 9 year old. We’ve had dogs previously.

we’ve discussed temperament, exercise needs, behaviour, ok to be left 6 hours once a week, vets, They’ll supply food, bed, toys, lead etc. any other reasonable expenses.

Am I missing anything? Is this some weird scam I haven’t worked out? Other than doing a professional dog sitter out of work is there a downside? Worse case scenario it’s a sick /badly behaved dog and they never come back and I’ll need to sort that out.

Im guessing it’s a bit weird leaving your dog with a stranger though, just because I know I’m not a dog knapper/weirdo they don’t know that other than a 15 minute phonecall.

or am I overthinking and should just enjoy having a dog for a few months?

(seen lots of pictures, dog looks healthy and part of the family, they sounded sensible on the phone etc)

Have you discussed what would happen if the dog needed vet treatment? Was hit by a car? Bit someone? Bit you? Howls all day if you go out and annoys the neighbours.

People look after each others animals all the time and it usually works out fine, but I'd be more cautious if I didn't know the owner or the animal beforehand. Have you met the dog? If not, in your shoes I wouldn't take it on.

Personally, while I'm happy to pay a trustworthy and dog-experienced local teenager (whose mum I know as well) to walk my dogs on the rare occasions we're out all day, I'd not leave them with people I've never met and whose house and garden I've not checked out.

What will you do if the dog is NOT ok being left for six hours? That’s a big ask for a dog in a new place with new people.

Not sure why it’s come out bold!

Have you Googled the person.? News article about their 6 month back packing trip or 3 year jail time up and coming?

I can imagine leaving my dog for two months with someone don't know. I'm sure it works out fine for a lot of people, but what if something goes wrong and the dog is injured or injured someone else or caused damage to someone's properly? Professional dog sitters have insurance for this reason.

You need to be really careful with the dog around your child as although owners may say the dog is fine, you never really know (and tbh, they don't sound like the most responsible owners if they're prepared to leave their dog with a stranger)

I'd be worried they're going to dump it. I can't imagine caring so little about my dog that I'd leave it with a stranger with no references/insurance etc. based on a 25 minute phone call. It doesn't sound like they're super bonded with the poor thing!

Insurance. The dog needs to be insured and cover taken into account that you will be responsible for its welfare for x amount of time.

You may need to take out your own insurance.

If it chews your furniture will they cover damage?

This is exactly what I'd worry about. I mean honestly how little do you have to care about your dog to select a random stranger who replied to an online advert to watch it for 2 months?

Op not to be impolite but I do have to wonder why you even replied to begin with, you're not a dog sitter and this isn't doing a favour for a friend, it sounds like a recipe for disaster.

Please dont do this.

It sounds as dodgy as *

No way would I let a dog I dont know into my house with my children unless I had thoroughly assessed it.

You will need insurance - as you will be responsible for the dogs actions whilst it is with you.

What if the dog is ill - make sure you have money from the owner as a deposit to cover this. Vet bills can be thousands of pounds.

What if it doesnt work out - what will you do with the dog

What if they dont come and collect the dog.

So much can go wrong with this arrangement please please dont do it.

If you do want to foster look at your local rescue of the Cinnamon Trust where you will have support and back up.

The dog might be fine being left where they are but may not be in a new location. What will happen if the dog does something to another animal, ie bites a dog in your care? I wouldn’t do this

I wouldn't do this. As PPs have pointed out all the pitfalls I won't go over the same things. My first thought was they are looking for a place to dump the dog and scarper.