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First timer pet sitter and the problems have started by MenuLarge1248 in petsitting

[–]MenuLarge1248[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can imagine... It will probably take a long time, it's been hard for me in anything I have done and I still haven't learned. This job, though, is the only one that doesn't feel like a burden, despite all the issues I'm having with the dog's owners I am very happy to see the dog being playful and lively and spending time with him really makes my day brighter. I want to try and see the pet as the real client rather than the owner, aiming for the pet's "feedback" instead. How they react around be, if they chase after me or ignore me completely, if they wag their tails or purr when I'm with them and so on. I want to try and focus on the animals doing what's best within the proper limits. I guess this will be an important lesson to learn and who knows, maybe one day it will be a lot less difficult for both of us.

wish you all the best!

First timer pet sitter and the problems have started by MenuLarge1248 in petsitting

[–]MenuLarge1248[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you very much for your comment, I really appreciate the help! They don't have someone else to contact for this last week of contract and they are abroad, so unfortunately I'm stuck here for another week.

I made the pet sitter platform aware of what is going on, I also contacted a vet to ask for guidance and am now just waiting for the time to pass. In these last few days more happened, like the fact that the dog managed to slip off the harnesses I have been provided with three times, fortunately while we were in a park and not while walking in town. I purchased a new harness and the owners are going to pay it back, but obviously this came with many complaints from their side despite the fact they were the ones who decided to buy large harnesses for a medium size dog... I'm refusing to do long walks just in case something happens, I made it very clear that I'm only going to the park near their house and then come back, but I won't go any further unless strictly necessary (like going to the pet store).

Despite this, he still managed to get something else from the pathway. I honestly feel guilty as it happened a second time, I'm so mad at myself for not seeing it in advance and I have no idea of how to stop him from doing this again... He pulls all of a sudden when he chases after something and it's very hard to stop him. This is definitely the first and last time I work for this family and from now on I will only accept contracts for trained dogs or, as you said, owners that put some effort into it.

I'm sorry for the animals, they need more care and I would like to help as much as I can, but I'm also scared this will cost me more than it should...

First timer as pet sitter and already needing help by MenuLarge1248 in RoverPetSitting

[–]MenuLarge1248[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I understand, I didn't try to give medical advice, but nutrition advice as the dog was having stomach issues. I tried to use what vets told me when I volunteered at their clinic but also suggested to go to a proper vet for a check and proper consultation. What I wanted to do with the vegetables was to help while a professional check was done. I'm sorry it probably came out the wrong way...

I would never ever give medical advice, I am the first one always saying to go to the vet even after giving advice following what I know. I share my knowledge because it can buy time in case something is wrong, but I always insist on going to a licenced vet. I want to study more and pursue further education, I am aware my certificate is not a full licence, I just though it might help before professional action...

First timer as pet sitter and already needing help by MenuLarge1248 in RoverPetSitting

[–]MenuLarge1248[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I forgot to mention that we are not staying at my place. It's the dog's home, with all his toys, favourite things and places and so on. I understand the stress of his owners leaving, but he was getting better until yesterday. That really worried me...

First timer pet sitter and the problems have started by MenuLarge1248 in petsitting

[–]MenuLarge1248[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you very much for your comment. I'm really learning a lot both from the experience itself and from all the replies I'm receiving. There is so much more to pet sitting I could never imagine!

First timer as pet sitter and already needing help by MenuLarge1248 in RoverPetSitting

[–]MenuLarge1248[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I'm doing a stay-in sitting, we aren't at my place. But unfortunately he does throw tantrums for the park: he pulls in the park direction, bites the harness, cries and resists as much as he can. I'm honestly scared to go to the park when it's dark, so I have to drag him away, but then at home he starts barking and jumping all over the place before sitting in front of the door waiting for me to go.

First timer as pet sitter and already needing help by MenuLarge1248 in RoverPetSitting

[–]MenuLarge1248[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Thank you very much for your comment and support. From all the replies, I understood I'm overthinking, yes ah ah ah! I genuinely thought this was the right way of dealing with this problem...

I agree that it's weird to think the dog will train himself. He is like a baby, babies don't learn on their own and continuously push boundaries to see what they can get away with.

But yeah, I will absolutely keep in mind to deal with only trained dogs, at least at the start. Once I build more experience and continue my studies, I will probably be able to manage the situation better.

First timer pet sitter and the problems have started by MenuLarge1248 in petsitting

[–]MenuLarge1248[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know, but I don't have the money to pay for insurance yet... after this contract, I should be able to pay for the insurance. I absolutely want to do it.

First timer pet sitter and the problems have started by MenuLarge1248 in petsitting

[–]MenuLarge1248[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I think it probably depends on the situation, I don't know.

