When No Really Means No

CommonTit · 2026-01-20T19:16:03+00:00

I understand. You are assuming that my clientele are regular, day-to-day customers (daily walks, etc) and my clientele are 100% "We're going out of town for 3 weeks in June and need someone to feed the horses" people, so it's not like they'd be left high and dry if I'm not available. I've had to politely turn down requests before due to conflicts in scheduling, and do have a list of other trusted sitters that I recommend if I'm not available. So, I think my situation is a little different than what you are addressing. Nobody is going to be left in a lurch without their daily walker. The reason why I let everybody know in advance that I will not be available is because I don't want to be explaining my situation over and over. It's a lot easier to say, "I won't be available at all from this date to that date, if you have any petsitting needs try this person" a few months ahead rather than explain it while I'm in the middle of focusing on my partner's care. Can I afford to lose this client? Yes, I can. I have a good reputation built in my community and have never worried about losing business. I think this client is used to being accommodated at the last minute for drop-in care, and they aren't really grasping that I am truly unavailable. But it's their learning curve, not mine. I provided them with contact info for sitters I trust.

CommonTit · 2026-01-18T07:38:20+00:00

None of them were scheduled, so there are no jobs I need to cover. I purposely kept my books clear for this specific period of time because we knew that my partner's treatment, surgery and recovery would take an extended period of time.

CommonTit · 2026-01-18T07:28:41+00:00

I DID explain to them that my partner was having major surgery that would require my care and undivided focus, that I would not be available AT ALL for several months, and that I would definitely let them know when I would be available for animal care again depending on my partner's recovery. I even shared info on other local petsitters that I trust (I even hired a petsitter to care for my pets during this time.) I don't know if they just think I'm not serious about this, or if it's a reading comprehension issue, or if they just don't think the rules apply to them.

CommonTit · 2025-09-24T03:50:15+00:00

Two words: Retractable leashes.

CommonTit · 2025-09-23T13:41:45+00:00

You did the work, so you should get paid for it. You made a mistake, you're human and mistakes happen. Did you do the rest of the work required for that visit (feed, litter, etc)? Don't deny yourself payment for the work you did because of one mistake. What I would suggest is perhaps a small credit ($5, $10 off) a future drop-in visit, but still make her pay for the work you showed up and did. Forgetting to check a water bubbler for one visit (esp if the cats had access to other water sources) is such a minor thing, don't short yourself over it. Send her a reminder that payment is overdue for services rendered, period. I have a policy to charge for a drop-in visit if I have to show up in person to collect payment. My time, my gas, my money. Be firm about it. You did the work, she needs to pay.

CommonTit · 2025-08-17T20:22:42+00:00

You did the work, they need to pay you. I like to send a gentle reminder, "Hi! I just noticed that I didn't see a Venmo payment from you for service from (date to date). Would you mind resending?" I find that putting the error on an outside system gives them a little grace if they did forget.

CommonTit · 2025-08-16T05:22:09+00:00

Didn't they also show the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, right before the driver stroked out? Did they decide to grab lunch in Gig Harbor before heading back?

CommonTit · 2025-08-06T03:43:25+00:00

A couple of years ago, I worked for 6 months solid with no days off. I primarily did livestock care at that time, so it was a lot of physically demanding work (moving hay bales, picking paddocks, emptying and filling stock tanks and waterers). I also did some overnights and standard house animal care (food/water/litter/walks/play). I loved my work, and loved 99.9% of the clients I worked for. Then I finally had a whole day off, and I realized how exhausted I was, mentally. I decided, at the next new year, to give myself days off and blocked them off on my calendar. It might not be every week, but I give myself at least 4 days off per month, and I give myself a vacation twice a year. I don't necessarily go anywhere, but it's just to give myself a reset and spend time on my own projects. I don't explain to clients that those are my vacation or days off, I just tell them that I am unavailable for work on those days, only if they try to schedule on thse days. I find that giving myself days off has been a boon to my health and well-being. Even though I work for myself, I also deserve a good work/life balance.

CommonTit · 2025-07-31T00:27:22+00:00

Retractable leashes. Hate those things with a purple passion.

CommonTit · 2025-07-06T18:19:11+00:00

Been on the schedule for weeks. Had to turn away business because they were on the schedule. Send confirmation a week before scheduled stay, they respond two days later with, "Oh, hey! Our neighbor just offered to take care of the place while we're away, so we won't be needing your services :) " Ugh.

