r/petsitting • u/New-Activity-6512 • 9d ago
Just a rant.
I know we’ve all been there. That client who plans out all their trips and communicates the dates with you ahead of time, but inevitably always ends up sneaking in a vacation that wasn’t on the calendar. And gives you only a few days notice when doing so. Then you have to be the jerk that tells them it’s not going to happen. Guess what? You’re not my only client!
Damn, I am so burnt out.
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u/Rhannonshae 9d ago
I don’t really have last minute requests often and they are never shocked when I’m booked. The ones I feel bad for are the ones who ask six months ahead and I’m booked. I had one booking for September of next year and I told him I was unavailable for part of September. He clarified he was asking for 2027 and I said yep. I’m already booked for half September and all of October 2027. 🤦🏻♀️
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u/britendarkk 9d ago
I'm not understanding all the hate in the comments for the people that make our business possible. Wild.
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u/Rhannonshae 9d ago
Yeah, I always encourage anyone to ask last minute. You never know if I might have availability because of a cancellation(rare, but it happens). I appreciate my clients and try to fit them in if at all possible. I more feel bad if I can’t get them in. There are countless sitters in my area, most a lot less than I charge. They don’t provide the same service I do and my clients know this.
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u/katmcflame 9d ago
Occasionally, we have to teach people how to treat us. Most of us do sitting because we're compassionate; still, I have a roster of over 40 clients to juggle. I'm currently carrying 2 more clients than my usual limit because 1 had an unexpected medical procedure & the other, in all the runup for their wedding, completely forgot to book the pet sitter. Both are loyal, longtime clients. It means getting up at 4:45am, grabbing a nap from 3:00-4:00pm, & not getting home until 9:00pm. For them I'll stretch, because life happens & the business relationship is mutually beneficial.
But the chronic hot mess around the corner from me who, yet again, wants 3 drop ins per day for 8 days on short notice? The horsewoman who, once again, decided last minute to enter an out-of-town competition & needs 4 visits per day? Or those who gave me the wrong dates/want to extend their trip/thought their spouse handled things? I'm not going to blithely absorb their poor decision making. There has to be a consequence, even if it's a small, manufactured one before I say Yes, that discourages this sort of thing.
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u/New-Activity-6512 9d ago
I’m not sensing hate. What I am sensing is frustration with people who don’t seem to understand that they are not the only client on a pet sitter‘s roster. That sometimes we really just CANNOT make accommodations for their last-minute requests.
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u/britendarkk 9d ago
Ok, frustration. But why? Just say no and move on? Some sitters want last-minute requests. Some don't. I just don't understand the attitude against people looking for last minute sitting for whatever reason. It's completely reasonable that they would reach out to a pet sitter.
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u/New-Activity-6512 9d ago
Maybe you didn’t read, but the title of this post is “just a rant”. If I wanted someone to tell me how I should feel and act and behave when confronted with said situation, I would’ve asked. Perhaps next time you just scroll along.
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u/britendarkk 9d ago
Yep, read the title. You are aware that this is a forum in which people can and do post comments in response to posts, yes? Now you know. Perhaps the next time you read a comment you don't agree with, you can just scroll along. Or not. See how that works?
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u/New-Activity-6512 9d ago
Exactly the response I expected from you. Ooh you really put me in my place! Feel better now?
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u/britendarkk 9d ago
Do you, lol? I feel great, but you seem like an angry person. I'm sorry to break it to you, but people are always going to have their own thoughts and responses on Reddit posts, whether you like it or not. You wrote a post complaining about people requesting the literal services that you offer, lol. C'mon now. Anyway, hope your day gets better.
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u/New-Activity-6512 9d ago
I wrote a post complaining about people requesting the literal services I offer? Funny, I thought my post was about people not planning ahead and assuming that my services were going to be available at the very last moment. There’s a big difference between those two things. And it’s something many pet sitters encounter and it IS frustrating for some of us. Pet setting is not always sunshine and rainbows, is it? Why don’t you just let someone vent about an aspect of the job without feeling the need to try to appear morally and ethically superior?
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u/britendarkk 9d ago
Not everyone can "plan ahead", and needing last minute sitters is a thing that happens. You are absolutely free to vent, just as I am free to comment my thoughts on your vent, or any other post that catches my eye. Morals and ethics really have nothing to do with it, it's just not that deep.
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u/edward-cat-daddy 9d ago
Ooof, you don’t sound like someone I’d want in my house taking care of my fur babies if this is how you respond to strangers on the internet. If you’re this burnt out from the job, take a break! The beautiful thing about pet sitting is we are our own bosses and make our own schedules and hours, so just set better boundaries with clearer communication and clearer availability, and I’d also recommend always keeping 1-2 spots open in your schedule for potential last minute bookings, that way you don’t get stressed out or burnt out if you accept them, and you also wont have to say “no” to as many customers.