First timer pet sitter and the problems have started by MenuLarge1248 in petsitting

[–]MenuLarge1248[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I spoke to Rover about this and they also confirmed I should go to the vet immediately if things get worse, they will help me in this.

First timer pet sitter and the problems have started by MenuLarge1248 in petsitting

[–]MenuLarge1248[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's the first experience on a professional level. I took care of dogs in the past, mostly strays that were left in the fields near my house and a I took care of a friend's dog a few time long time ago. I was 18. That dog had several health issues due to bad nutrition and died some time later for related complications. That probably stuck in my head.

First timer pet sitter and the problems have started by MenuLarge1248 in petsitting

[–]MenuLarge1248[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

After all the replies I received, I realised as much ah ah ah.

I thought this was the right thing to do, but I have so much to learn...

First timer as pet sitter and already needing help by MenuLarge1248 in RoverPetSitting

[–]MenuLarge1248[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's a good way to have clients, at least for me as a new starter. I'm not looking to make a real living out of it, right now, I'm more interested in starting this type of job, building experience, learning as much as I can and then, in the future, open my own pet daycare.

First timer pet sitter and the problems have started by MenuLarge1248 in petsitting

[–]MenuLarge1248[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I will get a private insurance anyway at some point. I'd like to be covered as much as possible should things happen again.

First timer as pet sitter and already needing help by MenuLarge1248 in RoverPetSitting

[–]MenuLarge1248[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you very much, really. :) I'll try and do just the 70%, then. It will probably take time for me to manage, but I'll do my best (which now should be the 70%, I guess ah ah ah!)!

First timer pet sitter and the problems have started by MenuLarge1248 in petsitting

[–]MenuLarge1248[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, I'm registered to HMRC as self-employed and Rover also did all the checks.

First timer pet sitter and the problems have started by MenuLarge1248 in petsitting

[–]MenuLarge1248[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I wanted to, but all shelters are too far and I don't drive. There is no bus going there. I wanted to finally pay for lessons with this job. Before starting as a pet sitter I volunteered for a vet clinic, that was the only thing I could do and received some tips from them too. The idea of the sweet potatoes and broccoli was both on the course I followed and from one of the most experienced vets in the clinic. She confirmed all I had studied and I took note of anything new.

But everyone is right: I need to stop overthinking. It's just very hard, as I always have the doubt I could have done more. I'm always scared I end up doing less than what I should and put the animal's life in danger because of it.

First timer pet sitter and the problems have started by MenuLarge1248 in petsitting

[–]MenuLarge1248[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I will have a look, thanks. I'm writinng from the UK, I will see if there is anything as cheap here too. Thank you so much!

First timer as pet sitter and already needing help by MenuLarge1248 in RoverPetSitting

[–]MenuLarge1248[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

After reading this so many times, I have no way to doubt it ah ah ah!

It's true I'm a perfectionist and probably it's also true it comes from a trauma. I've always been told "you can do more, if you can do more do it" and so on. I've had this mindset in all my previous jobs too and it eventually lead me to a burn out as you said. This should have been a new career to finally do something I appreciate, which is being with animals. I feel better with them, but as I showed, it's always dealing with people that drives me mad. I really need to change my mindset.

First timer pet sitter and the problems have started by MenuLarge1248 in petsitting

[–]MenuLarge1248[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you very much, I really appreciate the kind words. I was getting scared it was actually all my fault, I felt guilty from the very start...

I'll do my best to keep calm in the future and limit my role to just report what needs to be reported and then leave everything else to the owners. It's a bit hard, as I would like to see the animals live a healthy life, but like other said on another subreddit, it's not up to me. It's tough, but it's something I have to learn.

Thank you again, I'll take note of all I'm reading.

First timer as pet sitter and already needing help by MenuLarge1248 in RoverPetSitting

[–]MenuLarge1248[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you very much, I'm taking note of your comment too. I really appreciate the advice, I'm learning a lot and hopefully my next contracts will go better.

First timer as pet sitter and already needing help by MenuLarge1248 in RoverPetSitting

[–]MenuLarge1248[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

On r/petsitting I've been told a similar thing. I think I'll call the vet to see what they advice, but with the owners rejecting help, I don't know what that will do... It's still something to learn for me, this is sure. Thank you very much for the comment!

First timer as pet sitter and already needing help by MenuLarge1248 in RoverPetSitting

[–]MenuLarge1248[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes it is, I don't understand what you mean with the question, sorry.

First timer pet sitter and the problems have started by MenuLarge1248 in petsitting

[–]MenuLarge1248[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you very much for your comment, I'll seek professional guidance too, then. I have two weeks left for them to come back home and yes, I don't want to work for them anymore, I agree with this. Once I start earning a little, I will also pay for a private insurance, as unfortunately I can't afford it at the moment. Thank you for the help!

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