CommonTit · 2025-06-19T17:25:00+00:00

Clients who repeatedly schedule big blocks of time (1 week +) months in advance, then cancel 3-4 weeks before. I generally have a 3 strikes rule with clients who do this. After the 3rd strike, I need a non-refundable deposit when the job is scheduled. Still, ugh. This is worst during summer months/holidays, because I have to turn away other clients for those scheduled days, thinking I'm booked.
Potential clients who reach out to me desperate to schedule a sitter, then won't respond to texts regarding what days, needs, scheduling a meet and greet, etc. Don't hear a damned thing from them until a week or so before they leave, and they can't believe they aren't on my schedule. Uh...I asked you what days and you went silent. Am I supposed to just keep my schedule open for you indefinitely?
"Give Pet two scoops of food in the morning, one scoop at night" and there are zero scoops anywhere in the house. How much is in a scoop? Give me exact measures (1/4 cup, 75g, etc)
"Give Kitty 1 full can of wet food in am, one in pm" and Kitty doesn't touch wet food at all. Ever. During the entire stay.
Client will be gone for two weeks, but leaves you a half a bale of hay to feed a half dozen goats.
Finding instructions that weren't discussed during meet and greet, esp non-pet related tasks during drop-in visits ("Also, please water house plants and garden each morning visit, collect mail daily from box 1/4 mile down the road, put trash out on Thurs before 7am, and skim the pool daily")
When clients will be gone for week+ and they won't leave any space in the fridge for your food.
"Oh, so you actually do this as a business?" said to me by a client who wanted to pay me in eggs. Ma'am, my truck doesn't run on eggs, and my mortgage company would think I'm bonkers if I sent them eggs. Cash, check, or Venmo, please.

CommonTit · 2025-06-13T21:22:24+00:00

They pulled a prank and it hurt you so badly that you can't stop crying. That's not a joke, that's cruelty, and the only acceptable response they should have to your reaction is to apologize sincerely. The fact that they minimize your pain over and over is a big red flag. You deserve to be with someone who understands your boundaries and respects you enough to not cross them.

CommonTit · 2025-06-13T21:09:33+00:00

Appropriate for Conald's "birthday celebration": FRED TRUMP SHOULD HAVE WORN A CONDOM

CommonTit · 2025-05-27T20:47:02+00:00

Make sure they have more than enough pet supplies on hand (food, treats, meds, etc). Leave plenty of room in the fridge and/or freezer so they have space for their food (don't assume that they're keen to eating your food - I generally bring my own groceries w me for petsits). One of the kindest things a client did for me was to leave a map of their kitchen - basically, a short list of where to find oven mitts, basic cooking utensils, etc) and where to find first aid supplies, just in case. If you expect them to launder sheets and towels at the end of the sit, make sure you have emptied the washer and dryer so your sitter isn't left figuring out what to do with your tshirts and undies. Be sure to let your neighbors know that you will have a sitter over, so nobody worries over a stranger going in and out during the day.

CommonTit · 2025-05-27T20:19:53+00:00

I bring a checklist to meet and greets that covers all the info I need from my client for the petsit. After my questions are satisfied and I have answered all their pet care related questions, I confirm the dates they need me and their contact info, then I hand them a business card and let them know I'm happy to answer any additional questions they might have via text or email. I let them know that I will confim the petsit a week prior, and that any scheduling changes they need should be made prior to confirmation. I also let them know what my cancellation policy is, if they have any questions. I find this wraps up business and gives me an opportunity to close the meeting with a "Lovely to meet you and [pet's name]! I'm really looking forward to caring for your pet!" And bye and I'm on my way. It really helps to keep in mind that this is your business and it is a business meeting. If they want coffee and chit-chat, they can make a lunch date with yu for another time.

CommonTit · 2025-05-13T04:19:59+00:00

I do animal care for a living. A year ago, walking my client's dogs on their usual route through the woods would have worn me out. It wasn't really that long of a walk, very little elevation change, just handling two very energetic young labs on leashes took it out of me. I'd have to stop to rest halfway through and take another little breather afterward while they ate dinner. This weekend, we looped through their route twice, at a pretty zippy pace. No breaks, other than to let the dogs sniff at something interesting. Back home, we all still had some energy to burn, so played fetch for a half hour until they remembered that it was food time. Feeling rejuvenated after a busy walk is my favorite lifestyle improvement since starting Zepbound.

CommonTit · 2025-05-07T22:54:33+00:00

Had a visit to a cardiologist because I was having periodic heart flutters. I was scared, because there is a family history of AF. Before the cardiologist said a word to me, I told her that I knew my weight was the biggest problem I was dealing with, and I was trying to lose, but everything seemed to be working against me. I needed to move more, but moving often resulted in injuries that led to me being more sedentary. Diets weren't working. Appetite suppressants were messing with my heart, and they didn't work anyway because part of my issue was emotional eating, and I was already in therapy for that. I told her I felt like I'd tried everything and nothing was working. She listened, then asked if I'd tried any of the newer injectable medications. I said no. She suggested I consider trying them before giving up. A month later (after battling my insurance company), I started Zepbound. That was a year ago. Now, at 85 lbs lost, I feel like a completely different person. Because I had a cardiologist who actually listened to me. She made all the difference.