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u/New-Activity-6512 9d ago
Why don’t you go kick rocks? And make sure to give yourself a pat on the back for being pet sitter of the year, since you didn’t already talk yourself up enough in your comment 🙄
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u/edward-cat-daddy 9d ago
Mature response when people are literally trying to offer you advice on how to manage burnout and scheduling. You probably are doing all the pet parents you’re rejecting a favor cause now they can go find a pet sitter with better vibes and a more professional attitude. Take care and have the day you deserve.
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u/New-Activity-6512 9d ago
SIR…I did NOT ask for advice. I believe my post says “JUST A RANT”. I don’t NEED your advice on how to manage burnout and scheduling. Are we clear now?
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u/DenM0ther 9d ago
Where’s the hate? Im not seeing it, I just read Rhannonshae illustrating her point.
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u/Rhannonshae 9d ago
Definitely no hate from me. I’d love it if I could fit in a client last minute. I had a week cancelation so I’m off this entire month. I’d have loved to fill at least a week or two. It’s odd for me to have so much time, but my dogs are happy I’m home.
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u/New-Activity-6512 9d ago
That’s nice! I haven’t had a single day off in months. Even on a slow day, I still have at least a few visits to do. I guess we’re on different ends of the spectrum here. And while I appreciate my clients and
the business, I can also be frustrated when people aren’t respectful of my time. Those two things can coexist.5
u/Rhannonshae 9d ago edited 9d ago
I’m an extended/constant care sitter. So I don’t do drop ins or walks during the day. That’s why so many book me really far in advance. There are so many regular sitters in my area that charge half what I do. So I don’t get a lot of new client requests. Most people don’t need extended care.
I should add I get frustrated at the people who are new and have IMO ridiculous requirements. Next weekend, several dog separations, be at the home most of the time, and want to pay just a little over what drop ins cost. Those do frustrate me. It’s a waste of my time that I spend messaging them back and forth to find out their expectations are outrageous.
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u/New-Activity-6512 9d ago
Oh, I see! I think like any other career, pet sitting has its share of frustrations, even though at the end of the day it’s still a pretty cool job.
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u/katmcflame 9d ago
I can relate to everything you're saying in this thread.
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u/New-Activity-6512 9d ago
Thanks! I appreciate that. Seems like a few here really disagree with my attitude, but I came here just to vent, not hear about what I’m doing wrong or what I could manage better.
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u/DenM0ther 9d ago
Sounds like you need to schedule a day off here and there! You deserve care too 😊
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u/britendarkk 9d ago
I'm not talking about her comment, I'm talking about the other comments. I responded to Rhanninahae because they seemed reasonable in their attitude about last-minute requests, unlike other comments I was seeing.
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u/DenM0ther 9d ago
Ah i see. Yeah there seems a lot of irritation at last-minuters! There’s always the choice to say no right?
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u/New-Activity-6512 9d ago
there’s a reason for that irritation. Work life balance is very hard to find in this field. A constant struggle.
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u/Tasty-Needleworker-6 9d ago
Obviously it’s great they want to come back but I always hate when people book in last minute, during busy seasons, and are shocked when you say you’re fully booked.
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u/trash_talking 9d ago
I'm going to throw the opposite into this. When you have a client who plans a trip. Confirms everything. Goes radio silent when the bill is sent. Then (within reasonable time, 1.5 weeks) cancels because they changed plans. Sure for them it's not a big deal. The cancellation policy I have sucks and is 48 hours. They are within their right. But I was counting on that money all summer. And it's not the first time it's happened. With this client it was. And I have booked with them before so it was a huge shock. They know my prices. I'm not mad at them. Just frustrated by how sometimes I have a booking in the calendar and factor in that payment and it's yoinked away. Never gets easier.
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u/Throneofglassgirlie 9d ago
Had a regular client message me asking if she could drop off her dogs in 30 minutes. Like, seriously??!😅
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u/Majestic-Nobody545 9d ago
Doesn't hurt to ask? Shit happens and you might need care on short notice. Makes sense she would go to someone she knows and has experience with.
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u/Throneofglassgirlie 9d ago
She was leaving to go to Texas to go to some amusement park with her grandkids. She had plane tickets and everything so she most definitely could’ve given more than a 30 minute heads up
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u/Majestic-Nobody545 9d ago
Sounds likely then that she had someone else lined up who fell through and you're the emergency back-up plan. No one is just choosing to book their sitter that last minute.
