What would you do if you hired a critter sitter who completely neglected your animals and damaged your house?

Question

I left a critter sitter to watch my pets and livestock, let him eat our food, sleep in our house, use our free long distance that he doesn't have at home, enjoy our air conditioning that he doesn't have at home; and when I got back he said he hadn't been feeling well (didn't seem to need to go to a doctor or overly ill, just a "headache") and the animals hadn't been cared for AT ALL? Like he just sat and loafed in the comfort of the air conditioning and left them to fend for themselves??? First off, yes he's fired. I've used this critter sitter for years, he doesn't use drugs or alcohol, he doesn't drive himself so leaving wouldn't be easy....but what would any of you do? Am I overreacting by charging him for the damages???

Answer 1

Ok number one to everyone who responded. She cannot sue him unless they had a written contract. It's the law. But she can refuse to pay him, and when or if he ever tries to take her to court (if he can without a written contract) she can bring up why she did not pay him. Take pictures, write off the loss, DO NOT PAY HIM, and never use him again. He broke your trust, and now he has to pay the consequences. Next time, write something up....

Answer 2

He is legally liable for the physical damage to your house.

But from what you've said, you seem to have had a good relationship with him before - you said you've used him 'for years'.

If this was a one-off lapse, or he has some personal problems to work out, then maybe an honest conversation is the best way.

If you really think it's over and you aren't ever going to use his services again, then (a) write it off; or (b) take it to Small Claims Court (if he refuses to pay up, and the damage was really significant.)

Answer 3

If you have used him before without problems, and the animals are now OK after your return....and pending the house damage - never use him again. If there was house damage, vet needed, etc..then request he pay for those extras that would not have been there had he been responsible and done his job. If he doesn't pay up or its more then what you withhold from him, small claims is all you can do (if its worth that much).

Answer 4

was there a contract involved? Yes, he should pay for damages. And if you had some sort of a contract...even a verbal contract..I think you can use this to sue him if he does not want to pay. If he works for a legitimate pet sitting company he is probably insured and bonded and the Co. would have money to pay for such damages.

Answer 5

No. Charge him for the damages. Too bad he used to be a good sitter and now this.

Answer 6

i've got under no circumstances had a house sitter. i've got under no circumstances aggravating that my abode might run away. -- properly there have been those 4 months interior the condominium trailer waiting for the form of my abode to be executed -- that toddler had wheels under it -- it could have run away.

Answer 7

you are not overreacting at all! depending on how much damage was done, i might get a lawyer involved and sue him for what it cost to fix your house and animals, plus lawyer fees.

Answer 8

Did you pay up front? If not, hell yeah hold back on it and tell him you paid for services which certainly were not provided. You should charge him for hotel fees! A**hole.

Answer 9

Did you have a signed contract with this person? If so, you probably have legal recourse for damages, etc...

Answer 10

You are not over-reacting. It is your right because you trusted that person and he didn't do what he was supposed to do. Plus dammaged your house. It's only fair that you ask for dammages.