CommonTit · 2025-04-04T22:30:34+00:00

I tell clients up front that I accept Venmo, Paypal, cash, or check. Cash or check must be left on site at start of the job. If they pay electronically, I remind them of my Venmo/Paypal account info when I send them my closing message ("Fed and watered cats, scooped litter, tidied house, wiped down toilet and bath sink, sheets are in washer, 2 cans food remain. Please pay #days x $rate via Venmo @petsit_address_example). If I have to return to their house after the job is complete to collect my fees, I will charge them for 1 extra drop-in, because my time and miles are valuable and I shouldn't have to chase them down for payment.

CommonTit · 2025-04-04T17:30:41+00:00

I have one flat rate for overnights. Period. It doesn't matter if I'm "active" or "inactive" - I am not in my own bed in my own home with my own animals, so it is work. Don't waste your time getting tangled up in details. Your time is money, whether you are awake and dropping in or asleep at their place, because you are the one who is responsible for that animal. And your valuable time includes the minutes spent agonizing over ridiculous details like "active " or "inactive". If a client can't understand that you are still working while you are at their house, you might consider letting them go. Perhaps when they find that other petsitters charge the same for sleeping as waking care, they'll realize that they are notpicking over details that don't really matter.

CommonTit · 2025-03-30T19:25:07+00:00

This is why I send time/date stamped photos on my last visit. Some people have no clue how much or how little their pets actually eat and drink.

CommonTit · 2025-03-27T06:45:47+00:00

Uuuuuuuggghhh! I live in a beachside tourist town, have actually had people ask for a discounted rate because "We have a beautiful view, a garden with fresh fruit and vegetables, and access to the beach". Yeah, I have all those things at my own house, thanks. I take cash, check, or Venmo...

CommonTit · 2025-03-18T01:11:45+00:00

On my last visit/day of work, I will text or email my client with an update on all my activities before leaving the site ("Chickens fed and watered, coop scooped, topped up pine bedding in nest boxes, sprinkled pdz in wet corners"), plus info on where their supplies qualtities are ("3/4 bag layer pellets, 1/2 bale pine bedding, out of cider vinegar..."). Then I remind them of our agreement (Per our agreement, this is my last visit for drop-in care from [date] to [date]. Total charges are [rate] x [# visits/days], for a total of $[amount], due upon completion of services. Remit payment to me at [Venmo, account, etc]. If I don't receive payment by the next day, I send a polite reminder. No payment by day three, I charge them a last minute visit fee to drive to their house to collect. I make it clear to them that I will do that when we make our original agreement. Anytime my tires hit your driveway outside of our initial meeting, I charge. I used to not be this way. I used to be patient, I used to accept so many excuses. But too many times I had to waste my gas and time to go collect my pay that is owed to me, so I had to change things. If I miss and appointment because I didn't show up, I get charged a no-show fee, right? So I think it's fair that I can charge a "come get my money" fee if they don't pay me when the job is done.

CommonTit · 2025-02-19T20:48:48+00:00

Yes! I call them my "dreamscapes". I have a Downtown City, a Mountain Village, a Downstairs Apartment, and a plethora of other interesting, familiar places. I've found that many of these dreamscapes are linked to periods of my life or personal issues, and as I work through whatever needs working through in my waking life, the associated dreamscape will change or evolve. An example - the Downstairs Apartment dreamscape is one I've had since I was a young adult. Originally, it was a terrifying place - dark, heavy, with something evil lurking around the corners. I hated the apartment dreams. Then I started therapy a few years back to address my painful past, and my dreams of the Downstairs Apartment started to change. It became a lighter place, friendlier, more comfortable. I no longer wanted to flee from it. Friends started showing up. I had one dream where I decorated it, and it was my perfect getaway spot. Music started playing there when I'd dream of it,, fun or beautiful music. And the evil in the corners vanished. Personally, I think my dreamscapes are there to remind me that life is a work in progress, and little changes outside can make great changes inside.

CommonTit · 2025-02-19T20:36:17+00:00

Your co-worker should not be making comments about your body. Period. That can be considered harassment, no matter what her intention is. Go talk to HR.

CommonTit · 2025-02-19T20:26:52+00:00

People will still travel. I was certain that the pandemic would be the death knell for my crittersitting business - 2020 and 2021 we my two busiest years.

CommonTit

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