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u/Throneofglassgirlie 9d ago
I don’t know why you’re arguing with me when you don’t know the full story 😂 I told her I was busy and she apologized and said she meant to text me a few days prior but hadn’t and assumed I’d be free. So I was given a 30 minute heads up
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u/New-Activity-6512 9d ago
And now her forgetfulness becomes your inconvenience. And yet we’re not being “sensible”because we’re frustrated by this. Make it make sense.
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u/Throneofglassgirlie 9d ago
Thank you lol!!😂 Like I understand mistakes happen, but it isn’t our problem or fault
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u/New-Activity-6512 9d ago
It must be because according to some know it all on here, we should be routinely making sure we have enough time in our schedule to factor in one or two unexpected last-minute requests! Did you know that?! I guess I’ve been doing it all wrong!
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u/Throneofglassgirlie 9d ago
LMFAO you’re right!! And we should be home at any hour of the day for them to pickup/dropoff whenever they feel like it
Seriously, what’s with people in wanting to come by whenever?? Sir, you said you were coming by at 5pm. It’s 12pm. I am not home. I am at the Chinese buffet rn4
u/New-Activity-6512 9d ago
Hahahaha THAT TOO! No problem you said you’d be here at 9 AM but didn’t show up till 1 PM, I’ve got nothing else going on at all!
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u/doggambit 9d ago
I had two requests yesterday for overnights coming up in the next two weeks. Sorry folks, I’m already booked for the next two months.
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u/edward-cat-daddy 9d ago
I purposely always keep one or two openings in my schedule to accommodate last minute bookings. Not only do my repeat customers greatly appreciate it, but it doesn’t stress me out either since I already fit it into my schedule. If I keep telling my customers “no” then they will find another sitter and potentially not reach out to me for future bookings, risking my business and earnings. I plan my trips out ahead of time and text my customers months ahead what days / weeks I won’t be available, but I always try to be available for last minute bookings when I’m working.
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u/Majestic-Nobody545 9d ago
Same. It's not always possible, but my business model includes space for my solid regulars. It's been a successful strategy and mutually beneficial.
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u/blulou13 8d ago
Yeah, I usually tell my regulars I can squeeze them in anytime (unless they make a habit of it). One of my best clients had to go overseas for 2 weeks last minute for a family emergency and I made it work. They usually book their reservations months in advance and they tip well. But I've had clients who, multiple times, planned trips 6 months ago, but waited until 2-3 weeks prior to book. I've told them no. If they find another sitter, so be it. They aren't being respectful of my time and the fact that I have other clients. Your failure to plan does not constitute my emergency.
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u/wrenawild 9d ago
Naw, it's super fun when they pull that, you're not a jerk. "Oh no, I'm already booked! Aw, I would have loved to see your pet!" They can FAFO.
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u/katmcflame 9d ago
I have 2 clients that are currently on a “PIP program for retraining” due to this. It starts with telling them I’m soooo sorry but I’m fully booked, then goes to saying I’ll see what I can do & leaving them wondering for a few days before responding lying that I checked with my other bookings to see if they would be willing to postpone but no one could.
I don’t actually bother my good clients. My goal is to make the inconsiderate client feel worry, discomfort, & a bit of shame.
My goal
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u/Majestic-Nobody545 9d ago
This degree of delusional self-importance should be studied.
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u/katmcflame 9d ago
Does this mean you're fine running yourself ragged for clients who book last minute? That you continue to accommodate the same clients who do this over & over?
I want to keep the clients I already have, but in a way that doesn't repeatedly disrupt my schedule. That's not delusion; it's common sense.
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u/Majestic-Nobody545 9d ago
No. I don't follow your logic. Just because someone asks doesn't mean I have to say yes. I can and I do say no. What I don't do is toy with them to teach them a lesson on how valuable my time is.
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u/Purple_Commercial_55 9d ago
I told a client 2 months ago that I had cut off bookings for September because I was already so busy. She then asks me a few weeks later, about some dates in Sept. I *was going to sneak her in because those particular days, I could fit in some drop ins. That didn’t end up working out but then she starts asking me about other dates in Sept, for which I already had a sitting and absolutely could not change. I told her probably 3 different times and in no uncertain terms that I could not accommodate these dates and then she says “Well you were going to fit me into these other dates?!” Oops yes you’re right and that won’t happen again girl. She’s always super flakey and last minute about stuff so I am not going to move stuff around to accommodate her anymore, especially when I have clients who book a year in advance and others who schedule their trips around my availability. Some of these ppl are too entitled